The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has called on legal practitioners across the country to recommit themselves to the ideals of justice, accountability, and national development, stressing that the legal profession must serve as the nation’s moral and ethical compass. He made this charge yesterday, December 2, 2026, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while delivering his opening address at the NBA-SPIDEL Conference themed “A Banner Without Stain: Justice, Accountability and Development.”
Drawing inspiration from the National Anthem, particularly the solemn pledge to “hand over to our children a banner without stain,” he urged lawyers to reflect deeply on the kind of legacy being collectively shaped for the next generation. He noted that the anthem is not merely poetry but a national call to duty, demanding that every professional, especially lawyers, must uphold values that build, protect, and advance society.
He further strengthened his reflections by referencing the famous hymn “Only Remembered” by Charles Henry H. Borer, emphasizing its timeless reminder that individuals are remembered not for wealth or personal glory but for the lives they touch and the examples they set. According to him, the legal profession must internalize this truth.
“The society looks up to us,” he said. “It watches what we stand for, what we advocate, and whether we have the courage to do the right thing even when political interests tug at our consciences. As lawyers, our role is not to mirror the imperfections of politics but to elevate the standards of justice and public service.”
He stressed that the responsibility of lawyers extends far beyond the courtroom, noting that every legal practitioner—whether in litigation, corporate practice, public service, academia, or civil society—has an obligation to promote development, uphold accountability, and inspire public confidence in the justice system.
“In whatever way we practise, we must fly a banner without stain,” he declared. “Our banner must be one that inspires confidence and assures the public that whenever they come to the law, justice will not be a gamble. It will be served.”
Concluding his address, he urged the profession to move beyond fine speeches and translate words into action. “Talk is cheap,” he said. “If we truly desire a just, secure, and prosperous society, then we must match our talk with meaningful work. The banner we hand over to our children must be one they can carry with pride.”
The SPIDEL Conference, known for its focus on public-interest law and governance reform, continues in Uyo with robust conversations, panel sessions, and deliberations aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and enhancing justice delivery across Nigeria.
Signed:
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President, Nigerian Bar Association
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