By Precious Amadi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing attack on the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), describing its recent Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt as a “flop” that abandoned legal discourse for partisan politics.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Wike disclosed that his decision to boycott the conference was intentional, citing opposition to the event’s lineup of speakers.
The Minister particularly faulted the NBA for inviting prominent opposition figures, including former Transportation Minister Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and activist Omoyele Sowore.
Wike argued that the conference had been hijacked as a platform for opposition political ambitions rather than focusing on pressing challenges within the judiciary, access to justice, and the legal profession.
“The NBA should be concerned with strengthening the justice system, not providing a political stage for opposition figures,” Wike said, questioning the legacy of the current NBA leadership amid what he termed the growing politicization of the association.
Renewing his long-standing feud with Amaechi, Wike criticized the decision to invite his predecessor, accusing him of undermining the judiciary during his tenure as governor of Rivers State.
Wike alleged that the state courts were shut down for nearly two years under Amaechi’s administration, an action he said severely disrupted the administration of justice in the state.
“It is unacceptable that the NBA would invite someone who presided over the closure of courts for almost two years to speak to lawyers on legal matters,” Wike added, insisting he would not associate with an event tailored for his political rivals.
Wike’s fiery comments follow intense public debate generated by sessions at the Port Harcourt conference, further highlighting deepening political friction as momentum builds toward the 2027 general elections.
