Former Liberian President George Weah has cautioned that free and fair elections alone are not enough to sustain democracy, stressing that strong institutions, an independent judiciary and a courageous legal profession are essential to preventing the abuse of political power.
Weah gave the warning while delivering the keynote address at the opening of the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Beyond Limits,” the former Liberian leader said democracy must be built on more than the process of electing leaders. According to him, institutions such as the judiciary and legislature must remain strong enough to serve as checks on those in authority.
He warned that an elected leader could still become authoritarian by gradually weakening democratic institutions and silencing opposing voices.
“A tyrant with a certificate of return is still a tyrant,” Weah said, noting that threats to democracy do not always come through military coups or disputed elections. He said elected governments could also undermine democratic governance by exerting pressure on judges, manipulating state institutions and reducing legislatures to mere extensions of the executive.
Weah further stressed that the rule of law must apply equally to all citizens, regardless of their political influence, social standing or connections. He warned that when the judiciary is compromised, public confidence suffers, while investment, security and peace are also put at risk.
He urged Nigerian lawyers to remain steadfast in defending judicial independence and protecting citizens’ access to justice, insisting that courts must remain places where justice is available without political interference.
The former president also called on judges to uphold courage and integrity in their duties and ensure that both citizens and those in government are held accountable under the constitution.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who also addressed participants, said the return of the NBA’s annual conference to Port Harcourt represented the restoration of democratic institutions in the state.
Fubara recalled that the city was initially scheduled to host the 2025 conference before the declaration of an emergency led to its relocation to Enugu.
He assured delegates of adequate security and reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening judicial independence and improving access to justice.
The governor said the state had appointed additional judges and established more courts as part of efforts to expand the justice system. He added that a Federal High Court building is expected to be completed and handed over before the end of the year.
Fubara also pledged continued support for the administrative and financial autonomy of the state judiciary.
Meanwhile, outgoing NBA President Afam Osigwe said the association deliberately chose to bring its flagship conference back to Port Harcourt following the restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State, describing the decision as a reflection of the NBA’s commitment to the rule of law.
