Femi Falana Faults NBA Over Ex-Liberian President Invitation

Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has faulted the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for inviting former Liberian President George Weah to address its annual conference.

The senior advocate of Nigeria further alleged that George Weah’s administration undermined judicial independence and disregarded court judgments.

Falana made the remarks in a video posted on the NBA’s YouTube channel on Monday, a day after Weah delivered the keynote address at the NBA’s 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The senior lawyer said the NBA should be cautious about inviting African leaders whom he accused of failing to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m delighted to be here. But let me say this, because you know I have to be frank with the audience. And this goes for the leadership of the Bar. I want to appeal that the Bar Association must stop—stop inviting dictators in Africa to come and address us,” Falana said.

He alleged that during Weah’s administration between 2018 and 2024, the Liberian judiciary was compromised to the extent that citizens had to seek redress at the ECOWAS Court.

Falana specifically cited the case involving the Mandingo people of Liberia, who he said sought justice over the alleged seizure of their landed properties during the country’s civil war.

According to him, the ECOWAS Court ruled in their favour but Weah allegedly failed to comply with the judgment.

“The ECOWAS Court gave them judgment. George Weah refused to comply with the judgment. The new government of Boakai has just set up a committee for the enforcement of that judgment,” he said.

Falana also referred to the case of an associate justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, who he alleged was removed from office without justification.

He said the ECOWAS Court subsequently nullified the dismissal, awarded the judge $200,000 and ordered his reinstatement, but alleged that the Weah administration failed to enforce the ruling.

“Now, that is the man coming here to talk to us about the rule of law and democracy,” Falana said.

The former President’s invitation, he argued, was therefore inconsistent with the NBA’s responsibility to promote constitutionalism, judicial independence and respect for the rule of law.

Falana further made allegations concerning drug trafficking during Weah’s tenure, claiming that criminal networks gained significant influence in Liberia. He also alleged that Weah spent nine days in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup supporting his son, Timothy Weah, who represented the United States.

The human rights lawyer urged the NBA to consider inviting African leaders whom he described as having demonstrated stronger commitments to democratic governance.

He cited Namibia’s female president, vice president and speaker, as well as the late former Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as examples of figures he considered worthy of such invitations.

Weah, however, had used his keynote address at the NBA conference to advocate judicial independence and adherence to the rule of law.

The former Liberian president urged lawyers and judges to remain impartial in the administration of justice, stressing that democracy could not survive on the strength of individual leaders but required strong institutions.

He warned that governments that present themselves as democratic while engaging in corruption, colluding with judges and manipulating the justice system pose a serious threat to democracy.