The Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) has been commended for its steadfast commitment to justice, professional excellence, and the defence of the rule of law as it convenes its Second Quarterly Meeting for 2025 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, in a goodwill message to the Forum, noted that the gathering comes at a critical time when the legal profession is grappling with pressing national challenges, including insecurity, underfunding of the judiciary, delays in justice delivery, economic hardship, and the urgent need for ethical leadership.
Akangbe praised the EBF’s consistent role as a strong and unwavering voice not only in the Eastern Region but across the country, advocating for the protection of the rule of law and societal progress. He expressed optimism that the deliberations in Yenagoa would foster renewed fellowship among members and lead to actionable resolutions that would advance the Bar’s objectives and the broader interests of the society they serve.
Read full statement below;
My warmest felicitations go out to the Governing Council and entire membership of the Eastern Bar Forum as you convene for your Second Quarterly Meeting for 2025, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Let’s be frank: the legal profession today is navigating some serious stormy waters. From the unsettling issues of insecurity and the woeful underfunding of our judiciary, to the frustrating delays in justice delivery and the biting economic hardship affecting everyone, not to mention the absolute necessity for ethical leadership – these are the realities we face. That’s precisely why this gathering isn’t just timely, it’s absolutely crucial. It’s a platform for honest reflection, vigorous advocacy, and fashioning out effective strategies to move us forward.
The Eastern Bar Forum, credit to you all, has consistently stood tall. You’ve been a strong, unwavering voice in the defense of justice, professional excellence, and the very bedrock of our society – the rule of law – not just within states in the Eastern Region, but across our nation. That kind of sustained commitment? That’s truly commendable.
I genuinely wish the Forum incredibly successful deliberations, a renewed spirit of fellowship amongst us, and, most importantly, resolutions that will genuinely advance the best interests of the Bar and, by extension, the society we are privileged to serve. Have a truly meaningful and impactful meeting, everyone. Let’s make it count!
LATEEF OMOYEMI AKANGBE SAN, FCIArb(UK)
Former Chairman, NBA Lagos Branch
