Enugu, August 26, 2025 – A distinguished panel of legal and judicial luminaries is poised to ignite one of the most pivotal conversations at today’s Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference (NBA AGC 2025). The breakout session, titled “Rethinking ‘Political-Questions’,” unfolds from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm at the ICC Multipurpose Hall, Christopher (Alexander Sapara William).
The session promises to serve as a rare and timely platform for conferees to examine the judiciary’s evolving role in arbitrating political disputes, safeguarding constitutional balance, and reinforcing democratic governance in Nigeria.
Meet the Panel of Experts
U.O. Sule, SAN
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Principal Partner of U.O. Sule & Co. in Lokoja, Sule is widely respected for his robust advocacy for ethics in legal practice. He has consistently urged young lawyers to embrace integrity as the bedrock of professional life, drawing from the Legal Practitioners Act, Rules of Professional Conduct, and landmark judicial precedents.
Sule earned his Diploma in Law and LLB from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, was called to the Bar in 1996, and later obtained an LLM from Benue State University, Makurdi. His leadership within the Bar includes serving as NBA National Welfare Secretary, Legal Adviser, and Prosecutor before his elevation to the rank of SAN.
J.J. Usman, SAN
Johnson Johnson Usman, popularly known as J.J. Usman, is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and an eminent member of the Body of Benchers. With decades of practice, he is recognized for his advocacy, mentorship, and contributions to legal education and Bar governance. Beyond the courtroom, Usman has been honored for promoting peace and unity in northern Nigeria, cementing his place as a voice of balance between law, society, and politics.
Shaba Ibrahim, Esq.
Born in 1967, Shaba Ibrahim currently represents Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Called to the Bar in 1991, he has combined private practice with an active political career.
His trajectory includes service as Acting Company Secretary of Atlas Securities, founding his own law firm, and serving as both Caretaker and Executive Chairman of Kogi Local Government Area. He also held the position of Special Adviser on Multilateral Relations to the Kogi State Government. His presence on the panel reflects a unique blend of legal expertise and first-hand political experience.
Hon. Justice Onyi Anumonye
Justice Onyi Anumonye is a sitting judge of the Anambra State Judiciary, serving in the Anaocha Judicial Division. Known for a meticulous approach to adjudication, Justice Anumonye represents the judiciary’s direct perspective on the delicate question of judicial restraint versus intervention when faced with politically sensitive disputes. His insight is vital to understanding how judges interpret and navigate the “political question” in real-world contexts.
Prof. R.A.C.E. Achara (Moderator)
Professor R.A.C.E. Achara is a seasoned academic and public intellectual whose scholarship spans constitutional law, legal philosophy, and political theory. A revered professor of law, he is known for his incisive critiques of governance, human rights, and judicial policy. Over the years, Prof. Achara has become one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in bridging academia and practice, making him a fitting moderator to distil and guide the robust exchange of ideas expected at this session.
Coordination Spotlight
Olaide Oluwayomi Ajewole
The session is coordinated by Olaide Oluwayomi Ajewole, a dedicated member of the Bar and an active voice in professional development initiatives. Ajewole has been instrumental in curating impactful breakout sessions for the AGC, ensuring both intellectual rigor and practical relevance. His coordination of this high-profile debate reflects his commitment to shaping conversations that influence the future of legal practice and governance in Nigeria.
With a panel bridging ethics, governance, politics, the judiciary, and academia, this breakout is poised to be one of the most engaging and impactful sessions at NBA AGC 2025. It is a must-attend for conferees seeking to explore the fine balance between law, politics, and judicial power in shaping Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.
