The NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has called for urgent reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions, safeguard judicial independence, and end executive interference in court processes.
Speaking at the 2026 NBA Uyo Branch Law Week themed “Law, Governance and Development: Strengthening Institutions for Sustainability”, the NBA President said Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democracy will remain fragile until institutions, not individuals, drive governance.
He noted that “Democracy cannot survive on strong men. It survives on strong institutions,” he stated. “When courts, parliament, the electoral body, and anti-corruption agencies function independently, citizens trust the system. When they don’t, trust collapses.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s twenty-six years of uninterrupted democratic governance, Mazi Afam noted that the challenge of building resilient institutions remains as critical today as it was at the inception of the Fourth Republic.
“We must avoid the mistake of creating strong men instead of strong institutions. Enduring democracies are sustained by institutions that outlive individuals and are guided by the rule of law, accountability, and constitutionalism,” he stated.
The NBA President emphasized that protecting Nigeria’s democracy requires broader citizen participation, stronger governance structures, and a more credible electoral process capable of inspiring public confidence and ensuring genuine representation.
Addressing issues affecting the administration of justice, the NBA President expressed serious concern over the continued operation of Section 84 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act, which requires the consent of the Attorney-General before judgments involving government entities can be enforced through garnishee proceedings.
According to him, subjecting the enforcement of valid court judgments to the approval of the Attorney-General undermines the authority of the courts and raises significant concerns regarding judicial independence.
“A judgment delivered by a competent court should not be subjected, directly or indirectly, to the review or approval of the Attorney-General under the guise of obtaining consent. Such a requirement diminishes the finality of judicial decisions and weakens public confidence in the justice system,” he said.
The NBA President therefore called on the judiciary to take a firm and decisive position on the issue in order to protect the constitutional principle that judgments of competent courts must be respected and enforced without unnecessary administrative impediments.
He further maintained that the effectiveness of any democracy is measured not merely by the existence of laws and institutions, but by the willingness of government and citizens alike to uphold and respect them.
Osigwe concluded by urging all stakeholders to play their respective roles in strengthening democratic institutions, preserving the independence of the judiciary, and promoting adherence to the rule of law, noting that these remain indispensable to Nigeria’s democratic development and long-term sustainability.
The session formed part of the activities marking the 2026 NBA Uyo Branch Bar Week and attracted legal practitioners, public officials, academics, and other stakeholders committed to advancing good governance and institutional development in Nigeria.
