-Frm President Weah Tells Nigerian Bar Association
By Mark N. Mengonfia
Former Liberian President George M. Weah has called on African countries to strengthen peaceful coexistence, uphold the rule of law and defend democracy, saying strong institutions are essential to protecting citizens and preventing political instability.
Weah made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, under the theme “Beyond Limits.”
Addressing lawyers, judges, government officials and other dignitaries, Weah said democracy must be protected beyond election periods through independent institutions, particularly the judiciary and the legal profession.
“Democracy does not survive on the strength of elections alone. Elections are the doorway into democracy, not the house itself,” Weah said.
He warned against both military coups and elected leaders who undermine democratic institutions after gaining power through free and fair elections.
“A tyrant with a certificate of return is still a tyrant,” he said, stressing that democracy is tested by how political leaders treat courts and legislatures that are designed to check executive power.
Weah urged lawyers to defend judicial independence and ensure that the law is applied fairly, regardless of a person’s political position, wealth or influence.
“The rule of law is not an abstract phrase for law school lecture halls. It is the practical guarantee that a citizen’s rights do not depend on who is in office” he told a hall of predominantly lawyers.
The former president also cautioned against political interference in judicial institutions, saying such practices can weaken public trust, security, investment and peace.
He described the Nigerian Bar Association as “a standing sentinel” of Nigeria’s democracy and urged its members to speak out when judicial independence or citizens’ rights are threatened.
Weah also reflected on his personal journey from the Gibraltar community in Monrovia to the presidency of Liberia, saying his life demonstrated that limitations can be overcome through discipline, hard work, respect, perseverance and faith.
He cited his decision to concede Liberia’s 2023 presidential runoff election while results were still being finalized as an example of putting national interest above personal ambition.
“I chose to concede while the counting was still underway, because I have always believed, and still believe, that the will of the people must stand above the ambition of any one man in a democratic setting,” he said.
Weah said Africa must also harness its human resources, including professionals in the diaspora, to support development, legal reform and judicial modernization.
He concluded by urging Africans to defend fairness, impartiality, gender equality, accountability and free and fair elections.
“Africa must continue in peaceful coexistence, and we must all stand up for the rule of law,” Weah said. “Stand up for fairness. Stand up for impartiality. Stand up for gender equality. Stand up for equality. Stand up for humanity, peace and democracy” he added.
He urged lawyers across the continent to ensure that the law remains an instrument of peace, unity, accountability and justice rather than a tool for political conflict.
