The newly inaugurated President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), , SAN, has warned lawyers against using abusive or insulting language against colleagues on social media, saying offenders will face public disciplinary proceedings.
Badejo-Okusanya issued the warning on Friday in her inaugural address at the close of the 66th Annual General Conference of the NBA in Port Harcourt, where she formally assumed office as the Association’s 33rd President.
She succeeded Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN.
The new NBA President said her administration would adopt a firm stance against professional misconduct, particularly the growing practice of lawyers engaging in offensive exchanges online over political differences.
According to her, the conduct of some lawyers on social media had become embarrassing to the profession and was increasingly attracting public concern.
“Such lawyers will be subjected to public proceedings for bringing us all into disrepute in the eyes of the public, who look up to us and are increasingly aghast, as all right-thinking colleagues are, at the type of language that lawyers employ on social media against other colleagues, all in the name of politics,” she said.
“So, we’re coming after you,” she added.
‘We’ll Defend Judiciary, But Challenge Its Shortcomings’
On the judiciary, Badejo-Okusanya pledged to defend its independence while calling for reforms to improve the administration of justice.
“We will defend judicial independence, but we will not be indifferent to delay, conflicting decisions, corruption, or conduct that diminishes public confidence,” she said.
She stressed that defending institutions should not mean ignoring their weaknesses.
“Respect for institutions does not require silence about their shortcomings. True respect requires the courage to help them,” she said.
The NBA President added that her administration would support the Bench while demanding greater integrity and efficiency across the justice system.
NBA Won’t Be Government’s Political Tool
Badejo-Okusanya also promised that the NBA would maintain an independent relationship with government and would not allow the Association to be used as an instrument of any government, political party, region, religion, interest group or individual.
She said the NBA’s loyalty would remain with the Constitution, justice, the rule of law and its members.
“We will collaborate where collaboration advances the public good. We will challenge where challenge becomes necessary. And above all, we will act with facts, fairness, discipline, and boldness,” she said.
‘I Didn’t Seek Office Simply to Make History’
Speaking after her inauguration, Badejo-Okusanya said her administration would be guided by the principle of “members first, always”.
She said her decision to contest the NBA presidency was driven by a desire to reform the Association rather than simply become the first woman elected to lead it.
“I did not seek this office simply to make history. I sought it to make a difference,” she said.
“This mandate is not a prize to be possessed but a trust to be discharged.”
She also reached out to members who supported her opponents in the fiercely contested election, promising to lead an inclusive Bar.
“I will be President not only of those who voted for me but of every member of the Nigerian Bar Association. The Bar remains my constituency,” she said.
“There are no victims and no vanquished in the NBA. There is only one Bar, one profession, and one shared responsibility to leave the Bar stronger than we met it.”
She disclosed that she had reviewed the manifestos of the other presidential candidates and would incorporate ideas she considered beneficial to the Association.
“Where we adopt them, I will not hesitate to acknowledge their source, and give credit where it’s due,” she said.
Young Lawyers, Welfare Top Agenda
The economic welfare of lawyers, particularly young practitioners, will be a major focus of the new administration, Badejo-Okusanya said.
She pledged to intensify the NBA’s campaign for compliance with the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order and engage the Attorney-General of the Federation on measures to strengthen its implementation.
“The NBA must take responsibility for pushing the message that the Remuneration Order must be complied with. Our members deserve fair compensation for their work,” she said.
She also announced plans to secure highly subsidised access to electronic law reports for members, describing the initiative as part of efforts to reduce the cost of legal practice and improve access to professional resources.
The NBA Affinity Card, which offers discounts on services such as airlines, hotels, supermarkets and pharmacies, will also be revived, she said.
Technology, AI to Reshape Legal Practice
Badejo-Okusanya promised to modernise the NBA National Secretariat and deploy technology to make interactions between lawyers and the Association faster and easier.
“Technology must simplify membership, not frustrate it,” she said.
She said the Association would also equip lawyers to compete in emerging areas of practice, including artificial intelligence, digital commerce, data protection, energy transition and cross-border legal services.
According to her, the legal profession must adapt quickly as technology and new business models continue to transform the nature of legal practice.
The administration will also expand opportunities for young lawyers through access to quality learning and professional development programmes across the country.
Other priorities include strengthening the NBA’s response to members’ concerns, empowering branches, promoting transparency in appointments and strengthening disciplinary measures against professional misconduct.
2027 NBA Conference Heads to Abuja
Badejo-Okusanya announced that Abuja will host the NBA’s 2027 Annual General Conference, with preparations for the event beginning immediately.
She said the conference theme and composition of the planning committee would be announced later.
“The work starts now. We will gather there not merely for another conference, but to take stock of our progress, deepen our knowledge, strengthen our bonds, and prepare us all for the future of legal practice,” she said.
