The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has resolved to start reprimanding the members who publicly oppose its president.

This was one of the resolutions reached at the just concluded NBA National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Ilorin, Kwara State on May 15, 2025.

“Reprimand of members publicly opposing the NBA President’s official statements. NEC condemned the act of members publicly countering the official position of the NBA President, who speaks on behalf of the association. It was suggested that such conduct be subject to disciplinary action moving forward,” the NBA said in a statement.

The following key resolutions were also reached by the NBA: Condemnation of the recurring cancellation of flights without adequate alternatives, objection to disciplinary actions targeting public servants who serve as NBA executives and criticism of the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) over its blanket cancellation of exam results despite acknowledged technical hitches.

“NEC resolved to strongly condemn the recurring cancellation of flights without adequate alternative arrangements, describing it as unacceptable and disruptive. It was further resolved that decisive action will henceforth be taken in response to such incidents,” the statement read.

“Regarding the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), while NEC acknowledged the technical hitches experienced during the examination, it strongly condemned the blanket cancellation of results, stating that only candidates proven to have engaged in malpractice should be sanctioned, not those merely suspected.”

The NBA-NEC passed a resolution condemning the suspension of the chairman of the Port Harcourt Branch, describing the action as unwarranted.

The council commended the principled stance of the other NBA branches in Rivers State and called for the immediate withdrawal of the suspension.

Furthermore, the NEC emphasized that issuing a query to a public servant who serves as an executive member of an NBA branch undermines the independence of the bar, and such actions are inconsistent with the principles that uphold the legal profession.

It was also resolved that stamps should be sent to branches for members collection.The exceptions would be for the chairmen of branches and their secretaries.

This, according to the NBA, is to prevent identity theft for lawyers who have passed and to prevent fake lawyers from using the same.

The NEC commended the president, Afam Osigwe (SAN) for being proactive and standing by the executive committee for that which is just and fearless in the face of injustice, speaking truth to power.

The NBA added that it remains committed to defending justice, fairness, and the integrity of the legal profession in Nigeria.