By John Attah
Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, are expected in Abia State for the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) Annual Conference.
The conference, scheduled for November 9 to 13 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, is expected to attract over 2,000 delegates, including judges, lawyers, policymakers, academics, civil society organisations and development partners.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir Ikechukwu Uwanna, disclosed this at a press conference in Umuahia, assuring participants of the state government’s commitment to a successful hosting.
Uwanna said Governor Alex Otti would declare the conference open, adding that the gathering would enable participants to assess firsthand developments in Abia’s justice and correctional sectors.
He urged NBA-SPIDEL to ensure that the conference produced practical recommendations capable of strengthening the justice system and improving citizens’ welfare, rather than ending with intellectual discussions.
The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Sir Paul Ogubunka, and NBA-SPIDEL Chairperson, Prof. Uju Agomoh, said the conference would provide a platform for legal practitioners and other stakeholders to promote justice, strengthen democratic institutions, protect fundamental rights and advance development through the rule of law.
They said discussions would focus on justice delivery, democratic governance and institutional development.
Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Sir Ejike Ezenwa, SAN; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters, Mrs Nkolika Ubani; and Chairman of the Media and Publicity Subcommittee, Mr Obiefule Chikezie, said activities would include pre-conference engagements, professional development sessions and technical discussions.
They commended the Otti administration for its efforts in the justice sector, expressing optimism that the conference would further strengthen justice delivery and the rule of law in the state.
