Falana Criticizes NBA for Inviting Weah to Conference

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has sharply criticized the Nigerian Bar Association for inviting former Liberian President George Weah to deliver the keynote address at its annual conference, accusing Weah of presiding over a government that undermined judicial independence. The criticism came after Weah spoke at the 66th NBA Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on August 24, 2026. In a video posted to the NBA's YouTube channel on August 25, Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, urged the association to "stop inviting dictators in Africa to come and address us." He alleged that during Weah's presidency from 2018 to 2024, the Liberian judiciary was effectively captured, forcing citizens to seek justice at the regional ECOWAS Court. Falana cited specific cases, including one involving the Mandingo people and the dismissal of a Supreme Court justice, where he claimed Weah's government refused to enforce ECOWAS Court judgments. He also referenced the recent arrest of Weah's former vice president on drug trafficking allegations and criticized Weah for using public funds to travel to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.