Highlights of Chief Mike Ozekhome's Speech at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Enugu

 Highlights of Chief Mike Ozekhome's Speech at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Enugu The "lawyers s...

 Highlights of Chief Mike Ozekhome's Speech at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Enugu

The "lawyers submit" 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), held in Enugu from August 25-29, 2025. This major event brought together over 20,000 lawyers for discussions on legal reforms, governance, and human rights. Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, a prominent constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, delivered a notable speech during a session on "Citizens’ Rights and Security Concerns." His remarks, made in response to a paper by the Chief of Defence Staff, were fiery, passionate, and memorable—culminating in a light-hearted yet pointed rendition of Fela Kuti's "Beasts of No Nation" to mock security agencies. Below are the key highlights from his speech, drawn from reports of the event.1. Urging Lawyers to Defend Their Own Rights FirstOzekhome challenged the legal profession to prioritize self-defense: "If you can’t fight for yourself, how can you fight for others?" He emphasized that lawyers must vigorously protect their professional rights and those of their clients to maintain credibility and effectiveness in practice.

He shared a personal anecdote from 2016, when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) froze his law firm's account for 120 days over a ₦75 million payment from then-Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose, deeming it "proceeds of unlawful activity." Ozekhome fought the order in court and won at both the Federal High Court (2017) and the Court of Appeal (2021), which ruled that lawyers need not verify the source of professional fees. This victory underscored his point: "A lawyer does not need to know the source with which professional fees are paid."

2. Critique of "National Security" as a Tool for OppressionOzekhome decried the misuse of "national security" by successive governments to suppress citizens' rights, calling it a "lie." He clarified: "The reality is that their national security is actually government security. It is not security for you and I."

He expressed disappointment that, despite decades of democracy, governments continue to weaponize security concepts against ordinary Nigerians, often at the expense of fundamental rights enshrined in instruments like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.

Highlighting overlooked aspects of security, he listed emotional, mental, educational, job, economic, and financial security as essential but ignored by the state. He quipped: "These rights we are talking about, we know them, but are we enjoying them?" (The audience responded with a resounding "No!").

3. The Toll of Nigeria's Challenges on CitizensOzekhome painted a stark picture of societal suffering: "Many people you see are mad, they are crazy because Nigeria has happened to them, but you don't know because they have powdered their faces, they have put on their caps, they have put on their wigs, and you think everybody is well."

He positioned the speech within the broader NBA conference theme, urging lawyers to confront systemic impunity and advocate for true citizen security over elite protection.

4. Memorable Performance: Singing Fela Kuti's "Beasts of No Nation"To drive home his critique of security agencies, Ozekhome thrilled and electrified the audience by performing Fela Kuti's iconic anti-oppression song "Beasts of No Nation." This satirical rendition mocked the hypocrisy of powerful institutions, blending humor with sharp social commentary. Reports described the moment as electrifying, with the packed auditorium at the International Conference Centre erupting in applause.

Ozekhome's speech was part of a panel featuring other legal luminaries like Chief Femi Falana, SAN, and Prof. Ernest Ojukwu, SAN, moderated by Babatunde Ogala, SAN. It contrasted sharply with presentations from security agency representatives (e.g., from the Army, Police, and DSS), who defended their operations amid audience skepticism. The session highlighted ongoing tensions between state power and individual rights, calling for reforms in Nigeria's security architecture.This address aligns with Ozekhome's long-standing reputation as a defender of justice, having been involved in high-profile human rights cases and even kidnapped himself in 2013 for his activism. For full details, you can refer to coverage from Sahara Reporters and Peoples Chronicles. 

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