Adesanya-Davies Welcomes NBA to Port Harcourt
….Calls for Stronger Rule of Law
Former presidential candidate, Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, has welcomed delegates to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, describing the gathering as an important platform for strengthening Nigeria’s justice system and democratic institutions.
Adesanya-Davies, in a statement on Monday, also welcomed Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to the “Garden City,” as the Rivers State capital hosts the NBA conference.
She said the conference provides an opportunity for lawyers, judges and other stakeholders to deliberate on critical issues including the rule of law, access to justice, constitutional democracy, judicial independence and good governance.
“Welcome back to the Garden City! Now that Governor Fubara is back, welcome back to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.”
The former presidential candidate stressed that the rule of law must remain the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy, urging the legal profession to continue to defend citizens’ rights, accountability and due process.
“Nigerians want justice that is accessible, impartial and timely. Public office is a responsibility, not a licence for impunity,” she said.
Raises Retiree Healthcare Complaint
Adesanya-Davies also used the occasion to draw attention to her ongoing concerns over her reported de-registration from the SPDC/Renaissance retiree spousal healthcare arrangement.
She disclosed that she had submitted an Open Letter of Complaint to Governor Fubara, seeking clarification on the rules governing the definition of “spouse at retirement,” the circumstances surrounding her reported de-registration and the authority responsible for removing a previously recognised spouse from the healthcare arrangement.
According to her, she is requesting that the matter be referred to the appropriate authorities for consideration and lawful resolution.
She emphasised that her objective is not to seek special treatment but to obtain clarity, transparency and fairness through due process.
“Let the governing rules be clearly articulated. Let due process prevail. Let justice, fairness and human dignity guide administrative action.”
The professor said the matter also raises broader concerns about the protection of retirees and recognised beneficiaries whose healthcare arrangements may have been in place for many years.
She added that any previously mentioned financial claim remains subject to proper legal evaluation and determination by a competent forum.
‘Welcome, NBA; Welcome Back, Governor Fubara’
Adesanya-Davies congratulated the NBA leadership, conference organisers and delegates, expressing optimism that the Port Harcourt gathering would produce practical recommendations capable of strengthening Nigeria’s justice system.
“Welcome back to Port Harcourt, the Garden City of Nigeria. Welcome back, NBA. Welcome back, Governor Fubara. May this conference strengthen the Bar, protect the rule of law and contribute to a better Nigeria.”
She further called for the conference to reinforce the independence of the legal profession, deepen respect for the Constitution and contribute to national development.
“May this conference reinforce the independence of the Bar, deepen respect for the Constitution, and contribute to national development,” she said.
