The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, has called on society to consciously safeguard the future through law, discipline, accountability, and principled action.

The Branch stated that lawyers remain custodians of constitutional order, guardians of liberty, and architects of institutional stability.

Speaking on Friday in Yenagoa during a press conference announcing the commencement of the 2026 NBA Yenagoa Law Week, the Chairman of the Branch, Clement Bibisa Kekemeke, said the theme of 2026 programme, “Securing the Future,” represents a deliberate call to responsibility within the legal profession.

According to him, the theme underscores the fact that the future of society is neither accidental nor self-sustaining, but must be intentionally protected through justice, discipline, and adherence to the rule of law.

“At a time when governance structures, public trust, and democratic institutions are under increasing strain, the theme calls on the Bar to move beyond technical legal practice and embrace its role as an active steward of society,” he said.

Kekemeke explained that the Law Week would focus on protecting national assets, strengthening democratic institutions, promoting accountability, and ensuring sustainable development within the framework of the law.

He noted that renowned Kenyan constitutional lawyer and anti-corruption advocate, Prof. PLO Lumumba, was carefully selected as keynote speaker because of his reputation as a foremost African legal scholar and governance advocate.

Lumumba is expected to speak on the topic: “Sustainable National Assets Protection in Africa: Opportunities, Risks and Regulatory Pathways.”

The NBA Chairman said Lumumba’s Pan-African perspective would enrich discussions on governance, regulatory compliance, transparency, and public accountability across the continent.

He added that the plenary session would also examine Nigeria’s shared responsibility in protecting national assets, particularly the gains and challenges recorded through collaborations between statutory security agencies and private security organisations.

Kekemeke further stated that participants would gain valuable insights into national assets protection, regulatory compliance, and sustainable policy frameworks.

He announced that the annual Law Dinner would be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the MASC Haven Event Centre, describing it as an opportunity for networking, interaction, and engagement with legal professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders.

As part of its social responsibility initiatives, the Branch will organise a legal clinic in Yenagoa-Ovom Community and visit Martha’s Home for the Elderly.

The NBA Chairman also condemned the growing cases of police brutality in Nigeria, noting that lawyers, like many citizens, have increasingly become victims.

“It is in recognition of this disturbing trend that the Nigerian Police Force recently constituted a Civilian Oversight Board across state commands to monitor the activities of the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU),” he said.

He disclosed that the Vice Chairman of the Yenagoa Branch, who also serves as Chairman of the Human Rights Committee, had been appointed to the oversight structure in Bayelsa State.

“In Bayelsa State, the Yenagoa Bar shall continue to rise against police brutality without reservation through the instrumentality of the law,” he declared.

Kekemeke described the Yenagoa Branch as the “Mother Branch” of the NBA in Bayelsa State and assured that this year’s Law Week would build on the successes of previous editions.

He said the plenary session would be held at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Conference Hall on Friday, June 5, 2026.

The Branch also expressed appreciation to former President Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for agreeing to chair the plenary session despite his busy schedule.

It further thanked the Bayelsa State Government under Governor Douye Diri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Bayelsa State Judiciary, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, SAN, as well as corporate organisations and individuals supporting the programme.

Kekemeke equally commended members of the Branch Executive Committee and the Law Week Committee for their commitment toward ensuring a successful and impactful Law Week.