ABUJA, NIGERIA: Former President of the West African Bar Association, Cllr. Femi Falana, SAN, has sharply criticized the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for inviting former Liberian President George Weah to address its gathering, describing Weah as a “dictator” and questioning his record on democracy and the rule of law.
Speaking at the event, Falana urged the Nigerian Bar to “stop inviting dictators in Africa” to address its members.
Falana alleged that during Weah’s presidency from 2018 to 2024, the Liberian judiciary was compromised and accused the former president of refusing to comply with judgments of the ECOWAS Court.
He further referenced an ECOWAS Court judgment involving Liberia and said the current government of President Joseph Boakai had established a committee to pursue enforcement of the ruling.
Falana also criticized Weah over his administration’s handling of Liberia’s drug crisis, making allegations concerning former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor and a reported drug case.
The veteran lawyer additionally accused Weah of leaving Liberia for nine days to attend an event involving his son in Qatar while allegedly taking Liberian government funds.
Falana’s remarks have sparked renewed debate over Weah’s record in office and the decision by the NBA to invite the former Liberian president to speak on issues including democracy and the rule of law.
