The President and Commander in Chief of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, addressed the opening ceremony of the 2025 Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference on the 24th of August 2025, held in Enugu State, under the theme, “Stand Firm, Stand Tall.”
He delivered the keynote address as the main speaker at this historic opening ceremony, which was attended by the Sultan of Sokoto and spiritual leader of Nigeria’s Muslims, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, dignitaries, and more than 17,000 legal professionals from across Nigeria and abroad. The Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference remains the largest gathering of legal professionals in the world.
At the centre of the President and Commander in Chief’s address was the relationship between law and politics, and the responsibility that lawyers, politicians, and activists share in advancing justice in Africa and the Global South. He reminded the gathering that lawyers must always stand as defenders of fairness and restorative justice, not as instruments of neocolonialism or puppets of imperialist powers. He warned that Africa must reject the domination of the United States and reactionary forces represented by figures such as Donald Trump, who continue to undermine the sovereignty of developing nations.
The President and Commander in Chief further reminded the delegates of the long historical bond between South Africa and Nigeria. During the years of apartheid, Nigeria played a critical role in mobilising financial and moral support for liberation movements, extending scholarships to South African students and providing funding to sustain the struggle. He emphasised that this relationship must now be renewed in the spirit of economic cooperation, so that young Nigerians do not feel forced to migrate in search of better opportunities in South Africa. Instead, he called for both countries, with their industrious spirit, to be at the forefront of rebuilding and reindustrialising the African economy.
The President spoke strongly about the need for African unity, making it clear that the continent cannot grow without bold and decisive steps toward integration. He called for the establishment of one President, one army, one Parliament, and one currency for the African continent. This, he stressed, is the only path through which the continent can fully assert its sovereignty and shield itself from external manipulation and exploitation. He explained that this unity will unlock economic growth by removing artificial borders and building a shared continental market that benefits all Africans.
The President and Commander in Chief further emphasised that African unity will put an end to xenophobia, as people will no longer see themselves as foreigners but as Africans sharing one destiny. He argued that it is only through a united Africa that the continent can reclaim its rightful place in global affairs, and no longer be dictated to by Western powers. He called upon Africans to think beyond narrow national boundaries and to embrace the vision of Pan-Africanism in practical terms.
On the 23rd and 24th of August 2025, as part of his visit to Nigeria, the President and Commander in Chief led a delegation consisting of the Deputy Secretary General, Commissar Leigh-Ann Mathys, the Head of Presidency, Commissar Vuyani Pambo, the National Spokesperson, Commissar Thembi Msane, and Senior Researcher, Dr Gumani Tshimomola. The delegation paid courtesy visits to the Governors of Lagos State and Enugu State respectively. Both governors warmly welcomed the delegation and commended the EFF’s, in particular, the President and Commander in Chief’s commitment to Pan-Africanism and the vision of a united Africa.
The President also held an introductory meeting with Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto. The Sultan commended the President and Commander in Chief for his courage and urged him to continue representing the poor and the marginalised. He reminded the President that such responsibilities are often not chosen, but rather bestowed upon those who are destined to lead. His words of encouragement affirmed the importance of staying the course, no matter the persecution faced in the struggle for justice.
The EFF extends gratitude to the people of Nigeria for the warmth shown to the leadership during this visit. From the highest office bearers to the airport security personnel, drivers, cleaners, and government officials, the President and Commander in Chief was received with kindness and respect. This spirit of hospitality reflects the deep solidarity that continues to bind South Africans and Nigerians together.
Lastly, the EFF thanks the Nigerian Bar Association under the capable and firm leadership of its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, and the collective leadership. We commend them for successfully hosting this important conference under challenging conditions, and wish them well with the rest of the conference and in their work of upholding justice and integrity.
The EFF has a strong stance against corruption and calls for accountability in government.
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