African Lawyers Chart Course for Continent’s Development 

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt
More than 1,000 lawyers from different countries of Africa have converged on Port Harcourt for the African Bar Association 2017 Annual Conference, where participants are discussing ways to rapidly develop the continent.

Declaring open the 2017 African Bar Association Annual Conference in Port Harcourt on Monday, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, stated that the great task before African leaders is to provide the enabling fiscal and regulatory environment for the private sector to create jobs and provide economic prosperity and security for the people.

He charged African lawyers to be shining lights in the continent and to help reshape it for the good of the people.

He said: “It is against this background that we note with satisfaction the decision of AFBA to organise this conference.
“The upswing of stable democratic governments and appreciable investments in development infrastructure has contributed in no small measure to positively change the continent’s economic narratives.”

He said despite being weakened by the global recession, reports affirm Africa’s positive economic outlook as one of the world’s most attractive frontiers for trade and investments.
The governor informed the African Lawyers that Rivers State has been repositioned as Nigeria’s investment destination.

The governor said: “As we speak, Rivers State is adjudged to be one of the safest and secure states in the country. Our communities are safe. Our local government areas are safe and secure, just as our homes and neighbourhoods are safe and secure.”

He noted that the state has advanced in areas of an independent judiciary, quality infrastructure and basic amenities developed by the incumbent administration.
In his keynote address, immediate past President of Tanzania, Dr Jakaya Kikwete, called on African leaders to work for greater investment climate on the continent.

He said Africa can be a continent where her people are wealthy and happy if leaders create the right environment for investment.
Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, said Africans should believe that as a people they can work for the attainment of set goals

The Attorney General of Sierra Leone, Joseph Kamara, said the conference is symbolic as it creates a platform to chart a course for the development of Africa.
In his remarks, President of African Bar Association, Mr Hannibal Uwaifo, said the need for the African legal community to re-enter the global stage informed the resuscitation of the African Bar Association.

Welcoming delegates to the 2017 African Bar Association Annual Conference, Vice President of the Association, Mr Eddy Mark, urged participants to take advantage of the conference to savour the hospitality of Rivers State.