The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has explained the controversial singer Portable’s performance at its 2023 Annual General Conference on Thursday.
Portable appeared as a guest artist at the NBA’s ‘Unbarred’ concert. After his performance video went viral, social media critics criticized the NBA for inviting Portable to perform at an event attended by “learned” individuals, deeming it an embarrassment to the traditionally conservative legal profession.
Many also accused the association of paying the controversial musician for his performance. However, in an interview with The PUNCH on Friday, the National Publicity Secretary of the NBA, Akorede Lawal, clarified that Portable’s presence at the event was made possible through a partnership with Obi Cubana, who was the program’s headline sponsor.
Lawal explained that Cubana Group brought Portable because he was one of their brand ambassadors (Odogwu bitters). Moreover, as the headline sponsor, it was customary to bring a guest artist to perform at the concert, which typically included lawyers of all statuses, to conclude the conference.
Regarding the speculation of lawyers staging a walkout during Portable’s performance, Lawal stated, “No, they did not.” He clarified that the Friendship Centre was the designated place for lawyers to socialize and network during the event. However, they later redirected lawyers to the ‘Unbarred concert’ at the Velodrome of the National Stadium in Abuja to avoid concurrent events. The Friendship Centre had already been decorated for brand promotions, as it was the headline sponsor’s venue for various social activities throughout the event. Hence, the decision to consolidate the event at one location.
