By John Austin Unachukwu
Ahead of the July 24 and 25 elections of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Electoral Committee of the NBA has released a list of candidates cleared to contest the forthcoming election into different offices of the association.
A statement signed by ECNBA Chairman Mr. Tawo Tawo (SAN) and Secretary Mrs. Cordelia Ekeh stated that the committee received a 43 nominations for various offices. Of this, 24 aspirants were granted provisional clearance to contest the elections while 19 were disqualified for various reasons. Disqualified candidates were given one week to appeal their disqualification to the ENBA.
The statement reads: “Further to the call for nomination of candidates for election into the national offices of the Nigerian Bar Association in the 2020 National elections, the Electoral Committee received nominations from 43 aspirants for various offices.
“At the close of the screening of nominations by a sub-committee of electoral officers of the ECNBA in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of the NBA 2015 (as amended) and the Guidelines for the elections made pursuant thereto, 24 Aspirants were granted provisional clearance to contest the elections, while nineteen 19 aspirants were disqualified for various reasons.
“The disqualified aspirants have been duly notified of the decision of the electoral officers and their right of appeal.
“Take notice that the under-listed candidates are hereby provisionally cleared to run for the offices indicated, subject to final clearance and confirmation of their candidature by the ECNBA.
“Any information or objection relevant to the final decision on the eligibility status of the candidates, with supporting documents (where necessary) should reach the ECNBA via email to ecnba2020@gmail.com not later than 4.00PM on the 17th day of June, 2020.
President: Adesina Julius Oladele (SAN); Babatunde Ajibade; Akpata Olumide Anthony.
1st Vice President – Aikpokpo-Martins John; Ajoba Oluwaseun Ezekiel; Akinlade Adebayo Ademola and Sulayman Dawud Adamu.
2nd Vice President – Abimbola Adesola Sunday: Sunday Emmanuel Olowomoran and Adeyemo Kazeem Debo.
3rd Vice President – Nil
General Secretary – Muoka Alexander Nduka; Odua Joyce; Okey Leo Ohagba; Okoye Nnaemeka Bath and Yakemewerigba Christopher Opute. Assistant Secretary- Agi Anne Uruegi; Nwadialor Esther Uchenna and Osagie Aigbokhan Oaikhena.
Treasurer – Agada Mercy Ijato.
Welfare: Anyia Sabastine Ubua and Edun Olakunle.
Financial Secretary – Anagor Rapheal.
Publicity Secretary – Nduka Rapuluchukwu Ernest.
Assistant Publicity Secretary – Aigbokhan President E. and Naza Ferdinand Afam.
In his reaction to the list, former General Secretary of the NBA and a presidential aspirant in the forthcoming election, Mr. Dele Adesina (SAN) stated that the journey towards securing the future of the Bar has begun.
He said: “On Saturday, June 13, 2020, I received with excitement and gratitude to God, the news that I have been cleared by the ECNBA having qualified to participate in the forthcoming election on July 24, wherein I shall be contesting for the position of President of our beloved association. I am most grateful to my family, friends, supporters, colleagues and members of Team DASAN for the continuous support and commitment towards our desire for a secured and guaranteed future for the legal profession and our nation.
“As lawyers, we are the very instruments for social progression and development. It is our duty to stand firm against any act that may subvert the rule of law and our democratic principles; while also championing policies and measures that would lead to the economic prosperity of our country. As members of the pre-eminent professional body in Nigeria and the largest and most vibrant Bar Association in Africa, we must collectively strive towards securing the future of our continent, region, country and most of all our members.
“I believe that a successful person who does not groom a successor is a failure, hence my desire that that members of our Association, most especially the young lawyers are well taken care of with adequate welfare packages and proper mentorship.
“You will agree with me that no man is an island that can exist and achieve all things by himself, but through a united Bar, we can achieve the future of our collective desires, where the Association is most relevant not only to its members but to the Nigerian people as well. All practitioners whether in specialized or general practice, litigation or corporate practice, ministries of justice and our in-house counsel must join hands, if we must sustain our democracy, while ensuring that Nigeria remains a prime destination for economic opportunities and development.
“I therefore humbly urge all lawyers, both young and old to team up with me in the aspiration that is driven only by the desire and passion to secure the future of the Bar. Kindly note that when the ban on campaign is lifted, I will be sure to share with you details of my manifesto and the strategic ways I would ensure the future of our profession is secured for all, both young and senior lawyers,” Adesina stated
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