The Nigerian Bar Association, Ikorodu Branch (NBA Ikorodu) has elected new executives to run its affairs for the next two years.
The executive committee is led by Idris Thany, who got 55 votes, defeating two aspirants to become the branch’s chairman.
Ms. Olawunmi Adeola emerged as secretary, while Ms. Christiana Elekwachi is the new social secretary.
Those elected unopposed were Vice Chairman Bemigho Obietan-Elijah; Treasurer Mrs. Titilayo Okuribido-Oloja; Publicity Secretary Adekunle Adekoya and Assistant Secretary Lukman Jaiyeola.
In his acceptance speech, Thany canvassed the support of members for the success of his administration, adding that it would consolidate on the achievements of the past administration and improve in necessary areas.
“We promise to make our branch the primus inter pares and numero uno branch in Nigeria, we are already charting the course in that direction. Please join us on the journey,” he said.
He promised to inaugurate new leaderships for the committees to drive branch activities.
Unveiling his 13-point agenda, Thany promised to uphold the NBA Constitution and Bye Laws in implementing programmes that would impact the Ikorodu community.
He promised to build a bar centre which would be a one-stop shop for social, recreational and bar activities and a model for other branches, with the aim of generating revenue to fund programmes including law week and housing of a law hub/free office spaces for young lawyers and other members desiring same.
He promised a reduction in branch dues with effect from 2023, noting that: “It is increase in membership that will attract higher revenue for the branch instead of over taxing the few members of the branch as in the present circumstances. This policy shall be implemented without any excuse whatsoever once our administration comes on board.”
He assured of improved welfare for members through initiation of policies “for a better life, earn respect for lawyers and put an end to police brutality of lawyers and charlatanism within our jurisdiction.
“We shall rise in defence of members if and when occasion demands on the principle of “injury to one is injury to all”.
Thany urged lawyers to commit themselves to entrenching the ideals/ethos of democracy.
He gave the advice in an address on Sunday to mark the June 12 Democracy Day.
He recalled that a similar charge was made decades ago by the first Nigerian lawyer, Mr. Christopher Sapara Williams, who said “A lawyer lives for the direction of the people and the advancement of the cause of society.”
Thany added: “Let us reflect on this and redirect our thoughts and actions towards ensuring that in no way do our advice to clients or our actions or utterances in private or public undermine the efforts of our heroes past or our march to full democratisation and true federalism.”
“It is heartwarming that it appears lessons have been learnt and being implemented at different levels.
“Our branch elections of last week followed after the standard set in the June 12, 1993 election. It was free, fair and credible.