Follow Us on Google
By Sunday Ani
The new president of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has vowed that the association would hold the government at all levels accountable to Nigerians.
He made the vow in his inaugural speech as the 32nd NBA president in Lagos yesterday. The event also saw the inauguration of the association’s national executive members.
He said the association would work towards ensuring that government’s policies and programmes meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians as they relate to the provision of good governance and transparency in financial expenditures, drastically reducing the cost of governance and ensuring that the welfare of the people is given topmost priority. “We will strive to ensure that the government responds appropriately to the challenges of security of lives and properties, respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms, the provision of gainful employment and all the basic amenities of life, especially food, shelter, clothing, qualitative and affordable education, healthcare, and other infrastructure, as well as access to justice,” he said.
Osigwe noted that he alongside his executive members understood the enormity of the responsibilities thrust on them, considering the challenges currently bedevilling Nigeria, but promised that with the cooperation of members of the association, they would meet the challenges head-on and transform them into opportunities for the growth and progress of the members and Nigeria as a whole.
“We are elected into office at a time when our dear nation, Nigeria, stands at a very critical moment in its history and evolution. We face a multitude of challenges, ranging from issues of administration of justice and the rule of law to socio-economic problems. As legal practitioners, we occupy a unique position in society, one that enables us to effect positive changes in society and to uphold the principles of justice, equity, and fairness. We must ensure that the law serves all Nigerians, irrespective of their background, status or affiliation. With the support of members, we will meet the challenges head-on and transform them into opportunities for the growth and progress of our members,” he stated.
Speaking on his agenda in his two-year tenure, he itemised programmes lined up to include introduction of NBA digital signature at no additional cost to all lawyers who pay for the NBA stamp and seal, amending the NBA constitution to address such issues as remittance of 20 percent of Bar practice fees to branches, provision of dispute resolution mechanism among elected officers of the NBA, and addressing cost of election which he sad was unbearable; quarterly review of appellate courts’ decisions, justice sector reforms, continuing professional development and monitoring of local governments to ensure compliance with the recent Supreme Court decision on local government autonomy among other programmes.
Other programmes lined in his agenda include the establishment of NBA national litigation committee, monthly inspection of police stations and other detention facilities, establishment of annual general conference planning committee, ensuring that members adhere to the rules of professional conduct for legal practitioners, and establishment of legal education committee to formulate and present the NBA’s position on the reform and development of legal education in Nigeria, as well as drive a proposed review of curricula in Law Faculties of Nigerian Universities and the Nigerian Law School to bring them in conformity with contemporary developments and international standards.
He pledged the commitment of the new national executive to ensure that the association remains a beacon of hope for the society and the bulwark of justice in the country.
He also promised to ensure that the efforts of previous administrations of the association were not just remembered but were actively consolidated by way of institutional memory, in order to create an association that truly works for all its members and, by extension, for all Nigerians.
“The journey of our association is one of evolution, marked by significant strides in promoting the rule of law, defending human rights, and advocating for legal reforms. Each past administration has contributed uniquely to our progress, and it is my solemn promise to continue this trajectory, to honour the legacy of those who have come before us, and to ensure that our association remains a beacon of hope for the society and the bulwark of justice in our society,” he said.
He called all members to join forces with the new executive by sharing their thoughts so that the yearnings and aspirations of members could be met.
“We urge you to participate in the affairs of the Bar, its meetings, conferences, and other programmes. We are better people because we have each other.
Together we can achieve these laudable objectives. Together we will. I, therefore, earnestly solicit your fervent support in every ramification, as we take on this mandate to pilot the affairs of the Association,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the immediate past president of the association, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, commended the election that brought Osigwe saying it was credible, free, fair and rancour-free and reminding that Nigeria should borrow a leaf from the NBA as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
He thanked members for their cooperation and support through his two-year tenure.
He described Osigwe as a man with the quality of gold and advised him to always put God first as he pilots the affairs of the association.
He also advised him to ensure that he uses the rod of correction appropriately, adding, “The rod and rebuke brings wisdom. Meditate and think of anything good and virtuous for the NBA and do it.”
In his remarks, former president of NBA, Austin Aneke congratulated the new executive members and urged those who lost in the election to remember that they can win next time. He urged the new executive members to harmonise their activities for the good of the Bar. “After elections, we should all unite as one Bar. No matter the differences, this is the only association we have. Let’s continue on the trajectory of development and reforms. Those who lost the election should know that there is another day and it does not mean that they can’t win next time,” he said.
The high points of the event were the issuance of awards to members of the past executive and other deserving members of the NBA including the former president, Austin Aneke and the inauguration of the new executive members
