From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
The newly elected Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Karu/Nyanya Branch in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alex Edim Esq., has called on the Nigerian Senate to prioritize accountability to the people who elected them rather than merely serving the interests of the executive arm of government.
Speaking shortly after his victory in the branch election held during the weekend, Edim, who is also the Principal Partner at Alex Edim & Co., stressed the need for lawmakers to uphold their constitutional responsibilities to the citizenry.
“My message to the Senate is simple: they must remember that they are accountable to the people, not the President. What we’ve observed lately is a tendency for the Senate to carry out the bidding of the executive. This undermines their role as representatives of the people. They were elected by the people, not appointed by the presidency,” Edim stated.
On his plans for the branch, Edim pledged to promote professionalism and ethical standards among members. He also urged members of the judiciary to remain committed to the core values of justice and ethical conduct, noting that such commitment would significantly strengthen the justice system.
Calling for unity, the new chairman appealed to members to work with the new executive to reposition the branch for greater progress. “A tree cannot make a forest,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to inclusiveness and collaboration.
Also speaking at the event, Zainab Aminu Garba Esq., the 3rd Vice President of the NBA and electoral officer during the elections, charged the new executive to remain focused on unity and inclusivity. She urged Edim to fulfill his promise of carrying every member along, healing past grievances, and fostering an atmosphere of love, peace, and progress within the branch.
She further advised the new leadership to ensure that lawyers in the branch uphold the ethical standards of the profession, stressing that this would not only improve the branch’s integrity but also inspire public confidence in the legal system.
Barr. Nuhu Egya, National Chairman of the NBA’s Citizens Liberty Committee, and Barr. Auta Nyada, National Welfare Secretary, both congratulated Edim and advised him to lead with integrity. Nyada particularly encouraged the new chairman to seek divine guidance in his leadership and to promote lawful conduct among public officeholders, especially senators.
The election was widely described as free, fair, and credible, conducted in line with the NBA constitution and branch bylaws. Edim is expected to steer the Karu/Nyanya branch with transparency, unity, and a renewed vision for the legal profession in the FCT.