I join all lawyers in Nigeria to congratulate the NBA President, Olumide Akpata, National Officers and all NEC members on the success recorded at the NEC meeting that took place in the ancient town of Abeokuta, Ogun State where far reaching decisions concerning our country, the legal profession and the bench were taken. Notable among the decisions of NEC are the introduction of the online payment of bar practicing fees, the total condemnation of the conduct of a Federal High Court judge, Okon Abang in Warri, Delta State for humiliating a senior member of the bar, Andrew Obido and the composition of the NBA Electoral Committee. These are indeed commendable. The decision of the NEC to report Justice Okon Abang to NJC for necessary action will serve as deterrent to those judges who have penchant for intimidating and humiliating lawyers before them without following due process. The procedure adopted or used by justice Okon Abang is strange and condemnable. A judge can only cite erring lawyer for contempt after due process and not the other way round.
From all its conduct and disposition, this administration has indeed demonstrated once again that the bar under this dispensation is genuinely interested in entrenching democratic values in the forthcoming NBA National Officers elections in 2022. We have no doubt whatsoever that the just constituted NBA-EC 2022 will rise up to the occasion by conducting credible election that will further strengthen and foster the unity of NBA. The committee comprises of leaders of the bar with integrity.
On a final note, I wish all the NEC Members safe journey back to their various destinations.
God bless Nigeria and God bless NBA.
Liman Salihu Esq
Former Chairman,
NBA Lokoja.
