The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Y.C Maikyau SAN has taken his continuous

calls for a free and fair general election to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.Maikyau had during a courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Lucky Irabor, urged the security unit to play an active and neutral role for a successful outing come next year, as Nigerians go to the polls to elect its new leaders.

Maikyau who use the occasion to re-emphasize the primacy of law (and the legal profession) in Nation building; and to identify with the successes of the defense unit, and improved security situation in the country, albeit with room for further improvement noted that the NBA had ‘come to identify with the excellent work the armed forces has been doing and we (the NBA) do not take the sacrifice for granted. You have also made us proud in the assignment you’ve had to do outside the shores of the country.

We must show respect to the armed forces. Are we happy with all the things the military has done? No! But despite all the challenges, it is deserving to identify with you and the job you’re doing in the North East and North West Nigeria is commendable.”

In reacting to the visit and the call by the Bar leader, Irabor, CFR, commended the association for its pragmatic act of identifying with the armed forces indicating the readiness of the defense unit to partner on issues that border on the delay in the trials of persons accused of Terrorism and insurgency.

The Lt. General also noted that the Nigerian military remains a creation of the Constitution and as such, it will always have regard and respect for the rule of law; while assuring that “the police remain the lead security agency in respect of the elections, but we have a contingency that will enable us to help or assist the police if the need arises. The military will be unbiased and apolitical.

We remain subject to civil authority and we shall ensure that democratic culture is protected and advanced.”

Also part of the call were members of NBA NEC, including Mrs. Linda Rose Bala, 1st Vice President; the General Secretary, Adesina Adegbite, the 2nd Vice President, Clement Chukwuemeka Ugo, the Treasurer, Caroline Anze-Bishop and the National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Habeeb Lawal.