*Says Tinubu did not endorse any candidate
In a statement released today, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has firmly denied rumours circulating on social media regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s alleged endorsement of a candidate in the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) election.
The AGF addressed claims that President Tinubu had endorsed Afam Osigwe, SAN, as his preferred candidate, categorically stating that “at no time did Mr President give any such instruction.” Fagbemi emphasized that he was falsely cited as a point of reference for these claims.
“I completely dissociate myself from such statement because nothing of such happened,” Fagbemi declared. He further confirmed that the President had neither discussed this matter with the rumour’s author nor given any “divisive instruction.”
Describing the circulating news as “a lie from the pit of hell,” the AGF suggested it was being spread by “mischief makers seeking cheap popularity.”
Fagbemi underscored President Tinubu’s democratic principles, stating, “Mr President is a democrat who believes in playing by the rules. He has not and will not endorse anyone as a preferred candidate in the ongoing NBA election.”
The statement affirmed that as the country’s leader, President Tinubu will respect the outcome of a free and fair election and is prepared to work with any candidate who emerges victorious.
The AGF called on those attempting to cause disaffection among NBA members or between the President and the NBA to cease such activities. He concluded by conveying the President’s wishes for a smooth election process and his eagerness to collaborate with the elected candidate.
Meanwhile, a USA-based Nigerian lawyer claimed that Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN, is the one supported by the APC government. The lawyer alleged that Ikwuazom’s campaign camp had been sharing a photo designed as an endorsement by the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Ajibola Basiru, before the election and now they want to claim that they are not being supported by the ruling party.Our correspondent could not verify whether Senator Ajibola Basiru’s alleged endorsement was made in his personal capacity as a senior lawyer or as an official party endorsement.
In another development, a screenshot and a post shared by Ikwuazom’s supporter, Jibola Salvador, in one of the lawyers’ WhatsApp platforms contained a message saying:
“Supporters, our beloved NBA has been hijacked by external forces. Can we still call NBA the voice of reason? Can NBA still speak for the people independently? The Mafiosi have taken over. God help us.” In shot is he exposed private chat with Chief Adeniyi Akintola, SAN, However, the authenticity of the chat could not be verified by TheNigeriaLawyer. The purported chat read, “Ojo, Good evening my brother. I just got a phone call from Asiwaju the President and C-in-C that we should all vote for Afam Osigwe SAN as the President of NBA. You can confirm from the AGF or Tunde Ogala if in doubt. Please, spread the gospel.”
When reached out for comment, Afam Osigwe’s camp declined, stating that they are mobilizing people to vote and will respond later.
In response to the AGF’s statement, a senior lawyer praised the Bar Leaders who introduced the zoning system in the NBA, saying, “Can you imagine what would have happened if one of the candidates for the office of the President of the Bar is from the South-West and those fifth Columnists throw up that phantom endorsement or what is known as Political Bomb or Political Gunshot? Better imagined than being real.”
Meanwhile, the highly anticipated Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Officers Election is well underway, with the presidential race taking center stage. As of Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 6:52 PM, Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, has taken a commanding lead in the presidential contest.
With 37,337 total votes tallied and 169 abstentions, Osigwe has secured 18,607 votes, putting him significantly ahead of his two rivals. Mr Tobenna Chigbo Erojikwe currently holds second place with 10,110 votes, while Chukwuka Nwabueze Ikwuazom, SAN, is in third position with 8,620 votes.
The electronic voting process commenced at midnight on July 20 and is scheduled to conclude at 11:59 PM tonight. As the day progresses, the results for other national officer positions are being closely monitored by NBA members and the general public.
Given Osigwe’s impressive performance thus far, capturing nearly 50% of the presidential votes, he appears to be the frontrunner to become the next President of the prestigious Nigerian Bar Association. However, the ultimate outcome will only be determined once all votes have been accounted for in the coming hours.
The NBA, a prominent professional association of legal practitioners in Nigeria, plays a significant role in shaping the country’s legal landscape. The election of its national officers is a closely followed event, with the results expected to impact the direction of the association in the years to come.
As the nation awaits the final results, the NBA has assured its members and the public of
a transparent and fair electoral process. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
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