The newly elected president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe (SAN) has promised to maintain the integrity of the legal profession in the country.
Osigwue stated this shortly after he was declared the winner of the election in Abuja on Sunday by the Electoral Committee of the NBA.
Announcing the results, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the NBA, Oluseun Abimbola (SAN), stated that Osigwe won the poll with 20,435 votes, representing 50.52% of the total votes cast. Tobenna Erojikwe secured 10,998 votes (27.19%), placing second, while Chukwuka Nwabueze Ikwuazom (SAN) came in third with 9,018 votes (22.29%).
Abimbola stated that Sabastine Anyia received 12,114 votes (33.14%) to become the first vice president of the association, while Mrs. Bolatumi Animashaun garnered 26,534 votes (70.47%) to become the second vice president, and Mrs. Zainab Garba secured 23,550 votes (62.89%) to become the third vice president.
He also announced Dr Mobolaji Idris Ojibara as the general secretary after winning with 25,713 votes (68.67%); Henry Barnabas Ehi as the assistant general secretary with 28,552 votes (77.44%); Mrs. Blessing Udofa-Poromon as the treasurer with 17,998 votes (48.30%); Mr. Nyada Auta as the welfare secretary with 18,369 votes (49.70%); Mrs. Bridget Ijeoma Edokwe as the publicity secretary with 19,542 votes (51.16%); and Miss Ebiere Emmanuella Ekpese as the assistant publicity secretary with 26,955 votes (73.56%) among others.
He noted that though a total of 72, 059 lawyers were eligible to participate in the electoral process, however, only 40, 656 ballots, representing 56.4%, were cast.
Abimbola disclosed that a total of 3,945 ballots were opened but never cast during the election that was done electronically.
“ A total of 233, 524 text messages were exchanged between the Committee and the voters, a total of 655, 652 emails sent out, with 3,923 calls received from the helplines, “ he added.
While giving his acceptance speech, Osigwe said he would run an inclusive administration.
Osigwe said, “My administration will be inclusive, ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed. We will work tirelessly to enhance the welfare of our members, uphold the dignity of our profession, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of our society.”
He also said he would ensure the NBA under him would tackle issues hindering the administration of justice in the country.
Osigwe said, “I am committed to leading a proactive Bar that diligently identifies and addresses potential challenges. Under my stewardship, our Bar will uphold vigilance, responsiveness, responsibility, constructive engagement, and forward-thinking. We will actively tackle issues that hinder the administration of justice and respond to emerging trends that impact legal practice.”
In his speech, the outgoing President of the NBA, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), implored those who lost at the poll to take the outcome in good faith and join the winners to move the association forward.
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