NBA Conference: Nigeria faced with a multitude of challenges, Osigwe insists

 


The newly sworn-in President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has maintained that Nigeria is faced with a multitude of challenges, ranging from issues of administration of justice and the rule of law to socioeconomic problems. 

Osigwe, SAN, stated this after taking over the mantle of leadership from the immediate-past president of the Association, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, in Lagos.

Adding that the Bar under his watch would hold the government at all levels accountable for its deeds, Osigwe, who posited that power comes from God, and he gives it to whom he pleases, said, “I accept the enormous responsibility and honour of serving as the 32nd President of the Nigerian Bar Association. 

“This moment is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the collective will of the esteemed members of our noble profession and the unwavering commitment to the principles of justice, equity, and the rule of law. 

“I and other members of the National Executive Committee, by electing us to steer the affairs of our association for the next two years, we are profoundly grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in us.”

While calling on members to moderate their celebrations on the ascension of the new excos, Osigwe called for unity among members to collectively work towards achieving the enormous task ahead of them.

“We should, therefore, not celebrate in a manner that may further polarise the Bar. The election is over.

“It is now time to work together to build a Bar that represents what we all believe in. 

“We, therefore, need all hands on deck. I extend my hands of fellowship to those who contested the position with me.

“Please join hands with me in working for the overall interest of the NBA”. Osigwe stated.

He urged other members of the exco under his leadership to join forces with him as the society at large looked up to them to lead the Bar to a higher pedestal than it was met.

“Our promise to run a united and inclusive Bar is a task that must be accomplished. Our efforts must at all times not only be geared towards keeping the Bar united but moving it forward. 

“We must enhance the welfare of our members, protect them in the practice of their profession, reinvigorate public confidence in our profession and ensure that we give back to society, which not only looks up to us but has been good to us as legal professionals,” the NBA President added.

Stating that Nigeria stands at a very critical moment in its history and evolution, Osigwe maintained that “As legal practitioners, we occupy a unique position in society, one that enables us to effect positive changes in society and uphold the principles of justice, equity, and fairness.

“We must ensure that the law serves all Nigerians, irrespective of their background, status, or affiliation. 

“Under my watch, NBA shall hold governments at all levels accountable, including and especially the federal and state governments. 

“We will work towards ensuring that government policies and programs meet the aims and aspirations of our people, as they relate to the provisions of good governance, transparency in financial expenditure, reducing drastically the cost of governance, and ensuring that the welfare of our people is given topmost priority.”

Earlier in his opening address, the immediate-past president of the NBA, Maikyau, called on Nigerians to join forces in building Nigeria.

In his words: “We made a call to all Nigerians, a call to action. Let us put our hands on the plough and not look back because anyone who does that, understanding that the rebuilding of Nigeria is a collective responsibility both for the leadership and for the followership, we must carry a certain posture, we must guard our lives, we must position ourselves in a manner, we must carry a particular mindset that would help us achieve that noble objective of rebuilding our country.

“And that is why we prescribe the traits of an eagle, talking about how you should eschew corruption because the eagle, you know, does not eat dead meat. 

“And for me, dead meat can be linked to corruption. For you to be who you are and be eating dead meat, for us to be the eagles that we are and be involved in corruption to the detriment of our country, then we are not carrying the traits, we are not bearing the traits of eagles.”

Maikyau, SAN, urged Nigerians not to allow anything to distract them like the eagle would not allow the crows to distract it. 

According to him, “In fact, I said Nigeria is the greatest country on the face of the earth, potentially, but our experience does not agree with our potentiality. 

“And all we need to do is to move from the place of potentiality to an experience of the greatness that we are.”

The SAN tasked the new President of the NBA not to allow himself to be threatened by anyone, but rather to look unto God.

“Finally, my brother, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, if there is anything praiseworthy, you meditate on those things, think about them, and do them for the Nigerian Bar Association,” Maikyau maintained.

All rights reserved. This material and other digital content on this website may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in whole or in part without the prior express written permission of THE NEWS ACCELERATOR NETWORK.

For advertising inquiries, news coverage or press releases, contact thenewsacceleratornetwork@gmail.com or 08051017159.


Post a Comment

To be published, comments must be reviewed by the administrator *

Previous Post Next Post
"