New NBA Chairman Vows To Hold Govt Accountable, Unite Lawyers

Newly sworn in president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), has promised to ensure that governments at all levels are held accountable.

Osigwe, who was swor in as the 32nd president of the NBA in Lagos, also vowed to run an all-inclusive bar that keeps the association not only united but moves the association forward.

The senior lawyer will lead the association alongside other newly sworn-in national officials of the bar for the next two years, taking over from the immediate past president of the association, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN).

He was elected to the position in July, having defeated the chairman of the NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education Governing Council, Tobenna Erojikwe, who garnered 10,998 votes and the former chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, Chukwuka Ikwuazom (SAN), who came third with 9,018 votes.

In his inaugural speech, Osigwe stated that his administration would strive to ensure that government policies and programmes align with the needs and desires of Nigerians as they relate to good governance, transparent financial expenditures, significantly reducing the cost of governance and prioritising the welfare of the people.

He said, “We will strive to ensure that government responds appropriately to the challenges of security of lives and properties, respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms, the provision of gainful employment and all the essential amenities of life, especially food, shelter, clothing, qualitative and affordable education, healthcare, and other infrastructure as well as access to justice.

“We will strive to ensure that government responds appropriately to the challenges of security of lives and properties, respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms, the provision of gainful employment and all the basic amenities of life, especially food, shelter, clothing, qualitative and affordable education, healthcare, and other infrastructure as well as access to justice.”

Osigwe also announced the setting up of a committee headed by a former chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr Amadi, to review court judgments.