By Ola Kay
The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, president-elect, Afam Osigwe, accepted victory in Saturday’s election, revealing his campaign promise to ensure the reform of the nation’s judiciary.
Osigwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, polled 20,435 votes in an election that culminated in his victory to defeat his two rivals.
The two other contestants, namely, Obenna Erojikwe (pulled 10,998 votes to come second position), and another SAN, Chukwuka Ikuazom, who announced withdrawing from the race in the middle of the election, came third with 9,018 votes.
In a statement following his victory via his X account on Sunday, Mr. Osigwe promised to address knotty issues in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, including delays associated with cases and those bothering on corruption.
Osigwe said: “Our legal system is plagued by inefficiencies and corruption that impede justice……“We will confront these obstacles head-on and respond to emerging trends that impact legal practice.”
He pledged an inspiring mentorship programme aimed at developing the skills of young lawyers, pivotal to professional growth as well as improvement in the quality of legal practice.
Among other reforms, he said that he would support integrating digital technologies to expedite case management and ensure efficient justice delivery, while there would be focus on a proactive Bar association truely committed to vigilance and innovation.
He revealed that, “Under my leadership, our Bar will focus on addressing potential challenges before they escalate, as he acknowledged his campaign team, advisers, and supporters,for their roles in ensuring victory.
Osigwe said: “This election demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing justice and fostering a more inclusive legal community,” Mr Osigwe remarked. “We are not just facing challenges; we are seizing the opportunity to transform our legal system.
He commended other candidates for their dedication and contributions to the campaign and said: “Your engagement and passion for the profession ensured that our focus remained on meaningful reforms. Thank you for your trust and support. Together, we will embark on a journey of excellence and proactive leadership.”
Inauguration of the new president and other national officers of the NBA will be held during the association’s 2024 Annual Conference in Lagos State, slated to hold between 23 and 28 August.
Osigwe campaigned for the NBA President to fight corruption in the bar and on the bench as well as restore the diminishing NBA’s traditional role of holding public officers accountable and taking leadership on other public interest issues.
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