Elombah Communications, publisher of News Band Newspaper has congratulated the newly elected president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN).
Osigwe, a former Secretary-General of NBA became the new president of the association after he got the highest number of votes in the election held on Sunday.
He secured 20,395 votes, defeating his closest rival and chairman of the NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education Governing Council, Tobenna Erojikwe, who scored 10,970 votes while former chairman of NBA Lagos Branch, Chukwuka Ikwuazom (SAN), got 9,007 votes.
Elombah Communications in a congratulatory message, recounted the long time relationship with Afam Osigwe, who it said provided pro bono service to the media group when a former Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris Kpotun arrested three editors of Newsband on false allegations of cyber bullying.
Also, with the help of Afam Osigwe SAN, Festus Keyamo SAN, the current Minister of Aviation and Barrister Ifeanyi Nrialike, the court in a landmark judgement ordered the police to pay N15 million to the Elombah brothers for human rights violations.
Elombah Communications in it’s congratulatory message said, “Congratulations to Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) who has been elected as the new president of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). We enjoin Osigwe to use his wealth of experience in his new assignment.
“We urge him to ensure that professionalism and integrity will remain the central focus of his leadership”.
In his acceptance statement as President Elect, Nigerian Bar Association, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Arbitrator, Mediator, Life Bencher, public speaker and motivator stated on X:
I am enormously grateful for the privilege and honour to be entrusted with the responsibility of piloting the affairs of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) effective end of August, 2024.
The outcome of the NBA 2024 NBA National Officers Election is a testament to our collective commitment to advancing the cause of justice, upholding the rule of law, and fostering a vibrant and inclusive legal community.
The election reflects our unwavering desire to engender a Bar that does not wait for problems or crisis to arise or exacerbate before taking action. We are therefore all winners.
I extend my sincere appreciation to my colleagues and friends, Chukwuka IKwuazom SAN and Tobenna Erijiokwe, for their dedication to our profession and democratic process. Our shared commitment to the NBA and our profession fostered robust discussions throughout the campaign. Your passion and dedication to the legal profession ensured that our contest remained focused on substantive issues.
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.
I am grateful to my campaign team, advisers, volunteers, and supporters who dedicated themselves tirelessly to share our message with fellow members. Your unwavering support, sacrifice, and belief in our mission were instrumental in achieving this electoral success.
As we move forward, I pledge to serve with integrity, transparency, and unwavering dedication. We face many challenges, but I am confident that together, we can overcome them and usher in a new era of progress for our association.
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.
Thank you once again for your trust and support. Let us embark on this journey of a PROACTIVE BAR, together, united in purpose and resolute in our pursuit of excellence.
APPRECIATION AND ACCEPTANCE STATEMENT
Distinguished Colleagues,
I am enormously grateful for the privilege and honour to be entrusted with the responsibility of piloting the affairs of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) effective end of August, 2024.
The outcome of the NBA… pic.twitter.com/M3p8YmXhUJ
— AFAM OSIGWE (@afamosigwe) July 21, 2024