New NBA president, Osigwe, promises to hold govt accountable

A former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) was sworn in as the 32nd President of the NBA in a ceremony held in Lagos Thursday.

Osigwe assumes the role from Yakubu Maikyau SAN, the immediate past president.

The inauguration took place alongside the swearing-in of other newly elected national officers who will serve a two-year term.

Osigwe, who won the NBA presidential election with 20,435 votes, expressed his appreciation for the respectful conduct of his opponents, Tobenna Erojikwe and Chukwuka Ikwazom SAN, during the election process.

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In his inaugural speech, Osigwe pledged to hold both federal and state governments accountable, ensuring that their policies promote good governance. “The outcome of the 2024 NBA National Officers Election is a testament to our collective commitment to advancing justice, upholding the rule of law, and fostering a vibrant and inclusive legal community,” Osigwe said.

The NBA national officers election, conducted via electronic voting on July 21, 2024, saw Erojikwe, Chairman of the NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education board, receive 10,998 votes, while Ikwazom came third with 9,018 votes. The final results were announced at the NBA House Auditorium in Abuja, though there were disputes regarding the electoral process.

Osigwe thanked his fellow candidates for their dedication to the legal profession and democratic process. Following the ceremony, Maikyau administered the oath of office to Osigwe and the other new leaders, officially transferring the leadership.

Osigwe, called to the Bar in Nigeria in September 1999 and conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in December 2020, has a diverse legal background. He holds LL.M degrees from the University of Jos and the Centre for International Legal Studies in Austria. His extensive experience includes serving as Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (2010-12), General Secretary (2014-16), and member of several prominent legal councils and associations.

With memberships in the International Bar Association, Nigerian Institute of Management, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), and other esteemed bodies, Osigwe’s leadership promises to bring significant advancements to the NBA.