Democracy, Fairness and the Future of the Bar: Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro SAN Addresses NBA Election Conversations.

“Democracy, Fairness and the Future of the Bar: Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro SAN Addresses NBA Election Conversations.”

Good Afternoon, Learned Colleagues and friends.

In recent days, there has been considerable discussion within our Association regarding developments around the forthcoming election of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association and the consultation process involving Egbe Amofin.

Many colleagues have urged me to respond to the various issues being raised. My earlier silence was not due to a lack of response, but rather my preference to approach such matters with calm reflection, maturity, and respect for the institutions of our great Association.

Let me begin by appreciating Nigerian lawyers for their keen interest in the issues currently being discussed. The level of engagement across our profession reflects our collective desire to preserve the democratic character, credibility, and institutional integrity of the Nigerian Bar Association.

However, it has also become necessary to address certain narratives that have emerged in the course of these discussions.

First, there have been suggestions in some quarters that I intend to become President of the Nigerian Bar Association through judicial orders or by relying on court processes rather than the votes of members. Nothing could be further from the truth.

I have always believed that the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association must emerge from the freely expressed will of its members through a transparent, credible, and constitutionally compliant electoral process, This conviction is reflected in my years of service to the Bar, including as Secretary, Branch Chairman of Abuja Branch, as General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association and in other well meaning leadership responsibilities.

My commitment to democratic principles within the Bar is unwavering.

Second, there have been claims suggesting that I support a reversal of universal suffrage or any electoral arrangement that undermines the existing constitutional framework governing NBA elections, is also incorrect.

My position has consistently been that the electoral process of the Nigerian Bar Association must operate strictly within the provisions of the NBA Constitution and the rules established for conducting our elections as it is my belief that the Nigerian Bar Association can serve as a model to the nation on how elections ought to be conducted in strict compliance with established rules and institutional safeguards. As respect for our institutional framework is essential for maintaining the credibility of the Bar.

It is equally important to clarify that while every lawyer has the constitutional right to seek judicial interpretation of issues affecting our Association, such actions should not be casually attributed to aspirants without factual basis.

My focus remains what it has always been, engaging with members of the Nigerian Bar Association across the country, consulting widely, exchanging ideas, and building consensus around a vision for a stronger and more effective Bar.

Having addressed these issues, it is also important that we reflect honestly on the discussions surrounding the consultation process with Egbe Amofin.

It is a matter of public knowledge that all aspirants for the Presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association appeared before Egbe Amofin during their consultation process.

As we continue these discussions, it may be helpful for us to reflect on a few simple questions:

1. It is a fact that all of us aspiring for the Presidency of the NBA appeared before Egbe Amofin. 

2. For what purpose did we do so?

3. If there were concerns that Egbe Amofin would be partial, why did we voluntarily participate in that process?

4. During the course of the consultation process, did any aspirant formally raise objections based on partiality?

5. Were we not all aware that the process would eventually lead to a report and a conclusion?

If we answer these questions honestly and truthfully, our discussions on the subject will naturally become more balanced and constructive.

It is also worth reflecting on this: if the conclusion of the Egbe Amofin process had favoured a different aspirant, would the reactions and comments we are seeing today have been the same?

These are reflections that speak directly to the principles of fairness and justice which we all uphold as members of the legal profession.

For clarity, I did not found Egbe Amofin. Like many colleagues, I met the organisation in existence and has  participated in its activities as a member. Our appearance before the body during consultations was based on invitations which was voluntary, and we all engaged with it within the context of broader discussions around zoning and micro-zoning within our Association.

As a firm believer in democratic engagement, my consultations across the country have been extensive, open, and continuous. Even after the conclusion of the Egbe Amofin process, I have continued to engage meaningfully with colleagues across branches and interest groups of our Association.

The Nigerian Bar Association remains a noble institution whose strength lies in unity, fairness, and respect for its processes. 

As we continue these conversations, I encourage all colleagues to approach them with the civility, restraint, and professionalism that define our calling as legal practitioners.

My commitment remains to the progress, unity, and institutional strength of the Nigerian Bar Association.

At the end of the day, all power belongs to God.

Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN.

FCIMC, LIFE BENCHER.

PAST GENERAL SECRETARY NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION.