Wednesday, 11th November, 2026.
Distinguished learned silks, Seniors, colleagues and members of our great Branch.
Yesterday, I was formally briefed by the Publicity Secretary of our Branch on the proceedings of the Extraordinary General Meeting held on 10th November, 2026, and the resolutions reached thereat, including the removal of the immediate past Chairman and the decision that I assume the leadership of the Branch in an acting capacity.
I wish to explain that my absence from the meeting was occasioned by a pressing medical emergency which required my immediate attention. I sincerely regret my inability to be physically present at that important meeting.
Let me begin by acknowledging that the responsibility now placed upon my shoulders is by no means an easy one. Indeed, it is a responsibility that has arisen from an unfortunate situation, one which I believe none of us would ordinarily have wished for our Branch. I therefore accept this responsibility with mixed feelings, utmost humility and a profound appreciation of the weight of the task before me.
However, the decision reached by the majority of members at the General Meeting is one that I must respect. My acceptance of this responsibility is therefore predicated on that collective decision and the need to ensure that our Branch continues to function effectively and in accordance with its governing rules.
I recognise that this transition presents an opportunity not merely to keep the Branch running, but to restore confidence, address outstanding concerns and put right, as much as practicable, the wrongs and administrative shortcomings of the immediate past chairman. I intend to approach this task with fairness, maturity and an open mind, without prejudice or vindictiveness towards anyone. My overriding concern will be the institutional interest of the Branch and the welfare of its members.
As Acting Chairman, my mandate is essentially transitional. I shall therefore work assiduously to stabilise the administration, restore normalcy to the affairs of the Branch and ensure that the Bar does not become stagnant during this period. We must keep the Branch running, sustain its activities and attend to the legitimate interests of our members while preparing the ground for a peaceful and orderly transition.
In this regard, I shall, in due time, respectfully request the Chairman of our Electoral Committee, *Nze Ama Akalonu, Esq.,* to immediately commence the necessary preparations for elections to fill all vacant elective offices of the Branch, including the office of Chairman. I am particularly committed to ensuring that these elections are conducted within the time stipulated by our Uniform Bye-Laws, so that the Branch can return to a fully constituted and democratically elected leadership without unnecessary delay.
Furthermore, I shall direct the relevant members of the Executive Committee to prepare and present a comprehensive budget covering the anticipated expenditure of the Branch throughout this three month transitional period. In keeping with the provisions of our Uniform Bye Laws, members are entitled to be informed of the financial position of the Branch, the funds available to it and the proposed expenditure. Transparency, accountability and prudent financial management will therefore be non negotiable principles of this transitional administration. Members must have confidence in the way the resources of our Branch are managed.
I therefore appeal to all members to embrace peace, restraint, reconciliation and mutual respect. We may disagree, but we must never become enemies. The unity, dignity and corporate integrity of NBA Owerri Branch must remain paramount.
I do not pretend that the task ahead will be without challenges. However, with your cooperation, understanding and support, I am confident that we can navigate this transitional period successfully. I undertake to discharge this responsibility with courage, fairness, humility, transparency and an unwavering commitment to the collective interest of our Branch.
I shall correct what needs to be corrected, restore confidence in our institutions until a democratically elected chairman emerges.
I thank the members of the branch for the confidence expressed in me while counting on the collective support of the branch. Let us put the interest of the Owerri Bar above individual differences and work together towards a peaceful and successful transition.
God bless the Nigerian Bar Association.
God bless NBA Owerri Branch.
Thank you.
Dr. Ekezie K. Onumajulu
Acting Chairman
Nigerian Bar Association, Owerri Branch.
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