By Barbara Tosan Onwubiko
It is no surprise that I proudly submitted my nomination form for the office of Treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association Section of Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL). Following a thorough screening by the Election Committee, I was deemed qualified and stood unopposed. It’s well-known that before the AGM, the NBA President convened a meeting with various stakeholders of the NBA-SPIDEL, during which the Election Committee’s report was unjustly disregarded when presented by its Chairman. This report included a detailed list of all qualified and disqualified candidates for the NBA-SPIDEL election, yet astonishingly, my name was entirely removed. As soon as I became aware of this egregious act, I promptly raised my concerns with the NBA members, highlighting the impending injustice not only to myself but also to others. This advocacy compelled the inclusion of my name for the position of Financial Secretary, transforming what should have been a straightforward electoral process into an improper selection, contrary to the provisions of the NBA Constitution and the mandate of the Transition and Election Committee.
While I have observed the unfolding events within the Section, I refuse to lay the blame solely at the feet of the NBA’s leadership and the SPIDEL Transition Committee.
I have listened attentively, read extensively, and reflected deeply. It is evident to me that the primary reason the NBA President sought to exclude me from the current NBA-SPIDEL Executives is my presumed closeness to the 1st Vice President Emeritus and my willingness to think and act independently, unlike many typical NBA politicians who are focused on personal interest and act in accordance with the directives of influential persons or ‘cabals’ as it is fondly called. Additionally, part of my role as a signatory of the NBA-SPIDEL account likely unsettles him and others alike.
I have taken note of Ann Uruegi’s publication regarding her wrongful removal from the same list and the later inclusion of her name as a Council member, a position she had previously held for four years. I believe she may incorrectly assume her removal stemmed from her lack of support for Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN. Despite my support for the President, I am aware of another qualified candidate who did not support him yet remained on the list.
So, who do I hold accountable in this disheartening situation? Can I blame just the number one leader of the NBA? A man who presided over such a meeting and disregarded all consequences? A man who benefited from the electoral process yet undermined the election of an important Section like the NBA-SPIDEL, turning it into a farce where personal interest and sentiments dictated leadership? Do I blame a man who is expected to uphold the rule of law and maintain professional ethics, yet chose to prioritise personal interests? A man who had promised me he would not interfere in the Section elections, given the appointment of the Transition Committee whose mandate was to ensure a smooth transition? Can I blame a man who should champion justice, uphold the NBA Constitution, and stand against oppression and illegality? The answer is NO, I do not assign blame solely to him!
I also hold the leadership of the Transition Committee accountable, as well as members of the Election Committee who attended that meeting and the SPIDEL Conference. They should have taken a stand against injustice, oppression, and illegality and openly condemned same. I hold accountable those stakeholders who could have published the Election Committee report promptly, defended its integrity, and boldly rejected any wrongdoing. I hold responsible those who rather than act with integrity and refuse to occupy positions they were not qualified to hold, dammed all consequences. The hard truth is that most stakeholders, by their actions and/or inactions, chose complicity over integrity.
Like the Gazamas, some may pursue legal action, while others may opt to file petitions, but we all understand how those outcomes typically unfold.
As painful as it may be, we will rise above this setback, regain our strength, and make a renewed impact; we will wash our banner, let it out to dry, and hang it high, ensuring that the NBA-SPIDEL continues to thrive.
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