Matters Arising On June 19 Press Release: YLF Maintains The Essence Of Presidential Debate Is Not To Usurp The Responsibility Of ECNBA, Says Forum Is Independent And Neutral

….says Young Lawyers Forum of Nigeria is an independent, neutral and non partisan organization of young lawyers in Nigeria Our attention has been drawn to a statement issued by NBA-YLF Governing Council, and on that premise we categorically state the following : Young Lawyers Forum of Nigeria is an independent, neutral and non partisan organization of young lawyers in Nigeria whose mandate is clearly and equivocally articulated in its visions and core values. The organization is simply a pressure group that promotes the collective concerns of young lawyers and pursues its objectives firstly, through an Annual Roundtable of young lawyers in Nigeria and submits the communiqué of the Roundtable to NBA leadership as the position of young lawyers space in Nigeria which will bring about checks and balances. Secondly, is to organise a Biannual Leadership Debate known as “Presidential Debate” in conjunction with the media and industry stakeholders to create direct interactions with contestants especially the Presidential and General Secretary aspirants. The organization will not succumb to any harassment and intimidation from any quarter. YLFN just like other law associations which are duly registered and have legal personality have all our members belonging to NBA. By virtue of payment of our Bar Practising Fee and Branch Dues to NBA which make us financial members we are demanding for quality leadership and accountability. The essence of the debate is not to usurp the responsibility of Electoral committee of NBA but rather to let the aspirants who seek our votes to convince young lawyers on how they intend to promote the welfare and interest of the average young lawyer in Nigeria which is in line with international best practices. We maintain our stand on being neutral as an organization and will not endorse any candidate in the upcoming elections, however every member of our organization has the freedom to vote for which ever candidate that speaks to their individual needs for a better NBA, and that is the essence of the debate. We demand to hold our leaders accountable for whatever they tell us when campaigning for our votes. The plight of the young lawyers in Nigeria is not something that should be politicized or treated with levity. We dissuade any person or group who has misconstrued the motives of YLFN to join us and support our initiative for the general good of the bar. Our aim is not to usurp the NBA YLF but rather to collaborate with them since we believe that as young lawyers what affects one young lawyer affects every young lawyer and what we bring is a much needed impetus required to drive home the needs of the young lawyer in Nigeria today. A lot needs to be done for the young lawyers space in Nigeria and young lawyers cannot continue to be remembered only during elections. It is time young lawyers ask for what is right for it is only then that the welfare of young lawyers in Nigeria will be feasible. We therefore call on all the timing members of Young Lawyers Forum of Nigeria not to bow to any form of cohesion, oppression or intimidation from any quarter. The message of Young Lawyers Forum of Nigeria must be heard which is simply that young lawyers welfare in Nigeria must be seriously taken care of. DATED THIS 20TH DAY OF JUNE 2018. Signed David C. Ibeawuchi, Esq. President Young Lawyers Forum of Nigeria]]>