10 NBA Representatives To GCB Write Trustees & AGM, Accuse NBA President Of Misleading NEC, Defamation

*Say President’s Actions Driven By Pre-existing SPIDEL Dispute

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Representatives to the General Council of the Bar (GCB) have written to the Trustees of the NBA, addressing the alleged false accusations and misrepresentations made against them by the NBA President, Yakubu C. Maikyau, OON, SAN, during the NBA National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on February 29, 2024, in Jos, Plateau State.

The letter, signed by 10 NBA Representatives to the GCB, including Lawrence Obi Anizoba (JP), John Aikpokpo-Martins, Dennis E. Agbaga, Victor C. Onwere, Isreal Lagbamue, Olalekan Idowu Oladapo, Mercy Ijato Agada, Ebuka Nwaeze, Anne Uruegi Agi, and Joshua Enemali Usman, was addressed to Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the NBA and the General Secretary.

The Representatives allege that the NBA President misled the NEC to make resolutions against them, defaming their character and integrity in the process. They claim that the President’s actions were driven by a pre-existing dispute related to suits initiated by the Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) and that he extended the scope of this dispute to make unfounded allegations against the GCB members.

The letter highlights several issues, including the President’s alleged misinterpretation of a letter written by the Representatives to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the President’s denial of his statement regarding the responsibility for the logistics of NBA Representatives to the GCB, and accusations of collecting money from the office of the AGF.

The Representatives also clarify the emergence of Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins as the Coordinator of NBA Representatives in the GCB, stating that he was democratically elected and not appointed. They express their confidence in his leadership and question the President’s discontent with his role.

Furthermore, the letter addresses the standing orders of the GCB, the issue of meeting notices being sent to the NBA President, and the alleged improprieties committed by the President at the NEC meeting. The Representatives argue that the President’s actions and the subsequent NEC resolutions are inconsistent with the GCB’s Standing Orders and raise questions about the President’s respect for the autonomy of the GCB and the law.

The Representatives pray that the Trustees consider the facts presented and prevail upon the NBA President to refrain from interfering with the role of the NBA Representatives in the GCB. They also request that steps be taken to remedy the unfounded comments and allegations made against the members of the GCB.