The time has come yet again to elect leaders for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and I have watched with keen interest the unfolding events with respect to the impending NBA 2020 elections.
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As a lawyer who has transcended the classroom, private practice, consulting and in-house corporate practice for 35 years, I can boldly say that I qualify as a stakeholder.
Those of us who have been actively involved in corporate legal practice as in-house counsel for several decades are earnestly yearning for a Bar President that will guarantee inclusiveness and successfully position the Nigerian Bar to deal with the changing dynamics of the legal profession across the world.
I strongly believe that OLUMIDE AKPATA is that candidate.
NBA should not be perpetuated as a platform for the advancement of litigation thought leaders only. The legal profession is far wider than litigation practice.
It is important to note that NBA Presidency was never and has never been the exclusive preserve of SANs and we have a great opportunity to make that statement loud and clear.
We have a golden chance to elect a candidate that has demonstrated capacity to galvanize all stakeholders in a bid to redefine the role of lawyers in a commercially globalized world.
In terms of leadership prowess and track record, Olumide Akpata clearly stands out.
Finally, if I may borrow from the words of William Arthur Wood, “Leadership is borne out of inspiration, not domination, on cooperation not intimidation.” Olumide has always inspired the younger generation and one of his greatest strengths is demonstrated cooperation with the older generation.
In Olumide Akpata, we have the bridge between the younger and older generations of our learned profession.
I endorse him without hesitation and I implore all lawyers to vote for him.
Mr. Oluseye Kosoko
Company Secretary, FBN Holdings Plc
Former Head Legal, Nigeria & West Africa, Standard Chartered Bank
Pioneer Chief Legal Officer/Company Secretary, Econet (Airtel)
Former General Counsel/Company Secretary, Citibank.
Former Tax Consultant, Price Waterhouse
Former Law Lecturer, LASU Law
NYSC State Counsel, DPP, Ogun State
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