In the aftermath of the recently concluded Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) annual general conference, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Jibrin Samuel Okutepa, has voiced his concerns about the prevailing culture of “free meals” within the NBA. Okutepa’s statement sheds light on the financial recklessness and questionable motives that have, in his opinion, become associated with some seeking leadership positions within the association.
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The annual conference witnessed troubling revelations, with certain national officers accusing NBA President Yakubu Maikyau of obstructing the performance of their statutory duties. Notably, President Maikyau allowed these grievances to be aired publicly, demonstrating maturity and a commitment to transparency.
Responding to these allegations, President Maikyau cited concerns related to financial profligacy among national officers, alleging that some sought to inappropriately share NBA funds without just cause, supported by statistical evidence.
These allegations and counter-accusations are not unique to the NBA, as Okutepa points out. There exists a history of recurrent issues in NBA elections, with some lawyers continually seeking leadership positions. Okutepa suggests that these individuals may have motivations rooted in personal gain.
According to Okutepa, the time has come for the NBA to embrace more responsible and accountable leadership. He emphasizes the need to thoroughly screen those aspiring to lead the NBA, evaluating their capacities and professional integrity. Okutepa suggests that many lawyers may be pursuing positions within the NBA due to the allure of “free meals.”
He harks back to a time when the NBA was known for its vibrancy, responsibility, and respect. During this period, there were no “free meals” within the association. Leaders and members of the National Executive Council (NEC) took care of their own expenses when attending NEC meetings, including accommodation costs. There were no complimentary accommodations for national officers or NEC members.
Members, including senior lawyers, paid for their accommodations when attending NBA meetings. Some senior members even assisted their junior colleagues in covering these expenses. Respect was accorded to senior lawyers who served as guiding lights for the profession. Meetings were conducted with a focus on addressing serious issues, devoid of social extravagance.
However, Okutepa suggests that the adoption of accommodations and transport subsidies for branch officials attending NBA meetings marked the beginning of wasteful spending and questionable conduct. This practice opened the doors for financial mismanagement and other corrupt practices.
Furthermore, Okutepa argues that the monetization of NBA positions has corrupted the electoral process, with bribery and corruption now pervasive in leadership recruitment. He stresses that in better times, NBA leaders and members bore their own expenses.
Okutepa asserts that the credibility of the NBA has been significantly eroded, necessitating urgent reforms. A key reform he advocates for is the elimination of the culture of “free meals” and perks that encourage those seeking personal gain to pursue NBA office.
He suggests that aspiring leaders should be expected to fund their own activities, ensuring that only serious candidates come forward. Okutepa also calls for better scrutiny of aspirants to restore professionalism to the NBA.
His statement has ignited a fresh debate on the reforms needed to restore good governance and financial probity to the NBA. As the legal body prepares for new leadership elections next year, these concerns are likely to play a central role in discussions surrounding the association’s future.
In summary, Jibrin Samuel Okutepa, SAN, has called for an end to the culture of “free meals” in the Nigerian Bar Association, highlighting its role in promoting financial recklessness and questionable motives among those seeking leadership positions. He has urged the NBA to embrace more responsible and accountable leadership, advocating for thorough screening of aspiring leaders and the elimination of free perks to restore professionalism and credibility to the association.
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