*Says Legal Challenges Against Previous NBA Administration To Be Discontinued
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John Aikpokpo-Martins, immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), has announced the resolution of the section’s leadership crisis, praising members for their unwavering support during challenging times.
In a statement issued on Monday, Aikpokpo-Martins revealed that the NBA National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Ilorin on May 15, 2025, led to the formation of a seven-member Electoral Committee to conduct SPIDEL elections in August, effectively ending the leadership impasse.
Aikpokpo-Martins commended NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, for constituting the committee, chaired by Prof. Paul Ananaba, SAN, which he described as a “fitting close” to the hiatus that had stalled SPIDEL’s activities. “This singular action has brought the leadership impasse in SPIDEL to a close and has directly resuscitated our dear Section,” he stated, noting that the resolution followed amicable negotiations between SPIDEL and NBA leadership.
Reflecting on the past months, Aikpokpo-Martins highlighted the intense pressures faced by SPIDEL members to abandon their elected leaders amid disputes with the NBA’s former leadership under Y.C. Maikyau, SAN. He lauded members for their “absolute and unwavering support,” describing their loyalty as “unprecedented” within the NBA. “I cannot recall any instance where members of any branch, section, or committee within the NBA have maintained over hundred percent support for their leadership under similar circumstances,” he said, claiming the endorsement as a testament to his leadership.
The past chairman announced that legal challenges against actions by the previous NBA administration concerning SPIDEL’s leadership will be discontinued, signaling a new chapter for the section. He praised his Executive Committee, particularly Vice Chairman Dr. Princess Frank-Chukwuani and Secretary Funmi Adeogun, for their wisdom, loyalty, and unity. “They never betrayed nor abandoned me at sea,” he said, also acknowledging Treasurer Chinedu Obienu, Financial Secretary Abdullahi Musa Karaye, Publicity Secretary Sadiya Saleh, and Assistant Secretary Charity Ibezim for their steadfast support.
Aikpokpo-Martins reserved special recognition for SPIDEL’s female members, describing them as the “backbone and future” of the section for their fearless and resolute contributions. He also honored members like Vincent Adodo, Godspower Eroga, Echeho Godfrey, Ojo Abijogun, and Felix Akpowowo for their courageous legal efforts in defending SPIDEL’s cause, promising that their “selflessness shall not be in vain.”
Expressing gratitude to Prof. Paul Ananaba, SAN, for his guidance, Aikpokpo-Martins urged SPIDEL members to support the new Electoral Committee to reclaim the section’s position as the “flagship of the NBA.” He called for unity under the NBA’s broader vision, stating, “The NBA is one and is bigger than anyone. The interest of the NBA must be the overriding interest at all times.”
The statement concluded with a call for continued support to build a stronger SPIDEL and NBA, emphasizing boldness and advocacy for lawyers and Nigerians. “God bless NBA-SPIDEL. God bless the NBA,” Aikpokpo-Martins declared, signaling optimism for the section’s future.
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