Access To Justice Group has congratulated Olumide Akpata for his emergence as President-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at the just concluded online polls of the Association.
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Akpata defeated the duo of Deacon Dele Adesina (SAN) and Dr. Ajibade (SAN) to emerge as the winner.
In a statement made available to TheNigeriaLawyer (TNL) signed by the Covener, Joseph Otteh, Access to Justice Group charged Akpata to elevate the Bar’s role in defining the delivery of justice in Nigeria
According to Otteh, public confidence in Nigeria’s justice institutions is possibly at an all-time low and references to the stature of justice institutions is unflattering internationally.
“First, Access to Justice congratulates Mr. Olumide Akpata over his victory at the recently concluded NBA polls. Mr. Akpata has daunting challenges before him and we urge him to rise to the occasion.
“It is our hope that he will refurbish and rejuvenate the Bar’s role in shaping how justice is delivered in Nigeria as well as rebuild confidence in Nigeria’s justice institutions. Today, public confidence in justice institutions is possibly at an all-time low and references to the stature of Nigeria’s justice institutions is unflattering internationally.”
“Mr. Akpata must ensure that the Bar is not anymore a bit-part player in the scheme of things, but an important lever in shaping policy – both national and judicial – in things affecting the administration of justice and the rule of law.” Mr. Otteh said
The Group asked Akpata to resist tyranny and abuse, safeguarding human rights, and resisting a government’s often push towards authoritarianism and despotism.
According to the Group, had the Nigerian Bar Association pulled its weight well in the recent past, it would have served the country better, and stood in the gap for the country people who were simply bewildered by the impunity of government.
“He should lead the Bar to seek constitutional reforms that put the Nigerian people, their dignity and welfare, – and not simply our politicians – at the centre of governance, strengthen the fiscal independence of the judiciary and ensure that Nigeria’s judiciary and legal professionals are accountable for the delivery of efficient and effective judicial and legal services.
We wish him Godspeed”
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