*Says Legal Challenges Against Previous NBA Administration To Be Discontinued

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.

______________________________________________________________________ “Your Must-Have Legal Classic” — 225-Page Hardback Offering The Definitive Guide To Electoral Security In Nigeria And The U.S. Edited by Dr. Akin Olawale Oluwadayisi, Ph.D; ACIArb, FIPDM, Notary Public, Awi Boluwaji, and Olumide Awoyemi, LL.M, Price: ₦20,000 or $20 per copy Order Your Copy Now:📧 Email: benakollegalclassics@gmail.com,📱 WhatsApp: 07038211889, 📞 Voice Call: 07065830466 | +2347038211889 ______________________________________________________________________ “Timely And Groundbreaking” — Babalola, Nnawuchi Release Casebook On Privacy & Data Protection In NigeriaA timely new publication, Casebook on Privacy & Data Protection in Nigeria, co-authored by Olumide Babalola and Uchenna Nnawuchi, 📘Casebook on Privacy & Data Protection in Nigeria is now available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/8TmFZrd ______________________________________________________________________ Explore Nigeria’s Constitutional System — 17 Chapters, 924 Pages Of Insight By Prof. Hagler Sunny Okorie
“Constitutional Law and Constitutionalism in Nigeria” By Prof. Hagler Sunny Okorie
Call to Order Your Copy: 📞 0803 766 7945 | 0802 863 6615 | 0803 225 3813 ✉️ haglersoco@gmail.com 🏢 Winners Chambers, 135 Ehi Road, Aba, Abia State ___________________________________________________________________ The books are available for purchase at: Online: www.educodex.com | www.selar.com | www.amazon.com | www.mikeozekhome.com Enquiries: +234 704 044 9375 | +234 814 813 4773 | +234 816 872 3532 Email: educodexl@gmail.com ______________________________________________________________________

[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials

“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.

Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation ______________________________________________________________________ Alexander Payne Co. Law Reports

Contact & Orders 📞 0704 444 4777 | 0704 444 4999 | 0818 199 9888 🌐 www.alexandernigeria.com