Coalition Of Concerned Lawyers Says NBA 2020 Elections Free, Fair & Transparent, Charges All Lawyers To Support The New Leadership

The Coalition of Concern Lawyers has described the concluded NBA 2020 Elections as the most credible process conducted in the Association in recent times.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Team Lead, Giwa Victor and the Secretary, Aliyu Alhassan, dated 3rd day of August, 2020 which was made available to TheNigeriaLawyer.

“WHEREAS we are lawyers for transparency in NBA Election and we participated individually in supports of our individual candidates.

“Whereas we as members of the coalition of concerned Lawyers participated in the just concluded NBA election and we also campaigned and canvassed for votes for each of our respective candidates in the election. We are aware that the results have been announced and winners have emerged and certificate of returned issued to the candidates.”

Furthermore, the Coalition noted that large number of Lawyers participated in the process.

“We were also aware that a large percentage of lawyers participated in the election as conducted by ECNBA and during the build-up to the election, specifically on 27th July, 2020 all candidates held a meeting with the members of ECNBA with regards to the conduct of the election.”

Besides, while stating what transpired at the meeting held with the ECNBA, it noted as follows:

“It is also the fact that all but one of the presidential candidates lauded the ECNBA for their preparedness and transparency in preparation for the election. It was also noted that the now President-Elect of the NBA raised concerns about some issues bordering of voters lists, portal and other ancillary matters. We were also aware that the ECNBA explained and allayed the concerns raised by the now President-elect in the meeting while other candidates expressed satisfaction.”

The Coalition also stated that no candidate challenged the process and that the election is the most transparent in recent times.

“After the meeting with ECNBA the candidates went to the field to galvanize supports for the election which was held on 29th through 30th July, 2020. We also noted that the election turned out to be conducted openly, transparently and credibly. There was never any complain from any group before and during the election; we are aware that no election in the history of the NBA has been conducted with such transparency and accessibility.”

However, the Coalition stated that perfection is not attainable and that there is room for improvement.

“That we are also aware that there is no perfect election but there is always room for improvement, that we are also aware that irrespective of the imperfection in the election, no candidate gained any advantage nor was any undermined or overreached during the process.” It said.

“That we are also aware that at the conclusion of the election, winners were declared and  the president elect and other officers emerged. We also noted that it was  individual candidates that contested the election and not any group or organization.” It added.

 In clear terms, the Coalition reiterated that the election is free and credible and condemned attempts geared at impugning the process.

“WHEREOF, we declared that the NBA 2020 is the most transparent, free and fair election conducted in recent history and we condemn in totality and group or individual call for any cancellation of the election.

“We shall resist any blackmail,threat or campaign of calumny targeted at the BAR or the new leadership by any sectional interest, bloc or organization. The bar is for all. The election has come and gone but the BAR shall remain.”

Finally, the Coalition urged all Lawyers to support the new leadership that emerged through the concluded polls.

“We therefore call on all lawyers to support the new leadership as we await their agenda for a Bar that works for all.” It concluded.