Fair NBA Polls Will Determine Bar’s Unity, Future Direction — Ubani Calls For Transparent 2024 NBA Elections

In a recent interview, with ThisDay NewsPaper, Dr Monday Onyekachi Ubani, a prominent Nigerian lawyer and former 2nd Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), shared his thoughts on various issues affecting the legal profession and the nation at large. Ubani emphasized the importance of the upcoming NBA elections, describing them as “decisive” for the unity and future of the Association.

Ubani noted that there has been an apparent division within the NBA, with some members feeling that the Association has failed to satisfy their needs and aspirations. He attributed this, in part, to allegations of electoral malpractices in previous elections, which have led some aggrieved members to call for the creation of a separate body to address their quest for justice, equity, and inclusiveness.

To prevent further division and ensure the integrity of the NBA, Ubani called on the Election Management Team to conduct a transparent and fair electoral process. He stressed that the new leadership of the Bar must be a strong voice for good governance, the rule of law, and the protection of lawyers against poverty and maltreatment by government institutions, especially security agencies.

Ubani expressed high expectations for the incoming leadership, hoping for a “strong, bold, wise, and inclusive-driven” team that will adequately address issues pertaining to the nation and the legal profession through the communiques of the National Executive Committee (NEC).

Commenting on the human rights record of President Tinubu’s administration, Ubani commended the government’s ability to promptly correct any infractions brought to its attention. He cited the reversal of the removal of the Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the civilized treatment of a social media personality during his arrest as examples of the administration’s respect for the rule of law.

However, Ubani strongly condemned the recent killing of security agents in Delta State and the alleged retaliatory acts by security forces against innocent civilians in the area. He called on the government to fish out the culprits using advanced technology while ensuring that innocent people are not made to pay the supreme sacrifice for crimes they did not commit.

Ubani also shared his thoughts on the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), despite his discharge by the Court of Appeal. He advocated for Kanu to be granted bail and advised the government to consider the economic impact of his ongoing trial on the South Eastern region. Ubani suggested that President Tinubu could terminate Kanu’s trial and hand him over to South East leaders, with the advice to maintain peace and reciprocate the government’s gesture.

The seasoned lawyer reiterated his support for a united Nigeria that is properly federalized, with adequate powers given to the states and local governments for effective governance. He emphasized the need for equity, justice, equality, integrity, mutual respect, good governance, humane leadership, patriotism, and love for the country and its people.