17th November marks the birthday of one of the greatest icons of the legal community, Aikpokpo-Martins John Obaika. Birthdays are days to remember when people of great minds are born into the world; it is a time to reflect on how well some have lived their lives with others and how well they have impacted the lives of those around them. The narration seems not to be in the negative for Mr. Aikpokpo Martins John Obaika as far as we can gather.

This is why as 2020 draws closer, lawyers are urging this great icon to register his interest for the office of the 1st Vice President of the NBA.

Aikpokpo-Martins John Obaika, is one of the bar-men who had earlier indicated their interest to pilot the affairs of the NBA at the National level. Mr. John Obaika who is vying for the office of the 1st Vice President of the NBA, is a man who have held a leadership position at the Bar and in other capacities.

The lawyer who is from Owan-Ease LGA, Edo State is the Principal Partner of Aikpokpo, Okeregha & Co, Plot 60, Beside Ecobank, Opp Revenue House, Airport Road, Warri.  He attended the Bendel State University, Ekpoma, after which he got admitted into the Nigerian Law School, and was called to the Nigerian bar in 1990.

Mr. John Obaika has served as the Past Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Warri Branch; 2014 – 2016; member, National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association; 2014-2018; Past Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Warri Branch; 2010- 2012; member, Delta State Justice Sector Reform Team and Chairman, Association Of Professional Bodies In Nigeria, Delta State Chapter, 2017 – 2019.

Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins, during his time as an executive member of the bar at his branch, introduced wonderful innovations that were beneficial to lawyers at his branch.

Firstly, Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins introduced some innovations that helped in reviewing and improving the welfare packages of members. He also designed an accounting system that helped in fighting fraud so that the bar will become transparent and accountable, all for the benefit of its members.

It is also on record that his administration built a multi-million naira bar centre at Effurun High Court, premises. The foundation stone of that project was laid on the 19th of June, 2015. The bar centre comprises of 300 persons sitting capacity, offices, cloakrooms for male and female, etc. It was opened on the 10th of June, 2016. This was achieved without levying members, and less than 20% of the cost was from the branch’s account.

His administration also drafted and sponsored a bill to the Delta State House of Assembly to make it possible and easy for lawyers to collect the statutory fees chargeable for the preparation of deeds of title to lands in Delta State. The bill was passed into law, and was awaiting assent of the Governor of Delta State before he vacated office.

Also, his administration did not leave out the participation of female lawyers in the activities of the bar. This, he practically did, by making sure that female and young layers are well represented in committees that were set up. As a football lover, he participated in the football competitions for branches at the annual NBA conferences from 2005 to 2016, which shows that he is someone who always makes sure that lawyering is garnished with sporting activities.

TheNigeriaLawyer Recall that Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins contested for the position of the 2nd Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association in 2018 and came second by only a few numbers. He is married with 3 children.

As Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins celebrates this day, it is our prayer that the almighty God grant him sound health and long life. Happy Birthday, great bar man!

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