What is presently playing out now is a big shame and an affront to the integrity of the members of the forum. It is very clear that some persons are trying to ensure that the MWBF does not adopt any candidate as they perceive that their preferred candidate might not be adopted. WHAT HAPPENED AT UDU MEETING? At the Udu meeting, the chairman of forum read the letter from the EBF and thereafter sought that the house adopt a presidential candidate. The 1st and 2nd vice chairman objected strongly and based their objection on allowing the branches have an input. They vehemently posited that the branches should be allowed to take positions, that it is only on that premise can the forum take a decision that will be based on majority view. The chairman of Warri objected to the adoption on the ground that the elders of the trinity bar (warri, udu and effurun) had held a meeting and have advised that adoption should be deferred to enable branches individually reach decisions first. The chairman of forum now put it to vote ie; whether to adopt at the meeting or allow the branches take decisions whether to adopt or not to adopt, and if to adopt, whom to adopt. Only the chairmen of branches were allowed to vote, and the majority vote was to take the issue to branches to get their decisions. In that instance, the majority of those voting won and as honourable men, those on the other side accepted the decision. Hell was not let loose, and a vote of no confidence was not moved. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEMO OF THE CHAIRMAN. To the best of my understanding of the chairman’s memo, it is a memo sent only to the chairmen of branches and through the exclusive exco whatsapp group, and meant for a selected few to see and the chairmen of branches to act on. Then, the 3 principal officers and chair of Benin challenged the chairman of forum within the said forum, and the chairman responded and tried to put the issues in proper perspective. At this stage, I would say that common sense and decency was still prevailing. But from the blues, the 3 principal officers issued a most obnoxious and condemnable press release, and into the national public space and spread it very wide to obtain maximum damage to the well being and name of the midwest bar forum. It was very unkind of them. Now, it is extremely strange to hear that those who argued ferociously at Udu that the branches must be allowed to have a say are now saying that it is only the forum that has the say. This is most dishonourable and ridiculous. When Past President Austin Alegeh was contesting in 2014, even though he was one of us, the branches individually adopted him and put it in writing with the chairmen and secretaries of branches signing the branches’ resolutions. All these were documented and within living memory. If branches could make resolutions in adopting one of our own, and put them in writing, and submit to the forum in 2014, why cant it be done now in 2018 and for a non member? In 2016, there was a deviation and John Aikpokpo-Martins the then chairman of Warri branch objected to the directive that branches have no say, only the forum top hierarchy has the right to decide on whom to adopt. That position in 2016 was driven by the likes of Razak and Gweke. Is it not baffling therefore that these same men at Udu meeting summersaulted and stopped the forum from adopting without waiting for the branches? They seemingly got their way at Udu meeting like they did in 2016, and branches were directed to take their decisions and communicate same to the forum to enable for a final decision at the summit. Now the branches are complying by getting the resolutions of their branches, and this same persons have changed their positions again by saying that only the forum have a say, that branches dont have a say. How shameless and dishonourable can that be? It is obvious now that some people think that we are brainless, morons, conquered and of no moment when it is time to take decisions. They now seek to ensure that the forum does not adopt, just because they perceive that their candidate might not be the one to be adopted. I guess we must send a message to them and for all times to all persons of such ilk; that the MIDWEST BAR FORUM is not their fiefdom or toy. The Forum is ours, and we are bound to robustly debate all issues freely and without let or hinderance, and in the overall interest of the members of the Midwest Bar . The forum must adopt a presidential candidate in accordance with the majority view. It does matter whether he wins the election or not. If we decide not to adoot any candidate, it must also be by majority view. A minority cabal Must not be allowed to take root here and control the forum in their selfish interest. He who wants to form his forum can go do so, for us, we must resist the arrogance of the trio who issued the infamous press release . Lastly, the 3 of them should be taught a resounding lesson by being impeached and/or suspended. There must be consequences for Their treasonable actions. It is stunning to imagine that Austin Alegeh, SAN was adopted by the EBF! And we are pussyfooting to adopt their candidate?!?!! How ungrateful! Lets have some conscience and shame. By Felix Akpos of Warri Branch of Midwest Bar Forum.]]>

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