Victor Akazue Nwakasi, Pioneer Secretary and Council Member of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) from 2006 to 2010 and former Secretary of the NBA Human Rights Institute (NBA-HRI), on Monday, December 8, 2025, raised concerns over the ongoing leadership and operational crises within NBA-SPIDEL, urging stakeholders to take immediate action to safeguard the section’s integrity and relevance.
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In a statement titled “SPIDEL’s Unending Crisis of Transition and Existence – Need for Reflection by Stakeholders Towards an Enduring Solution,” Nwakasi lamented that the recent successes of the NBA-SPIDEL 2025 Annual Conference in Uyo, organized by the caretaker committee led by Prof. Paul Ananaba SAN, have been overshadowed by disputes over executive transitions.
“It is very disheartening that instead of flowery news and coverage of the conference’s achievements, the story is being overshadowed by a transition crisis,” Nwakasi said, emphasizing the need for immediate stakeholder review of the emerging challenges.
He highlighted several key areas requiring urgent attention:
- Strengthen Independence: NBA sections like SPIDEL must have guaranteed performance and continuity. Nwakasi noted that SPIDEL has been severely impacted by internal and external administrative crises, undermining its foundational ideals. He recommended a diagnostic review to identify root causes of leadership and operational challenges.
- Qualified Leadership: Chairmanship and executive roles should be filled by dedicated and competent members through transparent and fair processes. Nwakasi stressed that SPIDEL does not require a Senior Advocate of Nigeria or a law professor as a prerequisite; rather, passion, proven track record in development law, public interest advocacy, and litigation remain the best qualifying criteria.
- Immediate Uyo Intervention: The ongoing transition disputes must be resolved swiftly to prevent further reputational damage. “As it stands currently, one wonders whether SPIDEL has not already suffered a devastating negative public perception among lawyers. Who wants to be a member of a section that is continuously in crisis?” Nwakasi questioned.
He recalled the vision of NBA-SPIDEL’s founding President, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba SAN, noting that the inaugural council led by Chief J.K. Gadzama SAN, which he had the privilege to serve on, exemplified a diverse mix of skills and expertise aligned with SPIDEL’s mission. He urged current stakeholders to emulate that approach given the myriad public interest issues facing Nigeria today.
“Let us remember that SPIDEL is the link between the NBA’s highest ideal—promoting the rule of law and the Nigerian public. Let us reflect on these concerns and take necessary actions,” Nwakasi concluded.
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