Lion Osarodion Michael Igiede, AICMC, popularly known as Hon. Piom, has withdrawn from the race for the office of Assistant General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association in the forthcoming national elections.
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Igiede, who is the immediate past Welfare Secretary and former Assistant Secretary of the NBA Benin Branch, announced his withdrawal in a statement addressed to learned colleagues after the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association acknowledged his formal letter of withdrawal.
He said the decision followed deep reflection, wide consultations and the intervention of respected elders of the Benin Bar, who advised him to step aside in the interest of unity, peace and stability within the branch.
According to him, the elders urged him to support his colleague, Miss Osato Uwagboe, who is also seeking the office.
Igiede said his withdrawal should not be seen as weakness, lack of conviction or loss of faith in the ideals that inspired his aspiration, but as a deliberate sacrifice to preserve the harmony and cohesion of the Benin Bar.
He stated that, as a lawyer who believes in respect for constituted authority and the wisdom of elders in the profession, he had chosen to accept their counsel.
“This decision was not reached lightly. It follows the sincere counsel and earnest intervention of respected Elders of our Branch, who have advised that, in the overriding interest of the unity, peace, and stability of the Benin Bar, I should step aside in support of my learned colleague, Osato Uwagboe Miss,” he said.
“My withdrawal should therefore not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness, a lack of conviction, or a loss of faith in the ideals that inspired my aspiration. Rather, it is a deliberate sacrifice made in the interest of preserving the harmony and cohesion of the Branch that we all cherish.”
Igiede disclosed that the elders assured him of their support and encouragement if he decides to seek any national office of the NBA in the future.
He said he accepted the assurance in good faith and remained committed to serving the Bar with passion, dedication and integrity.
He expressed appreciation to colleagues who supported, prayed for, encouraged and committed their time and resources to his aspiration, saying their confidence in him remained one of the greatest honours of his professional life.
He apologised to his supporters for any disappointment his withdrawal may have caused, but urged them to take solace in God and in the greater opportunities the future holds.
Igiede also appealed to his supporters and well-wishers to remain calm, united and committed to the continued progress of the Benin Branch.
He said offices are temporary, but the unity, dignity and collective strength of the Benin Bar are permanent and must take precedence over individual ambition.
He further urged members of the branch to support other candidates from the Benin Bar seeking national offices in the NBA.
Igiede thanked members of the NBA Benin Branch, also known as the Lion Bar, for their love, goodwill and confidence in him, adding that he remained available to serve the branch whenever called upon.
He also expressed gratitude to some of his mentors and supporters, including Emmanuel Afolabi Olayiwola, SAN, Kunle Edun, SAN, Prince Madujemu and others.
He congratulated the Chairman-elect of the NBA Benin Branch, Mr. Omorodion Omoigui, Esq., and other elected officers of the branch, praying that they would be guided by wisdom in the discharge of their duties.
Igiede is a member of the NBA Employment and Labour Relations Committee.
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