After weeks of suspense, pulsating anxiety and intrigues, the Caretaker Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Uyo Branch led by a former National Vice President of the Association, Francis Ekwere, Esq conducted a peaceful election into the branch executive committee.

The election was witnessed by the current 1st National Vice President, Mrs Linda Bala, representing the President of the NBA. Others present included a Life Bencher and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Uwemedimo Nwoko, who is a past Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State; the Leader of the Bar in the State, himself a former Attorney General and Chairman of the Elders Forum, Chief Ekpenyong Ntekim; past branch Chairmen, members of the Elders Forum, including A.A. Asuquo, Godwill A. Umoh, Nse Ekanem, Francis Ekanem, Anselem Eyo, Essien Essien, Eno-Obong Akpan, Aniema Etuk and Obong Ansalem Eyo.

Others who also witnessed the election were Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Chairperson of FIDA, Mrs. Iquo Abia; past Chair of FIDA, Director, Gender Violence Response Department, Emem Ette; Director, Civil Litigation Department, Bassey J. Ekanem; Director, Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution, Anietie Inyang; Andrew Umoh, Chairman of Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN) in Akwa Ibom State and State Representative on the Governing Council of the Eastern Bar Forum, Ubong Offiong amongst other members of the branch saw elections conducted into two contested offices of Chairman and Treasurer.

Augustine Enefiok Udoh, Esq popularly known as Anyanya (The Crown) emerged winner, defeating his rival, Emmanuel Archibong by a margin of 89 votes, while in the contest for position of Treasurer, a past Welfare Secretary of the branch and law officer with the State Local Government Commission, Nsikak Ikemeke emerged winner, defeating her opponent, Uwem Aniefiok by 54 votes.

In his inaugural address, the new Chairman of the branch, Augustine Enefiok Udoh specially thanked the NBA President, YC Maikyau, SAN, for his suportive role, the Elders of the Bar for their support and intervention, and dear colleagues who massively rallied round to ensure a smooth election process.

He expressed his commitment to run an all inclusive administration, promoting the rule of law, equity and fairness, to be transparent and accountable to members, to ensure a rich brand of continuous legal education, a vibrant judiciary working relationship and above all to ensure that a responsible welfare scheme for all lawyers is put in place, while seeking the support and cooperation of all members.

The Chairman also thanked members of the branch Caretaker Committee, Francis Ekwere, Essien Essien and Aver Aniekeme Uwah, for conducting the election inspite of all odds.

He also paid tribute to the memory of the Captain of NBA, Uyo Branch football team, Sikan Usanga, Esq who died within the week.

In his brief remarks, the leader of the Bar, Ekpenyong Ntekim described the result of the elections as the wish of the people. He stressed that members of the branch have spoken in one voice and without equivocation through their ballots and prayed the new administration succeeds.

He was appreciative to members of the Elders forum for being objective in handling the issues of the controversies preceding the election and revealed that the few ones who were recalcitrant, were short circuited.

Other members of the branch executive committee are; Mrs Angela Mic-Akpabio, Vice Chairman; Mrs. Utomobong Anietie Inyang, Secretary; Mmeyene Ekanem, Assistant Secretary; Mrs. Nsikak Ikemeke, Treasurer; Mrs. Arit Udokang, Financial Secretary, Ndifreke Aquaisua, Publicity Secretary; Mrs. Inemesit Okure, Welfare Secretary; Miss Treasure Okey, Social Secretary; and Ekemini Ikpe as Provost.

In a related development, messages of felicitations have kept pouring in for the new exco of NBA, Uyo branch. A former Governor of the Eastern Bar Forum, Solong Williams of the Port Harcourt branch congratulated Augustine Enefiok Udoh for his victory at the poll and wish him a peaceful and united tenure.

The incoming Governor of Eastern Bar Forum, himself a past Chairman of Uyo branch, Aniekan Akpan, wished the new Chairman and his administration well, stating that he looked forward to working with the new leadership of the branch.