Distinguished Bar leaders, colleagues and friends,

With utmost humility, I write to commend you all for your support, encouragement and dogged efforts throughout the course of this journey. Special thanks to all members of TEAM OKEY IS OK nationwide for your show of love and commitment to the project. Words are not enough to show my deep gratitude to all my supporters. May God grant all your heart desires.

Though the elections have come and gone, it was not without some technical hitches and glaring irregularities, particularly with regard to the final list of verified voters. The list came out very late yesterday and as a result there was no time to resolve several genuine complaints of some of our colleagues. It is indeed not in doubt that several eligible voters as a result of this could not cast their votes in the elections, while some others could not receive the voting link to participate. I am therefore, calling on the incoming administration to prioritize electoral reforms aimed at regaining the confidence of every Nigerian lawyer in future Bar elections.

I had, prior to the commencement of the elections yesterday, registered my displeasure and submitted a protest to the ECNBA via email. However, in the best interest of our dear Association and with the hope that the new NBA to be led by Mr. Olumide Akpata would take steps to improving the foundational credibility of our electoral system, I hereby withdraw my protest and accept the election results in good faith.

To my fellow contestants for the office of NBA General Secretary, I commend you all for the maturity and friendliness we displayed throughout the contest. I have called to congratulate my dear sister, Mrs. Joyce Oduah on her victory at the polls and I pray the almighty God to grant her the grace, wisdom and energy to succeed in office.

I congratulate all other contestants who have come out victorious in their various positions. I urge you all to put first the greater interest of the Bar and welfare of lawyers; and strive assiduously to deliver a more united and inclusive NBA.

Long live the Nigerian Bar Association.

I THANK YOU ALL.

OKEY LEO OHAGBA