Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has been sworn in as the 32nd President of the Nigerian Bar Association in Lagos.

Osigwe takes over from Mr Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, whose tenure ended today.

In his inaugural speech, Osigwe stated that under his watch, the NBA will hold the federal and state governments to account and he emphasised his commitment to ensuring that the NBA remains a powerful voice in the nation’s democratic process.

The newly elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe has been sworn in as the 32nd President of the NBA in a ceremony held in Lagos.

Osigwe, who succeeded Mr Yakubu Maikyau, resumed office on Thursday to start his reign as the head of the biggest legal body in Africa.

Recall that Osigwe was elected in July 2023. He was formerly the General Secretary of the NBA, and secured the position in the NBA presidential election by defeating two other contestants.

He was declared the winner by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the NBA, Oluseun Abimbola, after securing 50.52 per cent of the votes cast.

Osigwe received 20,435 votes, surpassing Tobenna Erojikwe, the Chairman of the NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education Governing Council, who garnered 10,998 votes (27.19 per cent). Chukwuka Ikwuazom (SAN), the former Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, came third with 9,018 votes (22.29 per cent).

“Under my watch, the Nigerian Bar Association will not shy away from holding the federal and state governments accountable. The rule of law must be upheld, and the rights of Nigerians must be protected,” he declared.

Osigwe also expressed his gratitude to the members of the NBA for entrusting him with the leadership of the association.

“I am deeply honoured by this responsibility, and I pledge to work tirelessly to advance the interests of our members and the broader Nigerian society,” he said.