Distinguished Colleagues,

The National Executive Council(NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) held its quarterly meeting in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State on 23 March, 2023.

At the said meeting, NEC unequivocally condemned the tribal/ethnic bigotry, violence and intimidation of voters recorded during the just concluded general elections, particularly in Lagos State. NEC therefore demanded the arrest and prosecution of identified electoral offenders.

Further to the NBA President’s proposal, NEC also called for live broadcast of the election petition proceedings (particularly the presidential election petition) by volunteering media houses.

In order to stem quackery within the profession, NEC adopted and approved the NBA General Secretary’s proposal for the introduction of a new NBA Stamp with improved security features and car stickers with QR code for lawyers.

NEC considered the budget of the Annual General Conference Planning Committee (AGCPC) and approved same alongside the proposed 2023 Annual General Conference Fees which would see senior citizens (lawyers of 70 years and above) attend the conference for the first time, free of charge, and lawyers of 1 to 5 years call pay an early bird fee of N15,000.

The Communique is herewith attached for your reference.

Thank you and do have a good day.

Akorede Habeeb Lawal
National Publicity Secretary

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE QUARTERLY MEETING OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC) OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION HELD ON THURSDAY, 23 MARCH 2023 AT SAFFAR GUEST INN CONFERENCE HALL, BIRNIN KEBBI, KEBBI STATE

 

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) held its
quarterly meeting at Saffar Guest Inn Conference Hall, Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State on Thursday, 23 March 2023.
1.2 NEC deliberated on a number of issues that came up before it and resolved as follows:
2.0 STATE OF THE NATION
2.1 NEC condemned the tribal/ethnic bigotry, violence, voter-intimidation, among others
recorded during the just concluded General Elections of 25 February 2023 (Presidential/National Assembly) and 18 March 2023 (Governorship/State Houses of Assembly) respectively, in some parts of the country, particularly Lagos State. NEC calls for the prosecution of identified electoral offenders.
2.2 In view of the fact that public perception of the judiciary plays a key role in the public acceptance of its decisions, and to help boost the confidence of the public in the judiciary, which is currently at an all-time low, NEC, upon the proposal by the President, unanimously passes the resolution calling for live broadcast of the proceedings of the election petition courts and tribunals, particularly for the presidential election, by volunteering media houses. This will give citizens the opportunity to follow the proceedings, have better knowledge of the facts and an understanding of the reasoning behind decisions of the courts in those matters, particularly how the Electoral Act and other applicable laws are applied to election petition matters.
3.0 NEW STAMPS AND CAR STICKERS
3.1 Pursuant to the report presented by the General Secretary, NEC adopts and approves
the introduction of a new stamp with improved security features as well as the proposition to introduce a new car sticker with QR code that will be produced, owned, and distributed by the Nigerian Bar Association. This is to tackle the inadequacy of the current sticker that is available on the streets and used by non-lawyers, including commercial motorists.
4.0 NATIONAL OFFICERS’ REPORTS
4.1 NEC ratifies and approves the reports of National officers subject to the observations
made by the President on the Treasurer and 3rd Vice President’s report respectively.