Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President-elect Afam Osigwe has accepted victory in Saturday's election, reaffirming his campaign promise to push for reform of the Nigerian judiciary.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Osigwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), polled 20,435 votes, more than half of the votes cast for the presidential post, to defeat his two rivals.
Tobenna Erojikwe came in second with 10,998 votes, and another SAN, Chukwuka Ikuazom, who announced his withdrawal from the race in the middle of the election on Saturday, came in third with 9,018 votes.
In his victory remarks in a statement shared via his X account on Sunday, Osigwe said he would address pressing issues in Nigeria's criminal justice system, including delays in processing cases and corruption.
A screenshot of part of the tweet.
Mr Osigwe, 51, who will be inaugurated as the NBA's 32nd president in August, also said he is committed to addressing challenges that impede the ability of Nigeria's legal system to deliver justice.
“Our legal system is riddled with inefficiencies and corruption that impede justice,” Osigwe said. “We will confront these obstacles head on and respond to emerging trends affecting legal practice.”
Mr. Osigwe proposed a robust mentoring programme aimed at developing the skills of young lawyers, which he believes is crucial to professional growth and improving the quality of legal practice.
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Technology in judicial systems
He also promised to push for the modernization of Nigeria's judicial systems in his campaign and said he would support the integration of digital technologies to streamline case management and ensure efficient administration of justice.
Mr Osigwe promised to lead a proactive Bar Association, committed to vigilance and innovation.
“Under my leadership, our Bar Association will focus on addressing potential challenges before they become serious,” he said.
Gratitude
He thanked his campaign team, advisors and supporters, acknowledging their crucial role in his success.
“This election demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing justice and fostering a more inclusive legal community,” Osigwe said. “We are not just facing challenges; we are seizing the opportunity to transform our legal system.”
Mr Osigwe also commended his fellow candidates, Mr Ikwuazom, a SAN, and Mr Erijiokwe, for their dedication and contributions to the campaign.
“Your commitment and passion for the profession ensured that we focused on meaningful reforms,” Osigwe said, adding: “Thank you for your trust and support. Together, we will embark on a journey of excellence and proactive leadership.”
Inauguration and other matters
PREMIUM TIMES reported that the inauguration of the new president and other national officials will take place during the 2024 NBA Annual Conference between August 23 and 28 in Lagos.
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Osigwe, who campaigned for office to combat corruption in the bar and courts, is expected to revive the dwindling NBA's traditional role of holding public officials to account and take the lead on other issues of public concern.
His leadership of the NBA comes at a time when public confidence in the judiciary and the legal profession more broadly has been on a downward spiral fueled by a series of perverse court decisions, a collapse in professional and ethical standards, and frustrating delays in court cases.
Mr Osigwe, who became Nigeria's Chief Defender in 2020, will also inherit growing discontent from various interest groups that threaten to split the NBA into pieces.