No factions in NBA- Alegeh

The president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Austin Alegeh (SAN) has refuted reports of factionalisation in the association over elections.

There were concerns that the intense disagreement over the chairmanship of the Abuja and Ikeja branches of the association could affect the smooth conduct of the presidential election scheduled to hold on July 28 and 29.

But Alegeh told Daily Trust that there was no factionalisation in the NBA, adding that “the provisions of the NBA Constitution, 2015 as well as the powers of NEC are very clear.”

The president’s response is coming on the heels of parallel monthly general meetings of the Abuja branch hosted by the Ezenwa Anumnu and Victor Ekim executive factions on Friday, July 15.

The meetings, which attracted almost equal number of members with presidential aspirant, J.B. Gadzama (SAN) also in attendance, deliberated on the minutes of the out-gone Agada Elachi-led executive, and inaugurated fresh committees.

While Anumnu was screened and endorsed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) Monitoring Committee, Ekim was endorsed by the branch electoral committee.

In Ikeja, Lagos branch, rival factions have laid claim to the chairmanship of the branch. Adesina Ogunlana had emerged the chairman in an election which was alleged not to have complied with electoral guidelines.

This forced the National Executive Committee (NEC) to invoke its powers to set it aside. Consequently, Dele Oloke emerged the chairman.

With the pending litigations over the outcome the two elections, the two branches, which boast over 2000 members, now head to the election with the dispute still unresolved. of