NBA clears election candidates, as Osigwe protests disqualification

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has released a list of candidates nominated for the 2018 election of the association.

In the list, Paul Usoro (SAN); Arthur Obi-Okafor (SAN); and Ernest Ojukwu (SAN) were cleared for the presidency while Afam Osigwe was not over his relocation to Nnewi branch.

Other names are: Stanley Chidozie, first vice president; Benedict Nwosa Oji, Foluke Dada, John AikpokpoMartins, Habeeb Adetunji and Oludare Akande for second vice president.

Abimbola Sunday, Odo Okechukwu, Theophilus Igba were cleared to contest for third vice president.

The NBA also cleared Musa Ya’u, Mas’ud Mobolaji Alabelewe, Ojibara Idris, Rafiu Balogun, and Jonathan Taidi were nominated for general secretary.

While Obianuju Okafor, Agada, Olagbegi Banke nominated for treasurership, Mercy were Elias Anosike and Dorcas Ngwu will contest for financial secretary positions.

Meanwhile, Osigwe has faulted a letter from the Electoral Committee of the NBA dated June 14, 2018 which announced his disqualification from the race.

Osigwe alleged a grand plan to scheme him out of the race, citing the fact that the other cleared presidential contestants also had two offices: Usoro: Uyo and Lagos; Obi-Okafor Asaba and Onitsha and Ernest Ojukwu Abuja and Aba.

“The reasons given for not clearing my nomination is with due respect not covered by the 2015 Constitution of the NBA. Infact, my disqualification appears to lend credence to the boasts of some highly placed persons in the association that not being a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, I will never be allowed to contest in this election,” he said

He however, expressed hope that his appeal would be considered, adding that he will take further steps if the issue was not resolved.