Olumide Akpata Emerges Non-SAN NBA President

  Nigerian lawyer, Olumide Akpata, in the early hours of Friday, July 31, 2020, emerged President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), the umbrella professional association for all Lawyers called to bar in Nigeria. The Chairman of the association’s Electoral Committee, Taiwo Taiwo (SAN) made the announcement at 12:56 am today, declaring Akpata who has indicated strong interest in the welfare of young lawyers as the winner of the election which was held online.

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Elections commenced by 11 pm on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, and ended by 11 pm on Thursday, July 30, 2020. It is believed that Akpata who describes himself as Edo-born, Lagos-based, Warri lawyer, appealed to the minds of lawyers all over the country through promises about improved welfare packages.

“Should I become President, I will fashion out policies that will significantly improve the welfare and well-being of young lawyers and lawyers generally. Issues around welfare in terms of better remuneration, health insurance, protection from sexual and other forms of harassment at the workplace and access to finance for those seeking to set up their own practices, will be front-burner issues for me.” Olumide Akpata

Akpata, the only non-SAN who contested in the elections polled a total of 9,851 votes (54.3 percent) to defeat his two SAN rivals Dr Babajide Ajibade (4,310 votes, 23.8 percent), and Dele Adesina (former General Secretary of the Nigeria Bar Association) who garnered 3,968 votes (21.9 percent). Other positions contested for in the elections include NBA First Vice President, Second Vice President, General Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Welfare Secretary, Publicity Secretary, and Assistant Publicity Secretary. See winners below.

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Positions	Winners
President	Mr Olumide Akpata
First Vice President	Mr John Martin
Second Vice President	Mr Adeyemo Kazeem
General Secretary	Mrs Joyce Oduah
Assistant Secretary	Mr Uchenna Nwadialo
Welfare Secretary	Olukunle Edun
Publicity Secretary	Dr Rapulu Nduka
Assistant Publicity Secretary	Mr Naza Afam

  With this result, Olumide Akpata, who works at Templars Law Firm, and is the firm’s Senior Partner and Head of the Corporate and Commercial Practice Group, is now set to take over the helm of affairs at the association which is engaged in the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria, alongside the rule of law and good governance, from President Paul Usoro (SAN) who took over reigns in August 2018. Sources Vanguard NG Twitter @OlumideAkpata Featured Image Source: Nairametrics

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This article was first published on 31st July 2020 and updated on August 3rd, 2020 at 2:17 pm

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