The Nigerian Bar Association Port Harcourt Branch has elected new offices to run the affairs of the Association for the next two years with Bar. Lawrence Okoaja as Chairman. The election took place at the Port Harcourt Court premises on Thursday 26, April 2012. Speaking to Journalist shortly after the election the Vice-Chairman Electoral Committee Bar Ebere B. Eke described the election as free, fair and peaceful. Bar Eke positioned that, Lawyers as a noble profession have a high degree of respectability to do things right, hence their process to the election and the final voting day was devoid of rancor and acrimony.
He said” we cannot abuse the tradition of the bar” saying they are defenders of democracy. The Vice Chairman of the NBA electoral committee further explained that lawyers turn out in their large numbers to vote for the person of their choice. He said as lawyers they vote to the dictates of their conscience and that the society should emulate them. When asked what should be his advice to the in-coming Exco, Bar Eke said that the new Executive should improve on the performance of the former Exco and do justice to people oriented programes, focused and well articulated ideas.
Also speaking, a former People’s Democratic Party Chairman in Khana Local Government Area, Bar Kaananwi Patrick Luke said the election was according to law and order of the NBA. He said although, those who are aggrieved could complain, the election was conducted in a free and fair manner. Bar Kaananwi observed that the campaign was done with the aid of text message, FEC, e-mail from all candidates to canvass for support and vote, and mostly, there was no security breach. In a contrary view, Barr.G.N Godwin said although, the election was free and fair, there were some reservations, saying even if lawyers do not believe in rumor, but some alleged that a Youth Corps member’s name was cancelled on the list of those who are eligible voters, and that there are certain conditions every Youth-Corper must fulfill before he or she is allowed to vote. Bar Godwin stated that the NBA election did not have any external or internal observers.
Addressing Journalists, Bar. Eke Nwemem described the election as credible, free and fair without any intimidation. He said the Lawyers can not afford to do otherwise. Earlier, the Vice-Chairman Electoral Committee has told journalists that this year’s election was programmed for success as there were enough polling boots to take care of voters. In his post election speech , the newly Elected Chairman of NBA Port Harcourt Branch, Bar. Lawrence Okojaja said he will unite all the members of the Association. He said the Port Harcourt Judiciary is one of the best but a lot of things need to be done as he planned to meet the Magistrate Association to check on the bail condition. He also promised to carry all the contestants along in the scheme of things. He said his administration will be transparent and will allow any person to contest the position of a chairman no matter where the person is from. Bar Okojaja said he will bring a Division of the National Industrial Court to Rivers State, while promising to bring the second panel of court of Appeal to be established.
Others who were elected are Bar. Augustine Ojekodo, Vice-Chairman, Bar Kingsley Chukwu Secretary, Financial Secretary Bar. Eugene Tegbe were among those elected. Bar. O.C. J Okocha was among legal luminary at the event. Highlight of the event include music by Old Time Port Harcourt DJ Ejiye. ####
Pius Dukor
