The much controversial Nigerian Bar. Association election in Ikot Ekpene branch was constitutionally put to rest with the inauguration of new officers elected unopposed on 21 October 2016.
The new officers elected to pilot the branch affairs for the next 2 years are; Barr. Cosmas Udoette, former Chairman Law reform commission as Chairman, Barr. Charles Okon as Secretary and Barr. Essien EssienObong as NEC representative while other positions will be filled after a waiver to that effect.
The election supervised by a national officer, Barr. Ben Orji who doubles as 3rd National President was rancor free as new NBA constitution disqualified many from the contest.
Speaking to newsmen, the new Chairman, Barr. Cosmas Udoette cleared the air on the controversy, saying the new NBA constitution was followed prior to the election much to the discomfort of many who felt not qualified to vote or be voted for.
Some of the rules read thus, all members must pay their practicing fees as at when due before every 31st March, local Bar. N 12,000, national N 25,000, must be paid 3 years prior to the election, attend local branch meeting at least 5 times a year, must be a lawyer for 10 years before eligible to contest.
Barr. Udoette added that the election fixed for 30th June 2016 led by Barr. George Ituen 3 - man Eleco committee could not hold based on the above rules in addition to a lacuna faulting the 3 - man panel instead of 5 - man Eleco body , therefore a new caretaker committee was set up to pilot the affairs as Barr. Helen Egube was charged to conduct new election on 6 September.
But a melodrama surfaced as members pleaded to be carried along with the relaxation of some of the rules, thus 86 Lawyers emerged to vote, surprisingly, Barr. Ukpong Okodi who served as Secretary in the former administration who also nominated him for the Chairmanship picked up form to contest with him, he had to petition the national body who intervened by sending the representative to correct all grey areas.
He said after his election, Barr. Okodi went to AKBC radio to announce himself as a new Chairman but was quickly refuted through the same medium by Barr. Bon Akang and a petition of misconduct were sent to the national body.
In the same vein, the new Chairman has promised to carry all members along in his administration even as he pleaded with the aggrieved members to sheath their swords as development cannot thrive in rancor. As and achiever, he promised to leave a legacy better than what he met on ground as he did as Chairman in different boards he chaired in the state even as he promised to fill other positions immediately the waiver was approved. Barr. Udoette further promised to resurrect and organize the Bar week that is no more in practice in Ikot Ekpene as some of the agenda he wish to be actualized.
No comments:
Post a Comment