JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
The 33rd NBA President, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya after his inauguration in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, has outlined the main focus of his administration, with a promise to build a “braver Bar”.
According to him, in the future the NBA will speak truth to power, defend the independence of the judiciary and demand accountability from government institutions, as well as a broad agenda that combines national advocacy with an aggressive focus on the welfare, economic security and professional development of lawyers.
In his inaugural speech, he said the NBA must be independent enough to challenge those in power, disciplined enough to gain credibility, and bold enough to act whenever fundamental rights, judicial independence and the rule of law are under threat.
He also said that the NBA would not be an accessory to the government, saying: “We will engage the government constructively but we will not be controlled by any government, party, region, religion, interest or individual.”
He emphasized that while the NBA will collaborate with governments where such involvement will advance the public interest, the association will not allow itself to be controlled by any government, political party, region, religion, interest group or individual.
“Our loyalty is to the Constitution, to justice, to the rule of law, and to you, the members whose mandate we trust,” he said.
READ ALSO: Death toll from Nepal floods reaches 579, 1,924 missing
Badejo-Okusanya said her government will support the judiciary while demanding integrity, efficiency and accountability in the justice system.
“We will defend the independence of the judiciary but we will not be indifferent to delays, conflicting decisions, corruption or actions that undermine public trust,” he said.
According to him, respect for institutions should not be interpreted as silence about their shortcomings. He emphasized that genuine respect requires courage to help institutions improve.
He also promised that the NBA would engage with governments constructively but would challenge them when necessary, and stressed that such engagement would be guided by “facts, fairness, discipline and courage.”
His position, he explained, was not an attack on the justice system, but rather a commitment to strengthening the justice system.
“Respect for institutions does not mean remaining silent about their shortcomings. True respect requires the courage to help them become better,” he said.
Additionally, Badejo-Okusanya promised a major overhaul of the NBA’s technology-based services and explained that membership-related services – payments, stamps, inquiries, ongoing professional development and access to benefits – must become easier, faster and transparent.
According to him, the service portal will soon allow members to submit their credentials and areas of interest for consideration for appointments and service opportunities.
He also announced plans to provide highly subsidized electronic legal reporting to its members.
The NBA affinity card is also expected to return in an improved form, combining payment functionality with negotiated discounts on airlines, hotels, supermarkets, pharmacies and other essential services.
He also plans to form a committee to explore legal mechanisms to encourage the payment of living wages to vulnerable lawyers.
The goal, he said, is to make appropriate remuneration a professional standard rather than allowing individual lawyers to negotiate from a position of weakness.
(Slide)
Health care is also an important aspect of the new government, as Badejo-Okusanya revealed in discussions with the African Medical Center of Excellence, which is working with King’s College Hospital, London, to provide discounts on comprehensive health checks for lawyers.
He said the proposed partnership could also facilitate medical outreach programs across the NBA, including basic screenings capable of detecting warning signs before serious conditions develop.
He revealed that the government would also explore possible support mechanisms for poor lawyers who need further medical care.
“A healthier Bar is a stronger Bar, and a stronger Bar is a bolder Bar,” he says.
