The newly elected chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Olumide Akpata has assured all members of the association that he and the executive committee members will serve and work for them all.
Akpata, who polled 9,891 votes of the 18,256 cast, to defeat two senior advocates of Nigeria (SANs), is the first president of the body in a long time who is not a senior advocate.
Babatunde Ajibade (SAN) garnered 4,328 votes, while Dele Adesina (SAN) got 3,982 votes.
Akpata was formerly the chairman, NBA, Business Law.
The tenure of outgoing Pau Usoro (SAN) led executive elapses in August.
In his reaction on Friday, the incoming president stated that history was made.
“I want to thank each and everyone of you who supported me and who was part of this process. I want to salute my entire team who worked tirelessly to make this a reality, sacrificing precious time to deliver our mandate.
“I also want to thank all lawyers for their massive support. The Nigerian Bar Association @NigBarAssoc will work for each and every one of its members and will work for the society too. Indeed, we will make the Bar work for all!”, he tweeted.
Electoral Committee Chairman Tawo Tawo (SAN) declared Akpata winner and the 30th NBA President.
The other members of the new executive committee are John O Aikpokpo-Martins (1st vice-president), Adeyemo Kazeem Debo (2nd vice-president), Oduah Joyce general secretary), Nwadialo Esther Uchenna (assistant secretary), Mercy Ijato Agada (treasurer), Edun Olukunle (welfare secretary), Anagor Raphael Nnamdi (financial secretary), Nduka Rapuluchukwu Ernest (publicity secretary) and Naza Ferdinand Afam (assistant publicity secretary).
