The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has vowed to unite the Bar, moving beyond divisions that characterised the NBA presidential election. In an interview with The Punch, she stated that her administration would work to build a unified Bar. Badejo-Okusanya has already begun engaging elders in the Western Region as part of her efforts. Her goal is to put past divisions behind the association.
Badejo-Okusanya's administration will focus on the "Members First" theme from her manifesto, which aims to improve lawyers' ability to earn, live, and practise better. The administration will not attempt to do everything at once but will instead lay the foundation for a member-oriented association. Programmes will be introduced to help lawyers earn better, live better, and practise better.
The NBA president clarified reports about her meeting with Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, regarding the recording of police officers while performing their duties. She stated that her comments on the issue were made before Disu spoke and were not a response to his position. Badejo-Okusanya emphasized that accountability can benefit both the public and police officers.
Badejo-Okusanya highlighted the importance of body cameras for police officers, which can promote better behaviour. However, she acknowledged the IGP's concern over the abuse of the right to record police officers. The NBA president agreed that some individuals have abused this right, and she made this point during her meeting with Disu.
The NBA will continue to engage stakeholders as Badejo-Okusanya works to address divisions within the association. Her administration is committed to ensuring that its focus remains on the interests and welfare of lawyers. Badejo-Okusanya assured that her administration will work towards helping members earn better, live better, and practise better.
Badejo-Okusanya's reconciliation efforts aim to bring together the Bar, particularly in the South-West, where factions within Egbe Amofin have created divisions. She has no desire to be President of only those who supported her, but rather of the entire Bar. The NBA president is working to build a unified Bar.
The NBA president's efforts to unite the Bar and focus on members' welfare have been welcomed by stakeholders. Her administration's commitment to improving lawyers' lives and practices is expected to have a positive impact on the association. Badejo-Okusanya's goal is to put past divisions behind the Bar and move forward with a unified and member-oriented association.
Key points
- NBA President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya starts reconciliation efforts to unite the Bar.
- Her administration focuses on the "Members First" theme to improve lawyers' welfare.
- Badejo-Okusanya engages stakeholders to address divisions within the association.
