The Obolo Lawyers Forum, an association of legal practitioners from Obolo extraction, has expressed concerns over the inadequate representation of Obolo indigenes in the Rivers State legal structure. With over 170 lawyers from Obolo practicing in the state, the forum's newly elected Chairman, Wilson Oke, stated that Obolo lawyers have yet to gain sufficient recognition. He cited that out of approximately 50 judges in Rivers State, only one is from the Obolo extraction, while there are no magistrates from the region.
Wilson Oke, a legal practitioner from Ngo Town, was elected as the Chairman of the Obolo Lawyers Forum alongside nine other executive members, and will serve for three years. The forum cuts across Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Abia States. Oke pledged to work with relevant stakeholders to address the situation by ensuring that Obolo lawyers receive better representation and opportunities within the State's legal system.
Oke identified infrastructural gaps as a major developmental challenge facing the Obolo nation, adding that the Obolo Nation remains backward in terms of infrastructural development. He assured that he would utilize his three-year tenure to collaborate with politicians and other critical stakeholders to attract development to the area. Oke emphasized the need for synergy among stakeholders to ensure that Obolo is developed.
The new Chairman described his election as a call to service rather than a personal achievement, and promised to work with senior lawyers, colleagues, and relevant stakeholders to advance the interests of the Obolo Nation. He emphasized the importance of promoting unity, peace, legal representations, and infrastructural development across the Obolo Nation.
Oke also shared his message to politicians and electorates ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace. He described peace as a necessary foundation for meaningful development and urged political stakeholders, aspirants, and electorates to shun violence and ensure peaceful conduct throughout the campaign and election periods.
The Obolo Lawyers Forum Chairman called on all stakeholders to contribute towards sustaining the existing peace in Andoni and the wider Obolo Nation, stressing that development cannot be achieved in an atmosphere of violence and instability. He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the interests of the people, the Rule of Law, and ensuring that the Obolo Nation receives its fair share in the affairs of Rivers State.
The Chairman's election has been seen as an opportunity for the Obolo Nation to address its challenges and promote its interests. With Oke's commitment to collaboration and development, the Obolo Lawyers Forum is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of the Obolo Nation.
Key points
- The Obolo Lawyers Forum criticizes the inadequate representation of Obolo indigenes in Rivers State's legal structure.
- The forum's Chairman, Wilson Oke, pledges to work with stakeholders to address the situation and promote development in the Obolo Nation.
- Oke emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace ahead of the 2027 general elections.
