The recently elected members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Executive Committee for the 2024-2026 term have come under fire for allegedly ignoring calls from their pre-election supporters.
Reports suggest that the newly elected officials are avoiding their supporters due to fears of being inundated with requests for assistance to attend the Annual General Conference (AGC).
The news, first reported by Kubwa Express, has sparked a heated debate among lawyers across the country, with many expressing disappointment and frustration at the perceived snub. Some lawyers have drawn parallels between the behavior of the NBA Exco Elect Members and Nigerian politicians, arguing that this is symptomatic of a broader problem of lack of accountability and transparency among leaders in the country.
“Why would you expect something new/different from them (Nigerian politicians)?” asked one lawyer, suggesting that the NBA officials are no different from their political counterparts. Others have pointed to the high cost of running for NBA elections and the financial obligations placed on candidates as a contributing factor to this post-election behavior.
However, the discussion has also prompted introspection within the legal community, with some lawyers acknowledging their own role in Nigeria’s challenges. “Na lawyers spoil Nigeria especially the most senior, connected and influential SANs, abi you dey pretend?” remarked one commentator, suggesting that lawyers, particularly those in positions of influence, have contributed to the country’s problems.
Some have argued that the legal profession has failed to lead by example and uphold the values it preaches, thereby eroding public trust. “We didn’t show the light so that the ordinary citizens would follow, we extinguished the light so as to cover up our satanism,” lamented one lawyer, adding that ordinary citizens have now emulated the unethical behavior of some lawyers.
The controversy has also reignited the debate on the cost of running for NBA elections and the expectations placed on candidates by their supporters. Some lawyers have criticized the “begi begi” (begging) attitude of supporters seeking assistance, arguing that everyone should be responsible for their own expenses.
As the fallout from the NBA Exco Elect Members’ alleged snub continues, it remains to be seen how the organization will address the concerns raised by its members and work towards restoring public trust in the legal profession.
The post ‘Na Lawyers Spoil Nigeria’: NBA Exco-Elect Members Accused Of Snubbing Supporters, Sparking Debate On Lawyers appeared first on Nairalaw.com.
