The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has cleared 37 contestants vying for various positions in its forthcoming election.
According to a document cited by newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, 12 others were disqualified from the poll, with those affected having the right to appeal to the National Officers Election Appeal Committee.
The election is scheduled for 20 July, and all registered NBA members from branches across the country are expected to participate.
The document also stated that an electronic voting system has been adopted by the body for the election to enable its members participate in the election from their different locations seamlessly.
The document, dated 3 May 2024, and signed by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Oluseun Abimbola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN); and Secretary, Huwaila Ibrahim, listed the names cleared for the election of National Officers and NBA representatives at the General Council of the Bar.
In the category of the President; Afam Osigwe (SAN), Tobenna Erojikwe and Chukwuka Nwabueze (SAN) were listed.
The category for the First Vice-President had Gerald Aboniyi, Reginald Ugwadu, Bartholomew Aguebodo, Sosapiriye Williams and Iwezor Promise-Webo Iwezor.
In the category of the Second Vice President. Bolatumi Animashaun and Oiwoh Idemudia were listed.
In the category of the Third Vice President, Zainab Garba, Michael Olorunmola and Abdulwasiu Alfa were listed. While for the General Secretary category, only Mobolaji Ojibara was cleared.
In the category of the Assistant General Secretary, Henry Ehi and Oluwaseun Aka were listed.
For the position of Treasurer, only Blessing Udofa-Poromon was cleared. However, for the Welfare Secretary position, Aigbokhai Osagie, Ernest Uwanaka and Nyada Auta were cleared.
The Publicity Secretary position had Ferdinand Naza, Bridget Edokwe and Charles Ajiboye, just as the Assistant Publicity Secretary position had Lawrence Ayewa and Ebiere Ekpese as contestants.
The names cleared as representatives to the General Council of Bar include Eric Ibe, Tijani Magaji, Obi Arizona, Sulayman Dawud, Olukunle Edun, Kingsley Asagba, Isreal Lagbamue, Augustine Ike, Daniel Kip, Michael Onuorah and Precious Nwadimuya, respectively.
The body listed those disqualified as Joyce Oduah, Anyia Ubua, Osamuede Asenoguan, Tsav Iyorember, Caroline Anze-Bishop, Henry Chiduabo, Mbamala Aloysius, Felix Ashimole, Adejorin Abiona, Wahab Muhammed, Dhikrullah Balogun and Ibekwe Nkiru.
When asked to explain the reasons for the disqualification of some members, the NBA National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal said, “The reasons for the disqualification have been shared with affected members”.
