Lawyers Criticize NBA Conference Over Lack of Conference Bags, Vent Frustrations Online
The ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference has sparked controversy among lawyers, with many expressing dissatisfaction over the organizers’ decision not to provide conference bags and other materials. The criticism gained momentum after Abakaliki-based senior lawyer Steve Sun took to the “Nigerian Lawyers” Facebook group to voice his frustration.
Steve Sun lamented the decision, writing, “The audacity of boldly telling lawyers ahead of time that there’ll be no conference bags in 2024, despite collecting hundreds of thousands from lawyers! Chai! Not that we can’t buy bags for ourselves but; wifey for instance is a medical doctor and I’ve gifted her this my 2023 conference bag. She loves it and I love the fact that she loves it. It portrays the NBA in a good light; and it’s a thing of pride. The Osigwe/Mobolaji Ojibara administration can’t come sooner! The brazen insults of the outgoing administration are beyond words!”
Sun’s post has ignited a wave of responses from other lawyers, who shared similar sentiments about the absence of conference materials—a long-standing tradition at NBA conferences.
Lawyers React:
Kini Marcus commented on the surprising nature of the decision, stating, “It is just very strange. And to imagine that the conference fee this year is at an all-time high.”
Sulaiman Abdurraheem expressed his dismay, writing, “I still use my own 2023 conference bag to travel long distances for cases. It baffles one how this NBA arrived at such a ridiculous conclusion that no conference bag will be given to conferees.”
Rukaiya Cynthia Emmanuel criticized the leadership, stating, “I can’t wait for him to go. This is the worst regime NBA has ever seen. First, he threw our dignity by having an unexpected and degrading romance with the politicians, and it brought a lot of insults to this noble profession. I think that his actions simply say if you are not happy go to court… YC Maikyau, Nigerian lawyers will not forget this in the near future.”
Ayi Delicent was similarly disappointed, remarking, “I can’t imagine a conference without a conference bag upon all the fees.”
Uzo Best succinctly stated, “YC administration failed woefully.”
Elvis Samson suggested a practical approach, advising, “Dust and manage the 2022 bag till next year.”
Manuchike Chike was blunt in his assessment, describing the outgoing administration as “F-9 2023/2024.”
The lack of conference bags, which are often seen as symbols of pride and professionalism, has added to the growing discontent with the current NBA administration led by President YC Maikyau SAN. The decision, coupled with other perceived shortcomings, has led to widespread calls for change, with many eagerly anticipating the incoming Osigwe/Mobolaji Ojibara administration.
As the conference continues, the debate over the lack of conference materials underscores broader concerns about how the NBA is managed and the expectations of its members.
