[FULL LIST] Usman Ogwu Sule SAN-led Committee Resolves 2024 NBA Election Appeals, Two Aspirants Reinstated
The National Officers’ Election Appeal Committee, led by Usman Ogwu Sule SAN, has concluded its review of appeals submitted by disqualified aspirants in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) elections.
The committee considered a total of 10 appeals, with the majority being dismissed after thorough deliberations. Among the unsuccessful appellants were former NBA General Secretary Joyce Oduah, NBA Treasurer Caroline Anze-Bishop, Felix Ashimole, and returning aspirant Ede Asenoguan.
Others whose appeals were dismissed included Dhikrullah Balogun, Jovita Ibekwe, and Adejorin Abiona, all vying for positions as NBA Representatives at the General Council of the Bar (GCB).
However, two appeals were successful. Sabastine Anyia, aspiring for the post of NBA First Vice President, and Chukwuemeka Mbamala, contesting for the Treasurer position, had their appeals upheld by the committee.
The committee provided reasons for its decisions, citing various issues with the nominations, such as the candidates’ employment status, payment of Bar Practicing Fees (BPF), and discrepancies in nominators’ and seconders’ documentation.
While some of the disqualified candidates have not commented on the outcome, sources close to Joyce Oduah suggest she may challenge the decision in court.
| Name | Appeal Status |
|---|---|
| Joyce Oduah | Dismissed |
| Caroline Anze-Bishop | Dismissed |
| Felix Ashimole | Dismissed |
| Ede Asenoguan | Dismissed |
| Dhikrullah Balogun | Dismissed |
| Jovita Ibekwe | Dismissed |
| Adejorin Abiona | Dismissed |
| Sabastine Anyia | Successful |
| Chukwuemeka Mbamala | Successful |
The appeal process aimed to ensure fairness and adherence to the NBA’s electoral guidelines, with the committee carefully examining each case before reaching its conclusio
In a dramatic response to the National Officers’ Election Appeal Committee’s (NOEAC) recent decision, Felix Ashimole has vehemently disputed the grounds on which his appeal was dismissed. Ashimole, a prominent lawyer and blogger, expressed his frustration over what he alleges to be procedural irregularities in the handling of his appeal.
Ashimole stated, “The Secretary of The Appeal Committee woke me up this morning with a message alleging that I did not send in my appeal to the email address she supplied. This is not true, and I have a screenshot of my email to the address.”
He further detailed his skepticism regarding the committee’s process, indicating a belief that the decision was premeditated. “So when the so-called dismissal of my appeal came to me via her WhatsApp message, I had already known that they were acting a script,” Ashimole remarked.
Addressing his plans following the dismissal, Ashimole cryptically noted, “What are my next moves? I am consulting with the gods. After four market days, I will firmly respond!”
Ashimole was one of several aspirants whose appeals were dismissed by the NOEAC, chaired by Usman Ogwu Sule SAN. The committee’s decision, which followed marathon meetings, has sparked varied reactions among the disqualified aspirants.
The successful appellants will now proceed with their candidacy, while those whose appeals were dismissed have the option to explore further legal recourse.
