NBA General Secretary-Elect Dr. Ojibara Pledges to Restore Public Trust in the Association
Dr Mobolaji Idris Ojibara, the General Secretary-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has stressed the commitment of the incoming administration of Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) to restore public trust in the association as the new leadership prepares to assume office.
Speaking in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, Dr Ojibara acknowledged the growing concerns about the declining public confidence in civil society organisations in the country, including the NBA, emphasising that the incoming administration would give priority attention to addressing this.
“Public confidence in organisations like the NBA has regrettably diminished in recent years. However, under the leadership of our incoming President, Mazi Adam Osigwe, SAN, we are determined to reverse this trend.
“Our administration is focused on enhancing the welfare and professional development of our members while simultaneously working to rebuild public trust in the NBA as a credible civil society institution,” Dr. Ojibara stated.
Assuring that the new administration would actively engage the public to address unethical practices among some lawyers, Dr. Ojibara urged the public to report any misconduct to the appropriate NBA authorities, while also highlighting the association’s commitment to upholding professional standards.
“The NBA has a robust Disciplinary Committee that addresses complaints against its members. We encourage the public to bring any issues to our attention, and we will take necessary actions, which may include suspension or disbarment, to maintain the integrity of our profession,” he said.
Dr. Ojibara noted that the success of the recent NBA elections, conducted through e-voting, demonstrated the potential for further digitisation within the association.
“Our goal is to ensure that every eligible lawyer, regardless of location, can fully participate in the affairs of the NBA. The introduction of digital platforms, like e-voting, has set a precedent that we intend to build upon. We are also considering the implementation of digital stamps to streamline processes and reduce the administrative burden on our members,” he disclosed.
Dr Ojibara emphasised that the introduction of digital stamps would eliminate the delays currently experienced in obtaining these essential items, allowing lawyers to access their stamps online once they have met the necessary requirements.
“We aim to make the NBA more responsive and accessible through digital innovations. By embracing technology, we are positioning the NBA to better serve its members and the public,” he added.
The General Secretary-Elect therefore, underscored the importance of educating members on these new digital tools, ensuring a smooth transition to a more modernized and efficient NBA.
He concluded by expressing the incoming administration’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the association’s operations.
“We are inspired by the practices of global associations like the International Bar Association (IBA), where operations are seamlessly managed online, regardless of physical location. Our vision is to bring the same level of efficiency and accessibility to the NBA,” Dr. Ojibara concluded.
The inauguration of the newly erected Executive Officers of the NBA would take place on the 29th of August, 2o24 in Lagos at the end of the association’s Annual General Conference.
