NBA presidency: Okey Wali hands over to Alegeh

Okey Wali, SAN, in his handing over speech at the end of the association’s annual general conference in Owerri, Imo State, urged the federal government to continue to address the issue of corruption and security challenges.Okey Wali bowed out after two years of holding the mantle of leadership.Over 7,000 lawyers had gathered in Owerri, the […]

Okey Wali, SAN, in his handing over speech at the end of the association’s annual general conference in Owerri, Imo State, urged the federal government to continue to address the issue of corruption and security challenges.
Okey Wali bowed out after two years of holding the mantle of leadership.
Over 7,000 lawyers had gathered in Owerri, the lmo State capital to attend the NBA AGC where several sessions were put in place to deliberate on issues that affect the nation.
At the end of the conference on Friday, the NBA came out with a communiqué in which it was recommended that the educational system must be redesigned to safeguard the nation’s future, and collaboration with FG to check terrorism.
The AGC observed that all Nigerians must collaborate with the FG and security agencies in order to address the issue of the seemingly, intractable security problems confronting the country, particularly the expanding escapades of the now dreaded terrorist group, Boko Haram.
It was noted that there is progressive erosion of core values in Nigeria leading to communal disintegration, insecurity and therefore the need for national value re-orientation, through leadership by example and the entrenchment of the rule of law.
Alegeh, who emerged as NBA president among other five contestants, and his team hit the ground running. He assured the association of a smooth administration and to uphold the rule of law without fear or favour.
In his inaugural speech, Alegeh said that his emergence as the 27th NBA president was the work of God that has again confirmed that he (God) is omnipotent and all powerful.
 “The powers and duties of the NBA president are both wide and almost absolute. Consequently, the exercise of such powers must be exercised with a high sense of responsibility, with caution, honesty, and integrity but above all, must always be exercised in the best interest of the association,” he said.
The NBA is the leader of all civil societies and professional bodies in Nigeria and the entire nation looks up to the NBA for leadership and guidance in all matters of national importance and interest.
The NBA constitution empowers the NBA president to speak for the association and for all lawyers. In effect the NBA president is the lead spokesperson for millions of Nigerians.
He mentioned that priority would be given to amendments to NBA constitution to introduce e-voting and other changes.
He said that the welfare of NBA members would be given high priority in his administration. He announced the NBA insurance scheme which would provide cover for all lawyers who have paid their Bar practicing fees as at when due.
According to him, all lawyers who have been verified in the NBA data base shall be issued with NBA identification cards which would be a chip and pin card that would contain the name of the lawyer; passport photograph and Supreme Court Enrolment Number.
The card, according to him, would also function as a payment card for ATM, Pos and online transactions.
He added that presentation of the card would entitle the lawyer to a variety of discounts and other packages negotiated by NBA. This card would be issued free of charge.
On judicial reforms, he said the judiciary is taking positive developmental steps and the NBA must continue to collaborate with the judiciary as there remains much room for improvement.
According to him, the provision of research assistants for judges must not be delayed any longer.
“The benefits of research assistant employed, not by judges, but by the Judiciary would be a monumental step forward in our quest for speedy dispensation of high quality justice,” he noted, adding that the current secrecy shrouding the appointment of judges must yield to a more transparent system where merit rather than cronyism is the basis for appointments and promotion of judicial officers.
 “The fight to rid the judiciary of corruption would remain a mirage unless and until the appointment and promotion system is reviewed. We cannot expect judicial officers appointed through the back door to be incorruptible especially at this time when those who arranged the appointments have retired but rather than stay quietly at home to enjoy their retirement, masquerade themselves as consultants in cases where they have never seen the court processes. Their main claim to fame and consultancy fees remain the fact that the judge is ‘my boy’. This is utterly disgraceful. It should be discouraged. It should be condemned,” Alegeh said.
He stressed the need for urgent “digitalisation of courts to enable us take advantage of modern technology in our quest for speedy and effective dispensation of justice.”
On quacks in the legal profession, he said that the judiciary should collaborate with the NBA in its efforts to rid the legal profession of quacks.
“The NBA has just introduced its stamp and seal policy and this policy can only have effect when the judiciary ensures that only documents bearing the stamp and seal are allowed for filing in our court or admitted in evidence at trials,” he said.
He lamented the reluctance of the executive arm of government to comply with the provisions of the constitution that provided autonomy for the judiciary, despite the oath of allegiance and oath of office sworn by the persons holding executive office.
On the 2015 general elections, he said that NBA will take a very keen interest in the 2015 general elections, adding that the legitimacy of the ballot box determines the quality of government and also if the governed would enjoy the benefits of true democracy.