Tinubu Urges New NBA President To Reconcile With Opponents, Address Election Disputes
President Bola Tinubu has urged the newly elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, to reach out to her opponents and address issues that arose during the association's presidential election.
The President gave the advice on Tuesday while congratulating Badejo-Okusanya on her historic emergence as the first elected and second female President of the NBA.
In a statement issued by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described her election as a watershed moment for the legal profession and a triumph of merit, excellence and gender inclusion.
He said Badejo-Okusanya's distinguished career, marked by integrity, professionalism and commitment to justice, earned her the confidence of lawyers across the country.
While acknowledging the significance of her victory for women in leadership, the President expressed confidence that her administration would strengthen the legal profession, uphold the rule of law and promote reforms that improve access to justice.
Tinubu also called on the new NBA president to work closely with stakeholders to advance judicial reforms, safeguard the Constitution and reinforce the legal profession's role in sustaining Nigeria's democracy.
Congratulating her on the milestone, the President said: “I extend my hearty congratulations to the President-elect of the NBA for her victory. As the first elected female president of the Association of Lawyers in Nigeria, Mrs Badejo-Okusanya has made history. She has once again shown that our women can attain any heights in pursuit of excellence in their careers and ambitions, both in the private sector and in public service.”
He added: “I urge you to reach out to the other contestants, unify the bar and make efforts to correct issues that arose during your election.
“I wish you a successful tenure and service to the legal profession and our country at large.”
Tinubu further assured Badejo-Okusanya of his administration's continued commitment to working with the NBA to deepen democratic governance, promote justice and build a more prosperous and united Nigeria.
On Sunday, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the NBA, Aham Ejelam (SAN), announced the results at the association’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
According to him, Badejo-Okusanya polled 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the total votes cast, to defeat her closest challenger, Lateef Akangbe, SAN, who secured 7,934 votes, representing 30.39 per cent.
The third presidential candidate, Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, polled 5,855 votes, representing 22.43 per cent.
It was disclosed that a total of 26,106 votes were recorded in the election.