Afam Osigwe has been officially sworn in as the 32nd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), succeeding Yakubu Maikyau.
The inauguration ceremony, which took place on Thursday in Lagos State, began with Osigwe taking the oath of office, marking the start of a new leadership era for the NBA. Osigwe assumes this role with over 25 years of experience in legal practice.
Afam Osigwe, who was called to the Bar in 1999, has steadily advanced to become one of Nigeria’s leading lawyers. He began his career at Chike Chigbue and Co. and, in 2002, established his own firm, LAW FORTE.
His extensive qualifications include advanced studies in international commercial arbitration at Keble College, Oxford, and membership of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK).
In the recent NBA elections, Osigwe garnered 20,435 votes, significantly outpacing his closest rival, Tobenna Erojikwe, Chairman of the NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education Governing Council, who received 10,998 votes.
Despite controversies surrounding the electoral process, including the withdrawal of candidate Chukwuka Ikwazom and allegations of electoral interference, Afam Osigwe’s victory was unequivocal. He secured 50.52 per cent of the vote and was declared the winner by Oluseun Abimbola, Chairman of the NBA’s Electoral Committee.
In his acceptance speech, Osigwe pledged to create an inclusive bar that would hold the government accountable and ensure good governance. He extended a hand of cooperation to his former opponents, urging them to work together for the benefit of the NBA.
His agenda includes significant reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency and integrity of the judicial process, with a strong emphasis on supporting investment in judicial infrastructure.
“Under my leadership, the Nigerian Bar Association will not shy away from holding both federal and state governments accountable. The rule of law must be upheld, and the rights of Nigerians must be protected,” he declared.
Afam Osigwe also expressed his gratitude to NBA members for the trust placed in him. “I am deeply honoured by this responsibility, and I pledge to work tirelessly to advance the interests of our members and the broader Nigerian society,” he said.
This appointment not only concludes the NBA’s annual general conference but also sets the stage for a period of significant change and development within the association under Osigwe’s leadership.
