By Abbanobi-Eku Onyekachi, Abuja
Alex Edim Esq, the newly elected chairman of Nyanya/Karu Nigerian Barristers Association (NBA) branch in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the principal partners at Edim Alex & Co, has called on senators to be representatives of the people, rather than representing themselves and the executives.
Edim said this shortly at an interview with journalists, shortly after elections that saw him as the chairman of the branch recently.
Alleging that there are enough evidence to prove that the legislative arm of the government are accountable to themselves and the executive, in the area of representation, he promised that he will use his office legitimately to ensure that lawyers under his watch go about their practice in line with the laid down ethical standards. He also appealed the bench and the bar to strictly adhere to the set out standards in performance of their duties, which if done, according to him will go a long way.
He therefore appealed his members to join the newly elected executive to move the branch to the expected level, even as he promised to carry all along, believeing that a tree can’t and doesn’t make a forest.
Zainab Aminu Garba Esq, the 3rd Vice National President of the NBA and electoral at the election charged the branch’s newly elected chairman to do everything legitimately possible to move the branch forward, even as she advised him fulfill his promise of carrying all members along in the discharge of his duties and promote unity among them. She also urged him to heal old wounds by ensuring that those who feel wounded forget the past and help in achieving a common goal of unity, peace, love, and progress.
While emphasizing the importance of unity and inclusiveness in the branch, she advised the new chairman to: ensure that lawyers under his watch strictly adhere to the ethical standards of the legal practice; and live up to expectations by bringing members together and carrying them along.
Barr Nuhu Egya, the National Chairman of the Citizens Liberty Committee of NBA congratulated Barr Edim and also advised him to unite the branch, just as Barr Auta Nyada the National Welfare Secretary of NBA urged the new chairman to involve God in his leadership and ensure that senators are law-abiding.
The election was reported to be free, fair, and credible, with strict adherence to the bylaw and the constitution. The new chairman is expected to lead the branch with integrity and vision, promoting the interests of its members and contributing to the development of the legal profession in Nigeria.