Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has demanded immediate arrest and prosecution of identified electoral offenders in the recent general elections.
The National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal, made the call in a statement from the quarterly meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the association in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, on March 23, 2023.
The statement reads: “NEC unequivocally condemns the ethnic bigotry, violence and intimidation of voters recorded during the general elections, particularly in Lagos State. NEC, therefore, demands the arrest and prosecution of identified electoral offenders.
“Further to the NBA president’s proposal, NEC also called for live broadcast of the election petition proceedings (particularly the presidential election) by volunteering media houses.”
To stem quackery within the profession, NEC reportedly adopted and approved the general secretary’s proposal for the introduction of a new NBA Stamp with improved security features and car stickers with QR code for lawyers.
NEC, in the meeting, also considered the budget of the Annual General Conference Planning Committee (AGCPC) and approved same alongside the proposed 2023 Annual General Conference Fees, which would see senior citizens (lawyers of 70 years and above) attend the conference for the first time, free of charge, and lawyers of one to five years call pay an early bird fee of N15,000.
