The Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has congratulated Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her election as the new President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.
Rt. Hon. Guwor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Nkem Nwaeke, said the emergence of Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya was a clear endorsement of her competence, integrity and commitment to the legal profession.
He described the election as a reflection of the confidence the Bar has in her capacity to lead, reform and unite the legal profession at this critical time in Nigeria’s democratic project.
The Chairman stated that the Conference is proud of the new NBA President’s pedigree and her reputation for courage, reform-driven advocacy as well as dedication to the rule of law and judicial independence.
Guwor noted that the values the new NBA President represents align with the constitutional responsibility of state legislatures to deepen democracy, strengthen institutions and ensure access to justice for all citizens.
The Chairman specially congratulated serving members of State Houses of Assembly across the country who are lawyers and members of the NBA.
He said: “I congratulate my colleagues in the 36 State Legislatures who are members of the Bar. Your dual role as lawmakers and legal practitioners places you in a unique position to bridge the legislature and the Bar.
“I urge you to leverage your professional training to enrich law-making, defend the rule of law, and strengthen collaboration between the NBA and state legislatures”.
The Conference Chairman called on all members of the NBA and the entire legal community to rally behind the new President and her executive team to advance the Association’s vision.
“The contest has come and gone. This is the time for unity. I urge all members of the Bar, including those who contested and did not emerge, to close ranks and support the new leadership. A united Bar is critical to the advancement of justice and democracy in our country”, Guwor stated.
He assured that the Conference of Speakers is ready to work with the NBA leadership to advance legislative initiatives that will strengthen the judiciary and promote the welfare of Nigerians.
“The legislature and the Bar must work together. We look forward to robust collaboration with the NBA in the review of laws that affect our courts, our people, and the delivery of justice at the sub-national level”, he said.
Rt Hon Guwor prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom and good health for Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya as she pilots the affairs of the Bar, expressing confidence that her tenure will bring unity, innovation and progress to the legal profession.