Less than three weeks to the 29 July elections of the national elections Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN) and legal icon Robert Clarke SAN have backed a former NBA General Secretary, Dele Adesina (SAN), who is contesting for the NBA Presidency.
Akin expressed his support in a statement at the weekend.
He said: “I rise to join my other colleagues who have endorsed Adesina SAN for election as President of the (NBA).
“At this time of vanishing respect for the rule of law by those who govern us, challenges confronting the administration of justice, the need to make the juniors upward mobile in our noble profession and a host of other matters, it is indisputable that we need in the saddle, a dynamic, well informed, focused, respectable and above all, courageous hardworking individual.”
According to him, Akin is “a strong and committed member of the NBA, who has served our association meritoriously in various capacities and evidently parades rich experiential credential for service at a higher level.
“I can confirm from my interaction with Adesina that he is pulsating with a lot of fresh ideas, fresh thinking, and fresh vision that will take our dear NBA to a higher level. Vote Dele Adesina for President.”
For Robert, another round of NBA elections presents an opportunity to vote Adesina, even though there are other candidates.
He said: “These include Adesina (SAN), Dr Babatunde Ajibade (SAN), Olumide Akpata and Ademola Ogunlana.
“The leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association is very key to the fundamental issues of independence of the Judiciary, the advancement of the legal profession itself, and the sustenance of Constitutional Democracy in Nigeria.
“Recently, the general administration of Justice in Nigeria has also fed contending issues of serious dimensions capable of eroding the trust and confidence of the people in our justice system.”
According to him, this election should produce the best that is available among the candidates in terms of experience, firm understanding of the issues of our judicial system including leadership courage to speak truth to power.
Robert added: “Rhetoric and promises should be of no value but knowledge, antecedents, and experience of what the candidates have done in the past in the above areas must constitute the principal considerations.
“It is my opinion that Adesina SAN, whom I have seen at close quarters, listened to at several fora and more importantly a past General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association in an administration adjudged to be dynamic and progressive in the defence of Rule of Law, towers above the other candidates and that is why I recommend him”.
In another development, Adesina rejoiced with Dr Wale Babalakin ( SAN) on the occasion of his 60th birthday.
Adesina said: “I join the multitude of your friends, admirers, and acquaintances worldwide to celebrate a great man of honour and accomplishment, a gentleman per excellence, a hard-worker, a professional to the core and a tireless business-man; all rolled into one making you an extra-ordinary and exemplary personality.
“Human beings can exert energy, Apollo can labour, but it is the faithfulness of God that brings the increase. In the world of legal practice, business, philanthropy, and service to one’s fatherland, God has made you a mark and distinction. You have made your life count for the family, our beloved profession, the society, and the nation at large.
“Babalakin & Co. Legal Practitioners marking also its 32nd Year Anniversary, no doubt has made a mark in the world of legal practice, both in Nigeria and beyond.
I celebrate with the entire members of this frontline legal firm. You are a leader in the profession.
“To my brother, B.O.B., as he is fondly called and my Call-mate, may you continue to be a source of inspiration and aspiration. Happy 60th birthday.”