By Ebere Agozie
The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has elected Mr Afam Okeke as the General Secretary of the NBA in the just concluded election which was held on Saturday.
Okeke, the immediate past Chairman of the NBA, Unity Bar, Abuja polled 8,478 votes to defeat his five rivals.
Dr Rapulu Nduka, one of the contestants for the post of the general secretary came a distant second with 6,188 votes while Chidi Ezenwafor came third with 4,560 votes.
However, Okey Ohagba came fourth with 4,100 votes, Nnaebuka Nwaeze fifth with 1,147 votes while Barth Okoye-Aniche came sixth 772 votes.
The voting by accredited members of the NBA took place electronically between 7.35 a.m on Saturday and 7.35 a.m on Sunday.
As at the time voting closed, 25,245 votes were tallied for the office of the general secretary according to the results portal that updated every 10 seconds during the election by the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA).
Okeke will succeed the incumbent Dr Mobolaji Ojibara as the NBA general secretary of Africa’s largest professional association of lawyers for a two-year term.
The live results portal also showed that a total of 82,167 voters were accredited for the general elections exercise on Saturday.
Winners also emerged from the elections of other national officers to fill different positions for the next two years.
Reacting to the outcome of the election, Okeke thanked his colleagues for the privilege and honour of entrusting him with the responsibility of serving as the general secretary of the association.
“The outcome of this election is a testament to our collective commitment to advancing the cause of justice, upholding the rule of law, and fostering a vibrant and inclusive legal community.
“We are all winners. I extend my sincere appreciation to my colleagues and friends who contested with me for their dedication to our profession and democratic process.
“Their passion and dedication to our legal profession ensured that our contest remained focused on substantive issues.”
He equally thanked his campaign team, advisers, volunteers, and supporters who dedicated themselves tirelessly to share his messages with fellow members.
“Your unwavering support, sacrifice, and belief in our mission were instrumental in achieving this electoral success.”
He, therefore, pledged to serve with integrity, transparency, and unwavering dedication for the progress of the association.
