New NBA president, Badejo-Okusanya, outlines agenda for govt, judiciary, others
The 33rd president of the NBA, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya after her inauguration in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, has outlined the major focus of her administration, with a promise to build a “bolder Bar”. According to her, going forward the NBA will speak truth to power, defend judicial independence and demand accountability from institutions of […] The post New NBA president,…
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, the 33rd president of the NBA, has outlined her administration's priorities upon her inauguration in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State. She promises to "build a bolder Bar" and to speak truth to power, defend judicial independence, and demand accountability from government institutions. Her agenda combines national advocacy with a focus on lawyers' welfare, economic security, and professional development.
Badejo-Okusanya stresses that the NBA must remain independent enough to challenge those in power, disciplined enough to command credibility, and courageous enough to act when fundamental rights, judicial independence, and the rule of law are threatened. She also promises to engage governments constructively while not allowing itself to be captured by any government, party, region, religion, interest group, or individual. The NBA's loyalty lies with the Constitution, justice, the rule of law, and its members.
Her administration will support the judiciary and demand integrity, efficiency, and accountability within the justice system. The NBA will defend judicial independence but will not remain indifferent to delays, conflicting decisions, corruption, or conduct that diminishes public confidence. Badejo-Okusanya emphasizes that respect for institutions does not mean silence about their shortcomings; rather, it requires the courage to help them become better.
Badejo-Okusanya plans to revamp NBA services through technology, making membership-related services easier, faster, and more transparent. This includes a service portal for credential submission and areas of interest, electronic law reports at a highly subsidized rate, and an upgraded NBA affinity card with payment functionality and negotiated discounts on various services. The NBA also aims to establish a committee to explore lawful mechanisms for encouraging the payment of living wages to vulnerable lawyers.
A partnership with the African Medical Centre of Excellence, in collaboration with King's College Hospital, London, is another major initiative. The plan includes discounted comprehensive wellness screening for lawyers and support mechanisms for indigent lawyers requiring further medical care.
Written by urgent.news from Ripples Nigeria's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
