RE: PETITION TO THE ECNBA; MAZI AFAM OSIGWE, SAN AS A MAN OF INTEGRITY

By Victor Onuche Chapi

It has come to my attention that a petition has been authored against the candidacy of Mr. Afam Osigwe SAN.

Having painstakingly reviewed the petition, it is crucial to note that the pendency of a petition to the LPDC against a candidate or an allegation of professional misconduct is not within the purview of the ECNBA. If a petition does not touch on a candidate’s qualifications or violation of electoral guidelines, the ECNBA cannot inquire into the matter or ask the aspirant/candidate to respond.

Moreover, when the matter is before the LPDC, and a cogent response/defense has already been entered as required by law, petitioning a candidate to the ECNBA is merely a ploy by the petitioner and their paymasters to mud-sling the personality of the Learned Silk, who has been a symbol of excellence in the legal profession.

This indicates a lack of understanding of the NBA constitution and basic principles of law, as it is an elementary law that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty. No case of professional misconduct (if any) has been established against the learned silk; therefore, any attempt to seek the disqualification of a candidate on such grounds is unwarranted.

Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN’s integrity and contributions to the legal profession remains unwavering despite the attempts to discredit him. Throughout his career, Mr. Osigwe has exemplified the highest ethical standards and a steadfast commitment to justice and fairness.

His dedication to the betterment of the legal profession is evident in his continuous efforts, including engaging with NBA branches and leading a campaign for the implementation of the remuneration order to ensure fair compensation for lawyers. This demonstrates his genuine concern for the welfare and professional development of our colleagues.

Mr. Osigwe’s track record of sound practice as a lawyer speaks for itself and serves as inspiration for those who look up to him for mentorship, guidance, and leadership. He has consistently demonstrated exceptional legal acumen, diligence, and professionalism in representing his clients and advocating for their interests. His contributions to jurisprudence and legal discourse have been invaluable in shaping the legal landscape in Nigeria.

Despite attempts to discredit him, Mr. Osigwe remains steadfast in his commitment to serving the legal profession and upholding its values. His resilience and determination in the face of adversity are a testament to his character and dedication to the principles of justice and integrity. As the saying goes, “It is only a tree that has fruits that people throw stones at.”

As we continue to strive for the betterment of the legal profession, let us come together to support the robust campaign for fair remuneration currently being championed by Mr. Osigwe and his committee, rather than being distracted by issues that will not contribute to the profession’s improvement.

• Mr. Victor Onuche Chapi is a practising lawyer

The views expressed in this article are entirely those of the author.

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