NBA Garki Branch Election: Why I won’t support Victor Giwa

The Garki Branch Election is set to hold on the 21st of June, 2024. This is a branch that was formed through the committed struggle of many lawyers of conscience. Hence, it is fondly referred to as “Liberty Bar.”

This election is the first since the formal establishment of the branch. Hence, whoever emerges will officially be the first branch chairman.

Amongst the contestants for Chairman are 1. Bamidele Ojo Anthony, 2. Olanrewaju Omotayo-Ojo and 3. Victor Giwa.

Before now, I had hoped that the election was three-way contest, but for me, it is now a two-way contest. I do believe that the election should be between the two Ojo’s. However, the branch is unfortunate to have a chairman whose life’s dream was fulfilled upon attaining the position of chairman and is now determined to destroy the branch that gave him a platform to destroy his reputation, instead of building it. He is commercially inclined to impose Mr. Giwa on the branch even as Giwa is billed to be arraigned at the FCT High Court 23 on 3rd July for criminal offences.

One is not saying that Giwa is guilty, no! But there is a corporate image damage that his participation will certainly cause the branch evenby participating in the election – the Bar should be above reproach.

Whatever ones preferences are, the Garki branch Electoral Committee (if any actually exist) ought to have revoked the clearance of Mr. Giwa due to the many unnecessary criminal controversies hanging on his neck. A new young branch cannot begin it’s journey with such a shameful colouration.

This is the reason why I think and hold that only the two Ojo’s should be standing election in Garki branch. Allowing someone whose arraignment is fixed for 3rd July, 2024 stand election is an insult to the entire Bar. Imagine a situation where a Branch Chairman of the NBA will be arraigned for a criminal offence during his term of office – won’t that rub on all lawyers? Further imagine if he is convicted and jailed?

Branch members are called upon to frown at such a possibility. The branch is bigger than a greedy chairman whose probe will soon be sought.

Garki branch must resist the participation of a person with criminal charge being urged upon us by Afam Osigwe SAN in his desperate bid to become president.

A word is enough for the wise.

Silas Joseph Onu, Esq.