The National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA-NEC) has ratified the suspension of the Association’s General Secretary, Joyce Oduah.
Last Monday, the 15th of August the National Executive Committee, had exercised its emergency powers under Section 9(6)(d) of the NBA Constitution by suspending the General Secretary on allegations of gross misconduct, pending the ratification of the NBA-NEC. In the resolution passed by the National Executive Committee, the NBA-NEC was also invited to investigate the actions of the suspended General Secretary and consider her removal from office.
But, At the NBA-NEC meeting, which is on-going as at now, the Influential organ considered the counsel of the elders of the Bar including past Presidents and Senior Advocates of Nigeria on the need to protect the unity of the Bar and the legacies of the Olumide Akpata administration and resolved that the suspension be ratified.
TVC News gathered that, Mrs Oduah therefore stands suspended as General Secretary, while the appointment of the Assistant General Secretary, Uche Nwadialo, to serve as the acting General Secretary, was ratified.
But, the petition seeking the outright removal of Mrs Oduah was reportedly not heard in view of the suit she filed at the Federal High court, Abuja, to challenge her suspension.
The 2022 conference, holding from August 19 to August 26, is themed: “Bold Transitions”, and, renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, will be the keynote speaker at the Opening Ceremony on Monday, August 22.
Also included in Monday’s programme will be a plenary for the key presidential candidates in the 2023 general election to speak on the topic, “Democratic Transitions in 21st Century Nigeria: 2023 and Beyond.”