- Applauds committee members for standing strong and tall during crisis
The former Chairman of the Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), John Aikpokpo-Martins, has commended the President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, for constituting a seven-man committee to pilot the affairs and conduct elections for SPIDEL.
He said this action “has brought the leadership impasse in SPIDEL to a fitting close and has directly resuscitated our dear Section that has been in hiatus for some time.
Eulogising members of his SPIDEL committee, Aikpokpo-Martins in a statement said, “you distinguished yourselves extremely well in maintaining absolute and unwavering support for our elected executive officers ably led by my humble self effortlessly, effectually and effectively. Your support energized our spirits and guided our thoughts, strategies and decisions throughout the trying times.”
He also announced the discontinuation of cases challenging the actions of past President Y. C. Maikyau, SAN with regard to the leadership of SPIDEL.
Below are excerpts from the statement.
The constitution of the committee is a product of an amicable resolution of the lingering differences between the leadership of SPIDEL and the leadership of our mother association, the NBA. It is gratifying that this is coming to a good end.
We all acknowledge that these past months have extremely tested the will, determination, sincerity, courage, loyalty, and passion of members for our dear SPIDEL as never before. As some of us are aware, members were subjected to intense and extreme pressure to betray the guiding principles of SPIDEL and abandon and isolate their elected leaders. However, as true Trojan of the rule of law in the NBA and the larger society, members remained steadfast, determined, and resolute in the defence of their resolutions, their elected leaders, and our dear SPIDEL. I am very proud of our members. You distinguished yourselves extremely well in maintaining absolute and unwavering support for our elected executive officers ably led by my humble self effortlessly, effectually and effectively. Your support energized our spirits and guided our thoughts, strategies and decisions throughout the trying times.
We were never afraid. There was no way we could have maintained strength and determination without this energizing elixir of support of members. Honestly, I can not recall any instance where members of any branch, section, committee, forum, etc, within the NBA have maintained an over hundred percent support for their leadership under similar circumstances. This absolute and unprecedented support is the greatest endorsement of my humble self (which I proudly claim and acknowledge) as a worthy leader of lawyers. I cannot appreciate you enough. Your executives and I are grateful. History will be kind to us.
Having regard to the circumstances, it is imperative to also inform members that, consequently, the cases challenging the actions of past President Y. C. Maikyau, SAN with regard to the leadership of SPIDEL will now be discontinued.
What can I say about my Executive Committee and my officers! The members embody and personify excellence, wisdom, sagacity, loyalty, strength, and much more. They counseled, advised, admonished, directed, and above all maintained unanimity of purpose in the defence of what we conscientiously believe to be right, true and just. All divisive entreaties were gently but firmly rebuffed with uncommon determination and resolution. In spite of all, they never betrayed nor abandoned me at sea. I must particularly mention my wisdom Vice Chairman, Dr. Princess Frank- Chukwuani, and my indefatigable Secretary, Funmi Adeogun. I also salute my Treasurer,
Chinedu Obienu, Financial Secretary,
Abdullahi Musa Karaye, Publicity Secretary, Sadiya Saleh and Assostant Secretary, Charity Ibezim for their uncommon loyalty, support and candour. They were my bastion of strength and wisdom. It is not really how long, but how well. In spite of all, our administration was impactful from all indications and we have a right to feel smugly satisfied.
My special appreciation to past chairman Prof. Paul Ananaba, SAN, for always putting what he called his “native intelligence ” at my disposal in navigating the storm.
It is trite that it is at challenging moments of life that the true characters and strengths of men are unveiled. There were exceptional and extraordinary members who, against all odds, stood fearlessly resolute, determined to courageously prosecute and defend our causes in court. I recognise Vincent Adodo and Godspower Eroga both of NBA-Abuja branch. I recognise Echeho Godfrey, Ojo Abijogun, and Felix Akpowowo of Warri branch. Your selflessness shall not be in vain….your names will be written in gold in the annals of SPIDEL.
Finally, I must call out our ladies for special appreciation and recognition. I pleasantly discovered and observed that the ladies of SPIDEL were the most determined, resolute, fearless, and always ready and willing to boldly confront the challenges heads on against all expectations. They constituted my most trusted and reliable reservoir of strength throughout. Their resilience and passion were energizing and invigorating. I state without second-guessing that our ladies are the backbone and the future of SPIDEL.
We, the leadership, thank the NBA President and his officers for eventually steering the ship to a safe landing. The NBA is one and is bigger than anyone. Thus, the interest of the NBA must be the overriding interest at all times.
Now, we start to march again under our inimitable Prof. Paul Ananaba, SAN, step by step with head up high and hope in our hearts at the end of the storm to reclaim our enviable position as the flagship of the NBA.
May I use this auspicious moment to solicit for your conscientious support in the coming days on a shared vision to have a better association with the expected voice and boldness for the benefit of lawyers particularly and Nigerians generally.
God bless NBA-SPIDEL.
God bless the NBA.
John Aikpokpo-Martins
Past Chairman SPIDEL.
26/05/2025.
