Abuja | April 2025 — In a significant turn of events following the recent upheaval in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nyanya-Karu Branch, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has intervened and resolved the leadership crisis that erupted during the Branch’s April 2025 general meeting.
As earlier reported, the April 22nd general meeting witnessed a tumultuous session that culminated in a vote of no confidence passed by members against the Branch Chairman, Sir Augustine Ibolo, and his Executive Committee.
BREAKING: NBA Nyanya/Karu Branch Sacks Executive Committee, Constitutes Caretaker Committee Amidst Allegations of Corruption and Misconduct
This was in reaction to a catalogue of allegations ranging from financial misappropriation to abuse of power, gagging of dissenting voices, and manipulation of branch meetings. Relying on Article 10 of the NBA Uniform Bye-Laws, members had constituted a three-member Caretaker Committee chaired by Elder Morris Osakwe to oversee the affairs of the Branch and usher in new elections.
However, in a decisive stakeholders’ meeting convened by the NBA President and attended by representatives of both the dissolved Executive Committee and the interim Caretaker Committee, the NBA leadership undertook a thorough review of the processes that led to the change in leadership.
After extensive deliberations, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, noted that while the concerns raised by members were legitimate, the procedural steps leading to the dissolution of the Ibolo-led Executive Committee and the installation of the Caretaker Committee did not strictly comply with the NBA Uniform Bye-Laws.
Consequently, in the exercise of his constitutional authority and with a focus on preserving institutional order, the NBA President issued the following directives:
- Immediate dissolution of the Caretaker Committee led by Elder Morris Osakwe;
- Restoration of the Augustine Ibolo-led Executive Committee as the substantive leadership of the Branch;
- Constitution of a 5-man Branch Electoral Committee (ELECO) headed by the NBA Third Vice President, Mrs. Zainab Aminu, with the NBA National Welfare Secretary, Mr. Nyada Auta, as a member, mandated to conduct free, fair, and credible elections within the shortest possible time;
- Temporary management of the Branch’s WhatsApp communication platform by the NBA Third Vice President pending the conclusion of the electoral process.
NBA Rivers State Branches Condemn Query Issued to Port Harcourt Branch Chairman, Demand Immediate Withdrawal
In response to this resolution, Elder Morris Osakwe, in an official notice to members of the Branch, graciously accepted the decision, thanking the NBA President for his bold and reconciliatory leadership.
He acknowledged the brief but purposeful service rendered by the Caretaker Committee and appreciated the overwhelming support received from members during their short tenure.
“No sacrifice is too great for the unity and advancement of our dear Branch,” Elder Osakwe stated. “It was truly an honour to serve, and I remain committed to the growth, peace, and progress of the NBA Nyanya-Karu Branch in any capacity that may be required.”
Members of the Branch have been urged to unite behind the renewed leadership and actively support the upcoming electoral process under the supervision of the National body.
This resolution marks the restoration of order and a return to constitutional governance in the Branch. It also highlights the proactive and impartial leadership of Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, whose timely intervention has not only averted further escalation but also reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to transparency, rule of law, and internal democracy within its structures.
Chairman, Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN, Hails Successful NBA-SLP 2025 Conference and Commends Stakeholders
