Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), has firmly rejected recent calls from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to postpone the association’s national elections. Osigwe asserted that the AGF lacks the legal authority to dictate or alter the NBA’s electoral process, warning that doing so would undermine the independence of the legal profession and breach the association’s constitutional framework.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The controversy stems from the AGF’s advice that the NBA suspend its July 18, 2026, polls, dissolve its current Election Committee, and implement the National Identification Number (NIN) for voter verification. During an interview on Arise News this Friday, Osigwe clarified that while the AGF’s opinions are noted, they are not binding directives. He emphasized that the NBA is governed by its own Constitution, the Legal Practitioners Act, and other established regulatory instruments—none of which grant the AGF power to intervene in the association’s internal affairs.

“Suggesting that he [the AGF] has the power to postpone our elections would imply that the NBA is merely a department under the Office of the Attorney General,” Osigwe stated. He noted that while the Bar is open to considering advice, it cannot comply with “must-do” directives that conflict with its governing laws.

Upholding Constitutional Eligibility and Opposing External Impositions

Osigwe also addressed ongoing debates regarding zoning and consensus candidates. He maintained that the NBA Constitution clearly defines the criteria for presidential aspirants, requiring candidates to be at least 15 years post-call, have served on the National Executive Council for at least two years, and be fully up-to-date with their practice fees and branch dues for the preceding three years.

He rejected attempts by external interest groups to force their preferred candidates upon the association, calling such actions illogical. “They accuse the Bar of various things and turn around to accuse others of trying to impose a candidate, when they are actually the ones imposing a candidate,” he remarked. Osigwe underscored that any member who meets the constitutional requirements is entitled to run for office, regardless of endorsements from external bodies.

Commitment to a Transparent Process

Regarding the upcoming election, the NBA President defended the inclusivity of the race, noting that the presence of a female candidate highlights the association’s commitment to equal opportunity.

To ensure credibility and transparency, Osigwe confirmed that the NBA has invited international and civil society observers—including the EU and Yiaga—to monitor the process. Addressing skeptics who fear electoral malpractice, he insisted that all concerns have been thoroughly addressed to build trust.

“Everything is in place, and the electoral body is ready to conduct it,” Osigwe said. He concluded by urging all aspirants to focus on the polls rather than seeking delays: “Go out there and test your popularity; don’t drag the association down or tarnish people’s images. May the best man or woman win.”

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has mourned the passing of Professor Turner Isoun, a former Minister of Science and Technology, honoring him as a distinguished scholar whose legacy in education, science, and national growth remains lasting. Professor Isoun, a renowned expert in veterinary medicine, passed away in Abuja on July 15 at the age of 87.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Retired Major General Ishola Williams has publicly supported Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s appeal for an independent probe into the recent abduction and subsequent rescue of students and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area. Williams, a retired two-star general, argued that Makinde’s request for international scrutiny is justified by historical precedent, noting that current political leaders famously advocated for similar international intervention during the 2014 kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Precedent for International Involvement: Williams stated that those who criticized the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan for security lapses during the Chibok crisis set a standard that now validates Makinde’s position.

• Limitations on Formal Invitations: While supportive, Williams clarified that a state governor lacks the constitutional authority to officially invite the United Nations. Instead, he suggested that the governor should engage internationally recognized, independent organizations like Amnesty International, which are known for conducting thorough investigations.

• Failures in Intelligence and Oversight: The retired general criticized the security lapse that allowed armed men to abduct dozens of individuals without detection. He insisted that local security structures—including the Amotekun Corps, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and community leaders—must be held accountable for failing to identify the threat.

• The Role of Local Complicity: Williams asserted that such a large-scale operation could not have been executed without local collaborators who were familiar with the terrain. He suggested that community heads should face consequences if such criminal activity occurs within their jurisdictions, as some villages may be profiting from the presence of these groups.

• Skepticism Toward Official Accounts: Williams questioned the specifics of the rescue operation and called for greater transparency from the authorities so that security experts can analyze the event. He further questioned why the level of intelligence and resources applied to the Oriire rescue is not consistently utilized to combat the ongoing insurgency in Northern Nigeria.