NBA 2018 Elections: Check Out the Potential Candidates for Office of the General Secretary

 

Less than 12 months to the end of the tenure of the current General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Abiola Isiaka Olagunju Esq, notable members of the Association are rumored to have started discussions on succeeding him in Office.

The Office which is regarded among Lawyers as the second most powerful office within the Association’s hierarchy after the NBA President, is zoned in accordance with the constitution of the Association to the Northern Zone of the Association comprising of the old Nigerian Northern Region.

Here are Four Prominent members of the Association rumored to be nursing the ambition of replacing Mr Olagunju as the General Secretary of NBA

MOBOLAJI IDRIS OJIBARA

The Immediate Past Chairman and former publicity Secretary of Ilorin Branch, Mr Mobolaji Idris Ojibara is rumored to be nursing the ambition of replacing Mr Olagunju.

A Popular and vocal Speaker on Social issues, Mr Ojibara is viewed as a fine gentleman within the Association. A great dresser of note and a very social fellow, Mr Ojibara is regarded within the Association as prepared and capable of serving the Association as the General Secretary.

His brief profile has it that Ojibara is native of Ilorin, Kwara State but was born in Lagos on December 1st, 1973. He attended and  graduated from  Bayero University, Kano in 1998 with a Bachelor of Laws Degree. He was thereafter called to the Nigerian Bar in the year 2000. He did his NYSC in Port Harcourt, Rivers State between 1998 and 1999.

Mr Ojibara Practices Law in Ilorin with own firm known as Loftyheight Chambers. He is a Notary Public and a Chartered arbitrator. He has served NBA in Many Capacities.

Under his reign as the Chairman of Ilorin Branch, the Branch witnessed a crisis that nearly tore it apart. While the crisis was protracted, it was alleged to be a power play between him and his predecessor in Office, Chief Rafiu Balogun. The warring factions accused each other of financial recklessness. But through his effort and corporation. The Branch was once again united before he finished his tenure.

Positives: Popular and vocal, Experienced in Bar Matters, Has great dress sense, Seen by many members as capable of maning the office of the General Secretary of NBA.

Negatives: Has Multiple Contestants from his State of Origin, Scars from the Ilorin Branch crisis under his watch.

RAFIU OYEYEMI BALOGUN

Known Popularly as Chief Baloo, the former Chairman of Ilorin Branch of NBA and the current Legal Adviser of NBA, Chief Balogun is rumored to be nursing the ambition of replacing Mr Olagunju as the General Secretary of the NBA in 2018.

A household name within the Association, Chief Baloo has the advantage of an insider as he is still in the current Executive committee of the association.

A Social Fellow and a known litigation Lawyer, Chief Balogun is seen as prepared and capable of handling the challenges associated withe office of the  General Secretary of the Association.

His brief Profile has it that Chief Baloo attended the University of Ilorin Where he bagged his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Hons) in 1999. He was thereafter called to the Nigerian Bar. Balogun started his legal practice with Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN). Six years later, he established his firm in February, 2007.

He had a running power struggle with Mobolaji Ojibara who succeeded him in office as Chairman Ilorin Branch of the Association but the crisis was settled last year.

Positives: Seen within the Association as ready and capable to man the office of the General Secretary, A friend of the current GS and currently in power.

Negative: Multiple Contestants from Kwara State, Scars from his Power Struggle with Mobolaji, NBA has lost a number of high profile cases under his reign as legal adviser including the embarrassing Olasupo Ojo Case.

MAS’UD ALABELEWE

The Immediate past Welfare Secretary is rumored to be nursing the ambition of replacing Mr Olagunju. A social fellow, Mr Alabelewe is seen as prepared for the office of the General Secretay of the Association.

A kaduna based Lawyer, Mr Alabelewe is at home with the affairs of the Bar having served the bar in many capacities.

His brief profile will be published later

Positives: Seen as experienced in Bar matters

Negatives: Not so popular among lawyers

 

 

JONATHAN GUNU TAIDI

 

 

The former Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association NBA Minna Branch, Jonathan Gunu Taidi, is rumored to have indicated interest to vie for the Office of the General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA. The Tenure of the current NBA General Secretary Mr Abiola Isiaka Olagunju will end in less than a year.

Mr Taidi has served Minna Branch of the Association as Secretary, Vice-Chairman, Chairman in quick succession and till date is the longest serving National Executive Committee NEC member from Niger State.

Mr Taidi was described by a Supporter as a Supportive and Reliable Leader; selfless and detribalised. And as  an extraordinary gentleman and a progressive.