Police takes over NBA premise as lawyers protest alleged illegality, imposition
Activities scheduled for the election of a new executive to pilot the affairs of the Nigerian Bar Association suffered delay on Sunday as numerous lawyers thronged out to protest Illegality and imposition perceived to be part of the system.
It was gathered that the delay in the process does not rest squarely on the violation of COVID-19 guidelines as peddled by some individuals but as a result of clash of interest on who succeeds the incumbent chairman of the Lion Bar.
Sources at the election venue who spoke to newsmen but refused to have their names in print said, ‘You can see for yourself. They have invited medical team for screening if actually it is based on lies by some people, but some persons do not want the process to hold, all because of clash of interest. The state body wants the election to hold but the national said otherwise. The Chairman is waiting for further directives before we do anything.
‘My brother, what is happening is base on Illegality, it’s a pity, we will resist imposition by anyone.
“Going by our bye-laws, our election committee is usually a five-man committee but because of interest, the branch chairman constituted eight members including a consultant.
It was further gathered that the branch Secretary, Mr Pius Oiwoh was supposed to slug it out with one other candidate and Mr Idemudia Iredia Osifo who was earlier disqualified by the electoral committee.
As at the time of filing this report, the national body of the association has set up a caretaker committee to pilot its affairs for the next three months with the hope of reevaluating the whole electoral process.
Meanwhile, policemen from Edo State police command and men from the state-owned Public Safety Works Volunteers Scheme (PUWOV) were on ground to maintain peace and order.
