Ilorin NBA Election: Tears as Bello emerges chairman

By Mumini AbdulKareem
A former Secretary of the Ilorin branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Bar Abdulganiyu Bello has emerged the new chairman in the election that was conducted on Friday.
Bello, according to chairman of NBA 2020 Electoral Committee, Bar Idowu Salihu while announcing the result, polled 98 votes to emerge winner ahead of his opponent, Abiodun Dada, who polled 74 votes.
Salihu thanked the members for their support and urged the new executive to work towards surpassing the records of their predecessors.
The new chairman who betrayed emotion wept after the results were announced, adding that he was overwhelmed by the support and solidarity demonstrated towards his emergence by his colleagues.
He succeeded Bar Muhammed Idowu Akande who was elected two years ago in 2018. The swearing-in ceremony for the new executive will hold Monday (today) by 12:pm at the bar centre according Salihu adding that the event will be performed by the Chief Justice of Kwara State, Justice Suleiman Durosinlohun Kawu.
Other newly elected officers are Dhikirullahi Balogun, Vice Chairman; J.S. Muhammad, Secretary; Zakariyah Kolawole Lukman, Treasurer; Akerele Ayodeji, Financial Secretary, AbdulRasaq Daibu, Social Secretary; Aishat Temim, Provost; Taofeeq Alubarika, Legal Adviser; Augustine Akindele, Assistant Secretary; Abdulrazaq Saka (Welfare) and Ibiyemi Mojirola (P.R.O).
Bello led new executives will run a single term of two years in office till 2022.
Addressing news men shortly after his declaration, Bello expressed deep appreciation to Almighty God for making his dream a reality and thanked members of bar for the confidence reposed on him.
While promising to consolidate on the gains of his predecessors, Bello said that institutionalization of the bar of would be his major focus.
“I must appreciate our colleagues for giving me their support. And for my opponent I believe we are all one and will carry them along with me. This victory belongs to all of us and I will definitely work him.
“My tears after the announcement was not that of surprise. I didn’t give my colleagues anything but yet look at the demonstration of love and solidarity they displayed towards me”, he noted.
Bello graduated from Usman Danfodio University in 1998 where he studied Common and Islamic Law. Afterwards, he proceeded to the Law School in 1999 and was called to the Nigerian Bar subsequently. He has served at various levels of the NBA and was Financial Secretary between 2005 to 2007, secretary. He was also NBA Chairman Electoral Committee in the year 2003 election, statutory member of the Bar between year 2007 and 2009 among several other offices held in the association.
Meanwhile, his opponent in the election, Bar Biodun dada has accepted the outcome of the election adding that he wished the new chairman the very best in the task of piloting the affairs of the NBA.
In a whatsapp statement sent to National Pilot, Dada noted that
Himself and members of his campaign team “hereby most sincerely appreciate the unflinching support we got from the members of our noble bar, we also celebrate the success of Abdulganiyu Bello Esq and other members elected into the executive office of our noble association at yesterday’s poll.
“The branch has spoken and we accept it whole heartedly. We wish you all the very best as you embark on the task of leadership”.