Calm returns to the bar, as former president makes it back home, safe!

Members of the Nigerian Bar Association are still in a celebratory mood as they welcome the homecoming of the immediate past president of the association, Okey Wali, SAN who was released by his captors at 11pm on Thursday October 23, 2014 after 13 days in captivity.

His return home was confirmed the same night by his close ally and incumbent president of the bar, Augustine Alegeh, SAN who had earlier in the week, declined to join lawyers all over the world for the annual Conference of the International Bar Association (IBA) in Tokyo.

Speaking of the ex-president’s return, he said, “I have personally spoken to him and can confirm that he is hale, hearty and in good spirit. He expresses his thanks and appreciation to members of the Bar and Bench, the Security Agencies, friends and family for their concern, support and prayers during the period of his ordeal. He gives glory to God for his safe release.”

The association expressed great delight the development SAN whilst extending its appreciation to members of the NBA and well-meaning Nigerians who supported the Bar and the Okey Wali Family during the period.

Alegeh also commended members of the Nigerian Bar Association for keeping calm throughout this period and not taking any steps that may have directly or indirectly jeopardised the efforts for his safe release, which he established has now yielded positive results.

“The Nigerian Bar also wishes to place on record its appreciation of the efforts of the security agencies in securing the safe release of Okey Wali, SAN. The Director General of the State Security Services [SSS], the Inspector General of Police and the SSS State Directors and Police Commissioners in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo States who worked tirelessly to secure his safe release deserve special mention.

“While we celebrate the safe release of Okey Wali SAN, we must hasten to reiterate the fact that the spate of kidnappings and general state of insecurity in Our Country is cause for great concern. A safe and secure Country is one of the primary roles of Our Government and we call on the Government to promptly address the present state of insecurity in the Country. We cannot continue to live in fear of kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminals,” he stated.

The NBA president further called on the Federal Government to take much more seriously its constitutional duty of providing a safe and secure environment for all Nigerians.