Lawyer attempts to set agenda for incoming NBA leadership

As the general elections for the next leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (national) draws close, members of the bar have made attempts at setting agenda for the incoming administration.

Speaking about the future of the NBA and leadership in the next administration, Nkechi Onyenso, a legal practitioner, chartered secretary, administrator and an active member of the NBA, has revealed her expectations for good Corporate Governance framework in the next leadership of the bar.

She explains: “Corporate Governance is not only a focus in the corporate world but a field that can impact positively in all areas of the society, if applied with due diligence. When I say all areas, the NBA is no exception.

“Corporate Governance essentially is the balancing of interests of many stakeholders and provides the framework for attaining the goals of the company, association or government. It calls for transparency and accountability in all ramifications.”

She notes that the quality of governance is directly related to the policy framework, and hopes that the next NBA President would have a good governance framework that allows the legal rights of lawyers to not only be protected but be seen to be protected.

“This in no way calls for a dominant individual who would run the NBA like a personal fiefdom with total disregard for the interest of other lawyers,” Onyenso states emphatically.

“The Nolan seven principles of public life developed in the United Kingdom in 1995 should be upheld and used as guideline for the administration of the bar.

These principles include Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership,” as she outlines the following:

Selflessness – The next NBA president should not take decisions solely in terms of only the lawyers in the Association but also in the interest of the entire public. Service here should not be centred on how to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.

Integrity – The next NBA President should not place himself/herself under any financial or other obligation to individuals, organisations or the government that might influence them in the performance of their duties.

Objectivity – Our next NBA President must be seen to be objective, not only in carrying out the daily business of the NBA, but also in setting up committee, NEC meetings, award of contracts and representations of the NBA at various levels.

Accountability – The next NBA president must be accountable for his/her actions to members of NBA and must submissive to whatever scrutiny is appropriate and reasonable.

Openness – The next President must be as open as possible about the decisions and actions they take. They should give reasons for decisions taken as regards lawyers and our society at large.

Honesty – The next President has a duty to declare any private interest relating to their public duties and should take steps to resolve any conflicts that may arise.

Leadership – Our next NBA President must not only promote but support these principles by leadership and example.

According to her, only commitment to the above can make the difference. She urges the next NBA President to not only have these principles at heart, but to communicate same through deeds and behaviour.

Interestingly, Onyenso points and speaks of a manifesto from one of the aspirants, which seems to be focused on not just corporate governance, but the seven principles of public life she talks about.

Hear her: “Taking one of the candidates of the forthcoming election as a case study, I would like to dissect his agenda for NBA for the next two years. His Vision Statement speaks of a Nigerian Bar Association driven by vision, selfless and exemplary leadership that offers opportunities and possibilities to its members, while serving as the conscience of the Nation. His Mission Statement promises to serve the best interest the legal profession and the nation with passion, honesty and integrity of purpose.

“This, I have found in the agenda and manifesto of Dele Adesina, SAN, who appears to be rooting his tenure on core corporate governance principles of honesty, independence, accountability, responsibility, transparency, fairness and ethical conduct, and I must say that this is the way to go,” she argues.

Her reasons for this alignment when asked, is based on the fact that this candidate’s agenda cover fundamental issues that are considered key areas in corporate governance and show a good policy framework. These, according to her, include issues such as good Corporate Governance procedures, with specific focus on leadership and integrity.

“The outlined agenda as seen in the above-mentioned manifesto are not only components of Corporate Governance, but will take a leadership with guts and vision to run with these points to lift the NBA into a world-class Association, run with world-class Corporate Governance principles,” she concludes.

The NBA has been rife with campaign activities since the ban on campaign was lifted by the National Executive Committee at its last meeting in Abuja on May 15, 2014.

Elections are scheduled for July 14 – 15, 2014, in Abuja.

JUDITH AMARACHI UGOH