NBA Elections 2016: Afe Babalola backs Gadzama’s presidency!

Ahead of the July 2016 election of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) the founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has described Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN as the most competent and qualified person for the office of NBA President now. He made this declaration at the 2016 annual lecture of the NBA Ado-Ekiti held at the Bar Centre, in Ado-Ekiti.

Gadzama, who gave the keynote address at the 5th edition of the Aare Afe Babalola annual lecture of the Nigerian Bar Association, on the theme ‘Upholding the rule of law’ received a standing ovation from members of the branch who were present. The event was the occasion of its Annual Law Week.

Responding to the ovation and applause that greeted Gadzama’s presentation, Aare Afe Babalola said:

“Gadzama is the most suitable of all Senior Advocates I know today to head the Bar. He came from a small village in Lassa in Bornu State, where he started his practice from a very humble beginning.   I sympathize with Gadzama because his village has been destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgents. Here, is a hardworking individual who rose from humble beginnings to greatness because of his determination.

“His achievements are limited to Nigeria but in other jurisdictions as well. He was also called to the English Bar (Lincolns Inn) where both of us shared common experiences. You don’t start to be great by being great, you become great by aspiring to be great and by doing great things. Gadzama is humble; he is very honest; very industrious; well learned; most resourceful; innovative, and has brought many changes in the practice of law.

“Gadzama is indeed, a Bar man to the core, a very steadfast person and an ardent believer in the rule of law. The rule of law is very important to the legal profession. He is detribalised, indeed he is replicating what he learned from me. He is influential and well connected and you need to make any impact in the practice of law. Gadzama has what is required of a leader.” Afe Babalola stated.

The Aare commended the presidential aspirant for what he described as a lucid, well-delivered lecture.

He said, “The rule of law begins at home, when you are at home and you respect elders, that is the rule of law. Rule of law is about all you do in life, it is obedience to simple instructions, like in the university, if the rule says do not use phones at so and so time, please respect it that is the rule of law.    If the law says do not smoke marijuana, please do not smoke it. Do things the right way, when you do things the right way, everything shall be well. Anyone can be as successful as the great Gadzama if you do things the right way and observe the rule of law.” Afe Babalola said.

The Attorney – General and Commissioner for Justice Ekiti State and former Chairman NBA Ado-Ekiti branch, Owoseni Ajayi said: “Today marks the 5thth edition of this lecture series. Lawyers are learned because a lawyer acquires knowledge everyday from colleagues, from judges, you learn everyday.

“Afe is an enigma and a polymath; he has touched virtually everything and has become a master of all.  “People like Afe come once in a generation, which is why the Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose refers to him as the father of Ekiti State and the Pillar of his Government and rightly so.”

He commended the planning committee for making the 2016 edition of the lecture series a great success.

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