2023 Presidential Session Headline 62nd NBA Conference
Presidential candidates in the 2023 elections on Monday attended the Nigerian Bar Association’s annual general conference in Lagos.
Labour Party’s Peter Obi and the Peoples Democratic Party’s Atiku Abubakar appeared in person at the conference.
The NBA had earlier said two other presidential candidates – Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) – did not confirm their availability for the conference.
However, Vice-Presidential candidate of the APC, Kassim Shettima, was present at the conference.
The Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu and that of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, were also in attendance.
The 2022 NBA Annual General Conference, with the theme “Bold Transitions”, is being held at the Eko Atlantic City.
The Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, in his speech explained to the audience, “This is why history and experience beckon on us that we don’t get it wrong at this point in time, if we get it wrong, I don’t know when we will get it right.
The former Vice President, lamented that so many of his contemporaries have been killed in the struggle to make the country work.
“The unity of our country is very fundamental, giving every part of this country a sense of belonging.”
“In 1998, we won overwhelmingly. We formed a government of national unity. Therefore, I believe we have an experience, it is that experience that must be brought back.”
The Vice Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Kashim Shettima on Monday said the government of APC Presidential Candidate, Bola Tinubu, will replicate the “wonders” in Borno and Lagos states if elected president in 2023.
The former governor of Borno State urged delegates at the 2022 Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference tagged: Bold Transitions to make informed decision in changing the narrative of leadership in the 2023 General election as he noted that his principal is the man to beat.
He advised lawyers to choose a leader that’s got established records, as well as mentored men and women.
He said this during the first plenary of the event, entitled, ‘Democratic Transitions In 21st Century Nigeria: 2023 & Beyond.
According to Shettima, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the man to beat because of his skill set.
“He is a city boy, I am the golden boy.”
“Align with APC candidate because of his competence and performance.”
The Presidential Candidate for Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi in his remark said, investment in intangible assets such as education and power are critical for economic renaissance.
“What we need to do is the two most intangible assets: security; and law and order . . . provide conducive environment to attract investors, then education and power . . . the economy is driven by these intangible assets.”
According to the former governor of Anambra State, “Next year, the election will not be about tribe, religion, connection, entitlement, but it must be about competence, capacity and commitment to deliver.”
Renowned author and Award-winning novelist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, while delivering the Keynote Speech at the Ongoing 62nd Nigerian Bar Association, Annual General Conference, NBA- AGC in Lagos, said that Nigeria is currently in disarray and requires heroes who can take bold decisions to save the country.
”Nigeria is disarray. Things are hard and getting harder by the day. We can’t be safe when there is no role of law. Nigerians are starve of heroes to look up to. Late Dora Akunyili and Gani Gawehimmi were heroes that Nigerians looked up to before now. Unfortunately that era has gone. I believe that NBA is in a position to give the nation, heroes that we can look up to the lead the nation,” Chimamanda said.
Among dignitaries at the opening ceremony holding at the Eko Hotels includes, Pat Utomi, Chimamanda Adichie, Kashim Shettima, Dino Melaye, Raymond Dokpesi, Governor Godwin Obaseki, Samson Lalong, etc.
