Olumide Akpata Speaks On Inclusion Of Law Officers And Other Lawyers Not In Private Practice

I am focused on building a Bar that not only has utilitarian value for its members, but one that would also work for all. My administration will therefore work tirelessly to achieve inclusiveness within the Bar.
 
In the course of my many consultations around the country, I have interacted with different segments of the legal profession about their concerns. One of the greatest concerns of law officers and other lawyers who are not in private practice is the limitation to their right to hold offices in the NBA under section 8(3) of the NBA Constitution.
 
The discrimination against, or exclusion of law officers and other members of the profession who are not in private practice, is to my mind unjustifiable. As a commercial lawyer who did not originally have a voice in the mainstream issues of the NBA, I understand the pains of such limitations. My administration shall empower the NBA Law Officers’ Forum and other fora within the NBA to adequately represent the interest of their members and will also champion the relevant constitutional amendments to ensure fairness and equal treatment of our colleagues from all segments of the profession.
 
OLUMIDE AKPATA