Olumide Akpata Has a Proven Ability to Reposition the Bar”- Chairman of NBA-YLF Enugu Endorses Akpata for NBA President
The Chairman of the Young Lawyers Forum. Enoch Uche, has this morning endorsed Olumide Akpata for 30th President of the NBA. In a statement he made to newsmen this morning, Mr Uche, while endorsing Akpata’s presidential bid, spoke in glowing terms about Akpata’s commitment to the development of the Bar and the growth of young lawyers, as well as Akpata’s adeptness at building, leadership and transformation.
He said “In my humble view, Olumide Akpata is the person whom the cap fits. He is tailor-made for the office of President of the NBA. For someone who started his law firm at the age of 23 and in 25 years, built it to such an enviable extent, you cannot fault his ability to build, lead and transform. We saw that displayed in his leadership of the NBA Section of Business Law as well. You cannot also fault Olumide Akpata’s understanding of the key issues that plague lawyers, especially young lawyers.
His antecedents in ensuring capacity building for young lawyers across the country cannot be contested. Most recently, under the auspices of Friends of Olumide Akpata, 50 young lawyers from across Nigeria were fully funded to a one-week long training in Lagos by experts in various areas of law. Akpata has done more for young lawyers- and I daresay for the Bar- than anyone else who currently seeks to hold the office of President of the NBA”
He went ahead to speak on how being a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) or not being one should not be the yardstick for determining leadership of the NBA, but proven ability to deliver on one’s promises. He said “I also believe that the attainment of the rank of SAN, as distinguished as it is, should not be the yardstick for the choice of the leader of the Bar. Truthfully speaking, as long as I can remember, the learned Silks are the ones leading the Bar and you would agree with me that the NBA is yet to attain the desired status for its members.
My position is this: let us focus on persons rather than title which has not helped us. In all of these, it is Olumide Akpata that I consider most qualified, not because he is or not a SAN but in him I have seen the desire and proven ability to reposition the bar and make things work for lawyers again.”
