AKPATA’S FORCE OF CHARACTER CANNOT BE DENIED EVEN BY HIS FIERCEST CRITICS”- OSARO EGHOBAMIEN, SAN, ENDORSES OLUMIDE AKPATA’S PRESIDENTIAL BID
OLUMIDE AKPATA is not a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Absence of this rank, has in no way hindered his leadership qualities, eloquently displayed as Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL). Admittedly, the attainment of the rank of Senior Advocate is a mark of distinction or ought to be so, but it does not portend that all Senior Advocates are suitable for leadership positions. I hasten to add, that the two other Senior Advocates contesting for this position, are distinguished but we do not have the luxury or option of voting all three to occupy a single position. Accordingly, my choice to throw my weight behind Olumide is born out of his stellar performance as the Chairman of the NBA-SBL.
Olumide as Chairman expressed distinction in his depth of vision, force of character and refined pragmatism. This cannot be denied even by his fiercest critics.
The NBA elections is holding at a time when the Bar faces the most unprecedented challenge, presented by COVID-19. The Bar is polarized alongside a few select lawyers who are prepared to deliver services in a new world as against a majority who may be unaware of the threats presented by the new technological disruptions. Olumide has the capacity to unite the bar born out of a large heart in a bulky frame. He is gifted with organizational skill comparable to a few.
I am trusting Olumide to replicate what he did at the SBL at the national level and he will do this drawing from a rich pedigree that represents the ethics of the Bar. That he will transform the NBA positively and enduringly is not an expression of blind hope but an affirmation of bold competence.
I hereby declare my complete support for his candidacy and urge fellow colleagues to join me in voting in transformational leadership.
Osaro Eghobamien
Managing Partner
Perchstone & Graeys
