OGHENETEJIRI NYERHOVWO/ GODWIN AYOBAMI RACHEL
Lawyers in the country have been called upon to resist any attempt to cut corners in their quest to become successful legal practitioners.
This call was made by Mr. Olakunle Akpata Esq., National President, Nigerian Bar Assocition (NBA) in Warri, Delta State when he paid an unscheduled visit to the NBA Effurun Branch, he said that cutting corners would only lead to disaster.
It was a stop-over visit on his way from Port Harcourt where he attended the burial ceremonies of renowned jurist, Hon. Justice Karibi-Whyte, JSC (rtd).
According to him, “whatever you do in this life, do not despise your humble begining. You should also listen to your moral compass wherever you are. Some of my friends who started this journey together with me are no longer in the journey.”
Mr. Akpata added, “whatever you do in life, don’t follow short cut because it will lead you back to where you started. Resist any temptation to cut corners.”
He also expressed his appreciation to members of the NBA Effurun Branch for the support they gave him during his elections, saying, “I am so grateful for the support and I promise you that I will not disappoint you people.”
Mr. Akpata was flanked by his 1st National Vice President, Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins Esq and Mr. Kunle Edun Esq. who is also a national officer of the NBA.
He said his tenure as the NBA chairman was to try and prove a point and make a difference in the activities of the legal profession.
He said, “we are going to try and make a difference and I will ensure I carry Warri, Effurun, Udu Bar and others along. You will not regret the choice you made in voting me into office.”
The legal practitioner urged lawyers who are ready to work with him to come forward and work and make the NBA envy of all.
The NBA 1st National Vice President, Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins Esq, who spoke to journalist on the sideline, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a peaceful election in Edo State
Mr. Aikpokpo-Martins however, appealed to Nigerian youths to take part in the electioneering process, regretting that the youths in Edo State did not come out to vote during the election.
He added, “the youths were almost absent and and this is a big concern for us because the youths are the leaders of tomorrow, and if they are not interested in what is going on, then there is a big problem.”
On his part the Chairman of the NBA Effurun Branch, Mr. Jonathan Ekperusi Esq commended the National President of the NBA for the visit just as he pledged its continued support for his leadership.
Earlier, the NBA President and his entourage were hosted to a dinner by a former President of the NBA and former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief T. J. O. Okpoko, SAN, OON in his residence in Effurun.
