Why Lawyers Must Reject Adoption As Basis For Voting

Why Lawyers Must Reject Adoption As Basis For Voting


The concept of adoption of
political candidates is not new to Nigerian politics, neither is the concept of
zoning and most recently, the latest inclusion to our national vocabulary, the word
“marginalization”,
 the treatment of a person,
group, or concept as insignificant or peripheral.


The concept of adoption of
political candidates in party politics has always met stiff opposition from
members of such party. Such adoptions are agreed not to represent the true wish
of stakeholders but an enforcement of candidates on the voting populace. Under
such instances, merit is not necessarily the motivation behind the selection
but factors such as tribal sentiments, favoritism, God-fatherism and loyalty
are usually the determining factors.

In a highly sensitive
political landscape like ours, it is agreed that everyone be given a fair chance
and opportunity on the political field. This is justice. It therefore should
come as a surprise when injustice is now proposed within the Bar. It must sound
as a warning when tribal sentiments and marginalization raises its head under the
watch of members of the Bar and like an enemy aircraft carrier in the time of
war, it must be brought down.

In the race for President
of the Nigerian Bar, the Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) proposes to adopt a sole
candidate, an action that will marginalize others and is not being propelled by
the idea of putting the best candidate forward.
Moreso, according to the
EBF Constitution, the guidelines set for such candidate include;

1.
Every Aspirant Shall Subm
it The Following Letters To The Screening Committee As
Notice Of Aspiration:
A.
Expression of Interest Letter
B.
Letter of Allegiance to Be Bound By EBF Decision
C.
Letter of Good Standing from the Aspirants Local NBA Branch, Duly Signed By the
Chairman and Secretary of The Branch.
2.
Every Aspirant Shall Submit To The Screening Committee, Copies Of All Documents
Qualifying The Aspirant For The Office Being Vied For In Accordance With The
NBA Constitution.
3.
For Any Aspirant To Qualify For EBF Adoption, Such Aspirant Must Have Been Duly
Qualified Pursuant To Article 11(2) Of The Constitution And Shall Submit To The
Screening Committee, Copies Of The EBF Receipt For The Preceding Two Years
Dues.
Members of the Nigerian Bar
will be voting for the office of President of the Bar and other national
positions within the association. Lawyers will choose their representatives
according to who is best for the job. It will also be counter – productive should
the EBF treat any and other candidates as insignificant or peripheral. Officials
of the NBA, hold the office in trust for the members of the NBA, the Association belongs to its members  and everyone should have equal
opportunity to add value to the Bar from their professional and co-operate perspectives.

The leaders of the Bar
must be candidates, all lawyers, whether young or old will respect. 
EBF SHOULD ADOPT ALL THE
CANDIDATES FROM THE EAST AND BURY THE IDEA OF ADOPTION OF A SOLE CANDIDATE. Let
all the candidates be embraced equally so that EBF can boldly claim the
eventual winner as its own.
@Legalnaija