MAZI AFAM OSIGWE, SAN
– Poised to Reposition the NBA for Greater Impact on Members and Nation
A past Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), and former General Secretary of the NBA, amongst other notable Bar positions, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, Life Bencher, was called to the Bar in 1999.
He also holds a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK).
Osigwe began his legal career in the Abuja offices of Chike Chigbue & Co. in 1999, before founding The Law Forte in 2002, and continues to run the practice there as Senior Partner.
A Notary Public of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Osigwe’s practice has traversed wide areas of law including: Corporate and Commercial Law; Land Law, Banking Law, Intellectual Property Law, Telecommunications Law, Energy, Domestic and International Arbitration.
Osigwe is one of the youngest Life Benchers in recent history and and active Bar leader, he has at various times served in numerous capacities in the NBA, such as the Constitution Review Commitee, Law Reporting Committee; Continuing Legal Education Committee of the Abuja Branch.
As we countdown to the 2024 NBA elections, in which he is running to succeed the Association’s current President, Yakubu C. Maikyau, SAN, Osigwe engaged the editors of NEWSWIRE Law & Events Magazine in a conversation in which he explained his motivations for seeking the NBA’s top job, baring his mind on issues of concern in the Association, the legal profession, and the Nigerian nation as a whole.
Excerpts:
NEWSWIRE: Why do you want to be NBA President? And how are you different from your rivals for this office? What attributes, experiences, expertise, etc are you bringing to the table?
OSIGWE: I aspire to be the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) because I firmly believe that active participation and leadership are the keys to driving meaningful change within any organization. Rather than merely voicing dissatisfaction or proposing improvements from the sidelines, I am committed to offering my best endeavors to provide the leadership our association needs. This conviction is not more to me. It inspired me to run for office as Chairman of the NBA Abuja branch successfully to the glory of God in 2010 when I was about 11 years at the Bar.
Recognizing the impact I was able to make as Branch Chair in Abuja, and the potential to contribute on a larger scale, I decided to run for the position of General Secretary of NBA in 2014. I am proud to say that our administration from 2014-2016 under the leadership of Mr Augustine Alegeh, SAN, remains one of the most impactful in the history of our association for many reasons, including the enactment of the universal suffrage for all qualified lawyers in good standing to vote in NBA Election as against the controversial delegate system. We also successfully conceived and pioneered the provision of stamps and seal to qualified lawyers in good standing, which single policy decisively dealt with the problem of fake legal practitioners parading themselves as lawyers and causing public embarrassments to the profession.
Despite my pride in my past achievements at the Bar, I do believe that I have much more to give, and that much can be best delivered in the vantage position of President of the Association.
It is evident that our members expect the NBA to be more proactive and supportive. There is a prevailing sentiment that the association collects dues and practice fees without delivering commensurate benefits. Many feel that the NBA is unresponsive to their needs, particularly when they encounter challenges while serving their clients. There is also a perception that the NBA fails to voice its stance during critical national moments.
My goal is to address these concerns by ensuring that the NBA becomes more engaged, supportive, and vocal. I am committed to leading an NBA that not only listens to its members but also effectively advocates for them.
I am confident that I can enhance the public perception of our organization, improve member benefits, and create an inclusive environment where all members—regardless of age, gender, political affiliation, area of practice, disability, vulnerability, or religious belief-can actively heard and constructively engaged.
My vision is for the NBA to reclaim its rightful place as the leading professional body in Nigeria. I am driven by a deep belief in the crucial role our association plays in upholding the rule of law and advancing the welfare of all lawyers. My candidacy is distinguished by unparalleled experience, commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and effective leadership. By focusing on these, I aim to foster a more supportive and cooperative professional community.
Q: You’re a one-time Chairman of the NBA Abuja branch as well as a former national General Secretary of the NBA. What lessons did you learn from your respective tenures, in terms of the challenges and opportunities, that will come in handy in the event that you’re elected NBA President?
A: With my experience as a former Chairman of the NBA Abuja branch and General Secretary, I bring a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our association. I aim to unify and strengthen the Bar. My tenure as Chairman and General Secretary provided me with valuable insights into the complexities of managing a diverse and dynamic organization like the NBA. I learned the critical importance of fostering unity, addressing member concerns, and advocating for the integrity of our profession. These experiences have equipped me with the skills and perspectives necessary to navigate the challenges and maximize the opportunities of the NBA presidency.
Q: What will be your key priorities as NBA President – in the short, medium and long term?
A: As NBA President, my key priorities will be to address both immediate concerns and long-term strategic goals. In the short term, I will focus on enhancing access to justice, promoting professional development opportunities, and fostering a culture of inclusivity within the association. In the medium term, my goals include strengthening the rule of law, advocating for legislative reforms, and addressing systemic challenges facing the legal profession. Ultimately, my long-term vision is to position the NBA as a proactive force for positive change in Nigerian society, championing justice, equality, and the rule of law.
Q: The motto of the NBA is ‘Promoting the Rule of Law’ Are you satisfied with the way the NBA is carrying out its mandate to the society in this regard so far? If not, what more (or differently) can, or should, the Association be doing?
A: While the NBA has made commendable progress in promoting the rule of law, I believe there is still significant potential for further enhancement. The association can increase its active engagement in advocacy, legal education, and public interest litigation to better uphold the rule of law and protect human rights. This will involve strategic collaborations with stakeholders, including civil society organizations, the judiciary, and government agencies, to effectively address systemic challenges and foster a culture of respect for the rule of law.
Q: The welfare of lawyers is still a front-burner issue for the Association and its members. What will the NBA do under your watch to enhance lawyers’ welfare?
A: Enhancing lawyers’ welfare will be a top priority for the NBA under my leadership. This includes advocating for fair compensation, improving working conditions, providing professional development opportunities, and addressing issues related to mental health and well-being. I will work to ensure that the NBA provides robust support systems for lawyers facing challenges in their professional lives. We will partner with donors to ensure there is an endowment fund for legal education and mentorship programs for law students and young lawyers. Law teachers will be funded to do research that will help the development of the justice sector, and constitutionalism in Nigeria.
We will invest in professional development by sponsoring lawyers for training and conferences, and providing a free online library for continuing education. The NBA budget will be used for legal missions and preparing young lawyers through foreign exchange programs and initiatives that promote the rule of law in Nigeria. This will be facilitated through partnerships with law firms, civil society organizations, and donor organizations, ensuring comprehensive professional growth and readiness for future challenges.
We will use litigation and advocacy to protect the legal services industry from non-legal practitioners and foreign law firms. Strengthening the Human Rights Committee of the NBA, we will establish a Human Rights Attorney Support Network, which will act as a Rapid Response Team to protect lawyers’ rights when threatened or violated.
Furthermore, the NBA will deepen the range of benefits for lawyers paying the Annual Practicing Fees and belonging to the association. This includes negotiating discounted rates for hotels, airlines, restaurants, and major businesses. We will ensure that lawyers in both the public and private sectors benefit from these welfare packages, carrying along every lawyer in all spheres of practice in Nigeria.
Q: There seems to be an unspoken dichotomy between lawyers in litigation and in-house / government counsel – with the latter sometimes expressing feelings of marginalization. As NBA President, what would you do to bridge this dichotomy?
A: Bridging the gap between litigation and commercial lawyers requires fostering a culture of collaboration, recognizing the value of diverse legal practices, and advocating for equitable opportunities within the profession. Under my leadership, the NBA will prioritize promoting dialogue and cooperation across all sectors of the legal community. By addressing perceived divisions, we will ensure that every member feels valued and included, fostering a unified and dynamic association.
Q: The NBA Women’s Forum concluded it’s 4th Annual Conference in late March. Proceedings at the Conference underlined the growing impact and influence of females in the profession – and the need to ensure that issues of concern to the female gender are woven into the fabric of the legal profession. How will the NBA under your leadership work to advance the interests of female lawyers?
A: The NBA will prioritise advancing the interests of female lawyers by promoting gender diversity, tackling career advancement barriers, advocating for work-life balance policies, and providing mentorship and networking opportunities. This may involve creating initiatives tailored to the unique challenges female lawyers face and ensuring their voices are heard and represented within the association. To achieve this, we will collaborate closely with the Nigerian Bar Association Women’s Forum and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), strengthening our support for female professionals in the legal field.
Q: What about young lawyers? How would you address their concerns – and their quest for a greater role in the decision-making process at the level of the NBA?
A: Under my leadership, the NBA will prioritize the concerns of young lawyers by focusing on mentorship, training, and professional development. We will create structured mentorship programs, organize comprehensive training workshops, and advocate for career support policies. These policies will ensure fair compensation, work-life balance, and flexibility, recognizing the holistic well-being necessary for a successful legal career.
We will collaborate with law schools and legal institutions to enhance practical legal training, bridging the gap between academic learning and practice. A dedicated support network will be established to provide mental health resources, including counseling services and stress management workshops, under the Young Lawyers Forum YLF. Additionally, we will create pilot co-working space schemes in Lagos and Abuja for young lawyers who want to start their practice but cannot afford office space.
Young lawyers will also have the opportunity to work as Research Assistants to Judicial Officers, providing valuable employment opportunities. We will ensure the strict adherence and implementation of laws such as Section 66 (3) of the Police Act 2020, which mandates each Police Division in Nigeria to have at least one legal practitioner. This initiative will secure jobs for young practitioners and strengthen their professional development.
Q: You’re the Senior Partner at the _Law Forte_ . What unique attributes of your firm – in terms of its business model, work culture and other internal and external mechanisms – would you love to see replicated in other law firms and in the workings of the NBA itself?
A: At Law Forte, we uphold collaboration, innovation, and integrity as key drivers of success within our firm and the broader legal community represented by the NBA. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, our office closes at 5:30 pm, allowing team members to prioritize their personal lives and recharge. This approach not only enhances individual well-being but also boosts productivity, improves overall team effectiveness, attracting and retaining top talent while elevating the firm’s reputation within the industry.
We advocate for the NBA to adopt best practices from successful law firms, including transparent governance, effective communication, and robust member support systems. By prioritizing these values, we believe the NBA can elevate its standing and effectiveness within the legal community, promoting excellence, inclusivity, and ethical conduct.
Q: A number of past NBA Presidents (notably the late Alao Aka-Bashorun, SAN) were very radical, even combative, in using the instrumentality of the law, and the platform of the NBA, as a platform to advocate for the protection of human and civil rights in Nigeria (especially when those rights are seen to be infringed by the authorities). Others, have, however, been more circumspect and measured in their approach in this regard, to the point of being seen as docile. What would YOUR approach be as NBA President, and why?
A: As NBA President, my approach to advocating for human and civil rights would be conscientious, proactive, and strategic. While I believe in using the law as a tool for advocacy and activism, I also recognize the importance of engaging constructively with relevant stakeholders to effect positive change. My goal would be to uphold the rule of law and advocating for justice, equality, and respect for human rights in Nigeria.
Q: I’m sure you’ll agree that our country, Nigeria, is currently at a critical crossroads in terms of her social, economic and political fortunes. While some stakeholders have called for comprehensive reforms in key areas of legislation, others have called for a total overhaul of the polity. In what areas would you like to see these reforms, and what role do you envisage for the NBA in all these?
A: As Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, there’s an urgent need for comprehensive reforms in crucial areas like legal education, judicial independence, access to justice, and legislative oversight. Under my administration, the NBA will play a pivotal role in advocating for these reforms by collaborating with government agencies, the judiciary, civil society organizations, and legal professionals. This includes lobbying for legislative amendments, advocating for judicial reforms, and raising public awareness on legal matters.
To enhance judicial independence, the NBA will ensure full compliance with constitutional provisions for the judiciary’s financial autonomy. Additionally, we will invest in modernizing court infrastructure and develop state-by-state judicial academies to provide conducive environments for dispensing justice. Training modules will be created for judges to ensure personalized attention and deeper engagement, maximizing the effectiveness of their training.
We will propose amendments to existing legislation and rules to improve justice delivery and push for the prompt passage of Justice Sector Reform Bills pending before the National Assembly. Judicial reforms will improving case management and scheduling, notifying lawyers of adjournments, enforcing the use of NBA email addresses for filing processes, and creating customized email addresses for court registries.
The NBA will support continuous education and training for judges, lawyers, and court staff to keep them updated on evolving legal principles, best practices and technological advancements. We will collaborate with academic institutions and professional organizations to develop specialized training modules on judicial ethics, case management, and legal research skills. Additionally, a Judicial Decision Review Committee will be established to conduct quarterly reviews of court decisions and to publish a quarterly Juridical Review of such judgments together with the Association’s position on how to resolve any observed conflicts.
Q: A number of past NBA Presidents have gone on to become elected political office-holders (such as the recently-deceased Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, of Ondo State). As we speak, two former NBA-SBL Chairmen (one of whom is the immediate past NBA President) are vying for the Governorship of Edo State. Do you see a political future for yourself at the end of your prospective tenure as leader of the Bar? In other words, do you see the NBA Presidency as a stepping-stone to political office?
A: While my priority and dedication would lie in serving the legal profession as NBA President, I would also be attentive to opportunities for broader professional and societal contributions. My primary focus would essentially be to fulfil my mandate as NBA President and effect positive changes within the legal community. Any contemplation of future political endeavors would be considered in light of societal needs and available opportunities at the appropriate juncture. Beyond that I have no elective political ambition outside of the NBA.
Q: If there’s one thing you’d want to be remembered for as NBA President, what would that be?
A: If elected as NBA President, I would like to be remembered as a President that not only kept faith with his manifesto but also left indelible marks defined by steadfast commitment to the rule of law, unwavering support for the welfare of lawyers, the cultivation of unity within our esteemed profession, and a relentless pursuit of justice and equality. I would also like to be remembered for forging a legacy characterized by enduring positive transformation within the NBA and the society at large.
NEWSWIRE: Thank you, learned silk.
OSIGWE: It is my privilege and pleasure to engage with you, and I look forward to such further engagements in the future, hopefully as President of the NBA.
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