By Obinna Nwoko
The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Oleh Branch, Timothy Agbaragu, has pledged to lead the branch with transparency, accountability and inclusiveness while prioritising the welfare, professional development and protection of legal practitioners.
Speaking during his swearing-in ceremony held in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, Agbaragu said his administration would be committed to strengthening the branch through improved welfare packages, capacity building and the completion of the branch’s Bar Centre within his two-year tenure.
The Chairman assured members that no lawyer would be left behind, irrespective of years of practice or place of service, stressing that his administration would operate an open-door policy that encourages constructive criticism and collective decision-making.
“Our administration will be guided by the tripod of transparency, accountability and inclusiveness,” he declared, adding that regular town hall meetings and quarterly general meetings would be held to ensure every member has a voice in the affairs of the branch.
Agbaragu also vowed to improve members’ welfare by ensuring prompt payment of benefits, advocating better court facilities and enhancing security for lawyers. He reaffirmed the branch’s resolve to resist intimidation of legal practitioners, citing the alleged maltreatment of a member, Jude Itedgere Esq., as a matter the branch would pursue to its logical conclusion.
On professional development, the Chairman said the branch would organise regular Continuing Legal Education programmes and digital training to equip lawyers with modern legal technology and electronic filing systems.
He called on members to embrace innovation, noting that digital transformation would improve efficiency and service delivery in legal practice.
Agbaragu further extended a hand of fellowship to his former election opponents, saying the contest was over and that the progress of the branch should take precedence over individual interests.
He also sought a stronger partnership with the Bench, describing judges and lawyers as partners in the administration of justice, while assuring the Executive arm and other stakeholders of the NBA’s readiness to contribute to building a just society.
The Chairman reiterated his administration’s commitment to completing the NBA Oleh Branch Bar Centre, saying resources, including proceeds from the Remuneration Order, would be channelled towards delivering the project within the tenure of the executive.
He urged members to unite behind the new leadership, stressing that the success of the administration would be a collective achievement for the entire branch.
In his speech the outgone Chairman, Peter Erhinyodavwe, Esq highlighted the favour of a free conducive apartment for the branch and zero record of death since he was sworn- in, in July, 2024.
While thanking members of the branch for their support and cooperation, he urged them to extend same to the newly sworn -in executives.
The newly sworn-in Executive Officers of NBA Oleh Branch are, Timothy Agbaragu (Chairman), Mrs Okemena Okole (vice chairman), Jude Itedjere (Secretary), Benjamin Orieghe (publicity secretary) and Daniel Onianwa as Treasurer.
