The National President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Olukunle Akpata Esq, has urged lawyers in the country to resist any temptation to cut corners in their quest to become successful legal practitioners.
Akpata, made this call on Sunday, in Warri, Delta State when he paid a stopover visit to NBA Secretariat, Effurun Branch; enroute from Port Harcourt where he attended the burial ceremonies of renowned jurist, Hon. Justice Karibi-Whyte, JSC (rtd).
The NBA president stated, “Whatever you do in this life, do not despise your humble begining.
“Your 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.
“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 extolled members of the NBA, Effurun Branch for the support they gave him during his elections – saying, “I am so grateful for the supports and I promise you that I will not disappoint you people.”
He said his tenure as the NBA chairman would make a difference in the activities of the legal profession.
He added, “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 further urged lawyers who are ready to work with him to come forward to make NBA a better association.
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.
He however, appealed to Nigerian youths to take part in the electioneering process, regretting that the youths in Edo did not come out to vote during the election.
“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,” Aikpokpo-Martins said.
The Chairman of NBA, Effurun Branch, Jonathan Ekperusi Esq. commended the National President of the NBA for the visit just as he pledged the branch continued support for the Akpata leadership.