NBA Election to Proceed Saturday After Service Provider MD Released from SSS Custody

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced that its national election will proceed as planned this Saturday, despite recent controversies. The decision was made after the State Security Service (SSS) released the managing director of the association's election service provider, who had been detained earlier.

The NBA's National Executive Council (NEC) held an emergency virtual meeting and concluded that there were no operational or logistical impediments to holding the election as scheduled. The Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) has assured the NEC of its readiness to conduct a free, fair, transparent, and credible election.

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The council also called on relevant authorities to respect the autonomy of the NBA and refrain from any action capable of interfering with its democratic processes.

The detention of the service provider's managing director had raised concerns among legal practitioners, including former National Human Rights Commission chairman Chidi Odinkalu. Reports indicated the official was arrested at Lagos airport and had electronic devices seized, with allegations that the detention aimed to disrupt election preparations.

The NBA's NEC condemned the arrest, describing it as "deeply troubling" and demanding the individual's unconditional release. While the association confirmed the release shortly after the meeting, it urged lawyers to remain calm and participate peacefully. The council also called for authorities to respect the NBA's autonomy and avoid interfering with its democratic processes, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and the independence of the legal profession amidst ongoing disputes over candidate screening and the voters' register.

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The council also called on relevant authorities to respect the autonomy of the NBA and refrain from any action capable of interfering with its democratic processes.