President Bola Tinubu has urged the newly elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, to uphold justice, defend the Constitution and strengthen the rule of law during her tenure.
The President made the call while congratulating Badejo-Okusanya on her historic election as the first elected female president of the NBA, describing her emergence as a victory for merit, excellence and gender inclusion, as well as a milestone in the evolution of Nigeria’s legal profession.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said Badejo-Okusanya’s distinguished career, marked by integrity, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to justice, had earned her the confidence of legal practitioners across the country.
He urged the NBA president-elect to work with relevant stakeholders to advance judicial reforms, safeguard the Constitution and reinforce the legal profession’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
Tinubu also called on Badejo-Okusanya to promote unity within the association by reaching out to her fellow contestants and addressing issues arising from the election.
“I urge you to reach out to the other contestants, unify the Bar and make efforts to correct issues that arose during your election. I wish you a successful tenure and service to the legal profession and our country at large,” the President said.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with the NBA to deepen democratic governance, promote justice and build a more united and prosperous nation.
He added that Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence reflects the growing recognition of women’s contributions to nation-building and the administration of justice, expressing confidence that her leadership would strengthen the legal profession and expand access to justice.
“I extend my hearty congratulations to the President-elect of the NBA for her victory. As the first elected female president of the Association of Lawyers in Nigeria, Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya has made history. She has once again shown that our women can attain any heights in pursuit of excellence in their careers and ambitions, both in the private sector and in public service,” he added.