- Maruf Adediran emerges new chair, promises inclusive, accountable leadership.
. By John Dike, Osogbo
The outgoing Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Osogbo Branch, Mr. Saheed Olayemi Abiona, has said that online voting will deepen democracy in Nigeria.
He described the branch’s successful online election as a bold step toward the country’s’s democratic advancement.
Abiona expressed optimism that the innovation, which marked the first time the Osogbo Branch adopted an electronic voting system, could serve as a model for national elections in the near future.
He commended the branch Electoral Committee for organizing what he described as a “95 percent successful and credible poll.”
“The success of this e-voting process shows that in no distant time, Nigeria can fully adopt electronic voting.
“This would not only reduce electoral fraud and cut the cost of elections, but it will also promote inclusiveness, particularly by accommodating the participation of Nigerians in the diaspora,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee Chair, Kayode Titiloye had announced the results where Maruf Adediran Esq scored 39 votes to beat his ribal Mikaheel Abiodun Esq who polled 22 votes.
Titiloye also announced Kayode Alade Esq with 36 votes as the new Secretary, defeating Juliet Okonkwo Esq with 18 votes and Oladapo Babarinsa Esq with 11 votes.
Other winners include Suliyat Babawale Lamini Esq who was elected as Assistant Secretary; Ima-Idehen Esogie Esq who emerged the Treasurer, Idris Liman Esq as the Social Secretary; and Babatunde Jamiu Esq as the Welfare Secretary.
Following the announcement of the results, the newly elected Chairman, Maruf Adediran, Esq., in an emotion-laden acceptance message, expressed gratitude to members of the Bar and promised to lead with humility, inclusiveness, and transparency.
“Distinguished men of the Osogbo Bar,”
“It is with humility and a deep sense of duty that I accept my election as the chairman-elect of our prestigious Osogbo Branch of the NBA.”
He praised the electoral committee for the smooth conduct of the poll and saluted the leadership of Mr. Abiona for laying the groundwork for the historic process, while specifically applauding the technological innovation introduced, calling it a “masterpiece” and the “first of its kind in Osogbo Bar election history.”
Adediran also extended a hand of brotherhood to his opponent, Mr. Idrees Abiodun Mikaheel, whom he described as a “dedicated Bar man,” acknowledging his sportsmanship and commitment to the profession.
He called on all members and supporters to put the election behind them and embrace teamwork for the benefit of the Branch. He urged members to correct him when he errs and hold him accountable during his term.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor, Mr Nurudeen Kareem has congratulated the leadership and members of the Osogbo branch of the NBA as well as the newly elected officials.
In a letter he personally signed an addressed to the Chairman, Mr Olayemi Abiona, the Special Adviser described the peaceful conduct of the election as an evidence of members’ commitment to transparency, orderliness and embrace of technological innovations.
Mr Kareem charged all members to place the interest of the Bar above all other interests and stay united to achieve a common goal of welfare of Lawyers, the citizens and defense of the rule of Law.
