As part of efforts to preserve his legacies, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, Lagos State, on Sunday, held the 19th edition of the Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture.
In a statement by the Publicity Secretary, NBA (IKEJA BRANCH), Patrick Agboola Esq, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and his Rivers State counterpart, Governor Nyesom Wike are among the prominent Nigerians expected to grace the occasion to be chaired by the former Vice Chancellor of University of Ado-Ekiti, Professor Akin Oyebode.
Renowned lawyer, activist, writer, publisher, philanthropist and social critic who is the United Nations’ International Elections Commissioner, Mrs. Charlotte Kesson-Smith Osei, was scheduled to speak on the theme of the Lecture “Free, Fair and Credible Election as Indispensable Tool for National Development”.
According to the statement, the focus of the programme is on how to ensure free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria, this could not have come at a better time. The guest speaker is experienced in the conduct of elections in Africa and beyond and is better placed to share her wealth of experience with Nigeria.
The organisers said they intended to engage rapporteurs who would help out during the programme so it would be easy to transmit the helpful points that would be raised to the Nigerian local electoral body (Independent National Electoral Commission) INEC.
“This gesture will be part of NBA Ikeja’s modest contribution to finding lasting solutions to our country’s electoral challenges.”
The statement added:
“The Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, has almost for two decades rolled out the drums yearly to celebrate the greatness of Fawehinmi and his contribution to the development of law, legal profession and human rights protection.
“With Mr. Mike Igini, a colleague and former Resident Electoral Commissioner, Akwa Ibom State and Commodore Kunle Olawunmi, a Public Affairs Analyst & Commentator, as the discussants of the topic of the day.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu will be the Chief host, the President of the NBA, while Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN, will be the Host.
“The Special guests of the day are the Lagos State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, Chief Judge of Lagos State and Governor Nyesom Wike, (Life Bencher) of River State.”
