By Innocent Anaba
Mr Joseph Daudu, SAN, has emerged the President-elect  of the Nigerian  Bar Association, NBA, at an election held on Thursday in Ibadan, Oyo State. Mr Daudu has meanwhile described the congress that produced him as worthy of emulation.

He polled  718 votes  as against the  487 votes  polled by  his only opponent, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN.
Daudu, who spoke shortly  after he was pronounced winner  late on Thursday night, said that the election was transparent.

This successful election is a worthy example for the larger society of  Nigeria to embrace. It is a victory to the bar and a victory for you able gentlemen of this noble profession,:” he said amidst cheers from well wishers.

Daudu, who also commended the Bar for giving him the mandate to serve them, said  that there was neither a winner nor vanquished in the election.

He, however, said he would not go into a long speech, adding, “we are just executive members-elect, the out-going officers are still in place.  We are not in the habit of  having two officers at a time.”

The president-elect said he would fully address members of the association when they were fully sworn in August at the association’s conference in Kaduna.

Gadzama, his co-contestant, congratulated the President-elect and also admitted that the election was transparent.
Outgoing president of the NBA, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, commended the members for the way and manner they conducted  themselves throughout the election.

Mr Olumuyiwa Akinboro, a past Chairman of  Abuja branch,  was elected General Secretary after polling  899 votes as against Nurudeen Ogbara with 312 votes and Edward Abangbee with 193 votes.