I attended the NEC meeting in Maiduguri, and I want to share what I personally observed, because some of the reports circulating online do not reflect reality. The suggestion that the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, admitted bias or claimed he could not be neutral is not true. That statement was never made, in any form.
During the meeting, the President clearly spoke about the role of leadership in maintaining fairness. He reminded everyone that the Constitution forbids leaders from endorsing candidates, and emphasized that the leadership’s responsibility is to protect the integrity of the process, treating all aspirants equally. His focus was on ensuring a level playing field, not on personal preference or partiality.
The conversation also highlighted concerns about monetisation in NBA elections. The President cautioned that the influence of money in electoral processes undermines the values and credibility of the Association. He urged strict adherence to constitutional safeguards, fairness, and ethical conduct by all members.
I must also note that many of the accounts floating online came from people who were not present at the NEC meeting. This has led to misunderstandings and misrepresentations of what was actually said.
Firsthand observation matters, and in this case, it confirms that the President’s intervention was about neutrality, fairness, and upholding institutional integrity, not about bias.
I hope this helps to clarify the facts and encourages responsible reporting, so that members and the public have an accurate understanding of the leadership’s position and intentions.
Azuka Paul Maduemezia, Esq
Chairman, NBA Asaba Branch, and Member of NEC
2024 – 2026
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