NBA Damaturu branch swears in new executive members
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Damaturu Branch, on Saturday inaugurated a new set of executive members to steer the affairs of the association for the next two years.
The inauguration, which took place in Damaturu, saw Barr. Ahmad Khalil sworn in as the new Chairman of the branch, alongside other executive members.
Others sworn in include Barr. Ahmed Mohammed as Vice Chairman, Barr. Abba Maina as Secretary, Barr. Ali Kadai as Assistant Secretary, Barr. Maryam Bamai as Treasurer, Barr. Abdulmalik Isa as Financial Secretary, Barr. Idriss Suleiman as Welfare Officer, Barr. Muhammad Bukar as Publicity Secretary, and Barr. Baba Nuhu as Provost.
Speaking at the ceremony, the outgoing Chairperson, Barr. Altine Ibrahim, reflected on her tenure and expressed appreciation to members for their support during her leadership.
“This ceremony signifies the end of one journey and the beginning of another.
“We recorded achievements in national engagements, capacity building, and membership participation.
“We also conducted a peaceful and transparent election, and distributed support materials from our partners during critical periods,” he said.
She also noted challenges faced during her tenure, including the invasion of the Chief Magistrate’s Court by security operatives, and petitions against members, which she said were handled through due process.
Barr. Altine extended appreciation to the Yobe State Government, the judiciary, and institutional partners such as the North East Development Commission and the International Rescue Committee among others for their support.
She urged the new executive to build on existing achievements and remain steadfast in service, pledging her continued support to the branch.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Barr. Khalifa Bako, congratulated the newly elected officers and urged them to uphold the integrity of the profession.
“You must exercise caution in leadership. The responsibility before you is enormous, and your actions must always reflect the mandate of the Congress and the NBA Constitution,” Bako warned.
He advised the new leaders to remain accountable and avoid corruption, reminding them that their conduct will be judged both by members and by the wider public.
In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman, Barr. Ahmad Khalil, expressed gratitude to members for the confidence reposed in him and his team.
“This is not just a personal milestone, but a testament to the collective will of our members,” Khalil said.
He pledged to uphold justice, equity, and the rule of law while promoting the welfare of members and advocating for good governance.
“We are aware of the critical moment we are in as a branch and as a nation.
“We will work to ensure that justice serves all, and that government policies meet the yearnings of the people,” he stated.
Khalil also lauded Governor Mai Mala Buni for supporting youth and legal practitioners in the state, promising to partner with the government to promote access to justice and protect the rights of citizens.
