Let me use this opportunity to request our collective support and vote for Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in the forthcoming election slated for July 20, 2024.
Interestingly, this year marks 10 years since I first interacted with this eminent, cerebral, brilliant, and ebullient man. Anything I say is from personal experience and not hearsay. In fact, I have admired Mazi Afam Osigwe since my undergraduate days, and to date, I thank God for bringing him into my life.
My relationship with Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN, has shown me how much young lawyers can achieve if we can encourage more mentorship and foster a better relationship between the old and young lawyers in our great profession.
Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN epitomizes the ‘ catch them young’ mentality. You can hardly come across young lawyers, young graduates or undergraduates who have not encountered Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, or who have not been inspired to greatness by him, and this is not politically motivated.
To sustain the gains of the profession, there should be a bridge, between the old and young members and that bridge is Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN. He is respected, adored, and honoured across board. No one else, as far as this election is concerned, comes close.
Mazi Afam Osigwe is not just exceptionally brilliant but also smart and hardworking. I have always wondered how he manages to churn out and execute brilliant ideas. It only shows one thing – he understands his assignment in life and keeps preparing ahead.
Without fear of contradiction, Mazi Afam Osigwe, in my honest view, understands truly how a lawyer should be treated and how a lawyer should act. He seizes every opportunity to make meaning of this. Of course, we cannot forget that he was the General Secretary of our great Association from 2014 to 2016, and instrumental in bringing various innovations we enjoy today.
The administration he served as General Secretary is reputed (uncontroverted) as one of the best in the history of the NBA. The universal suffrage, stamp and seal, lawyers’ insurance, NBA building, revamping of the ICLE, etc., came into existence through his collective effort with the then-President Augustine Alegeh, SAN; very few persons can claim such national impact in the affairs of lawyers in Nigeria. We have seen Mazi do it both at the Branch and National levels. He remains the best hand now.
Mazi Afam Osigwe is not just fearless but also daring. I have seen him confront national issues in the country without fear or intimidation. At least, to the best of my knowledge, he has no political leaning and would not spare anything to ensure the rule of law and good governance are protected in the country.
It is not in doubt that, as lawyers, we have a huge assignment to the general public. He represents the kind of approach we put forward. With the current abuse and debasement by our political leaders, we need a proactive, fearless, and responsible President. No other person but our indefatigable, distinguished, and eminent Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe SAN (the Golden Boy). Let me stop here for now.
Gabriel Chikwado Eze,
NBA Abuja (Unity Bar) Branch.
