The members of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) have resolved not to recognize the decision of the National Executive Council (NBA-NEC) dissolving its executive committee.

In an interview on Friday, the embattled chairman of NBA-SPIDEL, John Aikpokpo-Martins, insisted that he remains the chairman of the Section. This is despite NBA-NEC appointing an interim leadership to run the affairs of NBA-SPIDEL during its last quarterly meeting in Jos.

Aikpokpo-Martins, accused the NBA President of overreaching his powers by meddling in the affairs of NBA-SPIDEL. He maintained that constitutionally, the various NBA sections operate independently from the central leadership.

“The issue we have is the President interfering in SPIDEL matters. The uniform bye-laws guiding NBA sections insulate them from the undue influence of the President’s office,” he explained.

While admitting that NBA-SPIDEL is not fully autonomous of NBA’s umbrella body, Aikpokpo-Martins was quick to clarify that the section’s loyalty is only to NBA’s Annual General Meeting and the NBA-NEC.

Aikpokpo-Martins also mentioned that there is a pending lawsuit filed by SPIDEL members contesting the President’s authority to convene the NBA-NEC meeting, which resulted in the removal of the SPIDEL exco. Aikpokpo-Martins clarified that the legal action was initiated to prevent discussion on a matter already sub judice.

Furthermore, the embattled NBA-SPIDEL chairman denounced the dissolution as invalid, asserting that the leadership elected in June 2023 rightfully continues to oversee the affairs of the section.

However, he refrained from commenting on whether NBA-SPIDEL intends to take legal action against the NBA regarding this dispute.