The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Second Vice President, Mr. Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka, has expressed strong disagreement with the NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN, over the choice of venues for the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meetings.

In a post on his verified Facebook handle, Chukwuemeka criticized what he termed as the “Northernization” of NEC meetings, emphasizing the financial implications and risks associated with hosting meetings in states that lack direct flights from other regions.

Chukwuemeka argued that while he is not against any branch from the northern region hosting NEC meetings, the association must consider the financial burden and safety concerns for NEC members who have to travel to states without direct flights from their base. He firmly believes that NEC meetings should be spread across regions or held in Abuja if there are insufficient funds, or even conducted virtually in worst-case scenarios.

The NBA Second Vice President alleged that the North has been hosting NEC meetings to the exclusion of other regions, and he pleaded with the NBA leadership to spread the remaining meetings to other regions, including the upcoming emergency meeting in Yola. Chukwuemeka suggested that if there are no sponsors, 100% virtual meetings should be encouraged to save funds for the association, aligning with the President’s advocacy for cost-saving measures.

Chukwuemeka also raised concerns about the NBA leadership’s alleged prioritization of money in their choice of NEC venues, suggesting that hosting rights are being granted to the highest bidders. He emphasized that the welfare, health, and attendance of NBA NEC members should be the primary concern, rather than appeasing state apparatus for selfish gains.

The NBA Second Vice President further highlighted the challenges faced by NEC members from far North, West, and Eastern regions who may not have direct flights to the meeting locations, resulting in inconvenience and discouragement from attending. He called for a rethinking of the venue selection process, noting that the horrific and life-threatening journeys undertaken by members should prompt the association to retrace its steps, regardless of any perceived benefits.