That “disclaimer” on EBF Resolution Regarding the Position of 1st Vice President of the NBA by the So-Called Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries in Anambra State: an attempt to kill and bury the EBF..
Like all peace loving members of the Eastern Bar Association (EBF), the foremost regional forum of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), I was shocked to read a publication on the Eastern Bar Forum Whatsapp group by a group styling itself as “the Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries in Anambra State.”
The group issued a “disclaimer” on the resolution of the Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) zoning the position of 1st Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to the South South.
The resolution was taken after the report presented by Screening Committee chaired by Mr Marc Enamhe was deliberated upon.
As a past member of the Governing Council of our organization, representing the good people of Akwa Ibom State and a past Publicity Secretary of NBA, Uyo branch, I find it imperative to address this matter, particularly in light of the apparent motivations of theperpetrators. It is apposite to consider the implications of their actions.
I state without equivocation that the “disclaimer”issued by this group is not rooted in a genuine concern for the collective interests of the EBF or the NBA at large. Rather, it is a blatant manifestation of self-serving ambitions and greed. The individuals behind this disclaimer are driven by a desire to advance their personal and clannish interests at the expense of the unity and progress of the EBF.
Their actions are clearly aimed at positioning themselves in a way that benefits only their personal ambitions, without any regard for the greater good of the Forum.
Every member of EBF, will recall that it took the grace of the Almighty God and the collective will of the Soseipiriye Williams led Governing Council for the EBF to survive the post 2018 presidential election debacle that almost led to the extinction of the Forum.
To avoid a repetition of what happened in 2018, the Governing Council immediately set up a ConstitutionReview Committee and one of the mechanism to build unity amongst the two blocs that make up the association was what was drafted into Article 11 of the EBF Constitution. For the avoidance of doubt, Article 11 (8-9), divides the forum into two zones, being South East made up of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States, and the South South zone made up of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers States is the second.
The constitution in Article 11 (10-15), further stated that for the purpose of National Elections, offices zoned to the East shall rotate amongst the blocs, for the purpose of screening of a member, vying for national office, the zone of such member shall be a determinant, the national offices listed to rotate in turns between the two blocs are the President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President. 3rd Vice President and General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Article 11 (15) specifically listed how the offices shall rotate in turns between members indigenous to the two zones as follows; President (South East), 1st Vice President (South South), 2nd Vice President (South East), 3rd Vice President (South South) and General Secretary (South East). It is believed that Paul Usoro SAN took the slot of the South South as President, that is why in good conscience and for the unity and collective good of the EBF, no member indigenous to the bloc has indicated interest to contest for the office of president that it is zoned to the east.
It is unfortunate and amounts to extreme greed and selfishness for this minuscule group of ghost writers not to reciprocate the good gesture extended by our brothers in the South South bloc. The motion ably moved by the immediate past Governor of the EBF, Chief Uba Anene of Awka branch, Anambra State and seconded by Dr Peter Ayogu of Port Harcourt branch for the forum to adopt the report concerning the position of 1st Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as presented by Screening Committee chaired by Mr Marc Enamhe was a patriotic one. There was no dissent or counter motion from any other member of the EBF present at the venue of that meeting on Saturday, June 22, 2024.
This faceless group has chosen not to only sow seeds of discord, but to also attempt to mislead right thinking members of the Forum and the general public, with their effervescent disclaimer. Let them note that he who sows the wind, reaps the whirlwind!
It is evident that this group is attempting to relegate the South-South bloc of the EBF to the status of second-class citizens. 
This is a deliberate and calculated move to undermine the influence and contributions of the South-South members of our forum. The EBF was established to foster unity, cooperation, and mutual respect among its members across all regions. Any attempt to marginalize a particular bloc goes against the very principles upon which the EBF was founded and will not be accepted.
The actions of this group represents a clear and present danger to the existence of the EBF. It is a deliberate attempt to kill and bury the EBF. By sowing discord and creating unnecessary controversies, they aim to weaken the Forum’s cohesion and effectiveness.
Their “disclaimer” is a direct attack on the integrity and unity of the EBF, and is capable of creating divisions that could ultimately lead to the Forum’s nunc dimittis. We must remain vigilant and steadfast in protecting the EBF from such destructive elements.
Unfortunately, these characters have failed to learn from history and appreciate the fact that they are embarking on a frolic that will end in total disaster. I pray they borrow a leaf from what is happening in another sister forum where an ethnic bloc, in trying to dominate the perceived minority ended up loosing everything over several election cycles.
As a card-carrying member of EBF, I categorically reject the “disclaimer” issued by the so-called Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries in Anambra State. It does not reflect what transpired on the floor of the meeting in Uyo.
Their actions are motivated by greed, self-serving ambitions, and a deliberate attempt to undermine the stabilizing role of the EBF and marginalize the South-South bloc. I respectfully urge all members of the EBF to stand united in the face of these divisive tactics and to continue working together to uphold the principles of equity, justice, and mutual respect that define our Forum and are enshrined in the EBF Constitution.
Members should remain committed to the unity and progress of the EBF and should not allow the selfish ambitions of a few individuals to derail our collective mission.
The EBF stands resolute in its commitment to ensuring fair representation and participation for all its members, irrespective of their regional affiliations.
I challenge the authors to append their names to their “disclaimer”. 
•Samuel Akpadiagha Etuk, Esq.,
Past Member of the Governing Council of EBF. Past Publicity Secretary, NBA, Uyo Branch.
Past Member, Criminal Justice Reforms Committee of NBA.
Member, Continuing Legal Committee of NBA.
Chairman, NBA, Uyo Branch, Sports Committee.
