Newly elected Chairman of the Gombe State branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Benjamin Sati, says apart from vigorously pursuing the implementation of his manifestos, he’ll ensure that the branch introduces electronic voting system in subsequent elections.
He told our correspondent shortly after he was declared winner of the branch’s election, held recently. Furthermore, holding election electronically will greatly improve the electoral procedure and give confidence to the members as well as contestants.
Benjamin, who polled 134 votes to beat three other chairmanship contenders said, “I feel it doesn’t cost much money to have an electronic voting system.”
According to him, “Many people could not come out to vote because of the rain. When we assume office, we will make efforts to consult professionals in that regard. If our income or purse can afford it, why not? We live in a digital age, we are a generational people. We should go in tandem with contemporary realities.
“A colleague in another branch told me that they held two elections electronically. When we do election digitally, it is more transparent, seamless and simple. So, if alive, we’re going to do a lot more like we presented in our manifestos”, he stated.
He said his intentions for the Gombe Bar are pure, which is to give his contribution to the progress and development of the Gombe State branch of the NBA. He pointed “I feel I have a lot to give if given the the opportunity and that is the reason why I contested and I got the assurance in almost all quarters”.
He promised to carry all members along including the losers in the election, vowing to treat them with respect and appreciation. He also described the journey to his electoral victory as a tough one having contested and lost in 2021.
“I summoned the courage, bearing in mind the level I’m in, in the Bar, I felt I have a lot to offer, as such, I gave it a try again.
In the keenly contested election for the chairmanship position, Benjamin Sati polled 134 votes against Abdullahi Inuwa who polled 100 votes. Others are, Chief MK Gurumyen 09 votes while Abdullahi A Kumo polled 03 votes.
Other winners in the election were: Mwalin Abdu Naomi, Vice Chairman; Abdulmutalib Babawuro, Secretary; Muazu Danjuma, Assistant Secretary; Ramatu Ibrahim Hassan, Treasurer; David Ishaku, Financial Secretary; Anbore Banes, Welfare Secretary; Bashir Abdullahi, Publicity Secretary; Abubakar Baba Peto, Legal Adviser and Abdullahi Suleiman Kulani, Social Secretary.
Out of the 395 registered lawyers expected to vote during the election, 246 got accredited and voted amidst the persistent rainfall which may have hindered the others from coming out to vote at the Amina hall, Gombe.
