Members of Nigeria’s legal profession have expressed strong support for the recent appointment of Barr. Paul Ehigie Usenbo, the Honourable Commissioner for Power in Edo State, to the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) Truth and Reconciliation Committee.
The committee was established to resolve lingering disputes stemming from the controversial NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) elections, while fostering greater harmony within the association as it approaches its national leadership contest in 2026.
Usenbo, a seasoned legal practitioner and public servant, is praised for his reputation as a consensus-builder with a track record of impartiality and dedication to the broader interests of the legal community.
Colleagues highlight his composed approach, equitable decision-making, and efforts to maintain stability in professional circles.
The panel includes distinguished figures from various sectors, such as African legal experts, Commonwealth representatives, academics, civil society leaders, and interfaith mediators.
Its primary objectives are to facilitate open discussions, restore mutual trust, and uphold high standards of professionalism and cohesion across the NBA.
Usenbo’s dual expertise in law and governance, evident in his current administrative role in Edo State, is seen as particularly valuable for navigating the committee’s delicate mandate of consensus-building and leadership.
This development is widely interpreted as a constructive effort to promote fairness and inclusivity in the reconciliation efforts, ultimately bolstering the NBA’s reputation as a unified and credible voice in Nigeria’s justice system.