The Institutional and Governance Structure
The NBA cannot achieve its objectives without a functional Secretariat. An institutional framework that functions with minimal political interference to a large extent guarantees accountability and transparency in the operations of any organisation. It also ensures that institutional memory is preserved and that laudable policies and projects are sustained after the life of a given administration.
I commend past administrations for providing the foundational basis for accountability in the running of the affairs of the NBA and reforming the administrative structure of the NBA through the amendment of the NBA Constitution. The innovations contained in the amendments will help protect the NBA Secretariat from interference from the vagaries associated with constant change in policy.
It will guarantee the sustenance of programmes of the Association, proper record-keeping and preservation of institutional memory. Our administration will build on the gains of past and present administrations, equip the NBA Secretariat with modern technological tools/equipment that will help in achieving a well organised and functional Association.
While it is desirable for the President’s attention to be undivided throughout his term, an efficient secretariat will generate greater output and higher quality of service, leaving the President and the Executive members to deal with more strategic matters necessary for the growth of the Association.
The Secretariat of any organisation is the operational and intellectual engine room of the organisation. The organisational structure of the Secretariat and its performance is critical to how the organisation is perceived and indeed instrumental to whether or not that organisation is successful.
That said, we must reform the Secretariat, to focus on sustainability of ideas and programmes.In 2021, the NBA Secretariat Restructuring Committee presented a report on the professionalisation of the NBA Secretariat to NBA-National Executive committee (now Council) (NEC).
That report forms part of the Constitution presented to the members at the 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The fundamental change in the Constitution is that the office of Executive Director is invested with the powers to manage the Secretariat on a day-to-day basis.
Our position on the operations, functions and role of the Secretariat is that it must be set up to compete with the Secretariat of the most notable and effective Bar Associations in the world. My administration will continue with the ongoing restructuring with a view to having a Secretariat that is fit for purpose and delivers value to members.
I believe in an efficient workforce that would act as catalyst for delivering on the objectives of the NBA. I am committed to following the NBA Constitution to the letter and ensuring that the Executive Director is given all the support required to run the Secretariat.
We will prioritise and complete the restructuring process within 100 days of assumption of office.
*To be continued.
Read the full manifesto HERE
Download Maikyau, SAN’s full manifesto at Manifesto+-+submission+version
