NBA Port Harcourt Chairmanship Candidate Unveils Welfare-Centred Manifesto, Proposes Rent-to-Own Housing Scheme

A chairmanship candidate for the Port Harcourt Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Jonas Iniayemana, has unveiled a comprehensive manifesto centred on lawyers’ welfare, institutional reforms and reconciliation, with a proposed rent-to-own housing scheme for legal practitioners emerging as one of its flagship initiatives.

In a manifesto seen and addressed to members of the branch, Iniayemana said his aspiration to lead the association is driven by a desire to heal divisions, restore confidence and reposition the branch for a new era of unity and progress after a period marked by internal disagreements, litigation and public disputes.

Pondering on the recent challenges within the association, he expressed confidence that the branch was ready to move beyond its differences and embrace constructive engagement.

“I have introspected deeply on everything that has happened, and I believe our branch is ready for a new season of calmness, unity and meaningful progress,” he said.

Central to his manifesto is an ambitious welfare agenda designed to improve the quality of life of legal practitioners. Iniayemana pledged to introduce free stamps and seals for members, complimentary medical examinations, free transportation to courts, health insurance for senior lawyers, free reception halls for newly married lawyers and financial grants to support young practitioners.

He also promised to revive the branch’s cooperative society, describing it as an important vehicle for providing members with easier access to financial support and economic empowerment.

According to the chairmanship hopeful, the proposed welfare initiatives are intended to ensure that members enjoy practical benefits from belonging to the association beyond the payment of annual practising fees and dues.

One of the standout proposals in the manifesto is the development of a rent-to-own housing estate for lawyers. Iniayemana described the initiative as a long-term legacy project aimed at making home ownership more accessible, particularly for young lawyers seeking financial stability in the early stages of their careers.

On judicial reforms, he pledged to strengthen collaboration between the Bar and the Bench through regular consultative meetings, advocate for a reduction in lower court filing fees, support the deployment of digital court recording systems and push for improved courtroom infrastructure across the state.

He also proposed the creation of two Court of Appeal panels in Port Harcourt to improve access to justice and reduce delays, alongside the introduction of fixed one-hour court breaks to enhance the welfare and productivity of judges, magistrates and legal practitioners.

To address longstanding divisions within the branch, Iniayemana promised transparent financial management, inclusive committee appointments, reconciliation meetings, unity town halls and structured mentorship programmes to support the professional development of younger members of the Bar.

Describing the manifesto as a practical blueprint rather than a political promise, the chairmanship candidate said his administration, if elected, would be anchored on unity, accountability, professionalism, ethical leadership and sustainable institutional growth.

He therefore called on members of the Port Harcourt Branch to embrace a fresh vision built on collective progress, insisting that a stronger and more united association would better serve both its members and the wider justice system.