James Sonde, a dedicated member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch, has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of Vice Chairman in the forthcoming branch elections scheduled for Monday, 30th June 2025. In a statement addressed to learned silks, seniors, and colleagues, Sonde confirmed the submission of his nomination form and expressed his readiness to further serve the Bar, especially in the area of human rights advocacy and protection.
Highlighting his track record of service within the Branch, Sonde noted his current role as Alternate Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee and his past tenures as Publicity Secretary and Committee Member across various key committees. He emphasized that the Vice Chairman, by statute, serves as the Chairman of the Human Rights Committee—a role he is both experienced in and passionate about. Sonde reaffirmed his commitment to justice, police oversight through the PDSS, and the protection of detainees’ rights, pledging to share more details of his vision for a more humane society in the coming weeks.
Read full statement below 
Dear Learned Silk, Seniors and Colleagues.
I am glad to inform you that I have submitted my Nomination Form for the position of Vice Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch in the forthcoming election scheduled to hold on Monday, 30th June 2025.
As we all know that the Vice Chairman statutorily doubles as the Chairman of the Human Rights Committee of the Branch. The Human Rights Committee of the NBA Lagos Branch under the leadership of Esther Jimoh, of which I currently serve as the Alternate Chairperson, has achieved so much in upholding the rule of law and a better justice system as well as ensuring that the right of detainees are well protected while in detention through the constant visit to Police Station under the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS).
My commitment to the NBA Lagos Branch, particularly the Human Rights Committee is from a deep seated desire to serve humanity..
Aside from being the Alternate Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee of the NBA Lagos Branch, I have had the opportunity of serving the Branch in the following capacities:
* Secretary, Human Rights Committee 2017 -2019
* Branch Publicity Secretary 2019 -2021
* Member, Dinner Committee 2019
* Member, Human Rights Committee 2021 -2023
* Member, Continuing Legal Education Committee 2021 – 2023
* Member, 2023 International Human Rights Day Conference Planning Sub-Committee
* Secretary, 2024 International Human Rights Day Conference Planning Sub-Committee
I look forward to being screened and cleared by the Electoral Committee of the Branch to contest for the position of the Vice Chairman of the Branch, and I will keep you updated on developments as the days go by while I will be sharing my plans with you towards achieving a better and humane society.
Thank you for your support and may God continue to bless you all.
James Sonde
Alternate Chairperson
Human Rights Committee, NBA Lagos Branch 2023 – 2025
