The explanation was issued after Nigerians lashed out at the
NBA for inviting Portable to perform at their show that consisted of “learned”
individuals.
Others argued that the show was a joke and an embarrassment
to the law profession known for conservatism.
In reaction to the criticisms, the National Publicity
Secretary of the NBA, Akorede Lawal said Portable’s presence at the event was
due to Obi Cubana’s partnership with the programme as the headline sponsor.
He added that latter’s Cubana Group brought Portable because
he was one of his products (Odogwu bitters) brand ambassadors and because being
the headline sponsor came with bringing a guest artiste to perform at the
‘Unbarred concert’ that usually has lawyers irrespective of their status to
close the conference.
Lawal said, “We did not pay a dime to Portable for the
concert. It is the largest gathering of lawyers anywhere in the world and so to
that extent, we always write to sponsors to finance every level of our events.
“We have partners from America, Chile, and a host of other
countries who pride in what we do and take it upon themselves to get the
programme financed annually.”
Lawal also dismissed reports that some lawyers staged a
walkout on Portable at the event.
“No, they did not. The Friendship Centre is the customary
place where all lawyers go to unwind, network and do all other social
activities.
“So, the concert was meant to take place there but we later
told the lawyers to move to the ‘Unbarred concert’ at the Velodrome of the
National Stadium in Abuja because we don’t want two events at the same time
given that that place (Friendship Centre) had been decorated already to promote
their brands.
“They were the headline sponsor of the centre and that’s
where the DJs and every other social activities had been going on since the
start of the event. So we closed the place down to have a unified event,” he
told Punch.
He further appreciated the Cubana Group for sponsoring the
event.
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