My NBA Presidency Roadmap, By Usoro

• SAYS ‘IT’S A NEW AND MOST PROMISING DAY’
• MANY DISTRUST NBA LEADERSHIP
• ELECTIONS HAD HITCHES AND GLITCHES
• I WILL SET UP ELECTORAL REFORM COMMITTEE
• I SHALL REACH OUT TO OJUKWU, OBI OKAFOR, GADZAMA
• TRANSPARENCY. ACCOUNTABILITY OUR WATCHWORDS

Mr. Paul Usoro SAN was today sworn in as the 28th President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at a colourful ceremony in Abuja. Continue Reading

Pa Tunji Gomez Goes Home Today

Legendary Pa Fortunatus Olatunji Gomez will be laid to rest today at the Ikoyi Cemetery Annex after a funeral service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina. The service will hold at 11 am.

Reception of guests is scheduled for 3 pm at City Hall, Lagos.

A Service of Songs was held last Wednesday for the deceased at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina while a Wake Keep was held yesterday at Kings College, his beloved alma mater.

Pa Gomez, as he is fondly called, died on July 17, 2018 after a brief illness. A veteran and consummate Bar-man, Pa Gomez was a regular feature at Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch meetings even in the twilight of his life.

Announcing his demise, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch Chairman, Mr. Chukwuka Ikwuazom said in a statement:“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Pa Tunji Gomez. Pa Gomez was until his death yesterday night, the oldest practicing lawyer in Nigeria and a deeply loved member of the Premier Bar. “The Branch had, in recognition of his excellent service and uncommon devotion to the Branch, celebrated his 90th birthday in style a few months ago.

“Our deepest condolences go to his immediate family. We will greatly miss Pa Gomez and pray that his soul will rest in perfect peace.”

Popularly known by his sobriquet, “It’s a matter of conscience,” Pa Gomez was Nigeria’s oldest practising lawyer prior to his demise. He was considered as the Conscience of the Bar, always pointing the association towards a path of moral rectitude. He was also passionate about the plight especially of young lawyers.

He was born in 1928 and enrolled into King’s College, Lagos in 1944. His activism manifested early in his eventful life, as he is reputed to have led the 1948 strike at the College which significantly turned around the fortunes of the students.

Pa Gomez was part of the legal team that defended late Chief Obafemi Awolowo during his celebrated treason trial in 1962. He is also reputed as the first lawyer to sue the Military Government in Nigeria in the celebrated case of Madam Shapara vs. Lagos State Government.

An avid yoga practitioner, Pa Gomez is a longstanding advocate for the welfare especially of young lawyers. He is the author of two books, including “Guide to Happy Marriage.” He was married with children.

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PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION: Usoro, Obi Okafor Camps in Cat and Mouse Game

* Inauguration Venue Uncertain

* ‘We will not storm the venue’ – Okutepa

* Defendants May be Cited for Contempt of Court

There are strong indications that the camp of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President-elect, Mr. Paul Usoro SAN may have engaged in a hirewire cat-and-mouse game to forestall any last-ditch moves by defeated NBA presidential candidate, Chief Arthur Obi Okafor SAN to truncate the inauguration ceremony scheduled for today. Continue Reading

Rule of Law vs. National Security: What the Supreme Court Actually Said

President Muhammadu Buhari while giving an address at the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) 2018 Annual General Conference, said: “Rule of Law must be subject to the supremacy of the nation’s security and national interest. Our apex court has had cause to adopt a position on this issue in this regard and it is now a matter of judicial recognition that, where national security and public interest are threatened or there is a likelihood of their being threatened, the individual rights of those allegedly responsible must take second place, in favour of the greater good of society.”

The assertion has raised controversies. CITY LAWYER LAW REPORT details below what the Supreme Court actually said in DOKUBO-ASARI V FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA: Continue Reading

WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Audit Will Not Alter Election Results – Yadudu

Any hopes by defeated candidates in the recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Officers Elections that an audit will upturn the outcome of the elections has been dashed by the Electoral Committee of NBA (ECNBA) Chairman, Prof. Auwalu Yadudu.

It is recalled that a presidential candidate in the elections, Chief Arthur Obi Okafor SAN had specifically requested an audit of the elections as a pre-condition to cooperate with NBA President-elect, Mr. Paul Usoro SAN.

But Yadudu while responding to enquiries by CITY LAWYER, foreclosed any possibility that the audit will reverse the election results as declared by the ECNBA.

His words: “A post election audit will be carried out as promised. However, it is not to validate or invalidate the result announced.”

This is bound to rattle some of the candidates who are hoping that the planned audit may void some of the results declared by the ECNBA.

Asked to respond to allegations by Okafor and Prof. Ernest Ojukwu SAN, the two other presidential candidates, that the elections were riddled with rigging among other infractions, the ECNBA Chairman declined comment, saying: “Sorry l cannot comment on views by others about or in any matter pertaining to (the) election.”

When CITY LAWYER asked the veteran law teacher for suggestions on electoral reforms, he also side-stepped the issue, saying: “These are matters that will go into (our) report. So it will not be proper to address (same) in the press.”

He however noted that the NBA National Executive Committee meeting which held yesterday did not ratify the outcome of the elections but merely the change in date. His words: “NEC did not ratify the election. It ratified the timing by which the ECNBA held the election in August instead of July.”

It is recalled that CITY LAWYER had in an exclusive report revealed that Usoro is a co-director at Access Bank Plc with Dr. (Mrs.) Ajoritsedere Josephine Awosika, the first female Chairman of CHAMS Plc. CHAMS was originally hired by the ECNBA as its sole ICT Partner for the elections. It eventually deployed its voting portal for the elections.

The CITY LAWYER report had raised concerns on the integrity of NBA’s electoral process and the ability of the ECNBA to deliver free, fair and credible elections.

Following petitions by candidates and a flurry of meetings, outgoing NBA President, Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud SAN had initiated several electoral reforms to reassure stakeholders.

In a press statement dated July 21, 2018 Mahmoud had promised that an audit of the elections will be carried out.

His words: “The ECNBA will develop a post-election audit framework and process and may engage an independent entity for that purpose.”

Usoro was declared winner of the hotly contested poll on August 20, three weeks after the initial date set for the conclusion of the elections.

Both Okafor and Ojukwu rejected the results, alleging rigging and other electoral infractions.

Though the elections were conducted in August as against July specified in the NBA Constitution, the NBA-NEC yesterday ratified the shift in date, clearing the way for Usoro to be sworn-in as the 29th NBA President.

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AGC: Human Rights Book Takes Centre-stage

A seminal human rights book written by celebrated human rights activist, Chief Frank Agbedo will be the cynosure of all eyes at the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association(NBA) Annual General Conference due to its rich content.

Titled ‘Human Rights Litigation in Nigeria,’ the incisive treatise on human rights litigation is based on the provisions of the 2009 FREP Rules, with current case law.

It is available for sale at major book stands at the conference venue from 26th to 31st August, 2018.

Get your copies at special conference prices. Contact Wunmi on 08138544435 or 08029145314 for more information.

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What Usoro Told Obi Okafor, Ojukwu

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President-elect, Mr. Paul Usoro SAN had written to his co-contestants for NBA Presidency, seeking their cooperation towards a successful tenure.

The letter, which was copied to all NBA current and past presidents, has generated much furore.

Below is the controversial letter as obtained by CITY LAWYER:

On ‎Friday‎, ‎August‎ ‎24‎, ‎2018‎ ‎02‎:‎33‎:‎36‎ ‎PM‎ ‎WAT, Paul Usoro, SAN <paul@xxxxxx> wrote:

Dear Current and Past Presidents

On second thoughts, I decided I should make you privy to my self-explanatory mail below to my brothers, Ernest and Arthur. It would be my joy to work with both of them for the common good of the NBA and I respectfully and most humbly implore you to join voices with me to intercede and direct the three of us towards that common goal, in the terms of my mail to them. I thank you all and pray for Divine blessings and protection for you and your families.

Best

Paul Usoro, SAN
Senior Partner

From: Paul Usoro <paul@xxxxxx>
Date: Friday, August 24, 2018 at 1:59 PM
To: “Arthur Obi Okafor, SAN” <arthur@xxxxxx>, Ernest Ojukwu <ernestojukwu2@xxxxxx>
Subject: Nigerian Bar Association

My dear brothers Ernest and Arthur

Soon after the NBA Elections last Monday, 20 August 2018 I called both of you (same day in regard to Arthur and on Wednesday, 23 August 2018 in regard to Ernest) but you both must’ve been busy and couldn’t take my calls. I also left WhatsApp messages on your phone but again, your schedules may not have permitted you to revert. I had intended to use my calls to reach both of you and solicit your support for my running of the NBA, post the elections; not having reached you nor heard from you, I thought it wise not to wait any further but to articular my thoughts vide this e-mail.

Let me start by first stating that I fully understand your respective feelings and belief that you and not me should’ve won the NBA Presidential election. I probably would’ve felt the same way, perhaps, not as heated, if I had lost. I’m however reminded of the fact that, win or lose in an NBA election, we, the three of us, remain learned friends, brother Silks and kinsmen from Eastern Nigeria. Those are strong unbreakable bonds that NBA election, win or lose, should not and must not put asunder. Indeed, a win by any of us ought to have been and should be seen as a win for all of us, given those bonds that I’ve listed. It is in that spirit that I’m truly and earnestly extending my hands of brotherhood to both of you and appealing that we sheath swords and join hands in reshaping the NBA into an institution that we all can take pride in.

In truth, beyond the bonds of friendship and brotherhood that I’ve highlighted above, there’s a lot more that binds us together as far as the NBA is concerned. By virtue of our ranks, we’re all leaders of the profession and each of us is eminently qualified to lead the Bar – at least, that’s what I believe in regard to you two. Indeed, our Election Manifestoes shared some common features with the difference being only in the modalities and strategies for achieving those common objectives. Our three Manifestoes, for example, talked about welfare issues for lawyers, not least, the young lawyers, we all talked about an inclusive Bar where there’ll be standing room for all lawyers irrespective of gender, age, ability/disability etc. and we also talked about giving voice to the voiceless and the promotion of the rule of law, amongst others.

These and much more were our common agenda items during the elections and I believe that the Bar will be greatly enriched if we were to join hands to achieve these and several other goals that we so beautifully articulated in our respective Manifestoes. Just think of it: can you imagine what pride we bring to Eastern Nigeria and indeed the profession if we were to work together along these lines, and, God being on our side, we achieve great things for the NBA during my tenure as the President of the NBA? In two years, we’ll jointly be the toast of the Bar and indeed of Nigeria if we seize this moment. I truly request you to think of my proposition even as I look forward to the opportunity of sitting with you, jointly or separately, to advance and flesh out such a course while harmonizing our thoughts in that regard.

I thank you for taking the time to read this “epistle” and look forward to an indication from you on the convenient time that I may call you, respectively, to advance discussions on these matters. Meanwhile, please, feel free to reach me by sms or whatsapp or e-mail. Do have a restful weekend and see you at the AGC.

Best

Paul Usoro, SAN

Senior Partner

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Ojukwu Raps Usoro, Says ‘Only Truth Will Heal NBA’

A presidential candidate in the just concluded Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Officers Elections, Prof. Ernest Ojukwu SAN has carpeted NBA President-elect, Mr. Paul Usoro over his olive branch to the law teacher.

In a response to recent a letter by Usoro urging Ojukwu to put the controversies arising from the NBA Elections behind him, the former Nigerian Law School chieftain stated that senior lawyers were the problem bedevilling NBA governance.

Ojukwu, in the letter made available to CITY LAWYER, also warned that only truth will save the Bar from extinction.

The letter reads:

Dear PAUL,

YOUR LETTER IS IN BAD FAITH

I regret to state that your letter written jointly to me and Mr Okafor was written in bad faith.

You commenced your letter with a claim that you called me and that I did not take your call. When I refuted this claim, you posted a WhatsApp log where you stated that you called and that my telephone was switched off. If this was true that my telephone was switched off, on what basis did you then claim that I did not take your call? If you had made an honest mistake, the natural thing would be to apologise for that but instead in trying to defend the defenseless, you posted a WhatsApp log and intentionally included an unrelated private chat we had early in the year. In character you did not also show the entire discussion of that unrelated chat.

On 23rd August 2018 my telephone was on and assuming that you had called once and you could not connect, would it not have been a natural thing to make further attempts to call? But instead you wrote your email letter on 24th August at 1.59pm stating that you called me and I did not take your call.

In addition you published the letter on the media within 30 minutes of sending the email, and copied past NBA Presidents within 1.5 hours.

May I reiterate that the NBA elections and governance is not a personal issue to me. I have dedicated most of my adult life outside my mainstay to the development of the legal profession and the bar. I did not do those works as the leader of the Association. There is nothing that will prevent me from contributing as much as I can while I exist. It is a passion and calling for me. NBA is not an employment or political thing for me. There is therefore no reason to “appeal” to me “to sheath swords and join hands in reshaping the NBA into an institution that we all can take pride in.” Paul, you owe me no duty or responsibility for what happened at that elections. Mr Arthur Okafor, President AB Mahmoud, Prof Yadudu and ENCBA owe me no duty or responsibility. You all owe that duty and responsibility to the entire bar, the legal profession, Nigeria and God. I moved on an hour after and I publicly stated that I will not contest the outcome of that charade and I am sure you read it.

I have said it before and I repeated it at the SLP Port Harcourt this year that the problem with the Bar and the legal profession in Nigeria is not laws, rules, constitution, systems and so. Our problems are our lawyers and our governance problems are mostly senior lawyers. The day our leaders decide to be honest with us, that would be the day of transformation for the bar and the profession. “One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised” (Chinua Achebe). True integrity knows no form of derogation. Only honesty and the truth will save the BAR!

Ernest Ojukwu (TEACHER)

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NBA ELECTIONS: Usoro Wins ‘Round One’

*As NBA NEC Ratifies Election

*Saraki, Olanipekun, Okocha, Others Hail Victory

* ‘Embark on Electoral Reforms Now’

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President-elect, Mr. Paul Usoro SAN has scored a major victory with the ratification of his election by the NBA National Executive Committee meeting that held today in Abuja. Continue Reading

BREAKING: How NBA Election Was Rigged, by Arthur Obi Okafor

* Election a ‘Robbery’

* ECNBA Ignored our Inputs

* Unveils 4000 Fake Phone Numbers

A presidential candidate in the just concluded Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Officers Elections, Chief Arthur Obi Okafor SAN has detailed how the election was allegedly rigged.

In a “preliminary release” by Mr. Olumuyiwa Olowokure, Leader of the Arthur Obi Okafor SAN Technical Team, the campaign directorate described the elections as a “robbery,” adding that it had identified no less than 4000 fake telephone numbers and 1004 fake emails deployed to rig the elections.

The statement reads:

PRELIMINARY RELEASE ON IRREGULARITIES IDENTIFIED IN THE JUST CONCLUDED NBA ELECTIONS

One can confidently say the alleged victory of Paul Usoro SAN at the recently conducted NBA elections is the biggest embarrassment and robbery that members of NBA have ever experienced since the formation of NBA.

You would recall that there were serious reservations in some quarters about permitting Chams to participate in providing services in this election in any form or manner. As a result of these reservations a company known as CRENET was brought in to repeat the vilified verification exercise previously conducted by Chams. For some inexplicable reason Chams was retained to provide the voting platform despite it being established that the Chairman of Chams Plc and Paul Usoro SAN are co-directors of Access Bank and are members of same committees of Access Bank. Trusting in the assurances given by the President of NBA A.B Mahmoud SAN and the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) the other candidates decided to participate in the election with Chams involved.

ECNBA to its credit leading up to the elections adopted a somewhat participatory approach with the Presidential candidates and often sought their opinions before implementing decisions. Even then, the first danger signal and sign that there was a deliberate attempt to rig this election came when we discovered that close to 4000 names had telephone numbers assigned to them that were not the stated owners numbers but belonged to other persons. An example of this was in the list of eligible voters submitted by Abuja branch, the telephone number of one Blossom Barrakah Esq (2017 call set) was repeated as the valid telephone number of 41 other lawyers on the eligible voters list. Likewise the telephone number of Noah Ajare Esq a known and ardent supporter of Paul Usoro SAN appeared 15 times against different lawyers names. What made the danger signals more frightening was that Noah Ajare was the caretaker secretary of Abuja branch at the time of the submission of the Abuja branch list of eligible voters and he was the person that compiled and submitted the Abuja Branch list to ECNBA.

We have a comprehensive list of the nearly 4000 instances of duplicate telephone numbers that appeared in ECNBA’s original voter’s list and have attached same for ease of reference (Annex A ). We also have strong reason to believe that there were far more than 4000 of such instances. Rather than treat this occurrence as a deliberate attempt to compromise the integrity of the Elections and move decisively against the perpetrators, ECNBA for some reason chose to allow the perpetrators to still participate in the election, eg. our records show the said Noah Ajare despite his actions aforesaid was verified and cleared to vote in this election.

As the elections drew closer things started to go terribly wrong;

The first problem was that CRENET was not given enough time to perfect the excellent security procedures that they had put in place to ensure that members’ votes were not hijacked. The verification process became laboured and extremely difficult for members and as a result of extreme pressure from many quarters, especially from the President of NBA, ECNBA in consultation with the President of the NBA took a decision to relax the security procedures put in place by CRENET to make the verification process ‘faster’. This decision was fatal because it became the very reason why this election was so badly rigged.

The relaxing of the security procedures meant members were now allowed to go straight to the verification portal and enter any details they liked without restriction. It also meant that unscrupulous persons would also now be able to verify for other lawyers without them knowing and hijack their votes by inserting different email addresses and telephone numbers ; this is precisely what happened in this election. This is precisely what we had continually warned against but our warnings fell on deaf ears.

We eventually agreed to the relaxing of the security protocols by CRENET but we did so on the following conditions;

i. Any change effected in a lawyer’s details must be in line with data already in NBA’s database. i.e genuine mistakes can be changed but other changes should be cleared through bar services after satisfying itself that the rationale for such changes was genuine.

ii. The comprehensive list of verified voters to be uploaded on to the CHAMS voting platform by CRENET shall be given to candidates to peruse to enable them comment and give observations before uploading and before the commencement of the elections.

iii. All names associated with any form of duplication of telephone numbers and email addresses would be quarantined and only included in the final verification list if the lawyers concerned came forward and gave their true and correct phone numbers and email addresses which should conform with records already contained in the NBA database.

Conditions i) and iii) above were totally disregarded by ECNBA, while the verified voters list as specified in condition ii) above was not given to candidates until after the election had already started. This in effect meant that candidates’ agreement to remove the security protocols was obtained on false pretences and candidates were actually being led like lambs into a slaughterhouse.

A day before the election we discovered from the verification portal the incidences of some strange looking email addresses that surfaced as lawyers alleged email addresses for the first time. These email addresses predominantly came from three domains “Openmailbox.org”, “firemail.cc” and “airmail.cc”. We alerted ECNBA to the sudden existence of these strange email addresses in a meeting which took place between the Presidential Candidates representatives and ECNBA on 17th August 2018. We also suggested at the same meeting after watching Chams demonstration of the voting process that passwords to vote should be sent automatically to both emails and telephone numbers so that if a prospective voter’s email had been tampered with he/she would still know through SMS if somebody was attempting to vote on his/her behalf.

When we realised our concerns above were not being addressed by ECNBA we sent an email to ECNBA at about 1:53pm on Saturday 18th August 2018 reiterating our concerns and requesting that emails from such domains should be disallowed as our investigations had shown the email addresses did not belong to the lawyers indicated in the verified voter’s list (Annex B).When we still did not receive any response from ECNBA we sent another email on 19th August 2018 at about 7.54am giving full details of the suspected emails and the lawyers affected, (Annex C) . Details of the lawyers affected and the offending emails is attached. (Annex D)

The breakdown of the details of our initial investigations sent to ECNBA well before the conclusion of the elections shows that;

Openmailbox.org email addresses were fraudulently used to replace the email addresses of 196 Lawyers without their consent
Firemail.cc email addresses were fraudulently used to replace the email addresses of 203 Lawyers without their consent.
Airmail.cc email addresses were fraudulently used to replace the email addresses of 605 Lawyers without their consent.

The implication of the above is that there were a total of 1004 of these bogus email addresses used to harvest the votes of unsuspecting members. Further investigation has shown that two of the above mentioned domain names belong to closed user groups, whose members can only obtain email addresses in such domains if they are specifically invited to the group. The real owners cannot be traced, in fact a common feature of these closed user groups is that they are associated with scams, hacking, malware and ransomware. Did ECNBA not have technical advice? Why was this development not addressed or arrested when it came to the committees notice?

Abdullahi Karaye Musa Esq of Ungogo branch (No 213 on the Airmail.CC list) and Emmanuel Yokpe Nenmasha of Jos Branch (No 579 on the Airmail.CC list) have detailed their ordeals of having their right to vote hijacked (Kindly find attached Annexes E and F). A similar experience of hijacked voting was specifically documented by the following three members of Ahoada branch; Ogbobula Isaac Abbot (No 4 on the Firemail.cc list), Okpara Uchevenotu Ezor (No 1 on the firemail.cc list) and Lauretta U. Nwokaeze (No. 68 on the Firemail.cc list). All 1004 on the said list have a story to tell and we will soon release a branch by branch account of members whose votes were hijacked using the fraudulent emails above. We have so far identified the precise branches of 656 of the lawyers already mentioned in the list of 1004 (Annex G) and will identify the branches of at least 348 other cheated voters shortly.

We are also gathering information that shows that even email addresses from regular domain names were used to hijack votes and will release same soonest. Needless to say the 1004 incidences of glaring malpractice already identified are enough to show that in an Election that ECNBA claims was won by 80 something votes cannot stand. I have only stated facts in this report there is no conjecture or guessing there are just plain facts.

We still expect the current leadership of NBA to act and cancel this fault laden process that declared Paul Usoro SAN the winner of the election.

Kind regards

O.O. Olowokure Esq.
Leader AOOSAN Technical Team

UPDATED: AGC to Gulp N750 Million

The 2018 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference (AGC) will cost the association a whopping N750 Million, CITY LAWYER can authoritatively report. Continue Reading

EXCLUSIVE: NBA ELECTION – Usoro, Obi Okafor Rigged, Says Ojukwu

A presidential candidate in the just concluded Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Officers Elections, Prof. Ernest Ojukwu SAN has alleged that his two rivals in the presidential bid attempted to out-rig each other during the poll.

In an exclusive interview with CITY LAWYER, the former Nigerian Law School helmsman claimed that he was the only presidential candidate that did not tamper with the electoral process, adding that the election is the “worst” conducted by NBA since 1991.

Warned that CITY LAWYER would quote him on the allegation, Ojukwu was even more emphatic, saying: “Quote me on that; hundred per cent. Both candidates corrupted the system, bribed voters with money, practice fee, and then ultimately stole people’s data and used it to vote. Quote me hundred per cent.”

Continuing, the defeated NBA presidential candidate who polled 3313 votes to trail both the president-elect, Mr. Paul Usoro SAN and Chief Arthur Obi Okafor SAN said: “I am the only person who didn’t try to rig the election. They were competing with each other on who will rig better.

“The election was rigged 100 per cent. The candidates hijacked the process from the time members were asked to verify; that’s when they hijacked the system – and stole people’s data. From the ones they paid their practice fee and the others stolen during the verification exercise. And many many people couldn’t vote because of that. Once that was done, they were competing with each other as to who will out-vote each other with stolen data.”

On his suggestions towards electoral reforms, Ojukwu said: “Nothing. Nothing. It’s not the system that is the problem; it is the human beings. So, there is nothing I can suggest to a person who is elected by a stolen mandate because he will not do a new free election. That’s why we have transited from hand-to-hand since 2012. People who emerged through a stolen system have not been able to hand over through free and fair elections. This is one of the worst elections conducted at the Bar since 1991. In fact, it is the worst. And it will have a place in infamy.”

Ojukwu restated his resolve not to challenge the result of the poll. His words: “My statement is very clear. I said I was not going to contest the election. What am I going to court to do? I said I was not going to contest it.”

On whether he would explore any internal mechanism within the NBA system, the former law teacher said: “You complain to the person who is the armed robber? How would you get the verdict? You complain to the armed robber for stealing your money? To do what? To settle between me and Paul (Usoro SAN) or between me and who?”

Reminded that the pre-Annual General Conference NBA National Executive Committee may deliberate on the debacle, Ojukwu said: “It depends on the issue that arises. That’s the only time I know what to answer – if there is any need to answer.”

The former law teacher also told CITY LAWYER that he has no plans for the future in relation to his political fortunes. His words: “I don’t have any future plan. I’m still a member (of NBA).”

It is recalled that the Prof. Auwalu Yadudu-led Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) had in the early hours of Monday, August 20, 2018 declared Usoro as the duly elected 29th president of the NBA. Usoro polled 4509 while his closest rival, Obi Okafor garnered 4423 to place second. Ojukwu placed third with 3313 votes.

The election was severally postponed due to many hiccups that plagued the process.

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Guy Ikokwu Wants NBA Election Cancelled

Veteran politician and senior lawyer, Chief Guy Ikokwu has called for the cancellation of the controversial Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Officers Election.

In a statement titled “TO BE FOREWARNED IS TO BE FOREARMED,” Ikokwu who has clocked 56 years at the Bar, stated that the election was “fraught with problems which had not been resolved even as at the date of the voting exercise.”

The vocal lawyer urged the Body of Benches to “fashion a more credible system for a new voting exercise for the BAR to regain its honour which is currently being subjected to unnecessary disdain and ignominy.”

Mr. Paul Usoro SAN was declared winner of the election while the defeated presidential candidates, Chief Arthur Obi Okafor SAN and Prof. Ernest Ojukwu SAN poked holes in the exercise.

The statement reads:

20th August, 2018

TO BE FOREWARNED IS TO BE FOREARMED

We all know and realize that computer systems have always been faulted or manipulated if they are left unchecked. The usual saying in reference to computers is “Garbage in Garbage out”

In the United States today the issue of computer hacking is having monumental effect on the relations between America and Russia. In America itself there is a dysfunctional relationship between the Presidency and the Senate and the House of Representatives (Congress) which has been investigating the issue of hacking of the2016 USA elections by Russian Agents. Even in the United States they have both electronic and manual voting systems. Where there is a dispute, a losing candidate can request a recount of the votes cast manually to have an exact result not subject to further disputation.

The election result of the Premier Branch of Lagos with thousands of accredited lawyers have not been subjected to any dispute in the last 10 years, because of our system of accreditation, verification and voting at the same venue, same date, and same hours with representatives of the contestants and elected experienced supervisors of the exercise.

The system is such that eligible legal voters are not disenfranchised by any system unless the lawyer does not want to vote or is not available in person.

The last NBA election 2 years ago was also fraught with e-voting problems which led to a High Court pending litigation. This current election exercise was also fraught with problems which had not been resolved even as at the date of the voting exercise which is a real shame for the legal profession in Nigeria.

I saw the dangers ahead in this exercise and had to post a warning that the BAR must utilize a system that is full proof no matter who the contestants are. The current failed system has to be challenged effectively so that we can have a credible system which combines electronic and manual accreditation of voting no matter whose ox is gored.

The current National Executive should therefore suspend any further declaration through the current malfunctioning system which may have been systematically hacked for the endorsement of the National Conference holding in Abuja. The body of benchers can be entrusted to fashion a more credible system for a new voting exercise for the BAR to regain its honour which is currently being subjected to unnecessary disdain and ignominy.

The member of lawyers disenfranchised is far greater than the merging of votes between the contestants! It must be cancelled for a proper election machinery to be set up and salvage the reputation of Nigerian lawyers! I am not bordered about who wins but about the probity of the system, its transparency and lack of manipulation and inordinate disenfranchisement.

* Chief Ikokwu, a member of NBA Lagos Branch, was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1962

Odinkalu Calls NBA Election a ‘Racket,’ Raps Mahmoud

Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu has lampooned the recently concluded Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Officers Elections, saying it was a “racket.”

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, Odinkalu who is increasingly assuming the role of the ‘Conscience of the Bar,’ also berated NBA President, Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud SAN for the debacle, saying that “the  outgoing Bar leadership is incredibly tarnished by its role in this messy racket.”

Although Mr. Paul Usoro SAN was declared winner of the presidential election by the Prof. Auwalu Yadudu-led Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA), both Chief Arthur Obi Okafor SAN and Prof. Ernest Ojukwu SAN who contested for the NBA Presidency also rejected the results, alleging that the election was marred by rigging among other vices.

The statement reads:

Concerning What AB Mahmoud & the NBA Have Done

Good morning colleagues.

It is unfortunate colleagues failed to heed the clear facts & evidence of a compromised process in #NBADecides2018. The contestants and their supporters mostly behaved desperate, conferring legitimacy on a process that manifestly lacked it from the get go.

Each campaign appeared to behave in such a way as to suggest they were best placed to benefit from a system configured for pre-determined outcomes.

This was not an election. It was not even a selection. It was a racket and a messed up one at that. Now, they will ask the NBA NEC to make this messed up racket their own & ratify it at the pre-conference NEC. That will be interesting.

This racket is a disgrace. The process was compromised and did not even pretend about it. The outcome lacks legitimacy and the declared winner has procured a compromised non-mandate.

Those who hope or expect that there will be an audit should come off that kind of hallucination – you don’t ask a burglar to investigate the burglary.

The outgoing Bar leadership is incredibly tarnished by its role in this messy racket. Yet, we are unlikely to learn. There are no plaudits to hand out, no congratulations to anyone and no one comes out of this a winner.

My name is Chidi Anselm Odinkalu. I am a City-Zen.

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BREAKING: Usoro Wins, Obi Okafor ‘Withdraws’

Mr. Paul Usoro SAN may be declared winner of the hotly contested NBA Elections, even as his closest rival, Chief Arthur Obi Okafor SAN may have withdrawn from the race, citing “surges of votes in favour of Paul Usoro SAN.”

Sources close to the ECNBA Situation Room said Usoro may coast to victory with less than one hundred votes.

Meanwhile, there are strong indications that Mr. Jonathan Taidi has won the post of General Secretary with a wide margin.

The petition by Arthur Obi Okafor Campaign Directorate reads:

20th August 2018
The Chairman
ECNBA
NBA Secretariat
Abuja

Dear Sir

This is to inform you that having reviewed the events leading up to and during the elections Arthur Obi Okafor SAN states categorically that he withdraws from this election and cannot accept the outcome of the result.

Inexplicable and strange surges of votes in favour of Paul Usoro SAN and the glaring incidences of hijacked votes makes it clear the result of this election cannot stand.

An acceptable participatory post election Audit of International standard will bear out our grievances in this regard.

Thank you

O.O.Olowokure Esq
For Arthur Obi Okafor SAN

 

NBA Election Records Massive Turn-Out

Less than five minutes to the end of the 2018 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Officers Elections, CITY LAWYER can authoritatively report that no less than 75 per cent of registered voters participated in the election.

About 12, 184 of the registered 16, 115 voters had already cast their ballots to herald a new NBA Executive Committee, with about 3931 voters yet to vote.

There were strong indications that the hiccups that beset the elections had eased off towards the close of ballot, even as several campaign teams continued to call eligible voters to get out the vote.

The Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) had stated that the result of the election will be declared immediately after close of ballot.

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How NBA Election Will be Won and Lost

By Our Correspondent

As the curtains are gradually drawn on the hotly contested Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Officers Elections, there are strong indications that some crucial factors may determine the outcome of the poll.

Aside from the hiccups that had necessitated several shifts in the election timelines, controversies have also trailed the election, not least alleged attempts by some persons to rig the process. CITY LAWYER investigations show that some may have attempted to compromise the electoral process through identity theft. Several accounts of hijacked personal profiles abound.

Although the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) had initially attempted to ward of identity theft through a stringent verification process, this was torpedoed when the model threatened to disenfranchise many eligible voters, leading to a more pliable model. Arising from this, there are strong indications that hackers may have hijacked the profiles of some voters, moreso as significant personal information such as the enrollment number through which detailed information on each voter could be gleaned was in full glare. CITY LAWYER was however unable to determine at press time the extent to which the hackers were able to compromise the electoral process.

Meanwhile, following the contentious disqualification of former NBA General Secretary, Mr. Afam Osigwe who was adjudged to wield a major political influence among young lawyers, the battle for the NBA Presidency became a tripodal face-off between Mr. Paul Usoro SAN, Chief Arthur Obi Okafor SAN and Prof. Ernest Ojukwu SAN.

The battle for the control of the secretariat is between Messrs Mas’ud Alabelewe, Bolaji Ojibara, Rafiu Balogun and Jonathan Taidi. Meanwhile, the full list of combatants have been uploaded by the ECNBA in its Election Magazine.

While the election has been coloured by the controversies surrounding the disqualification and adoption or otherwise of some candidates, and lately the choice of ICT partners for the election, there are strong indications that only candidates who work the hardest will coast home to victory. While the regional and voting blocs are seemingly intact, it is left to be seen how they will impact the elections in light of the amorphous electronic voting model which affords near total anonymity for voters.

However, aside from endorsements from influencers which ignited the political landscape afresh in the twilight of the campaigns, the branches remain veritable battle grounds for the mining of votes. CITY LAWYER analysis showed that while some branches with dominant voting populations may sway the elections, others are so negligible that they may be conveniently ignored by the combatants in the exacting heat of the campaigns.

The ECNBA had in a statement dated August 16, 2018 announced that of the total 32,228 eligible voters submitted by the branches, 3,571 participated in the controversial verification exercise conducted by CRENET Techlabs between July 31 and August 2, 2018 while 13,254 voters were verified between August 8 and August 11, 2018. This brought the total number of eligible voters on the voters’ register to 16,825.

CITY LAWYER analysis shows that while Lagos remains the branch with the highest number of eligible voters totaling 2476, at least two branches – Ikot Ekpene and Ilaro – have no eligible voters on the final verified list of voters. Lagos branch is trailed by Port Harcourt Branch (1184), Abuja Branch (1158), and the emergent Ikole-Ekiti Branch (917 voters) which sensationally upstaged the usually boisterous Ikeja Branch at 850 voters. Aside from these five branches, the only other branch with 500+ registered voters is Benin Branch (548).

In the 400-plus bracket are Ibadan (427) and Ilorin branches (403), the latter being the home and adopted branches of three of the gladiators for the post of General Secretary. Six branches have 300 or more eligible voters on the final verified list. These include Jos (352), Asaba (330), Uyo (324), Kaduna (314) and Makurdi (300).

The 200-plus category comprises of Calabar (263), Owerri (256), Maiduguri (222), Warri (218), Awka (216), Enugu (215) and Lokoja (202).

Split among the three zones recognized by Section 9(3) of the 2015 NBA Constitution, the Western Zone has the dominant 3290 voters, followed closely by the Northern Zone at 2951 and the Eastern Zone at 2458 voters. Given that especially all the presidential aspirants are from the Eastern Zone, there are strong indications that both the Northern and Western zones will be battle grounds for all the candidates. Aside from seemingly having an upper hand in their home branches, the ‘diaspora factor’ may also come into play in supposedly giving the presidential candidates an edge in their respective ‘adopted’ branches.

Among the fringe branches with 100-plus voters are Yenagoa (197), Akure (180), Barnawa (179), Damaturu (169), Ughelli (168), Ungogo (165), and Onitsha (168). Others include Lafia (145), Minna (143), Effurun (140), Bauchi (130), Ikorodu (124), Yola (120), Abeokuta (119), Kano (119), Bwari (104), Orlu (104) and Uromi (103) branches.

It is left to be seen how this will impact the outcome of the elections. All said, this is perhaps one of the fiercest elections in the history of the NBA. While litigations by Osigwe and Chief Jor Kyari Gadzama SAN relating to the 2016 NBA presidential election still however like a Frankenstein monster over the fate of the elections, there is no gainsaying that those who emerge victorious from the energy-sapping elections aggressively fought both through leg-work and the social media will pat themselves on the back for a job well done.

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CHAMS Did Not Reject or Lose Voters’ Data – Yadudu

• Says Issue of Passwords ‘Has been Resolved’
• Advises Voters to Go for EMAIL Option
• Voters Allege Identity Theft
• Candidate Petitions ECNBA
• Voters List Challenges
• ‘Those with Missing Names May Vote’ Continue Reading

BREAKING: Missing Names – ECNBA Gives Deadline

The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) has directed all eligible voters with genuine cases of missing names on the voters’ list to submit their complaints latest by 9 o’clock today.

The statement which was issued early this morning was signed by ECNBA Secretary, Mr. Bolaji Agoro.

Details soon.

 

Why You May Not Vote Now – ECNBA

The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) has explained the hiccups being experienced by most voters in the ongoing NBA National Officers Elections.
Continue Reading

BREAKING: ECNBA Flags Off Voting

The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) has announced commencement of the long-awaited voting in the NBA National Officers Elections. Continue Reading

BREAKING: ECNBA Unveils Voting Manual

The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) has unveiled the manual for accreditation and voting for the NBA National Officers Elections. Continue Reading

SCANDAL: CHAMS Uses ‘Gmail’ for Election

There are serious concerns over the integrity of the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Officers Elections as CITY LAWYER can authoritatively report that CHAMS Plc deployed a “GMAIL” account for the recently concluded 2018 ICAN Council Election.

Continue Reading

Expect Voters’ Register Soon – Yadudu

• Candidates Shut Out of Reconciliation Exercise
• 5050 Eligible Voters Verified

There are strong indications that CRENET Techlabs is yet to conclude the clean-up of the final voters’ register following the end of the verification exercise, CITY LAWYER can report. Continue Reading

FG Must Stem the Killings – OBAJAJA

By Stephen Obajaja

I got home to the warm embrace of my wife and children this evening from a campaign event of the NBA and whilst at it my phone rang. I answered immediately as it is my Partner Adebola Lema calling. What l heard next and the pictures he later sent to me were for want of better words gruesome and incomprehensible. Continue Reading

Casa Rerri Set to Thrill AGC Delegates

Casa Rerri Boutique Hotel is a 4-star hotel located at the upscale Asokoro district of Abuja. The terrace hotel offers sundry mouth-watering freebies anchored by a 24-hour front desk. It boasts of superb air conditioning system, daily housekeeping, garden, front desk safe, laundry service, pool bar, meeting room, concierge services, continental breakfast, Wi-Fi services, and free parking among others. Continue Reading

ELECTIONS: Odinkalu Carpets NBA Again

Foremost human rights activist, Prof. Anselm Odinkalu yesterday took a holistic look at the process leading to the election and scored it low. Describing the election as “worse than shambles,” the former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) heaped the blame on the doorsteps of the NBA leadership. Continue Reading

Lawyers Protest, Courts Shut as Police Detain Law Prof

• Lawyers Storm Police Station
• Police Cave In, Release Law Teacher, Apologize

Members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Umuahia Branch yesterday stormed the Umuahia Area Command of the Nigerian Police to rescue Prof. Patrick Ugochukwu from the clutches of police operatives. Continue Reading

INSIGHT: NBA’s Troubled 2018 Elections

By Our Correspondent

The first signs that this year’s Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Officers Elections will be keenly contested emerged at the National Executive Committee (NBA-NEC) meeting in Ilorin on March 1, 2018 when the composition of the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) stoked a fierce controversy. This ultimately led to the replacement of Mr. Tobias Kekemeke with Prof. Augustine Agom. Continue Reading

‘Father of ACJA’ Leads Pro Bono Talks

Senior Advocate of Nigeria-designate, Mr. Chino Obiagwu will on August 15 spearhead talks on pro bono and legal aid services in Nigeria. Also known by his sobriquet, ‘The father of Administration of Criminal Justice Act’ due to his pioneering work in birthing the seminal law, Obiagwu will also give an inspirational talk to budding and established pro bono lawyers and legal aid service providers on the theme of the conference. Continue Reading

Arthur is Widely Accepted by Lawyers – Phillip Umeh

Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary, Chief Phillip Ndubuisi Umeh has added his voice to that of key stakeholders who have endorsed Chief Arthur Obi Okafor SAN to become the next NBA president. Continue Reading

NBA ELECTION: Yadudu Hails CITY LAWYER

CITY LAWYER yesterday received high praise from the Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), Prof. Auwalu Yadudu. The electoral committee chairman commended CITY LAWYER for its accuracy and professionalism in reporting the troubled NBA Elections. Continue Reading

NASS SIEGE: A Sad Day for Democracy – Arthur Obi Okafor

A top contender for the post of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidency, Chief Arthur Obi Okafor SAN has described Tuesday’s invasion of the National Assembly complex by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) as “a sad day for democracy.” Continue Reading

PALU Unveils Program for Tunis Confab

The Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) has announced a mouth-watering package for its 9th Annual Conference holding in Tunis, Tunisia. Continue Reading

Verification Has Resumed, Says ECNBA

The Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) has formally issued a notice announcing the resumption of the verification exercise.

It also warned that any infraction of the process will be treated as a “misconduct.”

The notice confirms an earlier interview given by ECNBA Cbairman, Prof. Auwalu Yadudu to CITY LAWYER stating that the verification exercise will commence as scheduled.

Below is a full text of the ECNBA statement signed by its secretary, Mr. Bolaji Agoro:

RESUMPTION OF VERIFICATION EXERCISE FOR THE 2018 NBA NATIONAL OFFICERS` ELECTIONS
The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, (ECNBA) hereby notifies members that the verification exercise for the 2018 NBA National Officers Elections resumes at 12:00Noon, 8th August 2018. Members are advised to visit the verification portal at www. nbaelectionverification.org.ng.

To continue with the process of verification, members are advised to take note of the following guide to the completion of the form;

1. To complete this form, your NAME must be on the voters list submitted by your branch (To confirm that your name is on the list visit the NBA website at www.nigerianbar.org.ng.

2. Phone number and email address can only be used once.

3. If you have been duly verified and received a message to that effect, you need not complete this form

4. Completion of this form by proxy or impersonation of any kind is not allowed as such act will be treated as misconduct.

5. At the conclusion of this exercise, please note your reference number for records.

6. A voter must certify that the information supplied in this form is true and belongs to him/her.
The ECNBA counts on your support for free, fair, and credible elections.

Dated 8th August, 2018
Bolaji A. Agoro, Esq. Secretary (ECNBA)

VERIFICATION: We are Ready –Yadudu

There are strong indications that the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) will restart the suspended verification process at 12 noon today.

ECNBA Chairman, Prof. Auwalu Yadudu told CITY LAWYER today that the committee ‘plans’ to commence the verification process as scheduled. Continue Reading

NASS SIEGE: Ojukwu Tasks NBA on Democracy

  • Frontline presidential candidate in the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Elections, Prof. Ernest Ojukwu SAN has urged NBA leadership to play a more active role in securing Nigeria’s fragile democracy. Continue Reading

NASS Siege Grave Threat to Democracy – NBA

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has described today’s siege on the premises of the National Assembly as “grave threat to our democracy.” Continue Reading

LAWYERS’ BANK: Committee Submits Report

The Adhoc Committee on the Acquisition of Lawyers Microfinance Bank chaired by Mr. Femi Olubanwo, a Founding Partner at Banwo & Ighodalo, yesterday submitted its report to NBA President, Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud SAN.

Present at the occasion were the three presidential candidates in the forthcoming NBA National Officers Elections now slated to hold on August 19 and 20, 2018. The event took place on the sidelines of the press conference on the elections. Continue Reading

Resignation Scam Designed to Scuttle Election – NBA

• ‘Our Letterhead was Cloned’
• ‘We Will Investigate this Forgery’

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has said that the purported resignation of the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) Chairman, Prof. Auwalu Yadudu SAN was designed to scuttle ongoing efforts to conduct the troubled NBA National Officers Elections.

In a statement by NBA General Secretary, Mr. Isiaka Olagunju, the association debunked the alleged resignation, noting that both its letterhead and Yadudu’s signature were cloned. The NBA vowed that the forgery would be investigated.

Yadudu had yesterday told CITY LAWYER that he had not resigned, descriing the alleged resignation letter as “fake.” In a text message he later sent to CITY LAWYER, the embattled electoral committee chairman also hinted that the police would be invited to look into the matter with a view to bringing the culprits to justice. His words: “I am afraid we would make it a police case.”

The legal community was agog yesterday when news filtered in that the Law teacher had ‘stepped aside’ from the post, thereby pouring fuel into the preparations for the biennial elections.

Below is the full text of the statement:

PRESS RELEASE: PROFESSOR AUWALU YADUDU REMAINS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ECNBA
The attention of the Nigerian Bar Association has been drawn to an online media report by the ‘The Nigeria Lawyer’ on 6th August, 2018, that the Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) Professor Auwalu
Yadudu has resigned.

It is quite unfortunate that the report was not only built on falsehood but constitute an act of forgery. The official letterhead of the NBA and the Signature of the Chairman of the ECNBA were forged in that publication. The
entire content of the publication is false.

The NBA will ensure that this publication that is perpetrated to disrupt the ongoing electoral process to the extent of forging the NBA official letterhead and signature of the Chairman of ECNBA are investigated.

We therefore wish to state that Professor Auwalu Yadudu and the members of the ECNBA are committed towards ensuring a credible, free and fair election.

We further implore all members of the Association to desist from publishing contents and/or taking steps that will disrupt the electoral process but rather cooperate with the ECNBA in ensuring a credible, free and fair election.

Thank you

Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju
General Secretary
Dated 6th August, 2018

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RESIGNATION SCANDAL: ‘We Shall Prosecute Offenders,’ Says Yadudu

The Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), Professor Auwalu Yadudu SAN has vowed to press charges against those found guilty of forging his alleged resignation letter.

In a text message to CITY LAWYER yesterday while sending his statement debunking the alleged resignation, the embattled ECNBA Chairman said: “Above is my immediate response to the publication. I am afraid we would make it a police case.” Continue Reading

‘Those Seeking Return of CHAMS Desperate,’ Says Ex NBA Scribe

Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch Secretary and a key supporter of Chief Arthur Obi Okafor SAN, Mr. Adebola Lema has blasted those calling for a return of CHAMS Plc in the troubled verification exercise for the NBA National Officers Elections. Okafor is one of the three presidential candidates in the elections. Continue Reading

‘I Have Not Resigned,’ Yadudu Tells City Lawyer

Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) has told CITY LAWYER that he has not resigned his appointment.

There was anxiety today on the position of the embattled electoral committee chairman when a letter emerged claiming that he has resigned his position as ECNBA Chairman. Continue Reading

BREAKING: Verification Must Continue – Yadudu

Embattled Electoral Committee of the NBA Chairman, Prof. Auwalu Yadudu SAN has directed that the verification exercise should continue beyond the 10 o’clock deadline earlier set for it to end. Continue Reading

BREAKING: ECNBA Set to Extend Verification Deadline Again

• Officer Slams Branches for Chaos
• Says Compilation of Branch Voters’ List Irregular
• Branches Warn Against Disenfranchising Members

The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) may for the umpteenth time joggle its timelines for the National Officers Elections, CITY LAWYER can authoritatively report.

Although the ECNBA had earlier set 10 o’clock today as the deadline for the verification exercise, it is seemingly apparent that many eligible voters will be disenfranchised should the electoral body stick to the deadline. Continue Reading

NBA PRESIDENCY: Kanu Agabi Throws Weight Behind Usoro

Nigeria’s former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi SAN has thrown his weight behind the ambition of Mr. Paul Usoro SAN to lead the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Eulogizing the prominent lawyer recently, Agabi said: “Paul Usoro, in spite of your great and numerous achievements you have remained simple and humble. As humble as you are, you give no one cause to take you for granted. Continue Reading

VERIFICATION: LAGOS Branch May Sue NBA, ECNBA

• Says Less than 20% of Members Verified
• Queries List Used for Verification
• ‘Help Desk is Helpless’
• ‘ECNBA Lacks Transparency’
• Our Members are Getting Restive, Says Ikwuazom

There are ominous signs that the Nigerian Bar Association (Lagos Branch) may head to court to challenge any attempt to disenfranchise its members from voting in the forthcoming NBA National Officers Election. Continue Reading

INSURGENCY: NBA to Launch Support Fund for Lawyers

The Nigerian Bar Association is set to launch a fund to support members affected by violence in the North East.

Below is an NBA statement on the matter:

INVITATION TO THE LAUNCH OF NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION SUPPORT FUND FOR LAWYERS AFFECTED BY INSURGENCY IN THE NORTH EAST NIGERIA

The NBA will be launching a Support Fund for our colleagues who were affected by insurgency in the North East.

The Launch is slated to hold by 10:00am on Friday 10th August 2018 at the Auditorium of NBA National Secretariat, Plot 1101, Cadastral Zone AOO, Central Business District Abuja. H.E. Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR the Executive Governor of Sokoto State will Chair the occasion. Other notable dignitaries will also be in attendance.

Kindly confirm your participation via email to : folake.peters@nigerianbar.org.ng

We urge you to support this worthy cause.

For enquiries, please contact Folake on 08035568537.

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NBA Storms Port Harcourt for Parley

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is set to hold a “Town Hall Meeting” in Port Harcourt to forge a roadmap for peace and development in the Niger Delta zone.

Below is a statement on the meeting:

INVITATION TO THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION ONE-DAY TOWN HALL MEETING ON THE NIGER-DELTA

Dear Sir/Madam,

The Nigerian Bar Association invites you to a 1-day Town Hall Meeting with Stakeholders in the Niger-Delta, with the theme: ‘Improving on Peace, Security and Sustainable Development in the Niger-Delta Region- the Imperatives’.
It shall be a convergence of key stakeholders in the Niger-Delta region including representatives of the local, state and federal governments; ministries, departments and agencies; security and law enforcement agencies; corporate, non-governmental and civil society organisations. The Town Hall shall deliberate on the issues affecting the region and proffer solutions which would be of immense benefit to the Niger-Delta.

The Town Hall Meeting is scheduled to hold on Wednesday 8 August 2018 at the NBA Port Harcourt Branch, No 1 Bank Road, Old GRA, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

For further enquiries, please contact Okechukwu Uzoechi on 08064919615 and uzoechi.okechukwu@nigerianbar.org.ng

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‘You Have Not Been Fair to Us,’ Olanipekun Tells Mahmoud

Early signs that the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) will be explosive emerged yesterday as former NBA President, Chief Wole Olanipekun warned the Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud SAN-led NBA to shelve any plan to amend the association’s controversial constitution.

In a letter dripping with angst and discomfiture, the go-to lawyer expressed disappointment at the situation, adding that the NBA President had “not been fair” to the past NBA presidents and secretaries who admonished him to shelve the constitutional amendment project.

Below is the full text of the statement:

2nd August, 2018

Mr. A. B. Mahmoud, SAN
The President,
Nigerian Bar Association,
NBA House,
Plot 1101, Muhammadu Buhari Way,
Central Business District,
F.C.T. Abuja.

Dear Mr. President,

RE: AMENDMENT TO THE NBA CONSTITUTION
First and foremost, may I extend my professional and brotherly courtesies to you as our/my President.
You would recall that at the last meeting of past Presidents and Secretaries of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) called at your instance at Fraser Suites, Abuja on Friday, 20th July, 2018, you brought up, amongst others, your proposed amendments to the NBA constitution and apprised us of the far-reaching amendments being proposed by you on the eve of your departure, as the President of the foremost professional association in Nigeria. After a very extensive discussion on your proposals, and considering the depth and implications of such amendments, the meeting advised that you should shelve and/or put the proposals on hold, and allow your successor-in-office do further consultations on them, both at the National Executive Committee (NEC) and general levels and platforms, in order to adequately weigh the pros and cons of the proposed amendments before passing same. It was on this note that the meeting closed, and you did not disagree with the wise counsel.

Surprisingly, a notice or plan/intention to amend our constitution, as proposed and tabled by you at the meeting has now been sent out, and I must confess, I am in receipt of same, to the effect that the proposed amendments will be presented at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the NBA. I am taken aback by this development, and I kept on wondering why you ever brought up the topic at our meeting of Friday, 20th July,2018, if you knew you would not respect our opinion. Mr. President, you have not been fair to us, to put it mildly. As a person, I protest this attitude and action of yours. Needless reminding you, Mr President that the same meeting resolved a lot of burning issues to your advantage and satisfaction.

As agreed at the said meeting Mr. President, may I again advise and counsel that you put on hold the proposed constitutional amendments. No one possesses the monopoly of wisdom, and it is only courteous that you also respect the objections raised to some of your amendments at the meeting, despite the fact that some of us saw the proposals for the first time just at the meeting. No leader, however brilliant, industrious, good-intentioned or pragmatic can ever resolve all the problems of his association, society or country in his life time or within his tenure. You cannot be an exemption. Please let us learn from history; and be reminded that amendments to the NBA constitution should no longer be randomly done. I dare say that the proposed amendments, in some material particulars, will turn out to be an ill-wind, which will bring or blow in no fresh breath. You are advised not to force the amendments on our beloved Association at the AGM, which, with much respect, might be constituted in such a way that the attendees would not readily understand or appreciate the unending conundrum we will be plunged into if the amendments sail through. And in case you insist on going ahead to present the amendments at the AGM, can you be gracious enough, as a lawyer and leader, to circulate this letter of mine to the AGM.

Allow me to copy this letter to the past Presidents and Secretaries of the NBA.
Once again, Mr. President, accept my high regards.

I remain,

Your colleague and predecessor-in-office,

Chief Wole Olanipekun, OFR, SAN, LL.D, FCIArb., FNIALS.

CC:
Chief Richard Akinjide, CON, SAN
Chief (Mrs) Priscilla Kuye
Chief T.J.O. Okpoko, OON, SAN
C.J. Okocha, SAN
Chief Bayo Ojo, CON, SAN
Prince Lanke Odogiyan
Olisa Agbakoba, SAN
Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN
Joseph Bodunrin Daudu, SAN
Okechukwu Wali, SAN
Augustine Alegeh, SAN
Dele Adesina, SAN
Chief Isiaka Olagunju, Esq

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NBA Is Corrupt, Ineffective – Ikorodu Branch Chair

Newly elected Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu Branch, Mr. Bayo Akinlade has accused the association of being “corrupt, rotten and ineffective.”

In a statement released today, Akinlade, who also doubles as the Convener of Fight Against Corruption in the Judiciary (FIACIJ) also reviewed the ongoing NBA voter verification exercise and scored it low.

Below is the full text of the statement:

NBA National Election: A Colossal Waste of Time, Energy and Resources

It is embarrassing to think that lawyers will wake up in the wee hours of the morning to undertake a seemingly effortlessly task of verifying ones details. It is further embarrassing when we spend a lot of time trying to verify only to be given multi error messages.

How ridiculous is it for a chairman of a branch to receive a message that his name could not be found or no records match his SCN?

The national NBA is nothing short of a complete disappointment. We had ample time to perfect this universal suffrage idea. With all the money we spend travelling and organizing conferences we could not invest in simple data gathering and IT support mechanisms.

What infuriates me the most is when I read somewhere that it is the fault of the branches because they didn’t accurately compile list of eligible voters.

This brings me to a possible solution to this electronic voting scam election scheme. Since the national relies heavily on a list that comes from branches let us device a means where each branch becomes a polling station and each vote is cast at the branch level with each candidate having his supporter ensure it is not rigged [to say the least, it is even embarrassing to think that such an election which is for service should be rigged but the fact remains NBA IS CORRUPT, ROTTEN AND COMPLETELY INEFFECTIVE].

While there still exist a pending suit against the elections in 2016 it is very likely that there will be another suit if this elections should proceed without everyone who are eligible to vote being given a fair opportunity to cast their votes without being frustrated by the electronic system.

After all the time and efforts and money spent by candidates and their supporters, it would be sad if we don’t get this right.

BAYO Akinlade Esq.

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VERIFICATION: Odinkalu Blasts NBA, Electoral C’te

Former National Human Rights Commission Chairman, Professor Chidi Odinkalu has lampooned the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and its electoral committee for the hiccups that have attended the verification exercise for this year’s National Officers election.

Below is the full statement as sent to CITY LAWYER:

Good morning colleagues,

I have lost count of the number of people who have tried to encourage me to persevere with the verification process for these NBA elections. They are mostly people whom I respect. So I have paid them heed.

As much as I have tried, I have been unsuccessful so far and this is day 3 of trying. I can’t even begin to compute the amount of time it has cost me. Nor the hours in time I should have been asleep.

With so many of us stuck in this, I want to ask honestly why are we as a bunch of professionals so tolerant of clear incompetence? What happened to our capacities – collective and individual – for indignation?

Surely NBA’s election is not an accident. We know when it is supposed to happen. Every tenure in the NBA has 2 years notice to prepare for it. Yet here we are, out of time, with an election platform that is clearly untested, flawed in design, unknown to the electorate, not understood by the ECNBA and absolutely unfit for purpose.

As voters, we should be angry. As professionals we should be ashamed. This exercise has turned into cruel and unusual punishment of the kind that is clearly prohibited by our national constitution. No election should justify or involve this amount of pointless loss in transaction cost.

The result is that much of the electorate will be disenfranchised. Any mandate that emerges from this would have questions in legitimacy. The assurances of the ECNBA about electoral creibility are hollow, empty and utterly devoid of credulity.

I would like the NBA to have a leadership transition. I am not sure it should be purchased at the steep cost to institution credibility that we seem willing to sleep-walk into. Something has to change and fast too. We don’t have time…

I am Chidi Anselm Odinkalu

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Copyright 2018 CITY LAWYER. All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use.

VERIFICATION: Odinkalu, Adegboruwa, Ubani, Candidates Shut Out

• Hiccups Mar Exercise
• Lawyers Seek Extension
• Fake Website Casts Pall on Process

The long-awaited verification exercise for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Officers Election got off to a faulty start last night with many lawyers yet to be verified as at press time. Investigations by CITY LAWYER indicated that many lawyers are having sundry challenges in an attempt to verify their details. Continue Reading

NBA PRESIDENCY: OBEGOLU BACKS ARTHUR OBI OKAFOR

Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary, Chief Emeka Obegolu has urged lawyers to elect Chief Arthur Obi Okafor SAN as the next NBA President.

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER and titled “A New Bar Beckons,” Obegolu who is also the Vice President of Pan Africa Lawyers Union (PALU), said: Continue Reading

NBA ELECTIONS: The Role of Professional Ethics, by Chukwumerije

Lawyers are by their training, gentle and honourable men, that is why we go by the title: ‘Gentlemen of the Bar’. It is a long-standing and welcomed tradition, that all lawyers in Nigeria and the world at large maintain certain standard of behavior in the conduct of their professional lives. Continue Reading

RANCHING: Lawyers Vow To Sue S/East Govs If…

Lawyers under the aegis of Anambra State Indigenous Lawyers Forum (ASILF) have commended Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano for rejecting the controversial ranching being proposed by the Federal Government. Continue Reading