COURTESY VISIT

GADZAMA VISITS LAGOS AG, VOWS BAR ACTIVISM

FEATURED

GADZAMA, SAN PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO AG OF LAGOS, PLEDGES LOYALTY TO NBA CONSTITUTION, RULE OF LAW AND YEARNINGS OF MEMBERS.

Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Alausa Secretariat.

The visit of the foremost Senior Advocate to the Lagos State Ministry of Justice is one of his consultations and familiarizations tour to all stakeholders as NBA prepares for her general elections next month. Whilst making his remark, Chief Gadzama, SAN reiterated the need for the Bar to be alive to its duties as enshrined in the NBA Constitution, observe the tenets of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and see to the welfare of all members of the Bar. He stated that the Bar needs a leader who understands the challenges of the Bar and has the capacity, experience and will to tackle them headlong.

Whilst restating his vision to lift the Bar to a higher standard, Chief Gadzama, SAN said the visit is necessary for him to present himself as a candidate for the post of the NBA President and it is important to formally inform the Honourable Attorney General and the entire management of the Ministry of Justice. In his words, “I have the requisite experience to lead the Bar having served the NBA in various capacities; a pioneer Council Member of NBA Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) under the chairmanship of Mr. George Etomi, a pioneer vice-chairman of NBA Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) under the chairmanship of Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN and a Pioneer Chairman of NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) now being ably led by Dr. Monday O. Ubani, a former Chairman of NBA Abuja (Unity) Branch and due to my passion for mentorship and professional training for young lawyers, I was appointed as the Chairman, Mentorship Committee of the Body of Benchers for Young Lawyers due to the annual mentorship programme I organize for young lawyers. I have a moot Courtroom in my head office in Abuja purposely built to expose Law School Externs and University undergraduates to Courtroom advocacy. I am a bridge builder between the older lawyers and young colleagues, I am physically fit, mentally, emotionally and spiritually prepared for the task of leading the Bar.”

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, the Honourable Attorney General commended Chief Gadzama, SAN for all his contributions to the Bar and development of law in Nigeria, he assured him that it is customary for the Ministry to welcome all candidates vying for one position or the other in the NBA and the doors of the Ministry is open to Chief Gadzama, SAN. Present at the meeting include some top management members of staff including Mr. S. A Quadri, Mrs. Abiola Olayinka, Mrs. Adenike Oluwafemi, Mrs. Folasade Tugbiyele, Kehinde Taiwo, Bose Fasinde and other State Counsel.

Chief Gadzama appreciated the AG for the audience and warm reception and promised, as the time permits, to reschedule his visit to address all lawyers in the Ministry. Members of Chief Gadzama’s entourage include Mr. Kunle Ogunba, SAN, Mr. Chukwuma Ezeala, Otunba Martins Ogunleye, (former Chairman of Lagos Branch) Mrs. Chioma Ferguson (former Chairman of Surulere Lawyers Forum), Mr. Moshood Abiola (immediate past secretary of NBA, Lagos Branch) and Mr. Oluniyi Adediji, Junior Partner at J-K Gadzama LLP.

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  • EMEKA NWADIOKE
  • May 25, 2022
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AHAMBA, DIKE, OTHERS HOST GADZAMA

One of the leading aspirants for the post of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Presidency, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has paid courtesy visits to the Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Justice Nicholas Nwode.

Gadzama, who is also the Chairman of the Chairman of the Body of Benchers Mentoring Committee for Young Lawyers, also visited some Bar Leaders including NBA Trustee, Chief Anthony Mogboh SAN; Chief Mike Ahamba SAN, and Prof. F. C. Dike SAN.

Below are statements on the visits.

REMINISCENCE: J-K GADZAMA, SAN PAYS COURTESY VISITS TO THE NEW BAR HOUSE, NBA ABAKILIKI AND THE CHIEF JUDGE OF EBONYI STATE

Recently, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and his entourage paid a courtesy visit to the almost completed NBA Bar House in Ebonyi State. The Learned Silk made the courtesy call with the Chairman, NBA Abakiliki Branch and Former Governor, Eastern Bar Forum. The Branch Chairman, Barr. Okorie gave the Learned Silk a tour around the facility. The Learned Silk, delightfully professed his satisfaction with the level of development of the NBA Abakiliki Bar and urged the Leadership to continue making giant strides towards improvement.

The Learned Silk then took courtesy photographs with everyone present and proceeded to the residence of the Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Hon. Justice. Nicholas Nwode.

The Chief Judge of the State gave a robust welcome to the Learned Silk and members of the NBA Abakiliki Branch. Addressing all who were present, the Learned Silk thanked the Honourable Chief Judge for the hospitable reception and lauded his efforts in contributing positively to the Nigerian Bar. The Learned Silk said the visit was necessary because he had heard of the exploits of the Honourable Justice and his immense contributions to the Bar and thought it necessary to thank the Honourable Justice for his continuous support.

The Honourable Justice thanked everyone for the courtesy visit and entreated all to continue making efforts towards the achievement of a free and fair society where justice and the rule of law prevails. Group photographs were taken thereafter and the Honourable Justice bidded the visitors farewell.

“EQUITY SEES AS DONE THAT WHICH OUGHT TO BE DONE…,” PROF. F. C DIKE, SAN AND OTHER VETERANS OF NBA OWERRI BRANCH SUPPORT ASPIRATION OF JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN

Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN alongside friends and supporters from the Owerri Branch of the NBA and his South-East coordinator, Lawrence Nwakaeti, Esq. recently paid courtesy visits to Learned Silks, Mike Ahamba, SAN and Prof. F.C. Dike, SAN immediately after the interactive session with members of the Owerri Branch of the NBA.

The Eminent Silk and Professor of Law, welcomed J-K Gadzama, SAN to his residence, exchanged pleasantries and addressed the lawyers in the Learned Silk’s entourage. According to the Learned Silk, Joe-Kyari Gadzama is a household name in the service of the NBA. He gave his assurance to the Learned Silk, saying, “Equity deems as done that which ought to be done. By the Grace of God, your aspiration is already a reality because, it ought to be as you’re well qualified and experienced”.

Prof. F. C Dike, SAN further assured that all hands would be on deck and the relevant persons would be addressed to see that the vision of Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN for the Nigerian Bar comes to fruition.

In response, the Learned Silk, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN thanked Prof. F.C Dike, SAN for his immense support. Thereafter both Silks took photographs with the entourage.

Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN also visited the residence of Mike Ahamba, SAN where he was delightfully welcomed by the Learned Silk’s family. Both Silks interacted extensively on the welfare of the NBA and the future of the Nigerian Legal Profession. Learned Silk, Mike Ahamba, SAN gifted an autographed copy of his book titled, “Getting it Right in Nigeria”, to Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN. He also assured the veteran Bar Patriot of his support.

JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN COURTESY VISIT TO FOREMOST ELDER, ENUGU BAR, CHIEF A. O. MOGBOH, SAN

Learned Silk, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and his entourage including Jude Ezegwui, Esq. (The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Enugu Branch), Chukwuma Ezeala, Esq.(President, National Association of Catholic Lawyers of Nigeria), Chief Prince Chukwudi (Director-General Vox Populi Foundaty for Leadership), Clement Chukwuemeka, Esq. and Ebube Charity Okpogu, Esq. recently paid a courtesy visit to the revered Chief A.O Mogboh, SAN at his residence in Enugu.

Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN greeted Chief Mogboh, SAN thanking him for the audience granted them and explained that he had come to get the blessings and support of the Enugu Bar to assist him in implementing his ideas for the Nigerian Bar. According to Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN the Nigerian Bar Association being umbrella Association for legal practitioners in Nigeria could implement a lot of changes in the Nigerian society by creating platforms where the older and more experienced Lawyers can inculcate virtues in the Young Lawyers who being the future of the Nation, can better implement same to see the achievement of a better society.

Chief A.O Mogboh, SAN thanked the Learned Silk for coming and asked him to continue the good work of mentorship to the young lawyers and support the course of the NBA.

Group photographs were later taken and the Learned Silks bade farewell.

HON. ENGR. CHINWE MBAH, MNSE, R.ENGR. HOST J-K GADZAMA, SAN AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION, NBA, ENUGU BRANCH JUDE EZEGWUI TO A DELECTABLE DINNER.

On Saturday, April 23, 2022, J-K Gadzama, SAN (Okwuluora of Ukpo) and his entourage including Jude Ezegwui, Esq. (The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Enugu Branch), Chukwuma Ezeala, Esq. (President, National Association of Catholic Lawyers of Nigeria), Chief Prince Chukwudi (Director-General Vox Populi Foundaty for Leadership), Clement Chukwuemeka, Esq., V.O Ehiosun, Esq. and Ebube Charity Okpogu, Esq. had a delectable Dinner with Hon. Engr. Chinwe Mbah at her residence.

The Chairman of NBA Enugu Branch Jude Ezegwui in his remarks stated that J-K Gadzama, SAN is an honorable man of the Bar, credible and competent to take the affairs of the Bar to next level. He reiterated his undeniable support for him, his believe that he has all the qualities of a good leader and not scared to show his support as he will not fail the Bar. He further appealed to everyone there present to support him in order to actualize what he has to offer.

In addressing the attendees, J-K Gadzama, SAN ceded the floor to Douglas Ogbankwa, Esq. who thanked all the attendees and the event planners for the wonderful dinner.
He commended Mrs. Chinwe Mbah and her crew for the special Igbo delicacies.

Engr. Chinwe Mbah also expressed her gratitude for the warm visitation and stated that she has heard good remarks about J-K Gadzama, SAN and would urge every lawyer to support him to the fullest.

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  • EMEKA NWADIOKE
  • May 07, 2022
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GADZAMA VISITS RUBA, PRO-CHANCELLOR OF KASHERE VARSITY

Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC), has paid a courtesy visit to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of Federal University, Kashere, Yakubu Ruba SAN.

A statement on the visit reads:

THE RENOWNED BAR PATRIOT, JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN AND HIS DISTINGUISHED ENTOURAGE PAY COURTESY VISIT TO YAKUBU A. H. RUBA, SAN IN JIGAWA STATE

On Friday, May 6, 2022, the Learned Silk Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN in company of his esteemed entourage comprising of M.A Abubakar (Former Governor of Bauchi State), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN (Former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs), Mohammed Monguno (Former Attorney General of Borno State and Senior Partner at J-K Gadzama LLP), Ibrahim Shafi, Esq. (AVM Rtd) Abdullahi Faskari, Esq., (Immediate Past Chairman of NBA Funtua Branch), Hadiza Nasir Ahmed, Esq., (Young Lawyers Exco and Member Electoral Reform and Audit Committee), A.K Paki, Esq.,A.S Bawa, Esq. Salisu Abubakar, Esq., A.S Gidan-Wankey, Esq., Ahmad Abubakar Rabiu, Esq., Adam Zuhair Kaura, Esq., Shamsu M. Abdullahi, Esq., Hassan Sherif, Esq. Dafenone Akpomudiare, Esq., and Hajara Mohammed Sani Sorondinki (Secretary Women’s Group of J-K Gadzama LLP) paid a courtesy visit to Yakubu A.H Ruba, SAN.

On arriving Jigawa, the Learned Silk’s first port of call was the office of one of his long time friends, Yakubu A.H Ruba, SAN. who is the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Kashere. The Learned Silk and his entourage were delightfully received by Yakubu A.H Ruba, SAN, Tijjani Imam (Life Bencher, Former Attorney General of Jigawa State and Madakin Dutse) and members of the NBA Dutse Branch. Yakubu A.H Ruba, SAN expressed his excitement to have the Learned Silk in Jigawa and appreciated the Learned Silk for his visit despite his busy schedule and briefly discussed some of the pressing issues in the NBA Dutse Branch with the aim of identifying a way forward to amicably resolve the issues.

Some of the members of the NBA Dutse Branch to welcome the Learned Silk and his companions are: Garba Abubakar, Esq., Usman Adamu (Director Legal Drafting representing the Chief Law Officer of Jigawa State), Dr. Yahaya Abdullahi, Esq., Madaki Salamat, Esq. (Chairperson, FIDA Dutse Branch), G.H Umar, Esq., Hussaini Abdullahi, Esq., and Maryam Bashiru Sanusi, Esq. to mention but a few. Also in attendance are members of the NBA Kano and Ungogo Branches.

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  • EMEKA NWADIOKE
  • Apr 07, 2022
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‘WE’LL PARTNER WITH CIARB TO MAKE LAGOS ADR HUB,’ SAYS SANWO-OLU

Members of the Executive Committee of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Nigeria Branch recently paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu. The aim of the visit was to discuss areas of collaboration.

Chief J. Akingbola Akinola, SAN, CIArb thanked the Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu for taking out time from his very busy schedule to receive the CIArb delegation, a statement obtained by CITY LAWYER noted. He observed that Lagos State plays a pivotal role in the Nigerian economy and it remains the focal point of economic, financial and commercial activities in the country.

Akinola added that a lot of infrastructural development is ongoing in Lagos State and that as disputes are an inevitable part of commercial activities, the establishment of an effective and efficient dispute resolution framework with well-trained and equipped human capital is essential for the economic growth as well as commercial activity within Lagos State. He lauded the progressive nature of the Lagos State Government under the Leadership of the Governor.

He informed the Governor that the Institute is positioned to partner with the Lagos State Government in capacity building and the use of the ADR mechanisms to support the activities of the government.

The Governor thanked the CIArb delegation for the visit and commended the CIArb Nigeria Branch on the work being done by the institute in the field of ADR and training of ADR practitioners. He noted that arbitration is an important tool to settle disputes and there is a need for capacity building in this area. He assured the CIArb Nigeria Branch of his support to develop Lagos State into an ADR hub.

Among the CIArb Nigeria Branch delegation were the 1st Vice Chair, Mrs. Sola Adegbonmire, C.Arb; the 3rd Vice Chair, Mrs. Obosa Akpata, C.Arb; Branch Secretary, Mrs. Josephine Akinwunmi, FCIArb; Branch Treasurer, Mr. Akin Omisade, FCIArb; Chairman of the Training Sub-Committee, Mr. Seyilayo Ojo, C.Arb; Assistant Secretary, Mr. Ibifubara Berenibara FCIArb, and the General Manager of the Branch, Ms. Chinelo Agbala.

The Lagos State delegation included the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, FCIArb; the Special Adviser on Education, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab and the Account-General of Lagos State, Mr. Abiodun Muritala.

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  • EMEKA NWADIOKE
  • Dec 16, 2021
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  • Comments Off on GADZAMA VISITS OKPOKO, HAILS NEW NBA ABUJA CHAIR

GADZAMA VISITS OKPOKO, HAILS NEW NBA ABUJA CHAIR

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Thompson Okpoko SAN has played host to leading litigator, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN.

The event, witnessed by other Bar leaders in his Warri Office, was held on the sidelines of the 2021 NBA Warri Branch Dinner. The duo discussed ways to raise standards at the Nigerian Bar, propagate its tenets and foster the welfare of young lawyers.

At the branch dinner where Gadzama was the Special Guest of Honour, highlights included goodwill messages, sit-out with young lawyers, cutting of the cake and launch of the branch Bar Directory by Gadzama.

Meanwhile, the former NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) chairman has congratulated the former Head of his Maiduguri Office, Mr. Moses Alfred Ebute SAN on his election as the new Chairman of NBA-Unity Bar, Abuja.

Gadzama said that his election as unopposed candidate “was an attestation by all members of your acceptability and credible character.” He urged Ebute to keep up with his “good spirit of commitment” and utilize his “leadership prowess” to ensure the growth and improvement of the branch during his tenure.

On the other hand, J-K Gadzama LLP has released its 4th Quarter Newsletter, Vol. 33. According to a statement by the law firm, “The latest edition includes the Keynote Address by the Founding Principal Partner of J-K Gadzama LLP, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN, on the theme, Nigeria and Challenges of Insecurity: the Law and Lawyers as a Panacea, delivered at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owo Branch 2021, Law Week on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, in celebration of the 65th Birthday Anniversary of His Excellency, Arakurin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, the Governor of Ondo State

“The newsletter also features sights and scenes from the J-K Gadzama LLP 6th Hon. Justice Chukwudifu Oputa JSC (Rtd) Professional Training and Mentoring Program for Young Lawyers, which had in attendance the likes of Chief Godwin Kanu Agabi, SAN, Hon. Justice Husseni Baba-Yusuf, Prof. Tahir Mamman SAN, Mr. Oyetola Atoyebi, SAN.”

The newsletter is available for download at: https://j-kgadzamallp.com/publications/newsletters/48-vol-33-oct-dec-2021

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  • EMEKA NWADIOKE
  • Nov 24, 2021
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PIONEER LIFE BENCHER HAILS GADZAMA AT 60, NWAGBARA WINS DEBATE

A member of the Body of Benchers, Ambassador Chief C. D. Orike has paid a courtesy visit to the pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN at his Abuja office.

Orike, who was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 1961, was at the office to felicitate with Gadzama on his 60th birthday anniversary. He is a pioneer member of the Body of Benchers. He was appointed as a Bencher in 1965 alongside 15 others, and is the only surviving pioneer member of the Body.

Orike was a member of the first parliament of 1964 alongside Nigeria’s Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and late Chief Solomon Lar, former Governor of Plateau State. He was Nigeria’s Ambassador to Uganda, with concurrent accreditation to the republics of Rwanda and Burundi.

Gadzama thanked Orike for the visit, restated his respect to the senior life bencher and commended him for the long service he has rendered to the legal profession. He prayed that God will continue to sustain him with good health and strength.

Meanwhile, Mr. Izuchukwu Temilade Nwagbara has won the N1 Million prize at the hotly contested Gadzama Business Law Debate. The finals of the debate held yesterday. After a fierce competition, the Judges retreated for about 30 minutes to decide the winner.

Announcing the winners, the Presiding Judge, Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju SAN informed the audience that Mr. Usman Ibrahim Wali was the 2nd Runner-Up after edging Mr. Adeyemi Kehinde Ayeku in the third place debate.

On the grand finale between Mr. Izuchukwu Temilade Nwagbara and Mr. Ayodeji Ayodele Ayolola, Ogunwumiju stated that both participants did incredibly well. He then declared Nwagbara as the winner while Ayolola was the runner-up.

While Nwagbara took home N1,000,000, Ayolola won N500,000 and Wali received N250,000.

In his remarks, Gadzama appreciated the efforts of all the participants and thanked them for showing wit and skill at all stages of the debate. He also stated that he was proud of the participants and that the fourth placed contestant would also be specially recognised.

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‘NNAMDI KANU WEPT OVER MY TREATMENT BY DSS,’ SAYS LAWYER

A lawyer to the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has told CITY LAWYER that Kanu broke down in tears over his alleged humiliation by the Department of State Services (DSS) during his visit to his client at DSS Headquarters, Abuja.

Narrating his ordeal in the hands of the secret service agency, Mr. Maxwell Opara told CITY LAWYER that he was almost stripped naked while attempting to have an audience with the self-determination activist.

According to Opara, “When MNK (Kanu) saw me (his lawyer) looking like awaiting trial inmate he felt so bad and started shedding tears, ‘that his lawyer is subjected to such degrading treatment simply because he came to visit him.’”

The fiery lawyer said that he had to console Kanu, adding: “I calmed him down and told him that I will personally narrate this to the whole world and as well address court on this issue in next court sitting. This is a country that claimed to practice democracy.”

The full text of the experience as sent to CITY LAWYER is below.

“It’s good I narrate this ugly incident to everyone to hear and circulate.

“Yesterday being 30th August, 2021, at about 3 to 4pm Nigerian time, I Maxwell Opara Esq went to DSS Headquarters Abuja to visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in line with the order of court that gave directives to some members of his legal team and family members to be visiting him every Monday and Thursday.

“Though I have been going there but yesterday after the normal screening, I was taking to another office where I was forced to remove my suit jacket, shoes & stockings, belt, medicated eyeglass, wedding ring, pen and plain sheet of paper which I wanted to use to record some of information MNK will give in preparation of his defense and applications we may be filing in court.

“I asked the officers who issued this order that lawyers should be subjected to this level, he said that the order is from above. I told them that I will never subject myself to that, they said then I am not ready to see MNK. Then due to the necessary need for me to see MNK, I had no option than to comply. I was given an ordinary slippers with my hands holding my trousers because my belt has been taken away from me.

“When MNK saw me (his lawyer) looking like awaiting trial inmate he felt so bad and started shedding tears, ‘that his lawyer is subjected to such degrading treatment simply because he came to visit him.’

“I calmed him down and told him that I will personally narrate this to the whole world and as well address court on this issue in next court sitting. This is a country that claimed to practice democracy.

“We shall continue to fight against injustice. I believe order lawyers in the legal team will narrate the same experience. Ahead ahead unstoppable!!! God is in control and in him we trust.”

The DSS is yet to respond to the lawyer’s claims.

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. To ADVERTISE in CITY LAWYER, please email citylawyermag@gmail.com or call 08138380083. 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.

  • EMEKA NWADIOKE
  • Feb 03, 2021
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  • Comments Off on BREAKING NEWS: AT LAST, CJ HOSTS NBA LAGOS

BREAKING NEWS: AT LAST, CJ HOSTS NBA LAGOS

  • JOKES ABOUT ‘FROSTY RELATIONS’
  • ROLLS OUT JUDICIAL REFORMS 
  • PROMISES GOOD BAR-BENCH RELATIONS

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba today hosted the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch. The courtesy visit by the branch is coming after several unsuccessful attempts by the branch leadership to have an interface with the Chief Judge and exactly three weeks after a CITY LAWYER report on the issue. Both the Chief Judge and Branch leadership had however denied any frosty relations between them.

In fact, Justice Alogba reportedly joked about the alleged frosty relations between him and the branch when he observed that the temperature at the meeting was very cool, with the air-conditioning in full blast.

Justice Alogba, who led a high-powered team to the meeting, regretted that he had been unable to receive the branch leadership due to his pressing official engagements but assured that the interface would become more regular henceforth.

Below is a report of the meeting as posted by the Branch Secretary, Mr. Moshood Abiola.

The NBA Lagos Branch today met with the leadership of the the Lagos State Judiciary.

The delegation from the branch led by the branch Chairman, Yemi Akangbe along with members of the Exco and the Judiciary Relations Committee met with Chief Judge of Lagos State-Hon. Justice K. O. Alogba and the top echelon of the state judiciary at the Chief Judge’s conference room at the Ikeja High Court.

The Chief Judge opened the meeting with a jocular reference to the “alleged frosty relationship between the bar and the bench” when he observed that the temperature at the meeting was very cool with the air conditioning in full blast.

The CJ expressed his regrets that the meeting had not held earlier as had been expected. He stated that this was due to a plethora of official and circumstancial reasons. He said he was personally pained that it took this long for the meeting to hold and apologized for it. He promised that it would become a regular meeting.

By way of report, the CJ gave an update on the work done so far to ensure that the dispensation of justice resumes fully. He said the renovation work in the building at Osborne would soon be completed and it would house at least eight court rooms of the high court. He added that there were now two new court rooms at the eti Osa court house to take two more magistrates, one more court room at the Magistrate Court in Sabo Yaba.

The Honorable Chief Judge also said there will be four court rooms at the High Court level at the old juvenile court building in Sabi. He said all these courtrooms are expected to be ready for use by the end of March 2021.

In his remarks, the branch chairman thanked the Chief Judge for the warm reception. He stated clearly that there was no frosty relationship between the bar and the bench and the Lagos bar was happy to work with the judiciary. He again commiserated with the Lagos Judiciary on the destruction of several courthouse. He said the branch was pained by the devastating loss and was open to working with the judiciary. He reported that in the aftermath of the destruction the NBA held an emergency meeting and several measures and protocols were agreed on the way forward.

The Vice Chair of the Judiciary Relations Committee, Dr. Wale Olawoyin SAN in his submissions urged the Chief Judge to set up a committee with members from the bar and bench to serve as an avenue of feed back of issues as they arise. He highlighted some of the problems been faced by members in accessing the courts which included problems associated with filing and assignment of cases, scheduling of hearings and many more.

In his response the Hon. Chief Justice promised to look into the creation of the committee in a week’s time. He reiterated the work been done on E-Filing but said the problem was majorly from lawyers who sometimes cannot upload their documents and this causes a lot of delay. On late assignment of cases, he said he was actively looking into it and recently had to sanction some staff who were found wanting. He said he was also looking at many other measures to ease the system. He said he was happy these issues were being raised and he promised it would be looked into.

On scheduling of hearings, he said whilst there are guidelines laid down to be followed members of the bar were also not adhering to the guidelines as some would want to even be in court when their cases were not ready for hearing. He urged for patience and cooperation from the bar. He reiterated his directive that registrars must give 48 hours notice if the court was not going to sit. He urged that members of the bar should write if any registrar fails to do so.

On the issue of technology, he said it was a matter of finance. He commended the governor of the state for his support and understanding so far. He said even before the pandemic some courts have been sitting virtually. He said although there are still some impediments, the governor has been doing a lot to support the judiciary.

The Chief Judge however observed that even with the best efforts of the Judiciary, the reality of the pandemic is still a barrier to the full operation of the judiciary.

He thanked the Lagos Branch for the visit and hoped for many more of such. He urged cooperation from everyone and stated that all hands must be on deck.

The branch chairman in his final remarks suggested that there should be specific time allotted to cases each day so that lawyers don’t have to wait. The Chief Judge said this was already been done especially in his case, he promised that he would encourage other judges to do same as it is even in the interest of the judges to do so.

Mrs. Boma Alabi SAN gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the Lagos branch.

Moshood Abiola,
Secretary,
NBA LAGOS,
3/2/2021

It is recalled that the former Financial Secretary and Treasurer Emeritus of the branch, Mr. Phillip Njeteneh had while reacting to the CITY LAWYER report on alleged frosty Bar-Bench relations said: “At the last Branch meeting the Exco, learned seniors & members generally expressed their frustration at the cold shoulders given the Branch by the Lagos CJ over the offer to help and overtures of the Premier Branch over the recent destruction of courts & court facilities.”

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. 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.

  • EMEKA NWADIOKE
  • Jan 19, 2021
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  • Comments Off on ‘I HAVE NO GROUSE WITH NBA LAGOS’ – JUSTICE ALOGBA

‘I HAVE NO GROUSE WITH NBA LAGOS’ – JUSTICE ALOGBA

  • CJ TO HOST LAGOS BRANCH SOON

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba has said that his relationship with the Bar is cordial. Justice Alogba disclosed this yesterday during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch led by its Chairman, Mr. Bartholomew Aguegbodo.

An unimpeachable source who attended the meeting told CITY LAWYER that though the chief judge stated that he had read the report on alleged frosty relations between him and NBA Lagos Branch, he initially declined to speak on the matter, saying that the judiciary does not respond to social media reports.

Our source said that the chief judge was however persuaded to respond to the allegation by former NBA Vice President, Mr. Monday Ubani who emphasized the significant role of social media as a contemporary source of information, adding that the CITY LAWYER blog is credible and reliable.

Turning to the allegation, Justice Alogba flatly debunked any frosty relations with NBA Lagos Branch, saying that he is merely a hostage to his tight schedule. Noting that he is always shuttling between Lagos and Abuja to attend to official matters and summons, the respected jurist stated that there is no deliberate plot to shut out the Lagos Bar.

According to our source, Justice Alogba emphasized that there is no reason for frosty relations between him and the Bar, given that both the Bar and Bench are working towards speedy and effective justice delivery. Justice Alogba noted that since the Bar and the Bench are working towards a common goal, it is expedient for them to ensure a conflict-free relationship in the interest of the masses.

He used the courtesy visit to pledge more support for Ikeja branch. While asking the branch to remain focused, Alogba admonished lawyers to work towards salvaging the image of the profession.

He noted that since misunderstanding is inevitable in every organisation, NBA inclusive, it is honourable for the association to be professional and mature in handling any internal misunderstanding whenever such occurs in order to save the profession.

Speaking on the enormous amount of records lost at the Igbosere High Court during the ENDSARS crisis, the Chief Judge informed members of the Bar of the several efforts by the Judiciary in securing temporary court premises.

He appealed to lawyers to plead with their clients with pending cases to exercise patience until the commencement or the completion of the temporary sites, adding that criminal cases are given priority due to the current coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, there are strong indications that the chief judge may soon meet with the leadership of the Lagos Branch. A source who is familiar with the impending meeting told CITY LAWYER that plans are at an advanced stage for a courtesy visit by the Lagos Bar.

It is recalled that CITY LAWYER had in a report stated that there were anxieties within legal circles on the alleged frosty relations between the chief judge and NBA Lagos Branch. This was a major issue on the agenda during the last monthly meeting of the branch. The current leadership of the branch will bow out on June 30, 2021.

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. 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.