CHRISTIAN LAWYERS WARN INEC, JUDICIARY ON 2023 ELECTIONS

Lawyers under the aegis of Christian Lawyers Association of Nigeria (CLASFON) have warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the 2023 General Elections are free, fair and credible.

The group also called on the judiciary to ensure that it is not used to scuttle the nation’s democratic experience, urging it to shun frivolous lawsuits aimed to derail the elections.

Rising from its President-in-Council Meeting held at Bible Guest House, Ilupeju, Lagos, CLASFON, in a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, said: “As the 2023 elections draw closer, CLASFON calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies to take every step to ensure a free, fair and credible election in line with the provisions of the extant Electoral Act. CLASFON enjoins INEC to display the highest level of fidelity to the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act and reject every attempt by political actors to hijack or derail the election process.”

Continuing, it called on the judiciary “to live up to its expectation as a bold, just and independent institution and as the last hope of the common man by acting as a watchdog of Nigerian Constitution and electoral law in ensuring that the will of the people is not thwarted. The Judiciary should be resolute and should not hesitate to dismiss frivolous suits with no value other than to scuttle the electoral process to avoid a repeat of the sad and unfortunate experience of 1993 when the courts were used to prepare the ground for the infamous annulment of the June 12 Election.”

Signed by Prof. John Akintayo and Precious Nwadimuya, CLASFON’s President and National Secretary respectively, the statement also decried the insecurity ravaging the country, saying: “CLASFON is worried about the increasingly alarming and pervasive incidence of insecurity in Nigeria. While commending the efforts of security personnel saddled with the duty of securing Nigeria, CLASFON joins other well-meaning Nigerians and groups to call on the Federal Government to restructure its security architecture.”

It stated that “the Nigerian Government should not merely declare that Nigeria is safe and criticise the travel advisories released by the diplomatic missions of some countries in Nigeria, including the United Kingdom and the United States, but it must ensure that all tiers of government act with caution and take concrete and measurable steps to adequately protect the citizens and other residents of Nigeria. CLASFON calls on all relevant security agencies to brace up and discharge their constitutional and legal mandates since no country can thrive or develop amid insecurity.”

Below is the full text of the communique.

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SENIOR LAWYER, STELLA OFOKANSI JOINS ‘SOLAR FOR ALL’ LEAGUE

FEATURED

SOLAR FOR ALL: Chief Mrs. Bolanle Ayorinde of Ayorinde SAN & Co joins list of beneficiaries (in partnership with NBA Abuja, NBA Lagos, BOSAN Abuja, Otu Oka-Iwu Abuja, NBA Kano, NBA Gwagwalada, Medical Doctors at FMC Cooperative, FCT Pharmacies, and UNILAG College of Medicine Alumni among others).

To get an efficient Solar/Inverter system for 24 hours electricity supply and save at least half of your current power cost while you “Pay Small Small” for up to Six Months, call Solar For All Ltd: 08060266163.

Visit: (Abuja) Suite A8, Kenuj O2 Mall (Behind Games Village).
(Lagos) No 113A, Mainland Way, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi.

As Electricity continues to be an issue in the country and diesel/fuel gets more expensive Solar For All Ltd was at the descent Ibadan home of Mrs.Ayorinde, where it installed a Solar System that powers all the essentials in the home, ensures 24-hour power supply and a reduced power cost of at least 50%.

Other beneficiaries from whom the efficiency of delivery can be verified include: Ebun Olu Adegboruwa SAN, Dr.Muiz Banire SAN, High Chief Emeka J-P Obegolu SAN, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde SAN; Chief J-K Gadzama SAN; Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN; Prince Adetosoye Adebiyi Esq; Mr. Paul Daudu Esq of J.B Daudu SAN & Co; Mr. Benedict Daudu Esq; Chief Peter Ilegogie Esq; Aare Muyiwa Akinboro SAN, Aare Isiaka Olagunju SAN, Dr. Babatunde Ajibade SAN of SPA Ajibade SAN & Co; FIDA Nigeria (FIDA House Abuja); Prince Adetokumbo Kayode SAN; Mrs. Amina Agbaje Esq (FIDA Nigeria CVP); Dr. Mrs Ayorinde of Ayorinde SAN & Co; Mrs. Mariam Agbaboka; Barr. Mrs Rachel Ebun Akerele; Mr. Anthony Malik SAN; Chief Tawo E. Tawo SAN; Chief Kemi Pinheiro SAN; Mr. I. M. Dikko SAN of Liman, Liman SAN & Co; Hon. Justice Emeka Nriezedi of the Anambra State Judiciary; Dr. Hassan Liman SAN; Chief J. U. K. Igwe SAN; Mr. Chike Ekeocha, Esq. of Alex Izinyon SAN & Co/SUEX Nig. Ltd; Mummy Sylvia Okoregbe Esq; John Ochogwu, Esq; Hon. Rodrich Ugwu Esq; Prof. Godson Ogbonna of Abia State University, Uturu; Sir Austin Mwana Esq; Mr. Thony Lyiod Onyemaizu Esq; Dr. Agada Elachi Esq; Mr. Zach Akubo of S. I. Ameh SAN & Co; Mr. Ime Edem-nse Esq; Mr. Edafe Mrakpor Esq; Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; Ebedebiri Cottage Hospital, Sagbama LGA, Bayelsa State; Federal College of Education, Warri; Nigerian Agricultural Seeds Council; Institute Of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators of Nigeria (ICMC); Chief R. N. Okeke and Sons Ltd, Wukari, Taraba State; Alhaji Abdulrahman Adamu of the Trademoore Estate, among many others.

Some of the benefits of Solar/Inverters include:
*Solar is cheaper at long-run!

*24 hours Power Supply for homes/offices

* Your current Power cost will drop by at least 50% after we install.

*No noise!

*No Pollution!

*Automatic change over!

*No fueling

*25 years warranty on the German Solar panels.

* In case of any issue with the Inverter Machine, another Inverter is deployed before we take the one that needs attention for troubleshooting/repairs.

“To get an efficient Solar/Inverter system for 24hours Light, while you “Pay Small Small” for up to Six Months; Call Bricks and Castles Energy-Tech Ltd: 08050489622, 08060266163

Visit: (Abuja) Suit A8 Kenuj O2 Mall Kaura District Abuja (Behind Games Village).

(Lagos) No 113A, Mainland Way, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi.

mni among others).

To get an efficient Solar/Inverter system for 24 hours electricity supply and save at least half of your current power cost while you “Pay Small Small” for up to Six Months, call Bricks and Castles Energy-Tech Ltd on 08050489622; WhatsApp 08060266163.

Visit: (Abuja) Suite A8, Kenuj O2 Mall (Behind Games Village).
(Lagos) No 113A, Mainland Way, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi.

With the worsening Power situation in the country and a skyrocketing cost of diesel, Bricks and Castles Energy-Tech Ltd was at the decent Onitsha home of the distinguished Bar Leader, Mrs. Stella Ofokansi where it installed a Solar System that powers all the essentials in the home, ensures 24-hour power supply and a reduced power cost of at least 50%.

Other beneficiaries from whom the efficiency of delivery can be verified include: Ebun Olu Adegboruwa SAN, Dr. Muiz Banire SAN, High Chief Emeka J-P Obegolu SAN, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde SAN; Chief J-K Gadzama SAN; Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN; Prince Adetosoye Adebiyi Esq; Mr. Paul Daudu Esq of J.B Daudu SAN & Co; Mr. Benedict Daudu Esq; Chief Peter Ilegogie Esq; Aare Muyiwa Akinboro SAN, Aare Isiaka Olagunju SAN, Dr. Babatunde Ajibade SAN of SPA Ajibade SAN & Co; FIDA Nigeria (FIDA House Abuja); Prince Adetokumbo Kayode SAN; Mrs. Amina Agbaje Esq (FIDA Nigeria CVP); Dr. Mrs Ayorinde of Ayorinde SAN & Co; Mrs. Mariam Agbaboka; Barr. Mrs Rachel Ebun Akerele; Mr. Anthony Malik SAN; Chief Tawo E. Tawo SAN; Chief Kemi Pinheiro SAN; Mr. I. M. Dikko SAN of Liman, Liman SAN & Co; Hon. Justice Emeka Nriezedi of the Anambra State Judiciary; Dr. Hassan Liman SAN; Chief J. U. K. Igwe SAN; Mr. Chike Ekeocha, Esq. of Alex Izinyon SAN & Co/SUEX Nig. Ltd; Mummy Sylvia Okoregbe Esq; John Ochogwu, Esq; Hon. Rodrich Ugwu Esq; Prof. Godson Ogbonna of Abia State University, Uturu; Sir Austin Mwana Esq; Mr. Thony Lyiod Onyemaizu Esq; Dr. Agada Elachi Esq; Mr. Zach Akubo of S. I. Ameh SAN & Co; Mr. Ime Edem-nse Esq; Mr. Edafe Mrakpor Esq; Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; Ebedebiri Cottage Hospital, Sagbama LGA, Bayelsa State; Federal College of Education, Warri; Nigerian Agricultural Seeds Council; Institute Of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators of Nigeria (ICMC); Chief R. N. Okeke and Sons Ltd, Wukari, Taraba State; Alhaji Abdulrahman Adamu of the Trademoore Estate, among many others.

Some of the benefits of Solar/Inverters include:
*Solar is cheaper at long-run!

*24 hours Power Supply for homes/offices

* Your current Power cost will drop by at least 50% after we install.

*No noise!

*No Pollution!

*Automatic change over!

*No fueling

*25 years warranty on the German Solar panels.

* In case of any issue with the Inverter Machine, another Inverter is deployed before we take the one that needs attention for troubleshooting/repairs.

“To get an efficient Solar/Inverter system for 24hours Light, while you “Pay Small Small” for up to Six Months; Call Bricks and Castles Energy-Tech Ltd: 08050489622, 08060266163

Visit: (Abuja) Suit A8 Kenuj O2 Mall

OLAR FOR ALL: Chief.Mrs.Bolanle Ayorinde of Ayorinde SAN & Co joins list of beneficiaries (in partnership with NBA Abuja, NBA Lagos, BOSAN Abuja, Otu Oka-Iwu Abuja, NBA Kano, NBA Gwagwalada, Medical Doctors at FMC Cooperative, FCT Pharmacies, and UNILAG College of Medicine Alumni among others).

To get an efficient Solar/Inverter system for 24 hours electricity supply and save at least half of your current power cost while you “Pay Small Small” for up to Six Months, call Solar For All Ltd: 08060266163.

Visit: (Abuja) Suite A8, Kenuj O2 Mall (Behind Games Village).
(Lagos) No 113A, Mainland Way, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi.

As Electricity continues to be an issue in the country and diesel/fuel gets more expensive Solar For All Ltd was at the descent Ibadan home of Mrs.Ayorinde, where it installed a Solar System that powers all the essentials in the home, ensures 24-hour power supply and a reduced power cost of at least 50%.

Other beneficiaries from whom the efficiency of delivery can be verified include: Ebun Olu Adegboruwa SAN, Dr.Muiz Banire SAN, High Chief Emeka J-P Obegolu SAN, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde SAN; Chief J-K Gadzama SAN; Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN; Prince Adetosoye Adebiyi Esq; Mr. Paul Daudu Esq of J.B Daudu SAN & Co; Mr. Benedict Daudu Esq; Chief Peter Ilegogie Esq; Aare Muyiwa Akinboro SAN, Aare Isiaka Olagunju SAN, Dr. Babatunde Ajibade SAN of SPA Ajibade SAN & Co; FIDA Nigeria (FIDA House Abuja); Prince Adetokumbo Kayode SAN; Mrs. Amina Agbaje Esq (FIDA Nigeria CVP); Dr. Mrs Ayorinde of Ayorinde SAN & Co; Mrs. Mariam Agbaboka; Barr. Mrs Rachel Ebun Akerele; Mr. Anthony Malik SAN; Chief Tawo E. Tawo SAN; Chief Kemi Pinheiro SAN; Mr. I. M. Dikko SAN of Liman, Liman SAN & Co; Hon. Justice Emeka Nriezedi of the Anambra State Judiciary; Dr. Hassan Liman SAN; Chief J. U. K. Igwe SAN; Mr. Chike Ekeocha, Esq. of Alex Izinyon SAN & Co/SUEX Nig. Ltd; Mummy Sylvia Okoregbe Esq; John Ochogwu, Esq; Hon. Rodrich Ugwu Esq; Prof. Godson Ogbonna of Abia State University, Uturu; Sir Austin Mwana Esq; Mr. Thony Lyiod Onyemaizu Esq; Dr. Agada Elachi Esq; Mr. Zach Akubo of S. I. Ameh SAN & Co; Mr. Ime Edem-nse Esq; Mr. Edafe Mrakpor Esq; Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; Ebedebiri Cottage Hospital, Sagbama LGA, Bayelsa State; Federal College of Education, Warri; Nigerian Agricultural Seeds Council; Institute Of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators of Nigeria (ICMC); Chief R. N. Okeke and Sons Ltd, Wukari, Taraba State; Alhaji Abdulrahman Adamu of the Trademoore Estate, among many others.

Some of the benefits of Solar/Inverters include:
*Solar is cheaper at long-run!

*24 hours Power Supply for homes/offices

* Your current Power cost will drop by at least 50% after we install.

*No noise!

*No Pollution!

*Automatic change over!

*No fueling

*25 years warranty on the German Solar panels.

* In case of any issue with the Inverter Machine, another Inverter is deployed before we take the one that needs attention for troubleshooting/repairs.

“To get an efficient Solar/Inverter system for 24hours Light, while you “Pay Small Small” for up to Six Months; Call Bricks and Castles Energy-Tech Ltd: 08050489622, 08060266163

Visit: (Abuja) Suit A8 Kenuj O2 Mall Kaura District Abuja (Behind Games Village).

(Lagos) No 113A, Mainland Way, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi.

To view the price list, click here.

To join our Telegram platform, please click here 

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FLOODS: NBA TO OFFER PALLIATIVES TO AFFECETD LAWYERS

                                                                                                   PRESS RELEASE

NBA TO INTERVENE IN FLOOD DISASTER

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN, OON has sympathised with Nigerians and members of the NBA who were affected by floods in numerous towns and villages of Nigeria.

In a letter dated 24th October 2022 addressed to the chairmen of the 125 branches of the NBA, Mr Mr Maikyau SAN OON acknowledged that many Nigerians, including lawyers have been affected by the floods and directed the chairmen of the 125 branches to compile the list of NBA members directly affected by the flood so that NBA can offer some help and bring succour to them and their families.

In his words, “Nothing will ever replace the lives that have been lost, but we can help by joining hands with the relevant authorities to see that some form of material aid is made to alleviate the sufferings of the people, most especially our colleagues.”

As the government, aid agencies and well-meaning Nigerians continue to find ways to bring relief to affected persons, the NBA calls on the relevant authorities to look into the planning of all Nigerian towns and cities with a view to creating or implementing the plan for natural waterways which serve as precautionary measures against flooding. We also implore all Nigerians to keep following the weather updates and flood alerts published by NEMA and other agencies while ensuring compliance with recommended safety precautions provided therein.

Akorede Habeeb Lawal
National Publicity Secretary, NBA

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‘WOMEN IN THE PROFESSION’ FOR LAUNCH TOMORROW

The Nigerian Chapter of “Women in the Profession” (WIP) will be officially unveiled tomorrow in Lagos.

WIP Nigeria aims to serve as a learning and leadership resource centre for the development of the Nigerian female lawyer.

According to information made available to CITY LAWYER, the launch will witness a lecture with Felicia Djibo, Consulting Partner at Delloite as Keynote Speaker.

Panelists include Kofo Dosekun, Chairman, Aluko and Oyebode; Michelle Thompson, CEO Resistant Vision Coaching and Consulting, and Derin Adefulu, Executive Head of Governance at Old Mutual Nigeria. The session will be moderated by Dolapo Kukoyi, Managing Partner at Detail Commercial Solicitors.

The virtual launch will hold at 11 am. To participate, register at bit.ly/WIPNigeriaLaunch.

The launch is sponsored by Detail Commercial Solicitors, Acuity Partners, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, Fiduciary Services Limited and Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice.

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COPYRIGHT 2022 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.

COURT OF APPEAL SET TO APPOINT 16 NEW JUSTICES

PRESS RELEASE

RE:APPOINTMENT OF 16 JUSTICES FOR THE COURT OF APPEAL: CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Distinguished Colleagues,

Kindly find attached the Notice by the NBA President calling for expression of interest by our qualified members to the Bench of the Court of Appeal.

Thank you and do have a great night.

Akorede Habeeb Lawal
National Publicity Secretary

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COPYRIGHT 2022 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.

NBA VOWS TO PROSECUTE CULRPITS OVER AGC FRACAS

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has stated that it would prosecute its members found to have been culpable in the invasion of the centre where the 2022 Annual General Conference (AGC) materials were to be distributed.

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER by NBA Publicity Secretary, Mr. Habeeb Lawal, NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN said that “the conduct of our colleagues involved in the incident borders on possible violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners and other relevant laws applicable in Lagos State.”

He added that as a promoter of the rule of law, “the NBA has a duty to ensure that such incident does not reoccur and all those who are complicit are brought to book.”

Maikyau stated this while inaugurating a 15-member committee to investigate the incident.

The full text of the statement reads:

INAUGURATION OF CONFERENCE INCIDENT INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE

Dear Distinguished Colleagues,

1. The NBA President, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN has inaugurated the Conference Incident Investigation Committee (the committee) to investigate the incident that occurred on the sidelines of the just concluded 62nd Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association at Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos, at the venue for distribution of conference materials. The inauguration held in the course of a virtual meeting held with members of the committee, yesterday, 5th September, 2022.

2. Members of the committee are –

i. Olawale Fapohunda, SAN – Chairman
ii. CP Lough Simon Asamber SAN – Alternate Chairman
iii. Oyinkan Badejo
iv. Mrs. Toluwalope Aderiye
v. Ada Edozie
vi. Daniel Onwe
vii. Mujahid Muhammed
viii. Lucky Ekarume
ix. Chinyere Nworah
x. Adama Mohammed
xi. Shehu Sani Idris
xii. Oyindamola Fashakin – Secretary
xiii. ThankGod-Mina Hope Obeten
xiv. Folashade Owolabi.
xv. Tongshishak John Jude Danjuma

3. In his address at the inauguration of the committee, the NBA President stated that “the conduct of our colleagues involved in the incident borders on possible violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners and other relevant laws applicable in Lagos State.” And as a promoter of the rule of law, the NBA has a duty to ensure that such incident does not reoccur and all those who are complicit are brought to book.

4. The committee was therefore handed the following terms of reference:

i) Investigate the said incident; the immediate and remote cause(s) of the same, and identify the persons involved therein.

ii) Make recommendations concerning the matters stated above, taking into consideration the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Constitution of the Nigerian Bar Association, 2015 (as amended in 2021), Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2007 and other relevant legislations, policies and guidelines.

The committee is expected to submit its Report (Findings and Recommendations) within a period of 4 weeks from the date of the inauguration.

5. The NBA President thanks members of this committee for accepting to serve.

AKOREDE HABEEB LAWAL
National Publicity Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association

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LAWYERS, WHATSAPP CHAT ROOMS AND LIABILITY

MR. OLUMIDE BABALOLA, a lawyer and data protection specialist, writes on the Nigerian lawyer, his/her emails, WhatsApp groups and unresolved privacy questions

As technology continues to emerge, so also will privacy and data protection jurisprudence! This article only seeks to provoke discussions on the subject, it neither represents a cast-in-stone position on the posers nor apt answers to the analysis. Since COVID-19, the average Nigerian lawyer has embraced (information) technology like never before. He/she now reads and responds to emails more often, WhatsApp messaging app has now been recognised and accepted as a veritable means of (un)official information communication, the microblogging sites are now used for self-marketing and visibility etc.

However, in spite of the increased utility of technology by the Nigerian lawyer, from my regular engagements with seniors and junior colleagues, it is clear that the average Nigerian lawyer still requires continuing education on the nuances of the tools with respect to privacy and data protection and sundry matters. As mush as Nigerians frantically argue that we value right to privacy, our attitude towards the concept is often paradoxical – we carelessly expose privacy yet we want same protected. Nigerian Lawyers inclusive!

Use of Emails

Service by email
It is impressive that our courts are fast accommodating service by email in their respective rules but the bar does not appear to be sold out on this service mechanism as many lawyers still insist on service of paper copies of court processes. I have experienced this recently, when we served a court process on a colleague via email, after acknowledging service, he did not only insist on hard copy, he also refused to take any steps until we served the paper copies. Perhaps, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) needs to make a policy statement on this as the Nigerian lawyer cannot afford to be stuck in the sixties with respect to our practice and procedure.

Bulk emails
With the use of emails, many Nigerian lawyers cause/perpetrate personal data breaches as a matter of course and practice. The most relatable instance of data breach occurs during bulk emails where a sender copies numerous email addresses as co-recipients without using the blind copy (BCC) option. Sadly, the NBA and its officials are frequent offenders of this privacy violation during electioneering campaigns and while in office. It gets worse when a recipient replies the bulk message and copies every recipient in the thread. We sure need to learn when to use the ‘reply’ and ‘reply all’ functionalities in our emails.

WhatsApp groups
At the expense of telegram (considered not-user-friendly), WhatsApp messaging app has become one of the most veritable tools of communication in the Nigerian legal community. Hence, technology has enabled the daily communion of legal and political ideas between senior and junior lawyers on various WhatsApp groups created for sundry purposes. The use of such groups for dissemination and receipt of information will continue to engender many unprecedented legal issues. Here, I will attempt some privacy-related questions which I have observed in some lawyers’ chat rooms.

Are group WhatsApp chatrooms public or private places?
While instant messaging between individuals on WhatsApp constitute private messages, different considerations apply to group chats since messages are immediately available to a wide array of members. The fact that WhatsApp chatrooms are closed groups, controlled by administrators and often accessible only through invitation do not necessarily make them private meetings even though members may have reasonable expectation of privacy applicable to other social media platforms.

Social media (WhatsApp groups) presents another striking example of privacy paradox: participants expose their personal information publicly yet they want control over same – this is not entirely impossible especially with highly regulated and specialised groups. In answering whether social media is a private or public place, Trepte notes in her doctoral thesis that:

“In struggling to develop a definition of social media, scholars have pointed to the fact that social media channels are formally understood as methods of mass communication but that they primarily contain and perpetuate personal user interactions . In this sense, social media can be referred to as personal publics. As a consequence, users cannot always clearly define the somewhat blurred lines between personal and public or between private and professional communication.” (See Sabine Trepte, ‘The Social Media Privacy Model: Privacy and Communication in the Light of Social Media Affordances’ Communication Theory, Volume 31, Issue 4, November 2021, Pages 549–570)

From Trepte’s theory which is supported by some other academics, social media (WhatsApp groups inclusive) interactions continue to reside in the borderline between public and private spaces. Nigeria has no decision on this but a Scottish decision on the subject gives an insight into the ramifications such claims could take. In BC and others v Chief Constable Police Service of Scotland [2018] CSOH 104, the police sought to rely on some information in a WhatsApp group chatroom to bring disciplinary proceedings against a constable. When the latter challenged admissibility of such information obtained from the group chat, the Scottish Court of Session agreed that WhatsApp group chats are private when it held that:

“The messaging service used was private and the petitioners had no intention of publishing the contents of their messages to the public at large”

Conversely, however in another development in India, when a man who sent abusive and obscene words on WhatsApp to his estranged wife was charged for making obscene statements in public. The man argued that he sent the messages to his estranged wife in a private WhatsApp chat and the Bombay High Court held that:

“Thus, when these messages cannot be read by others, it ipso-facto goes to show that no third person nor even WhatsApp can have access to those messages. Therefore, WhatsApp cannot be a public place if messages are exchanged on personal accounts of two persons. If these messages had been posted on WhatsApp Group, in that case the same could have been called as public place because all the members of the group, will have access to those messages. It is not the prosecution case that the alleged obscene messages were posted on WhatsApp Group of which the petitioner and the respondent No. 2 and others are the members. Therefore, sending the personal messages on WhatsApp will not amount to utterance of obscene words in public place.” See Nivrutti v. State of Maharashtra and Pooja Nivrutti Criminal Writ Petition No. 557 of 2018

I am more fascinated by the Indian court decision. It aligns with logic that when three or more persons are on a group chat, it then becomes a public space and it, in most cases, negates the definition of private.

Conclusion
The use of emails has come to stay in our legal practice. However, lawyers need to understand the privacy implications of their use for dissemination and receipt of information. With the proliferation of WhatsApp groups, lawyers need to post information in such groups with a measure of circumspection knowing fully well that they don’t have personal relationship with everyone on such groups. A lawyers’ chatroom is not Las Vegas! Whatever happens there may not necessarily stay there – it may interest the outside world!

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COPYRIGHT 2022 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.

HOT OFFER: AFFORDABLE AGC HOTELS BECKON IN LEKKI

Timeoak Hotels & Spa, Lekki, Lagos is offering a whopping 25% discount to participants at the 2022 NBA Annual General Conference.

Timeoak Hotel consists two luxury hotels located in Lekki Phase 1, about 20 minutes’ drive to the AGC venue in Victoria Island, Lagos.

TimeOak is an exquisite budget hotel in the heart of Lekki. It offers free excellent luxury services such as free beach tour, free airport shuttle, open roof-top bar overlooking the entire Lekki Peninsula up to the Atlantic Ocean, daily swimming pool, barbecue and karaoke, and many more. Relax after a day’s work in our luxury Spa and get Sauna steam bath and full body massage at discounted rates as low as N10,000.

Enjoy our FREE gym, FREE wifi, complimentary breakfast, modern bistro coffee bar, and courteous customer services, all at a discounted rate you will never get anywhere else in upscale Lekki, Lagos island.

Our kitchen is the No. 1 food plug in Lekki, with widely enjoyed dishes sold across the island through our online channel, www.timeoakdelicacies.com.

Excellent services at rock-bottom prices are the hallmark of Timeoak Hotels & Spa, Lekki,.

You have a choice of staying in our luxury rooms at the Timeoak Luxury Hotel & Spa, 59 Omorinre Johnson Street. Contact us on 07049445099 or at our Timeoak Royale Hotel at 12 Nike Art Gallary Road, Ikate (08097201571).

Book online now at www.TimeOakhotels.com, www.TimeOakhotelroyal.com or WhatsApp 08036913264.

Timeoak – memorable pleasure lifestyle!

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EL-RUFAI HAILS NBA-KADUNA STATE TRAINING PACT FOR LAWYERS

NBA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH KADUNA STATE GOVERNMENT HOLDS CAPACITY-BUILDING TRAINING FOR LAWYERS IN KADUNA STATE PUBLIC SECTOR

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Nigerian Bar Association Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE) provided a week-long training and development workshop for Public Sector lawyers employed by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Kaduna State Government.

The week-long intensive workshop, which was fully funded by the Kaduna State Government, took place from 27th June 2022 to 1st July 2022 and focused on trainings in different areas of law, including Contract Drafting and Negotiations, PPP/Public Procurement, Taxation, Intellectual Property, Legislative Drafting, Civil Procedure and Criminal Procedure.

These bespoke training sessions were tailored to address issues relating to the day-to-day work of the Public Sector Legal Practitioner. Several facilitators including Prof. Paul Idornigie SAN, Mr Godwin Omoaka SAN, Mr Folabi Kuti SAN, Prof Kabir Danladi, Dr. Danwaka Shuaibu, Dr. Jude Odinkonigbo, Ms Nta Ekpiken, Ms Slyvia Nzekwu, Rotimi Ogunyemi and Hajia Asia Ahmed El-Rufai, took the participants through the various sessions.

At the end of the training, the Governor of Kaduna – Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, commended the quality of the training sessions and pledged further collaboration between the Kaduna State Government.

The initiative is considered significant because it is the first of such planned trainings to be provided by the NBA- ICLE to public and private sector organisations who may require such service. It is also a remarkably innovative approach to income generation by the NBA .

Dr. Rapuluchukwu Nduka
Publicity Secretary,
Nigerian Bar Association

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MUSICIAN, COMEDIANS THRILL AS GADZAMA GROOVES PORT HARCOURT LAWYERS

IT WAS ALL FUN AS MEMBERS OF THE NBA PORT-HARCOURT BRANCH (TEAM RIVERS FOR J-K) ROARED SUPPORT FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANT JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, OFR, MFR, SAN

The Saturday night groove held in honour of J-K on the 9th of July at the ARENA was graced by the Learned Silk Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN with his entourage: Mela Audu Nunghe SAN, Prof. S. C. Dike (Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Rivers State University), Chukwudi Prince Oli Esq. (Director General of Vox Populi Foundation), Dr. Kayode Ajulo, Esq., Junaidu Abubakar Esq. (Chairman of NBA Gusau branch) Kekemeke Tobi Esq. (Past chairman of NBA Jos branch), Monday Adjeh Esq. (Chairman of NBA Bwari branch), Ogunjide Emmanuel Tayo Esq. (Chairman of NBA Gwagwalada branch), Luka Haruna Esq. (Past Chairman of NBA Gombe branch), Funso Odebode Esq. (Vice chairman of NBA Abuja Branch), Mr. Victor Nwugo Esq. (Past National Legal Adviser of NBA), Darlington Onyekwere Esq. (Partner, J-K Gadzama LLP), Madu Joe-Kyari Gadzama Esq. (Partner, J-K Gadzama LLP), Oluniyi Adediji Esq. (Partner, J-K Gadzama LLP), Jerry Ombugadu Musa Esq.(Former Financial Secretary NBA Abuja Branch and Junior Partner at J-K Gadzama LLP), Marvin Ibem Esq. (Publicity Secretary, NBA Ikeja Branch), Chidi Eke Esq.(Former Vice Chairman Port-Harcourt branch), Selena Alamina Esq. (Vice Chairman Eastern Bar Forum), Lamar Joe-Kyari Gadzama Esq., Onyekachi Eluwa Esq., Dafenone Akpomudiare Esq., Okpogu Esq., Hillary Ojeke Esq. and Love Chukwumerije Esq.

The current executive members of the NBA Port-Harcourt Branch who were also present at the event include: Victor Benebo Esq. (Chairman NBA Port-Harcourt Branch), Emmanuel Okpala Esq. (Vice Chairman NBA Port-Harcourt Branch), Chinwo Omodu Esq. (Secretary NBA Port-Harcourt Branch), Barbara Abayomi Esq. (Assistant Secretary NBA Port-Harcourt Branch), Iwari Goodhead Esq. (Treasurer NBA Port-Harcourt Branch), Ogechi Agbai Esq. (Financial Secretary NBA Port-Harcourt Branch), Ogom Goodluck Esq. (Social Secretary NBA Port-Harcourt Branch), Godwin Odimabo, Esq. (Welfare Secretary NBA Port-Harcourt Branch), Daminobo Livingstone Esq. (Provost NBA Port-Harcourt Branch), Datom Alambo Esq. (Publicity Secretary NBA Port-Harcourt Branch).

In his opening remarks, the Master of Ceremony, Mr Bright Otobo, reiterated the need for lawyers to unwind as a prelude to vacation, share camaraderie and friendship outside of the pugilistic ambience of the courtroom. He further introduced the eminent silk J-K Gadzama, SAN as the “primus inter pares”, an astute legal practitioner whose pedigree stand him out as the best candidate for the NBA Presidency, owing to his qualifications, work experience, appointments, affiliations/associations, mentorship programs among others.

Prof. S. C. Dike (Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Rivers State University) alluded to the fact that J-K Gadzama, SAN has set the standard in legal practice and has broken unfathomable records as a guide and mentor to many. He lauded the immense impact J-K Gadzama has made in the Association of Environmental Lawyers of Nigeria (AELN) as the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Association and urged the audience to massively support J-K Gadzama, SAN who is an exemplification of greatness.

To say that the event was fun-filled is an understatement! The entertainment was top notch as trendy comedians like Prince Hezekiah, Warri Bros and Danny Spry got the audience laughing to their rib-cracking jokes and stories. The famous musical artist and king of freestyle entertainment, “Dan Dizzy”, also thrilled the audience with his sensational freestyle rap.

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NBA DECIDES: EDE ASENOGUAN URGES ELIGIBLE VOTERS TO VERIFY

FINAL VERIFICATION

The ECNBA has graciously extended the verification exercise for 48 Hours Only!

Are you verified to vote on Saturday 16th July, 2022?

If No? Click on the link below and enter your SC Enrolment Number.

https://votersrecordissue.ecnba.ng/

PLEASE NOTE : If you are eligible to vote, this link WILL NOT work for you; That is, if you have paid your BPF this year, if you have already been verified before or automatically verified after paying your BPF.

So please don’t panic if the link is showing invalid on the above accounts, it just means you are eligible.

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COPYRIGHT 2022 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.

‘I WILL ENSURE THAT LAWYERS ARE GAINFULLY EMPLOYED,’ SAYS ISAAC OGBAH

8th Point on the Manifesto of Isaac Omuta Ogbah as published by ECNBA on its website

“In ensuring that government officials are properly guided in their responsibilities, I will see to it that the leadership of the NBA work with the National Assembly to ensure that every government agency both at the Federal, State and Local levels, have an established legal department.

At these departments, qualified legal practitioners would properly advise government officials and ensure that all their actions are in conformity with the law.

In addition, this step will boost employment opportunities for lawyers as they would be gainfully employed through this avenue.

Let’s all support and vote Isaac Omuta Ogbah and ensure that we see more of our colleagues are gainfully employed.

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‘HOW I WILL TACKLE POLICE BRUTALITY ON LAWYERS,’ BY ISAAC OGBAH

7th Point on the Manifesto of Isaac Omuta Ogbah, FICMC as published by ECNBA on its website

Given the high level increase of brutalization of lawyers in the process of carrying out of their lawful and legitimate duties on a daily basis by law enforcement officers, to ensure we nip this in the bud.

I will see to it that the Association creates a well-funded office in the National Secretariat to be under the supervision of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Vice Presidents of the NBA.

Each of the Vice President will be assigned the responsibilities of handling all these related issues within the respective Zones they hail from, in addition to any other responsibilities that may be assigned to these three (3) National Officers from time to time.

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‘REVIEW HOSTILE LEGAL PRACTICE CLIME,’ CLEMENT CHUKWUEMEKA TELLS NBA-SLP CONFEREES

Mr. Chukwuemeka Clement Ugo, the sui generis Bar man, and a candidate for the office of the 2nd Vice President of Nigerian Bar Association in the forthcoming NBA National Election 16th July, 2022 felicitates with the leadership of NBA- SLP and delegates across the world for the Annual Conference 2022 with the Theme: Legal Practice in Nigeria: OUR REALITY, OUR FUTURE holding in the city of Asaba.

From the above theme , it is not doubt timely to advocate and conceptualize the stake of lawyers in the reality of our practice and the future of our profession.

The country is presently in a very precarious situation where lawyers are always harassed and intimidated by law enforcement offices for doing and or carrying out their legitimate jobs. Where lies the reality and the future of legal practice if Idam Maduabuchi Ogbonnia, a member of Bwari Branch on Friday last week could be detained at Efab Metropolis Estate , Abuja Police Station for going to enquire about the detention of his client and many more scenarios too numerous to mention across the breath and length of our branches.

But this gathering in the developing city of Asaba, the big heart city will give us, the delegates and especially legal practitioners an opportunity to interrogate the reality and future of our profession vis a vis an unhindered access to all formations of law enforcement agencies towards giving a fair hearing to arrested members of the society.

I must appreciate the rich topics lined up for discussion and I know in the end , all delegates will be glad indeed for attending this innovative NBA – SLP conference . You are welcome to Asaba and I wish every one a wonderful deliberation, and thereafter a safe return to our various destinations.

CHUKWUEMEKA CLEMENT UGO

2nd Vice President Candidate for the coming NBA NATIONAL ELECTION 2022

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NBA AGC 2022: CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE IS KEYNOTE SPEAKER

The Nigerian Bar Association has announced Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie as Keynote Speaker at its forthcoming Annual General Conference in Lagos.

Adichie, author of Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, Americanah, and several other works, will be speaking at the opening ceremony of the conference in August.

The conference, themed “Bold Transitions”, will take place at the Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos from 19th to 26th August, 2022. Registration for the conference is ongoing at www.nbaconference.com, with and early bird window which will run until 17th July.

Chimamanda Adichie was born in Enugu, Nigeria in 1977 and grew up on the campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where her father was a Professor and her mother was the first female Registrar.

She started out as a medical student at Nsukka before departing for the US where she took a different path, graduating summa cum laude from Eastern Connecticut State University with a degree in Communication and Political Science. She has a Master’s Degree in African Studies from Yale University, and a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing from Johns Hopkins University.

Ms. Adichie was awarded a Hodder fellowship at Princeton University for the 2005-2006 academic year, a MacArthur Fellowship in 2008, and a fellowship at the Radcliffe Institute of Harvard University for the 2011-2012 academic year.

She has received honorary doctorate degrees from Eastern Connecticut State University, Johns Hopkins University, Haverford College, Williams College, the University of Edinburgh, Duke University, Amherst College, Bowdoin College, SOAS University of London, American University, Georgetown University, Yale University, Rhode Island School of Design, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.

Ms. Adichie has delivered two landmark TED talks – her 2009 TED Talk ”The Danger of A Single Story” and her 2012 TEDx Euston Talk ”We Should All Be Feminists”, which was published as a book in 2014.

Adichie’s work has been translated into over 30 languages. Her first novel, Purple Hibiscus (2003), won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize; her second novel, Half of a Yellow Sun (2006), won the Orange Prize; and her 2013 novel, Americanah, won the US National Book Critics Circle Award and was named one of The New York Times Top Ten Best Books of 2013. A story from her collection, The Thing Around Your Neck, was awarded the O Henry Prize.

Her other works include Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions, published in March 2017, and Notes On Grief, an essay about losing her father, published in 2021.

A member of both the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Ms. Adichie was named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2015, and in 2017, Fortune Magazine named her one of the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders.

The 2022 NBA Annual General Conference is expected to bring together thought leaders in the areas of justice delivery, technology, economy, politics, judicial reforms, human rights, and rule of law, said Tobenna Erojikwe, Chairman, Technical Committee on Conference Planning (TCCP).

“The aim is to have leading lawyers and thought leaders in the various fields to discuss and harmonise positions on the way forward on building a more effective Bar and a resilient country able to thrive amidst changing global dynamics,” Erojikwe said.

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‘I WILL FOSTER WELFARE OF LAWYERS, BOOST YLF FUNDING,’ SAYS ISAAC OGBAH

1ST POINT ON THE MANIFESTO OF ISSAC OMUTA OGBAH, FICMC AS PUBLISHED BY ECNBA ON ITS WEBSITE 

“If given the privilege to be the next 3rd Vice President of the NBA, below are some of the aspirations I (ISAAC OMUTA OGBAH) hope to accomplish if elected come July 26, 2022, to wit: I will strive to work with other elected NBA National elected officers as well as NEC members to ensure that the foundation already laid by the past administrations, particularly this present Olumide Akpata led administration regarding the welfare of lawyers is enhanced and improved upon in every way.

“Hence, I sincerely seek the votes of all our learned colleagues in the forthcoming elections scheduled for July, 2022”.

2ND POINT ON THE MANIFESTO OF ISSAC OMUTA OGBAH, FICMC AS PUBLISHED BY ECNBA ON ITS WEBSITE 

“Aside ensuring that every branch of the NBA nationwide have established YLF in their branches, I will, with the help of other national officers ensure that all the YLF of the various Branches are functional in every sense of it and the aims and objectives of the YLF are fully accomplished. “.

“Presently there is no outlined funding arrangements for YLF at the branches hence their having to majorly depend on whatever financial assistance they might get from their local branches. Hence I plan to ensure, if elected, that a well worked out plan is put in place wherein a given percentage of funding is allocated to YLF both at a the national and at their respective branch levels that would aid in ensuring that the lofty aspirations that led to the creation of YLF is accomplished in every way possible”.

Mr. Isaac Ogbah is a tested and proven leader over the years. His antecedents attests to it and he will surely see to it that this aspect of his manifesto is fulfilled 100%.

#isaacogbahsupport
#letssupportisaacogbah
#isaacogbahfor3rdVPNBA

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GADZAMA DELIVERS PSN LECTURE, LAWYERS LAUD HIM AT SIT-OUT

FEATURED

LEGAL LUMINARY, JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN DELIVERS A LECTURE AT THE 2022 MID YEAR MEETING/PUBLIC LECTURE AND PLENARY SESSION OF THE BOARD OF FELLOWS, PHARMACEUTICALS SOCIETY OF NIGERIA

The Board of Fellows of the PCN held their 4th Public Lecture themed “HARNESSING THE POTENTIALS OF FELLOWS OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES IN NIGERIA FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: PHARMACISTS’ PERSPECTIVE” on 28th June, 2022.

The Lecture, which was chaired by the Hon. Minister of State for Budget & National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, featured a distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama as the Guest Speaker.

The Learned Silk, ably represented by a Partner in the law firm of J-K Gadzama LLP, Madu Joe-Kyari Gadzama delivered a rich and insightful paper which was well received by the Fellows who paid rapt attention.

The Chairman, organizing committee Pharm. Ibrahim Tanko Ayuba Fpsn spoke highly of Chief Gadzama and expressed gratitude to him for honouring the Board’s invitation.

In the same vein, the Chairman, Body of Fellows, PSN, Pharm. Dr. Joel E. B. Adagadzu, FPSN, FPCPharm commended the Learned Silk.

The Learned Silk received a standing ovation from members of the high table at the end of the interesting lecture.

The Chairman, Body of fellows Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Dr. Joel E.B. Adagadzu FPSN FPCPharm in his vote of thanks, appreciated Chief Gadzama while stating that the body is grateful that the Learned Silk could find time in his busy schedule to honour their invitation. He prayed for the Learned Silk and wished him well in his aspiration.

A President aspirant in the just concluded PDP presidential primaries, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, while presenting an award on behalf of Board, commended the Learned Silk and his representative for an insightful lecture.

FRIENDS OF CHIEF JOE-KYARI GADZAMA SPEAK ON HIS CREDIBILITY AT A SIT-OUT SESSION WITH NBA BRANCHES OF KOGI STATE

On Sunday, June 26, 2022, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and his friends including His Excellency, Alhaji M.A. Abubakar, (Former Governor of Bauchi State), Mr. Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN, (Former Chairman, NBA Unity Bar), Mr. Mohammed Monguno, (Former Attorney-General of Borno State, Former Chairman, NBA Maiduguri Branch), Chief C.P. Oli (Director-General Vox Populi Foundation for Leadership), Mr. Rex Uzoegbu, Miss Blessing Eyibio, Mr. Martin Kalu, Mr. Hassan Sheriff, (Counsel, J-K Gadzama LLP and Member Young Lawyers’ Group of J-K Gadzama LLP), Mr. Victor Onyekachukwu Ehiosun, (Counsel, J-K Gadzama LLP and Member Young Lawyers’ Group of J-K Gadzama LLP), Miss Farida Lanre-Ipinmisho (Counsel, J-K Gadzama LLP and Member, Women’s Group of J-K Gadzama LLP) and Miss Roseline Ogwuche (Counsel, J-K Gadzama LLP and Member, Women’s Group of J-K Gadzama LLP) were hosted to a sit-out session with members and executives of the NBA Okene, Kabba and Lokoja Branches of Kogi State.

The session kick-started officially with opening remarks being led by Mr. I.O AlHassan (Chairman, NBA Lokoja Branch) who stated that the Bar Patriot, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN was someone who had made laudable contributions to the NBA. “Your contributions precede you. Even before becoming a lawyer, I had always heard of your name and have come to realize and admit that you’re a great man by all standards”, he said, speaking to the Learned Silk. He welcomed all the attendees and members of the Learned Silk’s entourage, reassuring that NBA Kogi State would support the candidacy of the Learned Silk and continue to make efforts towards spreading the news of the Learned Silk’s good aspirations for the Nigerian Bar.

Mr. C.O. Daniel, (Chairman, NBA Kabba Branch) also addressed the attendees saying he was impressed with the contributions of the Learned Silk, Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN to the Nigerian Bar. He referred to the Learned Silk as a renowned Patriot of the Nigerian Bar whose commitments spoke volumes.

Mr. Simon Musa welcomed the Learned Silk and addressed attendees on the importance of supporting him. According to him, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN had been a household name and his contributions to the Nigerian Bar; especially the positive inputs made towards improving manner in which the NBA National Executive Council conducts it’s affairs were remarkable.

Mr. Siaka Odege, (Former Chairman, NBA Okene) speaking on behalf of the Okene Branch, thanked the attendees for taking time out to listen to the good aspirations of the Learned Silk for the NBA. He promised to support the cause of Learned Silk and urged everyone to do the same because the Learned Silk was one of them.

Thereafter, His Excellency, Former Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji M.A Abubakar addressed the attendees. Speaking to them, His Excellency gave an excerpt of his profile saying. He explained that having been called to the Nigerian Bar in 1979 he had not seen anyone who’d given selflessly to the Nigerian Bar like Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN. He said, “…because of this, we fondly call him Mr. Mentorship. The office of J-K is like a mini Nigeria. He is a man who believes in capacity-building and gives everyone equal opportunities”.

Speaking on the credibility of the Learned Silk’s character, a Judge from the High Court of Kogi State refered to him as a colossus; a man of integrity, competence and high professional acumen and discipline.

Mr. Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN speaking on liberating the Nigerian Bar, stated that J-K Gadzama, SAN was a man whose will cannot be bent by political influence or monetary gains. He urged attendees to support the aspirations of J-K Gadzama, SAN because he was the best man for the job.

Mr. Mohammed Monguno, buttressed further on the character of Learned Silk, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN. He said, “…having known J-K for about 40 years, attended the same primary school, university, and then being called to the Nigerian Bar together, I can attest to his impeccable character. J-K. In his office, 65% of lawyers are women and 70% are young lawyers. He is one who has passion to serve, I implore you to please give him the opportunity”.

Chief C.P Oli addressing the gathering asked the young lawyers to vote for someone who had their best interest at heart and had proven himself through impactful contributions overtime. He said, “I worked in the office of J-K as a young man from the South-East, he gave me an opportunity regardless I wasn’t from the North. I grew under his office and today I have my own office with about 20 lawyers working for me. Let us give quality leadership a chance”.

Mr. John Adele, SAN speaking to his colleagues and fellow members of the Lokoja Branch of the NBA explained that being a member of the committee which registered the NBA Lokoja Branch he could attest to the contributions of J-K Gadzama, SAN to NBA Lokoja. He urged the attendees to support him and then ceded the floor to Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN.

Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN thanked all the attendees for coming. He recounted his relationship with the NBA Branches in Kogi State and Kogi State generally; explaining how he started his my primary school education in Kainji, New Busa now in Niger State but Formerly in old Kwara State including Kogi and how his cousin Late Col. Bzigu Lassa Afakirya was became their Military Administrator. According to him, he was back home to ask for the blessings and support of all the members and executives of the NBA Branches. He promised to serve passionate without fear or favour and give equal access to opportunity, participation and continue the good works of Mr. Olumide Akpata.

Closing remarks were given by Mr. Sanusi Liman and closing prayers by Mr. Hassan Sheriff.

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‘LAWYERS WILL GET N4M LOAN UNDER MY WATCH,’ SAYS FUNMI ADEOGUN

FEATURED

AS THE NATIONAL TREASURER FUNMI ADEOGUN PLEDGES TO ADVOCATE FOR AN INCREASE TO N3 BILLION THE N1.5 BILLION CASH COLLATERAL TO ENABLE LAWYERS ACCESS N4M CREDIT FACILITY INSTEAD OF THE CURRENT N2M CREDIT FACILITY

VOTE ! VOTE!! VOTE!!! ADEOGUN FUNMILOLA OLUWATOSIN AS YOUR TREASURER
JULY 16, 2022

# Financial Prudence of the Bar

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‘YOU ARE ONE OF US,’ NBA MINNA CHAIR EXTOLS GADZAMA

FEATURED

JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN HOSTED TO LUNCH TREAT BY THE NBA MINNA BRANCH

On Monday, June 20, 2022 the Learned Silk Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and his entourage including Mr. Mohammed Monguno, (Former Attorney-General, Borno State, Former Chairman NBA Maiduguri), Rt. Hon. Adamu Usman, (Former Attorney-General, Niger State and Former Speaker Niger State House of Assembly), Chief Oluwale, Mr. Sunusi Musa, Mr. Nasiru Usman (Chairman, NBA YLF), Mr. A.H Mohammed, Mr. Mark Chidi Agbo, (Junior Partner, J-K Gadzama, LLP), Rashidat Obamojure, Esq. (Senior Associate, J-K Gadzama, LLP, Chairperson, J-K Gadzama LLP Women’s Group), Mr. Hassan Sheriff (Associate J-K Gadzama, LLP) Miss Farida Lanre-Ipinmisho (Counsel, J-K Gadzama LLP), Miss Magai Magaji Aji (Counsel, J-K Gadzama LLP), Miss Rachel Jonathan and Mr. Anthony Ibe paid a courtesy visit to the NBA Minna Branch and had a sit-out session with Young Lawyers, Members and Executives, and FIDA Members at the NBA Minna Branch.

The opening remarks were rendered by Mr. Mohammed Waziri, (Chairman Elect of NBA Minna Branch). In his address the Chairman Elect welcomed the Learned Silk, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and his entourage. He commended the impeccable personality of the Learned Silk, saying that the Learned Silk has remained a true Patriot of the Nigerian Bar and had come not just as a visitor but as one of them to share his ideas with the NBA Minna Branch.

Thereafter, he ceded the floor to the anchor who introduced Mr. Mohammed Monguno to address the attendees. Mr. Mohammed Monguno speaking passionately about the Learned Silk Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN said he had known the Learned Silk for a long time; since they were students. He said, “I have known Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and I still know him. He is someone who is resolute hardworking and God-fearing. I believe he can take the NBA to greater heights because I have watched him through the help of God advance his career from the lowest point without the advantage of a silver spoon to the peak of professional achievements. That is why I can speak on his behalf. I urge you all to give him your utmost support”.

Addressing the attendees, Mr. Mark referred to the Learned Silk as one who was not just interested in the professional growth of lawyers under his employment but was also concerned about personal development. He said, the Learned Silk had overtime ensured that his Counsel in the office were sponsored from time to time to take several certifications. He also referred to the Learned Silk as a quintessential Bar Patriot and a father not just to his biological children but his professional children.

Rashidat Obamojure, Esq. buttressed the Learned Silk’s ingenuity and fairness in handling issues in the office, (J-K Gadzama LLP). She described the Learned Silk as one who was fair to all regardless of religion, tribe or gender. According to her, about 65% of the Counsel in his office were female lawyers and the office had a women’s group known as Women’s Group of J-K Gadzama LLP. She urged the members of FIDA to support the Learned Silk in charting the course of the NBA.

Rt. Hon. Adamu Usman addressing the attendees, referred to J-K Gadzama, SAN as a true friend who always provided assistance when beckoned on. He recounted how he had been assisted several times by the Learned Silk. In his words, “J-K Gadzama, SAN is someone you all can trust and I believe he is most qualified for the job”.

Finally, the Learned addressed the attendees thanking them for their patience and kind gesture in hosting and accepting him as one of them. He said the meeting was not one for many speeches and as such he would adopt his manifesto and curriculum vitae as uploaded and shared on the website gadzama.com whilst mentioning a few things. He explained that there were no constraints on his ability to serve having amassed several achievements and gained experience through relentless service to the Nigerian Bar. In his words, “…the Nigerian Bar made me, I want reciprocate by serving the Bar in the highest possible capacity, give back to my colleagues and take the Nigerian Bar to higher heights by implementing new initiatives while continuing the good work of Mr. Olumide Akpata”. He thanked the audience for their rapt attention and prayed for God’s blessings for the Nigerian Bar.

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‘WELFARE OF YOUNG LAWYERS MY TOP PRIORITY,’ SAYS GADZAMA

FEATURED

“THE WELFARE OF YOUNG LAWYERS IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE TO ME” JOE-KYARI GADZAMA SAN DECLARES IN HIS MANIFESTO VYING FOR THE OFFICE OF THE NBA PRESIDENT

On Friday, June 17, 2022, the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) unveiled the manifesto of Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN who is contesting for the office of the NBA President in the forthcoming elections.

The Foundation of the Learned Silk’s manifesto is continuity and innovation. It encapsulates the eminent silk’s vision to take the Nigerian Bar Association to the next level. A level of greatness, effectiveness, transparency and accountability. Some of the Learned Silk’s intentions for the bar as contained in his manifesto are:

1. Improving young lawyers’ remuneration;

2. Inclusion of the Chairman of the Young Lawyers Forum as a NEC Member;

3. Mentorship for Young Lawyers;

4. Improving Lawyers’ Entitlements by Paying Practising Fees;

5. Stopping the Infiltration of the Legal Profession by Non-Lawyers;

6. Ensuring the Security of Lawyers;

7. Improving Lawyers’ Access to Finance;

8. Inclusion of Corporate/ In House Counsel in Affairs of the NBA;

9. Creating an education fund for lawyers;

10. Improving the Welfare of Law Teachers;

11. Improving the Welfare of Law Officers;

12. Ensuring Speedy Dispensation of Justice;

13. Promoting a Tech-Savvy Judiciary;

14. Protecting the Interest of Lawyers with Special Needs;

15. Sexual and Gender-Based Violence/ Promotion of Gender Balance;

16. Ensuring Electoral Reforms; and

17. Promotion of Public Interest Litigation.

Indeed, it is evident that the Learned Silk’s administration will lead to an all-inclusive bar wherein the legal profession and its members will thrive.

For more information please visit https://gadzama.com/

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‘I CELEBRATE OUR LAWYER-FATHERS TODAY,’ SAYS AMANDA ASAGBA

It gives me great pleasure to celebrate our fathers today. The occasion of Father’s Day presents us with a splendid opportunity to appreciate the God-ordained place of fathers in every family.

Fathers are known to be symbols of authority and discipline in our families and in the society at large. This is a huge task that must not be taken for granted.

It is expected that as lawyers, we should carry this role into the legal community by fostering discipline and eschewing any manner of misconduct.

We celebrate you all today and always.

Happy Father’s Day!

AMANDA EGO DEMECHI-ASAGBA
President, AWLA

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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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‘LAWYERS MUST USE PHONES IN POLICE STATIONS,’ SAYS GADZAMA

FEATURED

LAWYERS SHOULD BE ALLOWED ENTRY TO POLICE FORMATIONS WITH THEIR MOBILE PHONES – JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN

On Thursday, June 16, 2022, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN who is the incumbent Chairman of NBA-Security Agency Relations Committee (NBA-SARC) and the Pioneer Chairman of NBA-Section on Public Interest & Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), penned down an appeal to the inspector General of Police requesting that lawyers should be allowed entry with their mobile phones to all police formations across the country.

It is common knowledge that we now live in a digital world and accordingly, lawyers require their mobile phones to perform their daily business activities. The trend of dropping off phones by lawyers at collection points established by the police force and other security agencies renders a lawyer almost ineffective as they are not able to deliver and communicate with their clients during the period of time spent at the police formations or security agencies.

While acknowledging the mutual relationship between the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Bar Association as champions in the fight against corruption and injustice in the country, the Learned Silk in his letter solemnly requested for the urgent intervention by issuing a written notice from the office of the Inspector General of Police for compliance on this matter as it will aid in adding positive value to the daily work activities of lawyers.

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‘GADZAMA FRIENDSHIP CENTRE’ OPENS FOR LAWYERS IN ABUJA

FEATURED

FRIENDS OF J-K GADZAMA SAN, SET UP FRIENDSHIP CENTER FOR LAWYERS IN ABUJA.

Friends of J-K Gadzama SAN have set up a friendship center for lawyers in Abuja which will be in place daily from Mondays to Fridays effective from Thursday, 16th June, 2022 from 6pm – 8:00pm at the SMA Belgore Hall, Ground Floor, J-K Gadzama Court, Garki 2, Abuja. The Friendship Centre is free and open to all lawyers.

It is designed to create a daily avenue for lawyers to network, relax, unwind and enjoy themselves in a convivial atmosphere as there promises to be light music, small chops, finger foods, drinks etc to aid relaxation and ease stress for the day’s job.

The initiators have also confirmed that there will be free body/health checks like blood pressure, blood sugar level, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), temperature etc. for lawyers.

Lawyers in Abuja are enjoined to indulge, network and socialize maximally as the Friendship Centre kicks off by 6pm on Thursday, 16th June, 2022 at J-K Gadzama Court, Garki 2, Abuja. It promises to be fun all the way.

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‘SUSTAIN YOUR VISIONARY IDEAS,’ CLEMENT CHUKWUEMEKA TELLS NBA BENIN

THE BIG LION LAW WEEK: CLEMENT CHUKWUEMEKA ( AKA. DEMOCRAT) FELICITATES BENIN BAR

A sui generis BAR MAN and cleared Candidate for the post of 2nd Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka heartily felicitates the Executive Council and Members of Benin Bar on the auspicious occasion of the 2022 Law Week.

Mr. Chukwuemeka wishes to identify with the immeasurable achievements recorded by the leadership of the Benin Bar and similarly urges members to uphold and sustain the visionary ideas that stand the Benin Bar out.

As the Benin Bar winds up activities marking its law week, Mr. Chukwuemeka wishes them a successful year ahead and looks forward to greater exploits of the Benin Bar and the Democratic minds that the New leadership promises to offer in the National Body of NBA in July.

Be rest assured Mr. Pius Idemudia Oiwoh led Exco and the entire membership of lion Bar that your sacrifices towards the growth of the Bar shall always be remembered in the history of NBA .

Sui Generis Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka, a cleared candidate for the office of 2nd Vice President , NBA National Election 2022.

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‘WE WILL ISSUE CODE ON LAWYER SAFETY SOON,’ GADZAMA TELLS NBA-NEC

FEATURED

ENCOMIUMS AS THE JOE-KYARI GADZAMA-LED NBA-SARC PRESENTS ITS REPORT TO NBA-NEC, MAKES BOLD RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVED SAFETY OF LAWYERS

At the Nigerian Bar Association – National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held at Ilorin on Thursday, June 9, 2022, the chairman of the NBA- Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC), Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN, presented the report of the NBA- SARC, highlighting the streak of successes, strives, strides and achievements of the NBA-SARC, in less than 6 months of its inauguration, stating that within the period of six months of the inauguration of the NBA-SARC, the Committee has successfully intervened in over 15 cases involving legal practitioners and security agencies across the country.

Chief Gadzama stated further that apart from the NBA-SARC’s interventions, it has also organised a Townhall Sensitization Webinar where it created awareness of its mandates. On Saturday, February 19, 2022, the NBA-SARC also organized a roundtable discussion with executives of the NBA branches and thereafter followed up with a virtual townhall sensitization for young lawyers, this is to create a consciousness of its mandate and also to discuss issues bothering on safety and welfare of legal practitioners.

The NBA-SARC has also participated in the CLEEN Foundation Methodology Workshop ahead of the Police Reform Audit in Nigeria, an event which was held on May 18, 2022, at the NBA-Secretariat, among a host of other events participated in, aim at championing improved welfare for the Nigerian Lawyers.

Speaking passionately, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama said there was a lot more to do as he itemized the several upcoming programs of the NBA-SARC. He noted that the NBA-SARC has also lined up a series of other hybrid programs, physical and online, directed at the sensitization of both personnel of security agencies and legal practitioners, viz Webinars, Workshops, Courtesy Visits, et al. tailored, ultimately, for an improved efficient and cordial relations with security agencies across the country, focally including the Nigerian Police Force.

In the NBA-SARC’s report as presented by Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, the following far-reaching recommendations for the improved safety of the Nigerian lawyers were made:

1. Subcommittees of the NBA-SARC at each of the 125 branches of the NBA: That in line with the mandates of the NBA-SARC to work with the various branches of the NBA to achieve, at the branch level, its objectives, there is plan to raise subcommittees of the NBA-SARC at each of the 125 branches of the NBA, comprised of 5 to 15 members of the Young Lawyers’ Forum (YLF), to be headed by the Chairmen of the YLF of each branch, and the National Chairman of the NBA YLF, to be co-opted to our Committee.

Chief Gadzama explained that this will provide a prompt complaint platform, more easily accessible to members of the NBA, at the various branch level. This will also help in the collation of harassment cases and intimidation against lawyers by security agencies, and importantly, the urgency with which they are dealt with. It is also worthy of note that the YLF provides an arsenal that can be empowered by the NBA to help in the fight against human rights abuses, thereby promoting public interest lawyering.

2. Wider membership of NBA-SARC to include Representatives of the Law Enforcement Agencies: The NBA-SARC Chairman explained that the importance of having all hands on deck for the NBA-SARC and the NBA to consistently take the lead in the safety and welfare of all legal practitioners across the country. That there was a dire need for a broadened membership of the NBA-SARC to include representatives of the Law Enforcement Agencies who are Legal Officers that are part and parcel of the NBA as qualified legal practitioners within the public sector. This will further foster a harmonious relationship with these respective law enforcement agencies.

3. Preparation of a Code of Engagement for Lawyers in their Relations with Law Enforcement Agencies: Chief Gadzama explained that one of the mandates of the NBA-SARC is to “develop and promote proper protocols for engagement with security agencies by lawyers, in the course of carrying out their professional duties”. That the Committee has noted the need for a code that provides guidelines and/or protocols to aid lawyers in proper engagement with security agencies in the course of carrying out professional duties.

4. Need for the NBA-SARC to be a Standing Committee: The NBA-SARC Chairman explained that the NBA-SARC presently liaises with these security agencies with a view to stemming the ugly trend of harassment of legal practitioners and engendering a harmonious and mutually beneficial working relationship between members of the NBA and members of the various Security Agencies. This, Chief Gadzama, explained as an ongoing process and bridges of trust and mutual respect are presently being built. That as with bridges, it takes consistency, hard work planning and strategy to build. If the present drive to ensure the welfare and safety of legal practitioners is to be further entrenched and strengthened, that there is an urgent need to make the NBA-SARC a Standing Committee of the NBA so that there is continuity in the works of the Committee, so that the efforts made so far, do not go down the drain and that the momentum set by this Akpata-led administration is sustained.

5. The Need for Yearly Workshop or Town Hall meeting with Law Enforcement Agencies: The successes recorded at the 1st Hybrid Townhall Meeting of the NBA-SARC held on the 5th day of April, 2022, at the Auditorium of the NBA National Secretariat, Abuja should be sustained. Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama explained that the floodgate of feedback at the said maiden Hybrid Meeting, jointly emphasize the need for frequent liaisons and/or interaction between the Bar and the security agencies and that there was a need for more of such meetings to foster a cordial relationship between the NBA and security agencies across Nigeria. The Gadzama-led Committee has therefore reiterated the need for a yearly workshop and/or Town-hall meeting with law enforcement agencies across the country.

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ISAAC OGBAH COMMENDS NBA BARNAWA ON LAW WEEK

Isaac Omuta Ogbah, FICMC, a Candidate for the 3rd Vice President in the forthcoming NBA National elections sends goodwill messages to NBA Barnawa Branch as it holds its 2022 Law Week with the theme: “Understanding the Electoral Act 2022”.

Now that Nigeria is preparing for its 2022 general elections, the theme for your Law Week is timely as it would enable legal luminaries unveil every aspect of this 2022 Electoral Act in preparations for the various litigations that would follow the electoral processes.

I wish the Chairman and his executive members and the entire members of the Barnawa Branch of NBA a very successful Law Week event and I pray for journey mercies for all that would grace the Law Week event from other parts of Nigeria.

I celebrate you all now and always.

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LAW WEEK: ‘SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER ON INSECURITY,’ ISAAC OGBAH URGES NBA BENIN

ISAAC OMUTA OGBAH, FICMC, 3RD VICE PRESIDENT CANDIDATE OF THE NBA WISHES THE ENTIRE MEMBERSHIP AND PIUS OIWOH, ESQ. LED EXECUTIVE OF THE NBA BENIN BRANCH, POPULARLY REFERRED TO AS THE LION BAR SUCCESS IN THEIR 2022 LAW WEEK.

Your choice of theme is very much commendable, considering the insecurity challenges that has bedeviled this nation for over a decade.

There is no doubt the fact that SECURITY IS REALLY A PANACEA TO NATIONAL GROWTH, not only in Nigeria but globally.

Hence the lack of political will and body language by the governments of the past and most especially the present federal and state administrations has made one to begin to wonder whether or not they really know the very essence of their being in office, which is basically the protection of lives and properties and the provision of basic amenities and polices that would make life meaningful in Nigeria unlike the present day realities which has made Nigeria to be a hellish place to live in on earth.

I implore the leadership of the Lion Bar and all the panelist and participants to be bold enough to speak the truth to everyone saddled with providing security for the nation and ensure that they come alive to their responsibilities. Your voices must be heard loud and clear.

I celebrate you all now and always. Shalom shalom.

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DEMOCRACY DAY: ‘OUR DEMOCRACY NOW FOR HIGHEST BIDDER,’ SAYS TAIDI

Democracy Day, and 2022 is the 20th Anniversary of this Day which used to be celebrated on May 29. Democracy is well known across the world as the method of governance which insists on the active participation of the people, in cooperation with the leadership.

Democracy all over the world is a work in progress and every democratic government has its peculiar challenges as even the United States of America, acclaimed as a leading democracy, saw its Capitol (which is the equivalent of our National Assembly), invaded by anti-democratic forces barely three years ago.

Our 20th Anniversary was marked with the usual speeches, worships and fanfare, but it is hardly appropriate that we should be celebrating our return to democracy which, despite being paid for in blood and toil, has now become quite commercialised and available only to the highest bidder.

It is impossible to progress in our journey to nationhood when we perpetuate such a farce or allow our leaders take us along such a dangerous path which only benefits very few at the expense of society.

The legal profession has a vital role to play in our quest to practice the kind of genuine democracy that is worthy of celebration.

As we reflect on those issues that can reshape our country, and our part in the process, may I wish our distinguished learned colleagues happy holidays.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq
Candidate for NBA President

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ISAAC OGBAH PRAYS FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE ON DEMOCRACY DAY

LET’S BIRTH A NEW NATION OF TRUTH, UNITY, ONE DEVOID OF TRIBAL AND RELIGIOUS SENTIMENTS, A NATION WHERE EVERY LIFE MATTERS AND A NATION SET TO BE THE PRIDE OF THE WORLD

It’s yet another democracy day but sadly enough the democracy we claimed to practice is not one of the people but one which sidelines the people; is not one which is not run by the people but one which in practice is against the people for the selfish interest of the minority; one which bloodshed in all regions of the nation has been on the increase; where those who claimed they are leaders cannot even go to their home towns and villages without a truckload of security operatives and the lives of those they govern are being slaughtered like chickens 🐔 🐓 in their homes, roads, trains and everywhere. 

Hence it’s my prayers that as we look forward to 2023 that God would grant us the wisdom to elect true democrats that would make the people become the essence of governance; where people’s oriented interests would be the thrust of their administration and a government where the people would be proud to say that we, the people of Nigeria 🇳🇬 elected this government and the government is truly serving the interest of the people. That insecurity would be a thing of the past. That the economy of this nation would become great again!!!

I pray that by this time next year we would have done away with those that are destroying this nation and the destinies of the unborn. 

Soon we shall all have cause to say, with one voice Happy democracy day!!!

Isaac Omuta Ogbah, FICMC, 3rd Vice President Candidate of the NBA

‘YOUR THEME SPEAKS TO OUR POWER AS LAWYERS,’ SAFIYA BALARABE TELLS NBA BWARI

SAFIYA BALARABE EXTENDS GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NBA, BWARI BRANCH AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR 2022 ANNUAL LAW WEEK

Goodwill message to the NBA, Bwari branch (“Cradle Bar”) on account of their 2022 Annual Law Week, themed “State of the Nation: Where are the Lawyers”.

“I heartily extend my best wishes to the leadership and members of the NBA Bwari branch (“Cradle Bar”) as they celebrate their 2022 Annual Law Week with the theme “State of the Nation: Where are the Lawyers?”

This theme indeed hits differently. It is more or less a reminder that we as lawyers have a hand in every single thing that happens in this country, good or bad. It emphasizes the power we wield over the fortunes of this country and reminds us to act right, to uphold the rule of law at all times so as to ensure a bright future for our children.

We cannot overemphasize our important role as lawyers in the affairs of our country. To this end I urge us all to do better. Thank you Cradle Bar for this timely reminder.

God bless”

Signed:

Safiya Balarabe, Treasurer, NBA Women Forum and Candidate for the position of NBA Treasurer 2022-2024

‘YOUR MEETING WILL BOOST BROTHERHOOD,’ ISAAC OGBAH TELLS OTU OKA IWU KADUNA

FEATURED

It’s a great feeling when brothers and sisters come together to have a heart to heart discussion on the development of their community and NBA as a whole.

There is no doubt that the meeting will yield a fruitful result and strengthen brotherliness.

I felicitate with you and wish you all a happy deliberation.

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ASF FRANCE SECURES RELEASE OF DETAINEE AFTER 11 YEARS

PRESS RELEASE

Following strategic litigation by Avocats Sans Frontières France (Lawyers without Borders France), a High Court in Lagos ordered the release of a young man who had been held in the Nigerian prison for over 11 years without trial.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) data on the Summary of Inmate Population by Convict and Persons Awaiting Trial as of October 4, 2021, revealed that the facilities hold 37% more inmates than it is designed to and that over 70% of the prison population consists of pretrial detainees. The report also revealed that the average period of pre-trial detention in Nigeria was nearly four years. The work of ASF France in the field reveals that many detainees are held for much longer, as in this case of Maxwell Dele* who had been arbitrarily detained for over 11 years, reflecting both an overburdened justice system and structural problems between Nigeria’s state and federal justice systems.

In his case, officers of the Nigeria Police Force were on the hunt for a certain individual called Mr. James Idem* whom they believed was responsible for an armed robbery operation. Mr. Maxwell Dele happened to be a shop owner and neighbour to Mr. James in Ikorodu market, Lagos. During the search for Mr. James, Maxwell was asked by the police officers to provide information on the whereabouts of Mr. James and when Maxwell* couldn’t provide those answers, he was arrested for armed robbery.

Mr. Maxwell was handed over to the Sagamu Road Police Station, from where he was transferred to SARS Ikeja, Lagos where he was hanged and tortured. Maxwell Dele was also forced to sign an already written statement on the 6th of October 2011, the same day he was charged for armed robbery at the Magistrate Court 17, Ikeja, Lagos. Maxwell Dele remained in the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos and never appeared in court again for the next 11 years.

Avocats Sans Frontières France intervened in this case through the pro-bono legal aid component of its European Union (EU) & Agence Française de Développement (AFD) funded SAFE project – “Strengthening the National Actors Capacities and Advocating for Ending Severe Human Rights Violations in Nigeria project”, targeted at addressing human rights violations of torture, extra-judicial killings and arbitrary detention. ASF France tendered an application to the Lagos State High Court on behalf of the detainee, particularly seeking for the unconditional or conditional release, citing the instances of torture, violation of their fundamental human rights, their rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement, provided under the sections 35 and 41 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended. The application was successful at the High Court of Lagos State.

The Country Director of Avocats Sans Frontières France in Nigeria, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu speaking after the judgement said “Loosing 11 years of one’s life to a systemic irregularity is an unimaginable suffering, nothing would ever be able to make up for this loss. The practise of routinely charging suspects with serious offenses in order to have them remanded in prison indefinitely, with little or no effort to prosecute the case needs to stop”.

The SAFE project is being implemented in Nigeria by Avocats Sans Frontières France in partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organization (CAPIO).

Signed: Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu

Country Director, ASF France Nigeria

For further enquiries please contact:

ASF France Communication Officer, Nigeria

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SAFIYA BALARABE PRAISES NBA MAKURDI ON LAW WEEK

FEATURED

SAFIYA BALARABE’S GOODWILL MESSAGE TO THE MAKURDI BRANCH ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 2022 LAW WEEK

The 2022 Law Week of the Makurdi branch of the NBA kick-started yesterday, May 27th, 2022. Read below Safiya Balarabe’s message to the branch on this occasion: “Distinguished Chairman, Executives and Members of the Makurdi branch, I extend my regards to you in this period of your Law Week celebration.

The theme: ‘Democracy, Electoral process and the paradigm of change in Nigeria’ is nothing short of apposite. Democracy in its true form portends that elected officials rule with transparency and are accountable to the people from whom they obtained legitimacy. Our Electoral Act though recently amended, still has a long way to go if we truly desire to enhance democracy in government; thus enabling a fully participatory system.

Progress is impossible without change, hence there must be a paradigm shift from the extant arrangement wherein the very people who are to be represented have no say in whom is presented to them for voting. This is necessary to wipe out the totality of the kleptocratic elites that have hindered our country’s development. . Conclusively, as you conclude your Law Week celebration, I strongly believe that you will leave no stone unturned in doing justice to this theme and drive home the all important need for change in our political system. God bless you”.

Signed:

Safiya Balarabe Treasurer

NBA Women Forum

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GADZAMA IN PARTY WITH NBA BAYELSA LAWYERS AT GOV’T HOUSE

FEATURED

JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN DINES WITH NBA, YENAGOA BRANCH AT THE DSP ALAMIEYESEIGHA MEMORIAL BANQUET HALL

The NBA, Yenagoa branch hosted a dinner on Saturday, May 28, 2022 in celebration of their 2022 law week at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Learned Silk, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN was in attendance at the dinner as he was to deliver the dinner talk at the event. According to Helen Keller, “alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”. In that wise, a group of lawyers from the NBA, Port Harcourt branch accompanied the Learned Silk who is a presidential aspirant of the NBA to the dinner. The lawyers who accompanied the Learned Silk to the dinner include: Mr. Nyesom Chinda; Mr. Victor Agala; Mrs. Anthonia Osademe, vice chairman of NBA, Port Harcourt branch; Ms. Sophia Ugwuorah; Ms. Sarah Apia; Mr. Ebuka Samuel; Mr. Akuro T. Enoch; Mr. Adebayo Williams; Mr. Godsent Elenwa; Mr. Evidence Asite Agbor; Ms. Harmony Chikodili; Mr. Wejinya Azubuike A; Mr. Nwaiwu Patrick; Ms. Pepple Vanessa; Mrs. Atonye Ezekiel-Hart; Ms. Sophia Nwenekorum; Mr. Ezechimenum Adums; Mr. Obinna Victor; Mr. Anaeli King; Mr. Dafenone Akpomudiare; Ms. Hillary Ayebaifie Ojeke amongst many others.

The Learned Silk was duly recognized as a distinguished guest at the dinner by the MC and chairman of the occasion, Mr. Kemasuode Wodu, SAN.

“I am a son of the soil for some of you who may not be aware and I am always happy to come back home. I consider this opportunity a great honor and privilege and I am grateful to the leadership and all members of the branch who found me worthy to deliver the dinner talk” the Learned Silk said while expressing his gratitude to the branch. His dinner talk was compendious but it is worthy to note that no stone was left unturned as he touched on the relevant areas in relation to the topic.

At the end of his dinner talk, he implored the older generation of lawyers to create room for mentorship programs for young lawyers. He saluted the branch for the success achieved with their 2022 law week and urged them to keep up with their efforts towards ensuring the growth of the branch and the Bar.

Notable Personalities who were at the dinner include: Hon. Justice Kate Abiri, Chief Judge of Bayelsa State who was ably represented by Hon. Justice M.A Ayemie of the Bayelsa State High Court, a classmate of the Learned Silk at the Nigerian Law School; Hon. Justice Daniel Ayah, President, Customary Court of Appeal, Bayelsa State, a classmate of the Learned Silk at the Nigerian Law School; Hon. Nimi Walson Jack, past General Secretary of NBA; Mrs. Ayonimite Bob, also a classmate of the Learned Silk at the Nigerian Law School; Mr. Ukumbiriowei Saiyou, Chairman of the NBA, Yenagoa branch; Mrs. Pere Egbuson, Chairman of the 2022 law week of NBA, Yenagoa branch amongst many others.

The dinner provided a great atmosphere for networking as the lawyers from the yenagoa branch and other neighboring branches interacted with one another while feasting on the delicious meals served and taking sips from their drinks.

FRIENDS OF J-K GADZAMA, SAN AND THE LEARNED SILK DANCED THE NIGHT AWAY AT THE BAYELSA STATE GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Friends of J-K Gadzama, SAN who belong to the NBA, Yenagoa branch organized an outdoor poolside party for the Learned Silk and his guests at the Bayelsa State Government House. The party took place on Saturday, May 28, 2022 immediately after the branch’s dinner at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall.

The Learned Silk noted that the party was an opportunity to network and unwind. He definitely had a good time as he was seen dancing with his good friend, Hon. Nimi Walson Jack, past general secretary of NBA; Mrs. Anthonia Osademe, vice chairman of NBA, Port harcourt branch; Mr. Ukumbiriowei Saiyou, chairman of NBA, Yenagoa branch and other young and senior lawyers who attended the event.

A reliable source informed us that the party turned out well as more than 150 lawyers who had big smiles on their faces partied with the Learned Silk as a show of their support to his NBA Presidential ambition. The dance floor was busy; drinks and chops were also provided for all those who attended.

With so much happiness, the Learned Silk thanked the branch for the selfless service he received throughout his stay. He also thanked his guests from the NBA, Port Harcourt branch who came all the way to attend the dinner and party with him.

ECNBA CLEARANCE: ‘I HAVE NOBODY BUT YOU,’ SAFIYA BALARABE TELLS LAWYERS

FEATURED

CLEARED TO PROCEED!!! ECNBA CLEARS SAFIYA BALARABE TO CONTEST FOR POSITION OF TREASURER, NBA 2022-2024

The Electoral Committee of the NBA (“ECNBA”) has found Safiya Balarabe worthy to proceed to contest for the position of the Treasurer of the NBA 2022-2024.

This notification came vide a letter dated 20th May, 2022 with an unequivocal approval having duly met the requirements as enumerated in the Constitution of the NBA and Guidelines of the ECNBA.

The gentleman in skirt penned down the following upon the clearance notification:

“Distinguished and respected seniors and colleagues,

It is with utmost humility that I inform you of my clearance by the ECNBA to contest for the position of Treasurer for 2022-2024. This clearance notification came vide a letter dated 20th May, 2022.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to you all for standing by me strongly during the waiting period for approval; your words and deeds of encouragement kept me steadfast. I am really humbled by your show of love.

We are entering into the contest period proper, I want to again beseech you for your continued support to actualize my quest to keep and guard the treasury of our dear Association.

I have nobody but YOU to count on.

God bless the you, God bless the NBA and God bless Nigeria”.

Signed:
Safiya Balarabe
Treasurer, NBA Women Forum

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VACANCY: LITIGATION LAWYERS WANTED IN LAGOS FIRM

A reputable law firm based in Onikan, Lagos requires for immediate employment a Legal Practitioner with 5-7 years post-call experience.

The ideal candidate must possess core litigation experience and should be able to work without supervision.

The salary is competitive and in accordance with industry standards.

Interested candidates should send their CV to info@chancerylawfirm.com or call 08099576040 for more information.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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GADZAMA ASSURES LAWYERS OF OPEN-DOOR POLICY

The Chairman of the Body of Benchers Mentoring Committee for Young Lawyers, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has assured the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) members that he would operate an open-door policy if elected President.

Gadzama made this promise while addressing NBA Sokoto Branch members at the Amma Hall, Dankani Guest Inn, Sokoto on Friday, May 20, 2022.

A statement on the visit reads:

The learned silk while recounting his vast experiences, said he is more morally, mentally, physically, psychologically and professionally qualified to be the next NBA President. He stated that the Profession of Law made him what he is and that he is ready to give back to the Bar. “I will listen to you, I will give you your dues, I will carry everyone along. I only fear God, I fear no man, I respect every man and I will rebrand the sleeping Giant”. He said.

His Excellency, Alh. Garba Gajam, former Nigerian Ambassador to Kuwait and a two-time Attorney-General of Zamfara state, while giving his speech stated that the only person capable of sustaining what the Current NBA President, Olumide Akpata has done or even better is J-K Gadzama, SAN. He talked about the competence, capacity and capability of JK Gadzama, SAN to be the next NBA President as well as the importance of ensuring J-K Gadzama’s success in the election.

In her welcome address, Soffyah Mohammed Esq., Chairperson, NBA Sokoto Branch, welcomed the Learned silk and his esteemed entourage.

In his goodwill message, The Hon. Attorney-General of Sokoto State, Mr. Suleiman Usman, SAN, stated that Chief J-K Gadzama is a man of many facets, a Bar man who has gained experiences in all areas of Law within and outside of Nigeria and advised Sokoto Lawyers to do the needful in the coming NBA election.

Chief Jacob Enunwe Ochidi, SAN, former Chairman of the Caliphate Bar, while giving his goodwill message, stated that he regretted not voting for J-K Gadzama in times past but said he will do the needful this time around. “I present to you J-K Gadzama, I commend him to you, vote with your conscience and I assure you he will not disappoint us.” He said.

In their individual goodwill messages, Prof Ibrahim Abdulahi, SAN and A. Y. Abubakar Esq. pledged their support and wish J-K. Gadzama, SAN success in the forthcoming 2022 NBA National Election.

Lastly, Junaidu Abubakar Esq. Chairman, NBA Gusau Branch, thanked the Governor of Sokoto State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and the Hon. Attorney-General of Sokoto State, Suleiman Usman, SAN for hosting J-K Gadzama and his entourage.

In Attendance were: The Governor of Sokoto State, H.E Aminu Tambuwal, ably represented by the Hon. Attorney-General, Sokoto State, Suleiman Usman, SAN; Jacob Ochidi, SAN, former Chairman NBA, Sokoto Branch; Prof. Ibrahim Abdulahi, SAN; His Excellency, Ambassador Garba Gajam, former Nigerian Ambassador to Kuwait; Safiyyah Mohammed Esq, incumbent Chairperson NBA Sokoto Branch; S.S. Auta Esq, Secretary, NBA Sokoto Branch; Dr. Kayode Ajulo, Principal Partner, Castle of Law and Human Rights Activist; Mr. A. Y. Abubakar Esq; Barr Aisha Ka’oji, Director Public Prosecution, Sokoto State Ministry of Justice; Barr Zainab Gandi, FIDA Chairperson and Zonal Head, Federal Ministry of Justice; Mohammed Adeleke Esq, MULAN Chairman, Sokoto; Solomon Alimosunya Esq; Abdulhamid Zubairu Esq.; B. M. Jodi Esq; Sokoto State APC Legal Adviser; Barr Shafa Mujtaba Ahmad, Treasurer, NBA Sokoto Branch; Kelechi D. Ogobunna Esq., Former Head of Chambers, Y. C. Mai-Kyau & Co., Sokoto office; Abdulraham Dahiru Esq. and a host of others.

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GADZAMA URGES POLICE TO RESPECT LAWYERS’ RIGHTS

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Security Agencies Relations Committee, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has stated that the best way to maintain law and order in the society is through the Police.

Speaking at a training workshop in Abuja organized by NBA in collaboration with MacArthur Foundation , Gadzama emphasized the need for the police to pay utmost respect to lawyers in the course of representing their clients.

Below is the statement made available to CITY LAWYER on the event.

“LAWYERS AS PEOPLE OF NOBILITY AND DIGNITY SHOULD BE TREATED WITH RESPECT BY THE POLICE, PARTICULARLY BY FOLLOWING DUE PROCESS….,” SAYS JOE-KYARI GADZAMA SAN, OFR, MFR

The Nigerian Bar Association in collaboration with MacArthur Foundation on May 18, 2022 held a training and workshop at the NBA National Secretariat, Plot 1101 Muhammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District, Abuja FCT, Nigeria with the theme “The Role of the Nigeria Police in the Implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act,2015 and Compliance with Principles of Human Rights in Law Enforcement”.

The training was anchored by Ogaga Emoghwanre, Esq. and started with the Nigerian National Anthem followed by the NBA National prayer.

Tobenna Erojikwe, Esq., Chairman, NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education, a facilitator at the workshop welcomed, introduced participants, and urged them to sit tight, learn, and participate fully while at the training.

Honourable Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf, Chief Judge, FCT High Court was ably represented by Honourable Justice M. E. Anenih, Judge of the FCT High Court. My Lord in his speech commended MacArthur Foundation and the Institute of Continuing Legal Education for the initiative and also applauded participants for coming out in mass to be trained and learn at the impressive workshop.

My Lord further pronounced the workshop as one that should not be trivialized but recognized because it is apt and timely.
He reiterated on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act as one that aids in the seamless dispensation of Justice, rule of law, and maintaining delivery in the legal institution.

Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN , Chairman, NBA-SARC in delivering his goodwill message at the workshop, quoted section 214 of the Constitution of Nigeria that establishes the Police Force and Section 4 of the Police Act which provides for the functions of the Nigeria Police.

The learned Silk further posited that the best way to preserve law and order in the society is through the Police. He further emphasized on the dignity of lawyers and how they ought to be treated with utmost respect by the police.
Going further, he urged participants to extend knowledge gained at the workshop to others, as it is not enough to learn and not share knowledge. He implored the audience to pay attention and wish them an informative workshop and training in conclusion.

Idris Bawa, Esq. Made a presentation on the procedures of arrest, suspects of crime, instances where the police can arrest without warrant, and expounded on the duties of the police in general.

Umar Mohammed, Director of Public Prosecution, Federal Ministry of Justice who was represented by A.A Yusuf, expounded on the innovations of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act with regards to the Police in dispensation of Justice.
He raised the issue of remuneration for State Counsel and Nigeria Police, and on the abrupt takeover of cases by the Attorney General, interested Parties and Private Practitioners.

The question and answer session was anchored by Kate Okoh-Kpina (Mrs), Advisor, Rule of Law, Giz Police Program, Africa-Nigeria. Vote of thanks was performed by Osita Okoro, Project Team Coordinator. Participants later engaged in networking among one another.

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‘WHY PEOPLE CALL ME HAKUNA MATATA,’ UGWUOKE REVEALS, HAILS ABUJA BAR

Mr. Ikechukwu Maximus Ugwuoke, Nigerian Bar Association Welfare Secretary aspirant, recently visited NBA Abuja Branch to felicitate with members.

A statement on the visit reads:

Mr. Ikechukwu Maximus Ugwuoke, Nigerian Bar Association Welfare Secretary aspirant, received a thunderous ovation from members of the Unity bar, the Abuja Branch of NBA when he informed them that he is also known as “Hakuna Matata” during his introduction and greetings to the bar at the branch meeting held on 12th May 2022 .

Fielding answers to the questions from newsmen who interviewed him on why he is called Hakuna Matata after the meeting Ugwuoke said:

“Well, the words ‘Hakuna Matata’ are etimologically Swahili language which means ‘no worries; be happy’.

“Hakuna Matata seems to have taken over my proper names amongst my friends and acquaintances. It all started about ten years ago when the spiritual director of Adoration Ministry Enugu, Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka delivered one of his sermon titled ‘Hakuna Matata’ during one of his ministry’s programme in Enugu in 2012. That year, I was to contest the office of the social secretary of the NBA of my branch , the Enugu Branch. I so much cherished the title and content of the sermon that I used it as the heading of the Campaign poster I printed for the election. On the day of the election I also came to the branch election venue with a box that has the inscription ‘Hakuna Matata’ on its sides. During my introduction before the voting started, I informed the members of the branch that all I wanted to achieve if elected as the social Secretary of the branch then was to make them happy and forget their worries and that the packages I have for this were inside the Hakuna Matata box I was holding. Of course, it was fun and the mother of my manifesto that made me win the election. From that point on, all the lawyers in the branch who didn’t know me before then started calling me Hakuna Matata. Initially I was worried that it was taking over my proper name such that if someone is asking most lawyers about me in Enugu and you mention my proper name Ikechukwu Maximus Ugwuoke only few lawyers would agree they know me, but just mention Hakuna Matata and almost all will tell you ‘yes we know him’. Fr Mbaka seems to have popularized the name the more as he too has continued to address me as Hakuna Matata till date instead of my proper name.

My regime as social secretary of the branch was really an Hakuna Matata regime for the lawyers with lots of stress- relieving programs we had then for lawyers some of which included, walk for life, getting comedians to liven the branch dinner etc.

‘Originally the name of the lawfirm I founded about that time was ‘El-Maximus Ugwuoke & Co, breakthrough Partners ‘. But due to my popularity with the name Hakuna Matata, I had to add ‘Hakuna Matata Chambers’ to the firm’s name during it’s registration to reflect my identity.

Ugwuoke further narrated. ” At the last Enugu monthly Bar meeting when I informed the branch of my submission of Nomination form for the position of the National Welfare Secretary of NBA, one senior lawyer Okwuliehe Esq asked me about the Hakuna Matata Box. I simply told him that the content of the box has been reviewed to encapsulate the Maximum Welfare which is my vision for the NBA that will be unsealed at National level of the bar when the time comes. He could not contain his laughter”

Ugwuoke commended the unity bar for the privilege they give him during the meeting to address them and interact with the members of the branch who gave him a good treat during the meeting.

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‘LAWYERS IN POLICE FORCE DESERVE BETTER WELFARE,’ SAYS MAXIMUS UGWUOKE

Mr. Ikechukwu Maximus Ugwuoke, Nigerian Bar Association Welfare Secretary aspirant, has canvassed better welfare package for lawyers serving in the Nigeria Police Force.

A statement made available to CITY LAWYER reads:

Frontline Aspirant to the office of National Welfare of Nigerian Bar Association, Ikechukwu Maximus Ugwuoke is making a case for the upgrade of the welfare of Legal Practitioners in the Nigeria Police Force. He argued that they deserve better welfare treatment in the Force than they have now.

In a statement he made available to newsmen he said that during his consultations with Lawyers in the various branches of NBA in Lagos, Abuja and other places he has visited so far, he has realized that lawyers in the Nigeria police force are facing a very sorry situation in terms of their welfare and ranks.

In his words, “I was chocked to gather that some lawyers in the Police Force are still at the rank of Corporal or Sergeant or Inspector cadres which are third, fourth and fifth lowest rank in Nigeria Police in ascending order. I was also amazed that other professional like medical doctors are given the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP), which is the third rank in the Senior Officers Carde in ascending order, at the point of their entry. This situation should not be. The Bar Part 2 Programme, which is mandatory for Legal practitioners in Nigeria, is a post graduate course and legal practitioners in the Force should not be treated like this. This debased entry ranking or generally degrading ranking of legal practitioners in the Force reflects on their welfare package, recognition and remunerations as lawyers in the Force. The result of this is the lack of interest by legal practitioners to join the Force and a handful of those who have joined (some of whom I know) are resigning from the Force to join private practice and to pursue their careers elsewhere.”

Ugwuoke maintained that there is no doubts that there is the need for NBA through its welfare body and drivers to engage Nigeria Police Force to upgrade the ranking and welfare of lawyers in the Force commensurate to their work, productivity and comparable to their other professional peers in the Force. He said that approach will reduce the dearth of legal practitioners in the Force and increase productivity of the entire Police Forces in terms of prosecution of cases in court. He pointed out that the degrading treatment to lawyers in the Force could be the cause of using non-lawyers police prosecutors in the trial of capital offenses in Magistrate courts and possibly one major reason for the holding charge in the criminal Justice system which has been used to remand many suspect in the awaiting trial of correctional facilities in Nigeria.

According to him, “Even when non-lawyer police prosecutors have good cases to present in court but had to face a legal practitioner on the defence side, your guess is as good as mine. All this makes it imperative that the welfare of lawyers in the Police Force need to be prioritized and enhanced to encourage them to remain in the Force and deliver their services diligently. It is high time the Nigerian Bar Association which is the parent body that should advocates for the welfare of lawyers in Nigeria began to engage the Nigeria police force and the Police Service Commissions to enhance the welfare of Lawyers in the Police Force. This is part of the focus of the NBA of my dream and my priority” he said.

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ISAAC OGBAH STORMS NBA IJEBU-ODE BRANCH

The immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ota Branch and Editor-in-Chief of EJSC, Mr. Isaac Omuta Ogbah has visited NBA Ijebu-Ode Branch to felicitate with the executives and members.

He thanked the Branch Chairman, Mr. Bisi Abdulazeez and the entire leadership and members of the Branch for the open arms and hands of fellowship extended to him during his visit on 5th May, 2022.

Ogbah praised the branch for taking the lead in Ogun State and in Nigeria as a whole in producing great and erudite legal luminaries.

‘HOW TO FOSTER RELATIONS BETWEEN LAWYERS AND SECURITY OPERATIVES’

In this paper presented at the 1st Hybrid Townhall Meeting organized by the Nigerian Bar Association Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC) on the theme, “Lawyers, Security Agencies and the Rule of Law,” MR. MELA AUDU NUNGHE SAN argues that the NBA through its committees and in collaboration with the authorities should focus on sensitizing lawyers and security operatives on the need to foster the rule of law by maintaining cordial relations

ENHANCING RULE OF LAW THROUGH HARMONIOUS COLLABORATION BETWEEN LAWYERS AND SECURITY AGENCIES: PROSPECTS, CHALLENGES AND THE WAY FORWARD.

BY

Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN
[Magayaki Tangale]
Founder & Principal Partner, Samkong Chambers
Mela Audu Nunghe, S.A.N & Co
79, Ebitu Ukiwe Street, Jabi, Abuja
E-Mail:melanunghe@gmail.com
nungheaudu@nigerianbar.ng
Website: www.samkongchambers.com

Paper presented at the 1st Hybrid Townhall Meeting on the theme: Lawyers, Security Agencies and the Rule of Law.
Organized by the Nigerian Bar Association – Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC)
Held at the Auditorium, NBA National Secretariat, Abuja/Virtual.
On Tuesday, April 5, 2022 by 12:00 noon

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The rule of law is a liberty centered constitutional concept which rides on the compelling conclusion that everything must be done in compliance with and according to the law. This assertion renders it abundantly obvious, that the composition of the key players in the quest to enhance, entrench and sustain this concept, consists of the ministers in justice’s own temple who must at all times observe, uphold and promote the rule of law by virtue of their calling as legal professionals on the one hand, and the agencies who are saddled with the statutory mandate to enforce and ensure due observance of the law in all of human transactions in a democratic society , on the other hand – hence, lending credence to the fact that there can be no overstating the need for the maintenance of continuous harmonious interrelationship between them in order to constantly adhere to best democratic practices prevailing in civilized nations, enthrone the ends of justice, respect and protect fundamental rights of citizens, maintain law, order, secure and peaceful co-existence and invariably, guarantee growth and economic emancipation in any given polity (in this context, Nigeria).

Historically, there is no exactitude of date as to when the concept was first formulated as a legal or philosophical construct. However, as a phrase, it was adopted as far back as the 17th Century but as a classical concept it is arguably linked to the ancient Greece nation and in its present form and content, it is an acceptable politico-legal phenomenon which transcends the boundaries of societies and attained universal uniformity as the conception that no one single being is immune to the law. In the same breadth, the concise meaning of the concept is as yet elusive, thus compelling the conclusion that it is an elusive construction which has over the years given rise to rampant divergence of understandings. Although, the consensus has been long formed that the modern exposition of the rule of law be credited to Albert Venn Dicey, KC, FBA,(Usually cited as A.V. Dicey).

Against this background, this paper undertakes to underscore some of the various meanings and interpretation ascribed to the rule of law, pointing out its key characteristics and the extent of its application in the Nigerian context with a view to expounding the necessity of ensuring a formidable and healthy or harmonious collaboration between legal practitioners and security agencies towards enhancing cum entrenching its subsistence, and it x-rays some of the challenges to which it looks at the accompanying prospects and makes recommendations that could serve as signpost for both improvement and solutions.

2.0 MEANING AND CONCEPT OF THE RULE OF LAW
The rather commonly cited phrase ‘rule of law’, subscribes to no universally adopted definition, although, this is not unusual as it is the case with most legal and academic concepts. However, there exist numerous attempted definitions and perhaps, descriptions with which the subject matter has come to be associated over the course of time, by scholars, judicial officers, writers, jurists and even the lawmakers, across jurisdictions and their inherent peculiarities. Little wonder therefore, why it has been succinctly summed up as a “nebulous concept whose meaning and content vary from place to place and time to time”.

Notably still, is the fact that a common denominator is apparent in whatever conceptualization is eventually resorted to, which is that, the rule of law emphasizes the need to sustain an inviolable balance in civilized societies built upon the fundamentals of equity, fair play, justice, good governance and safeguarding of human rights.

In fact, there is to be found in a number of international instruments, provisions touching on some portions of rule of law, for instance, in the preamble to the United Nations Charter, the Peoples of the United Nations reiterate “faith in fundamental human rights in the dignity and worth of the human person, is the equal rights of men and women….” And in a similar vein, Article 1 (3) of the Charter stipulates that one of the purposes of the establishment of the United Nations is the “promotion and encouragement of respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion” (a replica of this provision is also contained under Article 2 of the Charter of the African Union).

Be that as it may, the rule of law presupposes the notion that in order for a given society to function properly, orderly, fairly and even smoothly, all of its members who constitute the fabric of its legitimate existence, must, at all times, agree to and accordingly abide by a common and binding set of rules, called the ‘law’.

According to Malemi, the “rule of law is the observance, application and supremacy of civil or regular laws as opposed to arbitrary laws and arbitrariness, martial law, emergency law or military rule. It is the law which is reasonably justiciable in a democratic society. Hence, all persons in Nigeria are under Nigerian law or within the Nigerian rule of law.” This perspective appears to lean towards emphasizing the maintenance and upholding of a legitimate legal and political system, recognized, amenable and acceptable to all and sundry as dominant, as opposed to dictatorship or imperialism.

To Ben Nwabueze, the rule of law is not just a doctrine about legality; it is not just a requirement that all executive actions of government affecting the individual must be backed by, and strictly in accordance with the law. It is a doctrine that requires that within the limits of the law-making power allowed by the higher law of the Constitution, the law must circumscribe the discretion it grants to government in matters affecting the interest of the individual, so as to curtail much as possible the scope of governmental arbitrariness. Hence, the rule of law is the pillar of constitutional democracy of great importance.

In the Black’s Law Dictionary, rule of law is defined as the supremacy of the regular law as opposed to arbitrary power and that, every person is subject to the ordinary law within the jurisdiction. This bears allusion to the understanding that, as a constitutional abstract, the rule of law is manifest as the bedrock of governance which demands that both the superior authority (government) and the subjects (citizens and institutions) must always conform with the dictates of the law and their actions must be legally justifiable. And in addition, that the affairs of government be carried on in a manner that does not overlap the bounds of recognized and acceptable framework of rules and principles which prevents the unfettered exercise of discretionary power–“a golden and straight net weight of law as opposed to the uncertain and crooked cord of discretion”.

Lending his learned wits to the discussion, John Locke expounded that the idea of rule of law is vividly captured in the postulation that:
“freedom of men under government is to have a standing rule to live by, common to everyone of that society and made by the legislative power created in it, and not to be subject to the inconstant, unknown arbitrary will of another man.”

In the year 1959, the connotation of rule of law was yet again elaborated in Delhi by the International Congress of Jurists which had in attendance 53 countries represented by 185 judges and lawyers, and at the close of event, the adopted definition of rule of law is, that it is:
“a dynamic concept for the expression and fulfillment of which jurists are primarily responsible and which should be employed not only to safeguard and advance the civil and political rights of the individual in a free society, but also to establish social, economic, educational and cultural conditions under which his legitimate aspirations and dignity may be realized.”

The foregoing definition is all-encompassing and one that took a sharp departure from the conventional presupposition of the concept which dwelt mainly on political and civil rights, to now embrace in addition, socio-economic, educational and cultural rights, hence, presenting a modern-approach definition.

In the case of Arthur Yates & Co. Property Ltd. v. Vegetable Seeds Committee, the court, per Herring CJ enunciated that:
“It is not the English view of law that whatever is officially done is law… on the contrary, the principle of English law is that what is done officially must be done in accordance with the law.”

As if to re-echo the above dictum, the Nigerian Court in the celebrated case of Shugaba v. Minister of Internal Affairs held inter alia that the rule of law ensures equality of all persons without any distinction, that it also guarantees transparency and incorruptibleness and must be preferred.

Flowing from the collection of meanings and expositions ascribed to the concept of the rule of law, what becomes glaring is that it is impossible to draw out a single variable which adequately sums up and clarifies the central idea behind it. Suffice it to submit then, that the concept of rule of law will be best appreciated by reference to three major indicators as postulated by A. V. Dicey, which though, are not without their shortcomings but are apt for our discussion and will thus be succinctly examined.

2.1 TRIPARTITE INDICATORS OF THE PREVALENCE OF RULE OF LAW
In his lectures at the University of Oxford, the Vinerian Professor of English Law, A. V. Dicey, professed the famous tripartite indicators of the existence of rule of law in any given society; supremacy of the law, equality of all before the law and individual rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

2.1.1. Supremacy of the Law
According to Dicey, “the rule of law means in the first place, the absolute supremacy or predominance of regular law as opposed to the influence of arbitrariness, of prerogative, or even wide discretionary authority on the part of the government… a man may be punished for a breach of law, but he can be punished for nothing else”.

Elegantly eloquent as Dicey’s first indicator seems, it has been heavily faulted on the ground that not only is the adoption of the term ‘regular law’ too ambiguous to discern especially in the Nigerian context, reference to the phrase ‘arbitrary power’ is also unfitting as it could be considered subjective in context given the fact that arbitrariness comes into play where the executive applies its powers in a manner not authorized by law or conducts itself beyond the parameters set by the law, but then, confusion arises when an executive may though be permitted under regular law as conceived by Dicey but still runs contrary to the supreme law of the land (being the Constitution), the most common example being military decrees and promulgations in Nigeria.

2.1.2 Equality before the Law
Laying emphasis on this principle, the Professor maintained that every citizen, inclusive of government officials, must be subjected and amenable to the jurisdiction of the ordinary courts of the land. Specifically, he averred that “the rule of law means equality before the law or the equal subjection of all classes and manners of persons to the ordinary law of the land administered by the ordinary law court.”

Respecting court orders, observance of the due process of law, fair and equitable treatment of all parties before the court, unbiased rulings and judgments, judicial activism, absence of fear, favor or friction in the timely administration and dispensation of justice among others, would all conveniently constitute components of the idea of equality before the law. For instance, in the case of Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu the supreme court extensively reaffirmed the compelling necessity to respect and obey court orders and accordingly stated among other considerations, that “it is a very serious matter for anyone to flout a positive order of a court and proceed to insult the court further by seeking a remedy in a higher court while still in contempt.”

Regardless, this second ambit of Dicey’s components of rule of law, has also been criticized on the basis that the idea of treating everyone as equal before the law is both far-fetched and fallacious, because according to Aristotle, “a law that treats equals as unequal denies equality as the law which treats unequal as equals.” This philosophical viewpoint goes to expose that it is ideal but impractical to insist on attaining equal status for every person before the law in a setting where the system, classes and affairs of men are generally unequal, as even the law itself in some cases, directly or indirectly makes it so, by according certain privileges and immunities to a portion of persons over and above others. Not to mention also that there exist, other forms of special purpose courts and bodies which are though not ordinary courts of the land as used in Dicey’s second expression, yet they are saddled with performing judicial or quasi-judicial functions of enforcing the law and determining the rights, duties and liabilities of parties, such as election Tribunals, Code of Conduct Tribunal, Court Martial, Public Complaint Commission and so on.

2.1.3 Individual Rights Guaranteed by the Constitution
Dicey gave a third attribution to the rule of law doctrine by postulating that “the rule of law of the Constitution, the rules which in foreign countries naturally form part of a constitutional code, are not the source but the consequence of the rights of individuals, as defined and enforced by the courts, that in short, the principles of private law have with us been by the action of the Courts and Parliament so extended as to determine the position of the Crown and of its servants; thus the Constitution is the result of the ordinary law of the land”.

This last assertion has been held as being too narrowed down to the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom which operates on an unwritten Constitution and being Dicey’s place of reference and hence, it is not suited to a country like Nigeria where the fundamental rights of its citizens has been expressly provided for, guaranteed and safeguarded by the Constitution and made enforceable by the Courts (when redress is sought by an individual upon actual or likely violation of their rights, relying on the Constitution) as opposed to being defined or determined by Courts or derived from the actions of the parliament.

In sum, Niki Tobi JSC (of blesseth memory) summed it all up by reiterating in laconic terms that the rule of law in eyes of Dicey which though has been brought under criticism in the face of overriding realities of our time and society, still remains the optimum articulation of the concept available. That the rule of law in fact, entails (i) Supremacy of the law over arbitrary power; (ii) Subjecting everyone to the laws of the land and applying sanctions and punitive measures when disobeyed, thus making everyone equal before the law; and (iii) Guaranteeing the fundamental rights of the individual as inalienable and undeniable save as permitted under the Constitution.

2.2 CONTEMPORARY TEXTURE OF RULE OF LAW IN NIGERIA
The contemporary interpretation of the doctrine of law refers to a cluster of ideas, the best known being related to the principle of legality, prescription of procedural standards in the administration of justice, the separation of powers, promotion of material justice and individual rights and the maintenance of public order.

In January 1961 in Lagos during an African Conference on the rule of law, the Former Chief Justice of the Federation, Hon. Justice Ademola Adetokunbo expressed his dissent to the argument that the concept of the rule of law is exclusively an Anglo-American construct and noted in his address before the session that:

“It has been said that the rule of law is mainly an Anglo-American institution, that the concept of ‘government under law’ and such phrases as the ‘supremacy of the law’ or the ‘rule of law’ are all purely western inventions…. The African, it was suggested, might find a third legal system which is neither ‘the rule of law’ nor socialist legality propounded by the communists. But the rule of law is not a western idea, nor is it linked up with any economic or social system. As soon as you accept that man is governed by law and not by whims of man, it is rule of law. It may be under different forms from country to country but it is based on principles; it is not an abstract notion.” (Underlined for emphasis)

Thus, in Nigeria, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) has laid down the legal framework for the operation and legitimacy of a democratic government, and thus it recognizes and accommodates, to a large extent, Dicey’s proposition of the triangular representation of the rule of law.

First, the conception of the absolute supremacy or predominance of the regular law as opposed to the influence of arbitrary power in Nigeria is captured under the Constitution by virtue of its Supremacy as enshrined in Section 1 (1) thereof, which provides thatthis Constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on all authorities and persons through out the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The foregoing provision implies that powers must be exercised according to the provision of the grundnorm being the fountain of all laws in the land. This is brought to the fore by the conclusion that power must be exercised in conformity with the basic and ordinary laws of the land and the presupposition that there must not be executive lawlessness in any country where the rule of law is in operation. Hence, the law must function independent of any hindrance and all actions be dispensed with in line with the law, that is why the 1999 Constitution renders null and void, the provision of any law that is inconsistent with its provision and that it shall prevail. A very recent case on this point is that of Udeogu v. FRN where the full bench of the apex court held inter alia that “…Section 396 (7) of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act, 2015 is inconsistent with the Constitution, particularly Section 290 (1) thereof . Therefore, by operation of Section 1 (3) of the Constitution, Section 396 (7) of the ACJA, 2015, to the extent of its inconsistency with Section 290 (1) of the Constitution, is void”. See also, Chief Nduka Adede vs AGF, (Unreported) Suit No FHC/UM/CS/26/22, where Hon. Justice Nyadike held that Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, 2022 is inconsistent with the provision of section 66(1) (f), section 107 (1) (f), section 137 (1) (g) and section182(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999(as amended), and consequently ordered the Attorney General of the Federation to expunge Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, 2022 forthwith for its inconsistency with the Constitution.

Secondly, on the principle of equality before the law, although Dicey postulates that it is meant to ensure that all citizens no matter how well connected, rich or powerful – are judged for their actions by the same laws, equally applied. Equality before the law is one of the core ways in which citizens can ensure that government officials, the rich, the powerful and the well-connected do not become a caste apart, yet, the current realities prevailing in Nigeria are in direct contrast to this ideal, as various events have continued to prove the fact that equality before the law only exists on paper but in practical sense, the cost of attaining justice for example, by recourse to the formal adversarial process has been made so prohibitively expensive such that it is out of the reach of the common man, not to add to the raging technicalities, delays, unnecessary adjournments, trickery by lawyers and the excruciation of climbing the courts’ hierarchy from the lower to the apex cadre and the costs associated with each stage visits untold hardship and inequality on the common man , as well as the flagrant disregard for court orders by those in position of authority. In the case of Kalu v. EFCC there was a Court Order on 31st day of May, 2007,restraining the EFCC from arresting, detaining and prosecuting Orji Uzo Kalu, the then Governor of Abia State. But the EFCC went ahead and prosecuted him flouting the Court Order. Therefore, the Counsel to Kalu petitioned the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Attorney General that the charge against his client was in breach of the rule of law.

On the question of individual rights vis-à-vis the Constitution, the rule of law connotes respect for human rights, it involves respect for and protection of human rights by government, its servants and agents and by everyone in the country. Without human rights there can be no justice, and life is meaningless. Albeit, the provisions of Chapter II and IV of the 1999 Constitution(as amended) essentially contemplates Dicey’s idea of rule of law, but the fact that Chapter II has been made non-justiciable by the provisions of Section 6 (6) (c) thereof, largely undermines the practicability of the absolute application of the rule of law and indirectly reduces the potency of the fundamental rights of the citizens as the two chapters are invariably connected.

3.0 ENHANCING THE RULE OF LAW IN NIGERIA
To promote uniformity in the contextualization, understanding and application of the rule of law, the United Nations Secretary General in his report to the Security Council in 2004, provided detailed analysis bothering on the collective participation of all relevant institutions and authorities in order to enhance, maintain and ensure its near absolute observance across all layers of the societies, as captured in these words:

‘The ‘rule of law’ refers to a principle of governance in which all persons, institutions and entities, public and private, including the State itself, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced and independently adjudicated, and which are consistent with international human rights, norms and standards. It requires, as well, measures to ensure adherence to the principles of supremacy of the law, separation of powers, participation in decision making, legal certainty, avoidance of arbitrariness and procedural and legal transparency’.

This submission alludes to the practical idea that the rule of law engenders a collection of principles that can only be felt in real sense through the interdependent efforts of law-related institutions in the society in order to inform their structure, reform, operation, monitoring and evaluation. There is quite a plethora of them in the Nigerian architecture but this paper centers on the legal practitioners and security operatives who are regarded as the primary agents of rule of law in the day to day affairs of the human society vis-à-vis their complementarily with each other and with other key institutions and organs to be found in a democratic dispensation.

3.1 ROLE OF LAWYERS AND LEGAL EDUCATORS
In Nigeria, the Bar is made up of all persons who have been duly enrolled and thus qualified to practice law in Nigeria pursuant to the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act, irrespective of the aspect of the law they specialize in and the capacity in which they choose to practice subsequent to their enrolment; it could be as advocates, solicitors, academics, corporate practitioners, legal advisers, in-house counsel, public officers, judges or quasi-judicial officers or private practice among others. As such, the point must be made emphatically that a legal practitioner is more than merely someone actively engaged in the aspect of litigation or property transactions as generally misconceived by the laymen to mean lawyers.

Accordingly, this discussion centers on the role of the members of the Nigerian Bar Association in enhancing the rule of law, regardless of the capacity or mode in which they practice law but will exclude judicial officers as they are better referred to as the bench.

The role of lawyers in the enhancement and entrenchment of the rule of law has been eloquently summarized by Yusuf O. Ali, SAN thus:
“The last hope of the common man in this nation is in the courts of the land, which are the Temple of justice. The Bar is the collective noun of Lawyers who are in the main, Ministers in the Temple of Justice. Rule of Law is not an end itself, but a means to an end. The end result of Rule of Law is nothing but justice. Rule of law cannot therefore thrive, unless Ministers in the Temple of justice contribute their quotas.”

To this end, some of the roles lawyers are required to play include but not restricted to the following sub-headings:
(i) Upholding and Respecting the Rule of Law: It would be rather paradoxical to hear of lawyers who do not accord and uphold the set of principles governing the basis upon which they conduct their professional pursuit. This explains why Section 2 (1) (c) of the Constitution of the Nigerian Bar Association stipulate the main objective of the bar in no unclear provision by stating that “The promotion of the principle of the Rule of Law including fundamental liberties and the independence of the judiciary”. This commands that lawyers in whatever status they operate must at all times desist from being found wanting in conducts that constitute an affront to the principles of rule of law. For example, instances where members of the noble profession participate in, aid or abate the unlawful prosecution of individuals or their detention without observance of the due process of law, robs rule of law of its objective of enthroning quality before the law and preserving human rights.

(ii) Awareness Creation and Sensitization on the Rule of Law: Lawyers are equally duty bound to create avenue via which the people can be made to fully grasp and appreciate the importance and divergent reaches of the concept of rule of law. Legal educators equally have a pressing role to play in this regard particularly in their teaching and research models by propagating the need to uphold and observe the tenets of the doctrine as a recipe for the maintenance of civilized existence. According to T. O. Elias the only viable means through which lawyers can keep Nigerians well-informed about the rule of law is to break it down in this fashion:

• That the rule of law is an indispensable tool for economic development, orderly advancement and social progress of our fatherland;
• That it is a preservative measure for their moral and cultural improvement; and
• It is the only means through which the unity of the various ethnic groups in the nation can be achieved.
• All known forms of advocacy, activism by lawyers and other civil societies must be directed at practicing obedience or compliance with every letter and spirit of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) first, and other extant laws that are consistent thereof and judicial pronouncements i.e judgments and orders made by competent courts in our land.

(iii) Promoting Human Rights: Actual or threatened Infraction of the fundamental and sacred rights enshrined in the Constitution take place every day to the chagrin of the masses and the seeking of redress for such violations are by law, done in the courts of law, hence the onus is exclusively placed on lawyers who have been given the trust to adequately and promptly secure the granting of reliefs on behalf of the affected party. And this, lawyers must be with fervent vigor and exceptional level of commitment in order not just to restore the lost confidence in the profession but to also serve as an avenue through which the doctrine of rule of law may be fully actualized and enhanced in Nigeria. See James Yusuf Danboyi & 10 others vs COAS & Anor

3.2 ROLE OF THE SECURITY AGENCIES
Some of the security agencies who are at the heart of the application of the rule of law in Nigeria and the role they can and should play in the quest to continuously improve upon and stretch the tentacles of rule of law in Nigeria are here examined.

3.2.1 The Nigerian Police
This agency of the Federal Government is primarily responsible for the maintenance of law and order. The Nigeria Police Force (Establishment) Act, 2020, came in to force on the 17th September, 2020, and it repealed the Police Act, 2004. The general objective of the new Act is to provide an effective police service that is based on the principles of accountability, transparency, protection of human rights, and partnership with other security agencies.

In fact, the role of the Nigerian Police in the promotion of rule of law has been codified in the enabling Act as their functions and duties. These have vividly cut across the trajectory of the principles of rule of law and especially lean towards the protection of fundamental rights of individuals, collaborating with sister agencies to ensure and maintain public safety, peace, law and order, crime prevention, detection and prosecution, protection of lives and properties of the citizens among others. In carrying out these duties, they assume the pivotal role of ensuring equality of persons before the law, its supremacy as well as respecting human rights. The court in justifying the exercise of powers of arrest and detention by the police held in the case of Isiaka Adeboye &Ors v. Saheeto International Ltd. &Ors that:

“The powers of the Nigerian Police Force, with regards to crime prevention, detection and prosecution, are very wide indeed, to the extent that the Nigerian Police force has the power to detain and question anyone reasonably suspected to have committed or connected to the commission of a crime, within a limited timeframe and in a humane and responsible manner.”

No matter how one attempts to stretch it further, their roles in this noble objective cannot exceed the confines of the legislation directly regulating their operations otherwise they shall be acting beyond their powers which would result in an abuse of the rule of law rather than entrenching it. In this regard, see the case of: KURE v. C.O.P. (2020) (pt. 1729) Pg 296 @ 326, Para B-F, where the Supreme Court per Abba Aji JSC stated: “ The primary duty of the police by Section 4 of the Police Act is the prevention of crime, investigation and detection of crime and prosecution and punishment of offenders….The police is not a debt recovery agency and has no business to dabble into contractual disputes between parties arising from purely civil transactions…..when as is the circumstances of this action, a purely civil matter is reported, such a person cannot go scot-free as the report ought not to have been made at all since it is not within the purview of police duties. It is a report made malafide and he will be equally liable for the action taken by the police irrespective of whether he actively instigated them or not, since he had no business involving the Police in a purely civil matter in the first place. Such conduct which portrays disregard of the law and is amimed at using the coercive powers of the state to punish a contracting party in a purely civil matter ought to be mulcted in exemplary damages.” See also Okafor and anor v. AIG Police Zone II Onikan & Ors (2019) LPELR-46505

3.2.2 The Nigerian Armed Forces
The role of the military generally has been patently defined under the 1999 Constitution by the combined effect of Sections 217 and 218 thereof. Section 217 relates to the composition and establishment of the armed forces of the Federation, while Section 218 focuses on command and operational use of the armed forces of Nigeria. Sub-section (1) of Section 217 in particular is to the effect that there shall be an armed forces for the Federation which shall consist of an Army, a Navy and Air Force and such other branches of the armed forces as may be established by an Act of the National Assembly, while Sub-section (2) states that the Federation shall subject to an Act of the National Assembly made in that behalf, equip and maintain the armed forces, as may be considered adequate, expedient and effective for the purpose of:

(a) defending Nigeria from external aggression
(b) maintaining its territorial integrity and securing the borders from violation on land, sea or air
(c) suppressing insurrection and acting in aid of civil authorities to restore order when called upon to do so by the President, but subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly; and
(d) Performing such other functions as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.
It is in discharging these functions that officers of the Nigerian Armed Force contribute their quota to the enhancement and retention of the cherished doctrine of rule of law in the country. See James Yusuf Danboyi v. COAS & Anor (Supra)

3.2.3 State Security Service
The Department of State Services or State Security Services is yet another key institution that plays a role in the detection and prevention of crime in the country, particularly those targeted against the state and in the course of discharging its mandates it is duty-bounden to uphold and respect the rule of law.

The department was initially created by the military government and has been maintained as a special service under the civilian dispensation to nurture, preserve and protect the country’s democratic governance. It is enabled to perform its roles and functions principally by Instrument SSS No. 1 of 1999 made pursuant to Section 6 of the National Security Agencies (NSA) Act 1986.

The primary functions of the agency are inclusive of the undermentioned:
• Prevention and Detection of any crime against the internal security of Nigeria;
• Protection and Preservation of all non-military classified matters concerning the internal security of Nigeria;
• Prevention, Detection and Investigation of threats of espionage, subversion, sabotage, terrorism, separatist agitations, Inter-group conflicts, Economic crimes of National security dimensions and threats to law and order;
• Provision of protective security for designated principal government functionaries, sensitive installations and visiting dignitaries;
• Provision of timely advice to government on all matters of National Security interest and
• Such other functions as may, from time to time, be assigned to it.

To sum it up, these duties must be carried out lawfully, in other words with utmost regard to the rule of law as held in the recent case of The State Security Service &Ors v. The Incorporated Trustees of the Peace Corps of Nigeria &Ors

3.2.4 Defense Intelligence Agency
This agency was established by the National Security Agency Act and saddled with the central responsibility for defense related intelligence within and outside Nigeria. The Agency’s main preoccupation is the protection and preservation of all military matters concerning the security of Nigeria. It coordinates the intelligence activities of the Intelligence Directorates of the Armed Services; Military Intelligence (DMI0, Naval Intelligence (DNI) and Air Force Intelligence (DAI).

They complement the role of the DSS and Military in ensuring and maintaining national security and cohesion, which are necessary recipes for the subsistence of rule of law.

3.2.5 Other Paramilitary Units
All other security outfits and paramilitary institutions in Nigeria have vital roles to play in the promotion and reenactment of the rule of law, as their duties are often intertwined and they constitute the pillars of civilized human existence in Nigeria. Those units such as the National Security Civil Defense Corps, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Customs Service and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency are all critical stakeholders and agents in the actualization of the core objectives of the rule of law and democratic excellence within the polity. In their facilitation of internal security and protection of lives and properties of the citizens, ensuring the lawful commute of persons into and outside the shores of the country, monitoring the import and export of goods and maintaining effective border relations with neighboring jurisdictions to enforce compliance with the laws and preventing the sell, consumption and movement of illegal drugs and narcotics among other key functions of these government anti-graft authorities, places them at the cynosure of enhancing and entrenching the rule of law in Nigeria.

4.0 COLLABORATIVE ENGAGEMENT WITH LAWYERS TO ENHANCE, ENTRENCH AND SUSTAIN THE RULE OF LAW
The Security agencies must first establish and maintain a robust inter-agency collaborative mechanism among themselves to ensure co-ordination and systemic performance of their roles in enhancing and entrenching the rule of law across all layers of their operations such as crime prevention and control, maintaining law, order, peace and security and national integration. And to their credit, they have considerably achieved this with examples abound, prominent amongst which was the case of arrest of Boko Haram leader, Yusuf Muhammed by the soldiers and handed over to the Police Force in Borno State for onward investigation and prosecution. Similarly, the officers of the Nigerian Custom Service arrested the former Liberian President Charles Taylor who was on exile in Nigeria while attempting to escape from the country and gave him up to Nigerian Immigration Service. Also, the ground combat by the military, the air strikes by the Air Force, grilling at different flash points by the Police and the intelligence gathering and use by the DSS (internally) and the NIA (internationally) are producing and yielding some applaudable outcomes. Hence, the continuous exhibition of such concerted efforts and synergy and extending into all other spheres of operations will invariably aid and entrench the observance of rule of law in the country as it shows that the law is not only held supreme but it is duly obeyed and all persons are treated equally before the law and the rights of the citizens are less infringed against.

Once the above tempo is improved upon and sustained, harmoniously collaborating with the lawyers becomes less herculean. The role of the lawyers as already established resides in upholding and respecting the rule of law, creating awareness and promoting human rights in handling the causes of their clients and in their general conduct as ministers in the temple of justice. As such, where well-coordinated inter-agency approach is on ground, legal practitioners are thus accorded the fertile ground to ensure strict compliance with laid down procedures in the areas of arrest, detention, investigation and prosecution of all manners of suspects and criminals, treatment of terrorists, corrupt government officials and so on. And to also insist on compliance with orders and judgment of the courts to maintain its hallowed status and restore confidence in the judicial system being a key institution in the rule of law landscape.

5.0 CHALLENGES
Some of the challenges militating against the achievement of a seamless collaboration among lawyers and the security agencies in entrenching the rule of law over the years feature some of the following issues:

 There is the presence of general feeling of animosity and perhaps, threat, exhibited by most of the security agencies, especially the police towards lawyers whenever the latter has reason to pay them a visit to secure the release of or interact with their clients held in custody of the former. This face-off often hampers the swift dispensation of justice and even negatively affects the fundamental rights of the detainee, a sharp affront to one of the pillars of rule of law.
 Indiscipline springing from a bloated sense of superiority, ignorance, lack of understanding and proper knowledge and training, undermines espiritde corps among the security agencies, which is a source of discouragement to the learned minds who have appreciable understanding of the law and its application.
 The cankerworm of corruption which hitherto continues to permeate deep into the fabrics of our society, equally hampers any bid for collaboration to enhance the rule of law
 Poor remuneration and condition of service of the security agencies causes them to resort to cutting-corners and all other avenues through which to sustain themselves in acute disregard for the observance of the rule of law and this makes it practically difficult for the lawyers to find themselves on the same page with them.

6.0 PROSPECTS
The prospects envisioned for Nigeria’s rule of law regime where harmonious collaboration could be fully achieved and made to endure the test of time, are indeed quite innumerable, but are reduced into the following:

 The speedy administration of justice will become a reality and no longer a myth as all the unwarranted technicalities often associated with the criminal justice process will be drastically reduced if not eliminated and conducts of the operatives will be carried out in accordance with the law.
 Confidence will be restored in the judicial and legal system in the country, thus leveling the ground for winning the lasting war against corruption and ushering in rapid economic growth, peace and serene nationhood.
 Such collaborations will also boost the morale of the security agencies knowing that they are working hands-in-gloves with professionals who truly understand the essence of the law and are working on the same agenda as them to enhance the rule of law.
 The society becomes a safe haven of sorts where respect for the law is assured and there is a general feeling of equal treatment of all before the law among the populace.

7.0 WAY FORWARD/RECOMMENDATIONS
In light of the challenges noted above, the following recommendations are preferred:

 The Nigerian Bar Association through its many committees in collaboration with the authorities should focus more energy on sensitizing both lawyers and officers of the forces on the need to foster the growth and promotion of the rule of law in Nigeria by maintaining good and complementary working relationship in their areas of interface.
 More workshops, conferences and trainings of this nature should be organized and widened in scope across states and localities to emphasize the essence of rule of law in our democracy
 Government must galvanize efforts towards revitalizing the living conditions of the security agencies in order to rekindle their sense of patriotism and to consider themselves as indispensable cogs in the wheel of enhancing the rule of law
 Legal educators also have a critical role to play in their modes of teaching and imbibing in the trainees who will become legal professionals on the immense essence of the rule of law. They equally must publish researched papers and organize public speeches to trash out these issues.
 The fight against corruption must now more than ever, become more vigorous in order to arrest and address the lingering consequences it hitherto bears on our entire political terrain.

8.0 CONCLUSION
A detailed adumbration on the origin, meaning and the tripartite indicators of the rule of law have been extensively provided along with a legal perspective on the contemporary texture of rule of law in Nigeria. The paper addressed the independent roles of legal practitioners and select security agencies in the architecture of rule of law in Nigeria and attempted to draw out the need and instances of their collaborative engagements towards not just enhancing but equally sustaining the rule of law in Nigeria.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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Nwabueze, B. O. Constitutional Democracy in Africa (C. Hurst & Co. London, Vol. 3, 2003) 20

Ojo, A. Constitutional Law and Military Rule in Nigeria (Evans Bros. Ltd. Ibadan, 1987) 239

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Adesina Debo, “The Attorney General takes over Kalu’s case” Guardian Newspaper (Guardian
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(1997) Public Law Journal 467

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in the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Nigeria’, Annual Survey of International and Comparative Law. Vol. 23 (1) art. 3 (2019) 9 available at https://digitalcommons.law.ggu.edu/annlsurvey/vol23/iss1/3 accessed 20 March 2022

Mary-Imelda, N. O. ‘The Rule of Law in Governance in Nigeria’ (2010) JILJ 187-201
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INTERNET
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https://www.dss.gov.ng/dss_about accessed 12 January 2022

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in the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Nigeria’, Annual Survey of International and Comparative Law. Vol. 23 (1) art. 3 (2019) 9 available at https://digitalcommons.law.ggu.edu/annlsurvey/vol23/iss1/3 accessed 20 March 2022

Ontario Justice Education Network, ‘Rule of Law in Brief’ (2013) Student Handout, available at
<https://www.ojen.ca©2013> accessed 17 March 2022

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CAC, AMCON, BRIPAN PARTNER TO BOOST SERVICES

The Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) has met with the management of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) towards improving the insolvency practice and licensing in the country.

The President of BRIPAN, Mr. Ayodele Akintunde, SAN, who led the delegation to AMCON office in Abuja, said the agency had done a good job in trying to stabilise the banking system by ensuring that debts are taken care of.

“The debt recovery regime in Nigeria is still a work in progress such that law reform, training and necessary support are needed to ensure that recovery of debt and sales of assets are easily achievable,” he said.

He said the idea of the visit was to partner with the agency towards improving the insolvency practice and business rescue mechanism available in Nigeria, adding that it was also to improve the training of insolvency practitioners.

The Managing Director of AMCON, Ahmed Kuru, said that the corporation had recovered a debt of N1 trillion since inception “and has anchored a lot of businesses that are presently running.” Kuru said that the corporation had resolved more than four to five thousand business relationships.

He explained that the organisation is not a hospital where if businesses fail, you just walk in and AMCON takes over. According to him, that is a very wrong impression of the corporation. “We don’t take, have not taken and will not take any case like that. AMCON is still battling with the ones taken during the global financial crisis,” he said.

“AMCON is created to buy non-performing loans, resuscitate the non-performing loans even though some of these non-performing loans have been with these banks for more than 10 to 15 years before being transferred to AMCON. AMCON has been able to resolve quite a lot of those transactions and in doing that, it has recovered a lot of funds.”

Also in a visit to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Akintunde said the essence was to engage with the Registrar-General and his executive team to explore further areas of cooperation.

“As you all know, CAC is a regulator of insolvency practice in Nigeria,” he said. “And as the leading provider of insolvency training and certification in Nigeria, we have come to have a useful discussion with the registrar-general about improving the practice of insolvency, improving the licensing of insolvency, improving training and capacity building even within the CAC and among practitioners.”

Responding, the Registrar-General, Alhaji Garba Abubakar assured BRIPAN of his support in the improvement of insolvency regime in Nigeria.

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‘NIGERIA’S LEGAL PROFESSION AT CROSS-ROADS,’ SAYS OYEBODE

World acclaimed quondam Professor of Jurisprudence and International Law at the University of Lagos, PROFESSOR AKIN OYEBODE warns that Nigeria’s legal profession is at the cross-roads. In this Keynote Address presented at the just concluded Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch Law Week, the pre-eminent jurist says lawyers must be ready, willing and able to be at the vanguard of the struggle for a better society

                                                 

                                                    DEMOCRACY AND THE LEGAL ORDER: Shaping the Future
                                                                                                       By
                                                                                         AKIN OYEBODE
Introduction
The lesson of inevitability of democratic values within the legal order is not lost on any serious legal practitioner or even casual observer of goings-on in society and indeed the human destiny. Of the multifarious problems afflicting the country currently hardly is anything more benumbing than the crises and contradictions inherent in our practice of democracy vis-à-vis the legal order. The situation would have been laughable if it was not so tragic. That a country so blessed with human talents and incredible natural resources has continued to walk on its head is totally stupefying and inexplicable. However, it is appurtenant to interrogate the historical antecedents of Nigeria in order to lay bare the characteristics of the contemporary legal order and difficulty to grapple with the desiderata of modernity and progress.

The Precursors of the Nigerian State
Nigeria owes its creation to the antics of British imperialism. What is important to bear in mind is that when the British arrived in these parts, they carried along in their knapsacks English law and instrumentalities of conquest and subjugation of the restless natives. Nigeria, being one of the last territories to be colonized by the perfidious Albion, was subjected to the most distasteful aspects of race supremacist ideology of disdain and disrespect for the traditions and mores of the indigenous population. This attitude had been practiced and perfected by the British in relation to the native peoples of America and Canada, Australia and New Zealand, India, etc. This superiority complex among the English was so deeply ingrained in their psyche as the writings of Shakespeare reveal, Tempest and Othello, being notable examples. As recently as 1857, the US Supreme Court in the Dred Scot case still had the temerity to declare that the black man had no rights that the whites needed respect, more so that he was only four-fifths of a man!

Wherever the English went, he could relish in the thought, as Palmerston had intoned, that the long arm of the English law would always protect him. Indeed they refused to subject themselves to the jurisdiction of the native courts which were thought to be infra dignitatem to English law which they had transported to far-flung colonial territories as instruments of colonial hegemony and control. In Nigeria as elsewhere, they had created their own special courts applying English law and rejecting all native laws and customs as being “repugnant to natural law, equity and good conscience”, a code phrase for English law. It took the genius and courage of judges such as J.I.C. Taylor and other like-minded jurists to wean themselves off slavish adherence to English law and practice by striking blows for authenticity and independence of the Nigerian legal order, be it in relation to the rights of children born out of wedlock or the recognition of polygamy and the right to inherit as guaranteed under native law and customs. By the time Nigeria became politically independent, it had become cognizable to enlightened legal opinion that the repugnancy doctrine advocated by the British was indeed repugnant to our sense of values, propriety and cultural wholesomeness.

Democracy, Nigeria Style
It is no exaggeration to aver that in Nigeria, democracy is very much a work in progress. Having endured nearly 400 years of the slave trade and 100 years of British colonial exploitation and oppression, the Nigerian people had not been properly sensitized into the norms and practices of democratic governance. However, this is not totally unexpected of a people reared in unquestioning obedience to the whims and caprices of the traditional rulers, unelected elders and undemocratic belief systems stamped on the consciousness of the people after centuries of social conditioning and cultural manipulation.

Needless to say, the first few years of the practice of majoritarian democracy in Nigeria were marred by different military junta which had hijacked political power and held the country hostage for decades. Since militarism and democracy are odd bed-fellows, it was hardly surprising that the Nigerian militariat succeeded in arresting the country’s progress towards democracy and sought to entrench undemocratic elements within Nigeria’s political firmament. The most galling bequest of the military dictators was Decree No 24 of 1999 which it sought to pass off as the constitution of the country after its departure from the country’s political stage.

Regrettably, rather than jettisoning that evil and unbecoming instrument, the incoming civilian rulers continue to live the lie that Nigeria was operating under an autochthonous fundamental law with fraudulent claims to the effect that it originated and had the consent of the people. The ringing statement by the Patriots that the 1999 Constitution lied against itself is one not to be forgotten in a hurry. Nigerians bought for themselves a pig in poke and for as long as we refuse to consign the despicable instrument to limbo for that long would the legitimacy of the country’s highest law be a rude joke and an unacceptable assault on international best practices.

Nevertheless, the lack of a universally agreed definition of democracy may avail our unrepentant defenders of the status quo in justifying the 1999 Constitution. Yet, truth be told, the illegitimacy of the Constitution puts a big question mark on nearly everything that has happened in this country since the people in agbada replaced those wearing starched khaki uniforms. To borrow the words of Mr Justice Jackson of the US Supreme Court in describing pornography, although we might be unable to define democracy, we all know it when we see it.

Accordingly, the essential ingredients of democracy include supremacy of the law, separation of powers, checks and balances, sanctity of the ballot-box, presumption of innocence, freedom of expression, due process of law, independence of the judiciary, etc. In other words, democracy presupposes the finer elements of western liberal democracy.

So, can we really be said to be practicing democracy? Many have averred that what we actually have is a civilian dispensation while democracy would seem to be a never-never land. Except and only to the extent that we cannot practice democracy without democrats, Nigeria still has a long way to go in order to arrive at the Eldorado of democracy.

The Nature of the Nigerian Legal Order
Undoubtedly, Nigerian law and legal order are yet to shed their British complexion. As I had observed a few years ago the “anglo-Saxons,” to borrow Ayandele’s colorful expression, are in no hurry to do away with their colonial antecedents, white wigs, black gowns, quaint mannerisms, strange forms of address and all in a bid to retain the alien character and appearance of lawyers of a bygone colonial era. Unlike some erstwhile colonial territories such as the United States and Canada which had admitted novelty and reforms into their legal systems, Nigeria has stubbornly refused to alter the modalities of both its law and practice.

Yet, the efficacy of a legal order stems very much from the extent to which it has captured and reflects the mores, values and idiosyncracy of its addressees. So much we have learnt from advocates of the Historical School and lately from Thomas Friedman’s concept of legal culture. As underscored by Omoniyi Adewoye, Nigeria’s leading legal historian, the imposed British colonial law bore all the imprint of alien domination and oppression.

It is for this reason that any discussion of the Nigerian legal order must begin with a recognition of its colonial heritage and continued dependency on an alien power. Whether we speak of the legal system or legal order, we must realize that legalism bereft of a nexus with the thought processes and attitudinal chemistry of the people is of little relevance in coming to grips with the existential reality of a peripheral, dependent capitalist enclave such as ours.

If indeed we go by the dictum of a government of laws and not one of men as propounded by Chief Justice Marshall in Marbury v.Madison (1803), it would be straining logic too far to aver that Nigeria’s legal order was indeed one founded on law and due process. In a situation of an illegitimate Constitution, rancorous law-making, conflicting judicial orders, widespread disrespect for law and order, rising incidence of self-help, inability or refusal by the law-enforcement agencies to perform their duties and lack of trust and confidence by sections of the population in the state apparatus, it becomes highly problematic to envisage fidelity to law as an instrument of peace, order and good government.

In view of the foregoing, it would seem apposite to pose the question as to the potential of the legal order to shape and aid the evolution of a true democracy in Nigeria. Law being an instrument of social change, it would simply be futile to contemplate the inter-relationship of democracy and the legal order, more so in a setting as fractious as Nigeria.

The beginning of wisdom about contemporary Nigeria is that we are not yet a democracy but merely a civilian arrangement. Accordingly, we need to embark on a transition from civil rule to a full-fledged democratic society in order to take full advantage of government of the people, by the people and for the people. It is only by so doing that we can conceive an effective role for the legal order. To the extent that a legal order presupposes concomitants of democracy, to that extent would it be illusory to attempt to move Nigeria to another level through the instrumentality of the legal order. The coterminous nature of both democracy and the legal order is such that one cannot be pursued without the other. Legalism unaccompanied by the benefits and allure of democratic values is apt to result in outright fascism and blind adherence to the wiles of dictators and undemocratic forces. Therefore, a way has to be found to convince Nigerians on the desideratum of democracy as an integral part of the quest for an effective legal order.

Pursuant to this, lawyers must be ready, willing and able to be at the vanguard of the struggle for a better society. We should always remember that V. I. Lenin, Fidel Castro and Nelson Mandela were lawyers who stood on the barricade of the liberation struggle of their people. Our lawyers should, therefore, make a conscious choice to depart from self-seeking, self-serving and self-conceited motives in favour of ideals that would ensure life more abundant for the preponderant majority of our people. Only thus can the profession attract greater understanding, relevance and empathy among compatriots.

The legal profession is today at a cross-roads. With a multiplicity of problems afflicting law and the legal order, lawyers must rise up to the occasion by bringing to bear their special and unique knowledge of the workings of the legal system on ways and means of restoring hope, trust and confidence among the people generally. Since popular acceptability appears to be the touchstone of democracy and good governance, no effort should be spared toward being harnessed in steering the legal order along the path of consolidating democratic values, otherwise, yearnings for a better society might end up being really little more than a pie in the sky.

Concluding Remarks
We are living in a world earnestly yearning for a better society. How this is to be achieved presents some difficulty. To many, democracy presents a most viable mechanism for attaining this objective. The situation in Nigeria is complicated somewhat by the deformed state of its democracy as well as the overarching colonial coloration of its legal order.
The task of shedding its colonial heritage is no less daunting than that of the legal system as focus for widening the democratic impetus in Nigeria’s trajectory to a higher level of social organization. Since democracy is irretrievably intertwined with a functioning legal order, it stands to reason that creating a viable society is a laudable goal worth pursuing.
It remains for me to express sincere appreciation to the Lagos Branch of the NBA for enabling me to share with you my thoughts on democracy and the legal order and to wish you all a successful annual law week.

LEKKI, LAGOS LAW FIRM NOW HIRING

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The ideal candidate must have 2:2 grade at the Nigerian Law School or University, possess core litigation experience, and should be able to work without supervision.Interested candidates should email legaljobs77@gmail.com.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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SENIOR LAWYER JOINS NBA ABUJA ‘SOLAR FOR ALL’ LEAGUE

As power supply situation nationwide continues to be a matter of concern and the price of diesel keeps skyrocketing, efficient solar systems have proven a big relief for many homes and offices.

Leading Abuja based senior lawyer, Chief Okey Ajunwa has become the latest beneficiary of the “Solar For All” Promo, a partnership facilitated by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch with top solar power provider, Bricks and Castles Energy-Tech Ltd. 

Said the company: “To get an efficient Solar/Inverter system for 24 hours Light, save at least half of your current power cost, while you ‘Pay Small small’ for up to Six Months, call Bricks and Castles Energy-Tech Ltd: 08050489622, 08060266163.”

The Company was at the state-of-the-art  office of  Chief Ajunwa where  it installed a giant 10KVA Luminous Inverter System, with 15 biggest size Tubular Batteries, 32 German Solar Panels (300watts), 180v MPPT CHARGE CONTROLLER and other accessories to power two Inverter ACs and all other essentials in the office.

Among the elite list of Partners of the “Solar For All” Promo are the Alumni Association of UNILAG COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (CLASS 76 & 79), NBA Lagos Branch, BOSAN Abuja, Otu Oka-iwu Abuja, NBA Kano Branch, NBA Gwagwalada Branch, Medical Doctors at FMC Cooperative, and F. C. T. Pharmacies among others.

According to the company, among the leading lawyers already enjoying the services of the company are Chief Emeka Ngige SAN, Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN, Chief Tawo Tawo SAN, Chief Emeka Obegolu SAN, Sir Chike Ekeocha of Alex Izinyon SAN & Co/SUEX Nig.Ltd, Hon. Rodrich Ugwu, Chief Nic Omeye, and Mr. Ken Ugwuanyi.

Other beneficiaries from whom the efficiency of delivery can be verified, according to Bricks and Castles, include Chief J-K Gadzama SAN, Prince Adetosoye Adebiyi, Mr. Paul Daudu, Chief Peter Ilegogie, Aare Muyiwa Akinboro SAN, Aare Isiaka Olagunju SAN, Dr. Babatunde Ajibade SAN of SPA Ajibade SAN & Co, FIDA Nigeria (FIDA House Abuja), Prince Adetokunbo Kayode SAN, Mrs. Amina Agbaje (FIDA Nigeria CVP), Dr. Mrs Ayorinde of Ayorinde SAN & Co, Mrs. Mariam Agbabokha; Barr. Mrs. Rachel Ebun Akerele; Mr. Anthony Malik SAN, Chief Kemi Pinheiro SAN, Mr. I. M. Dikko SAN of Liman, Liman SAN & Co; Hon. Justice Emeka Nriezedi of the Anambra State Judiciary; Dr. Hassan Liman SAN, Chief J. U. K Igwe SAN, Mummy Sylvia Okoregbe, John Ochogwu Esq., Prof. Godson Ogbonna of Abia State University Uturu, Sir Austin Mwana, Mr. Thony Lyiod Onyemaizu, Dr. Agada Elachi, Mr. Zach Akubo of S. I. Ameh SAN & Co., Mr. Ime Edem-nse; Mr. Edafe Mrakpor, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ebedebiri Cottage Hospital of Sagbama LGA of Bayelsa State, Federal College of Education Warri, Nigerian Agricultural Seeds Council, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators of Nigeria (ICMC), Chief R. N. Okeke and Sons Ltd of Wukari in Taraba State, and Alhaji Abdulrahman Adamu of the Trademoore Estate.

Other reputable organisations with whom the company has a thriving partnership include NBA Abuja, NBA Lagos, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) Abuja, Otu Oka-Iwu Abuja, NFIU Cooperative Society, NBA Kano Branch, NBA Gwagwalada Branch, Medical Doctors at FMC Cooperative, and FCT Pharmacies among others.

Said the company: “In case of any issue with the Inverter Machine, another Inverter is deployed before we take the one that needs attention for troubleshooting/repairs.”

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‘PLAY CRUCIAL ROLES IN NBA, BRANCHES,’ GADZAMA URGES LAWYERS

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Security Agencies Relations Committee, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has urged lawyers to play crucial roles in the growth of the legal profession.

Speaking as a Special Guest of Honour at the February monthly meeting of the Surulere Lawyers’ Forum (SLF), Gadzama who is also the Chairman of the Mentoring Committee of the Body of Benchers for Young Lawyers, urged the members to encourage unity among lawyers.

Below is the statement made available to CITY LAWYER.

Surulere Lawyers’ Forum Elder, Chief J-K GADZAMA, SAN presides over 2022 annual cutting of Valentine Cake.

It was a joyous homecoming for Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN when he attended the February monthly meeting of the Surulere Lawyers’ Forum (SLF) on February 16, 2022 as an elder and oldest member of the Forum. Recall that Chief Gadzama, SAN was formerly admitted as a member of SLF last year after the Forum welcomed him with open arms.

It is important to state that SLF whose membership cuts across tribes and tongues in Nigeria was founded in 2006 by its pioneer Chairman, Hon. (Chief) V. U. K. Iyanam (former Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Akwa-Ibom State) and consists of legal practitioners who live and or practice within Surulere. SLF is one of the well-coordinated and organised lawyers’ fora in Nigeria and has been growing in leaps and bounds since its establishment.

In his remarks at the meeting, Chief Gadzama, SAN encouraged members to be united in the pursuit of the goals and objectives of SLF as the Forum can achieve a lot when in unity. He also implored them not to relent in playing their critical roles in the affairs of the Nigerian Bar Association both in Lagos State and at National level. The elder statesman was thereafter invited to coordinate the cutting of cake in celebration of members whose birthdays fall within the month of love.

In attendance with Chief J-K Gadzama, SAN was Mr. Mela Nunghe, SAN, Messrs John Unachukwu Austin Esq, former publicity Secretary of the NBA and Oluniyi Adediji Esq, Partner, J-K Gadzama LLP, Lagos Office.

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ENDSARS: NBA-SARC OBTAINS N10M FOR VICTIM OF POLICE BRUTALITY

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC) has obtained a N10 million compensation for one Yemi Abdulkareem, a victim of police brutality.

According to a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, the committee intervened in a plethora of cases including Abdulkareem v NPF (LASG/JPI/233/2020), adding that Abdulkareem was “brutalized and killed” by a police officer during the EndSARS protest in 2020.

The statement by NBA National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Rapulu Nduka, said: “Consequently, his family petitioned on his behalf demanding for the sum of 10 Million Naira. Upon the intervention of the NBA-SARC with the Nigerian Police Force and through continued and sustained efforts, the petition was treated under the Police brutality cases. The petition by Yemi Abdulkareem’s family was found meritorious and the family was awarded the sum of 10 Million Naira by the EndSARS Lagos Judicial Panel.

“The family of Yemi Abdulkareem who was awarded the damages has since sent a message extending their gratitude to the NBA-SARC for its timely assistance and intervention in the above matter.”

The statement noted that “The NBA – SARC has continually sought for the cooperation of everyone in its quest to achieve significant success in its mandate and has further reiterated that Legal Practitioners who have, or are being unjustly intimidated, harassed, humiliated, or subjected to unwarranted hardship in the course of their interaction with any security agency, are enjoined to report same to the Committee via the telephone numbers of the NBA – SARC members earlier provided.”

It recalled that the NBA-SARC, chaired by Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN was constituted by the NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata at the National Executive Council meeting of Thursday, December 16, 2021 and inaugurated on Friday, January 7, 2022.

According to the statement: “Since then, the NBA-SARC is not resting on its oars, having continued in its relentless efforts at providing succour to legal practitioners who had been, or are being, harassed, detained and/or intimidated by security agencies across the country, especially in the course of the discharge of their professional duties to clients.

“It is worthy of note, that the Gadzama-led NBA – SARC, presently comprised of legal practitioners who have solid background in relations with security agencies; and/or relevant network in interfacing with security agencies across the country has left no stone unturned in its commitment to achieving its mandates.”

Copyright 2022 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.

STEVE ABAR NOW VOX POPULI SCRIBE

The Vox Populi Foundation for Leadership, a non-governmental organization, has appointed senior lawyer, Mr. Stephen T. Abar as its Secretary General.

According to a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, “Steve Abar, as fondly called by his peers, is an astute legal practitioner and ebullient administrator. He is the Principal Partner of Stephen Abat & Co.

“The Foundation is poised to attain excellence in the society through influencing and advocating for good governance as well as contributing positively to society. The group is comprised of legal practitioners both young and old as well as distinguished men and women with the common goal of nurturing leaders.”

Speaking on the appointment, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN emphasized the need for the younger generation to be actively involved in governance and administration by appointing them in leadership roles.

It is recalled that Prince Chukwudi Oli was recently appointed as the Director-General of the Foundation.

Copyright 2022 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.

GADZAMA C’TE URGES LAWYERS TO REPORT HARASSMENT BY SECURITY OPERATIVES

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Securities Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC) has urged lawyers to report cases of harassment and intimidation to the committee for immediate redress.

In a press statement made available to CITY LAWYER, the committee urged lawyers “who have or are been unjustly intimidated, harassed, humiliated or subjected to unwarranted hardship in the course of interaction with any security agency” to report to the committee.

The committee also called on security operatives and the general public “to give the needed moral support and lend their voices and resources where needed, to this noble cause of public interest.”

Speaking on the determination of the committee to stem the malaise of incessant harassment of lawyers by security operatives, the Chairman of the committee, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN said: “We neither have guns, machetes nor sticks, but we have the power of persuasion as this Committee is tasked with building bridges and not walls between legal practitioners and the various security agencies….”

Below is the full text of the statement.

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION – SECURITY AGENCIES RELATIONS COMMITTEE (NBA-SARC) ON ITS MANDATE

The NBA – Securities Agencies Relations Committee (the Committee) constituted by the NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata at the National Executive Council meeting of Thursday, December 16, 2021 was inaugurated on Friday, January 7, 2022, with the following underlisted distinguished legal practitioners as executives and members thereof:
1. Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, MFR, OFR. (Chairman) – 08022231999
2. Alex Muoka (Alternate Chairman) – 08033009242
3. Marian Jones (Secretary) – 08033479752
4. Taiwo Lakanu (DIG Rtd.) (Member) – 08037160989
5. Mohammad I. Tsav (Member) – 07035653513
6. Valentine Odili (Member) – 08035047498
7. Adanna Lynda Uba (Member) – 08032925119
8. Chief M. A. O. Iyamanbhor (Member) – 08037204923
9. Julie Ariahu (Member) – 08023411581
10. Salman Alhaji Salman (Member) – 08037252757
11. Nnaemeka Emmanuel Otagburuagu (Member) – 08039566682
12. Peter Chukwunyelu Ikebuaso (Member) – 08033133739
13. John Aikpokpo-Martins (Member) – 08023063841
14. Rabiah A. Hassan (Committee Liaison Officer) – 08063579840

Following the recent surge in cases of maltreatment of legal practitioners by security operatives whilst discharging official duties and obligations to clients, the Olumide-led administration of the NBA, saw the urgent need for an interface comprised of legal practitioners with a rich background and prime networking within security agencies, to work in close liaison with all security agencies across the country. This urgency and relevance, necessitated the establishment of the Committee.

The security agencies which the Committee shall interface with shall include but not limited to the following: the Nigerian Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, National Intelligence Agency, State Security Service, Defence Intelligence Agency, etc.

The Committee, which was inaugurated with the following underlisted terms of reference, will regularly meet virtually, and physically as exigencies may demand, to share ideas, brainstorm and implement feasible action-plans towards achieving its mandate:

1. Formulate policies to be implemented by the NBA (whether alone or in collaboration with other stakeholders) that will deal holistically with the risk posed to Nigerian lawyers by security agencies.

2. Collaborate with the relevant security agencies to promote and advance a mutually beneficial relationship between the said agencies and lawyers in Nigerian.

3. Develop and promote proper protocols for engagement with security agencies by lawyers, in the course of carrying out their professional duties.

4. Work with the various branches of the NBA to achieve, at the branch level, objectives that are similar to those set out in these terms of reference.

5. Promptly intervene in cases of harassment, unlawful detention, intimidation, etc. of lawyers (in the course of carrying out their professional duties) by security agencies.

6. Carry out any other function that may be assigned to the Committee by the President or the National Executive Council; and

7. Make recommendations to the NBA President as appropriate and carry out such other functions that are consistent with the foregoing or which are necessary to achieve the mandate of the Committee.

The Chairman, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN speaking on behalf of the Committee at the inaugural meeting, assured the NBA, that in piloting the affairs of the Committee, he would ensure that the Committee deploys resources in persuading security outfits to work together harmoniously towards achieving a free and fair society. In his exact words: “…We neither have guns, machetes nor sticks, but we have the power of persuasion as this Committee is tasked with building bridges and not walls between legal practitioners and the various security agencies…”.

The Committee has begun setting modalities, and thus, open to receiving recommendations towards ensuring a more harmonious and improved working relationship between members of the Nigerian Bar and the Security Agencies in the country. The Committee wishes to inform all Members of the NBA, security personnel and other stakeholders of proposed courtesy visits to the various aforementioned security agencies to establish strong ties and educate as well as train members of these agencies in dealing with issues which concern or involve members of the legal profession.

The Committee therefore calls on legal practitioners, security operatives and the general public to give the needed moral support and lend their voices and resources where needed, to this noble cause of public interest.
Members of the Nigerian Bar who have or are been unjustly intimidated, harassed, humiliated or subjected to unwarranted hardship in the course of interaction with any security agency, are enjoined to report same to the Committee via the telephone numbers of the Committee members highlighted above.
The official communication channels shall include helplines, Whatsapp numbers, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram which will be published in due course.

Dated this Thursday, January 20, 2022.

__________________________ _________________________________________
Marian Jones, Esq.                                                                             Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR, MFR, SAN
Secretary                                                                                                 Chairman

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LAWYER SENDS SOS TO FEDERAL HIGH COURT

In this article by MR. IBRAHIM LAWAL, Head of Chamber, Olujinmi & Akeredolu of the Law Hub, Ibadan, he chronicles the challenges faced by lawyers due to the transfer of a Federal High Court jurist from Ibadan and urges the court to redress the issue

 

FEDERAL HIGH COURT IBADAN AND THE DIFFICULTY IN GETTING JUSTICE

The Federal High Court which started as a revenue court has assumed an important role in our judicial system by virtue of the exclusive jurisdiction donated to it in our Constitution. Only the Federal High Court can adjudicate on matters enumerated in Section 251 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, and by virtue of which Federal High Courts were created in each state of the Federation for easy access to justice.

However, in creating those Courts, certain states were recognized as hubs of commercial activities, which made the authority to create more than a court room in such States. For instance, Lagos State can boast of more than ten court rooms while Ibadan was allocated two which in itself is grossly inadequate!

The Federal High Court Ibadan over the years have been manned by two Judges until about a year now when Hon. Justice Malik was transferred to Abeokuta division of the court, the court is now being manned by only one Judge. The judge in actual fact is hardworking but the cases in his Lordship dockets are overwhelming.

All the cases assigned to Justice Malik court have suffered permanent adjournment with dire consequences on lawyers and litigants alike. What is more, the cases at the Federal High Court are business oriented cases which should not for any reason be delayed.

A colleague of mine is facing a serious crisis of confidence with his client simply because he could not secure an order because his application was assigned to the court without a judge! The matter has to do with transactional issue and because of that failure, the company’s account has been blocked! This is just one example of so many of our colleagues that have suffered because of the absence of a presiding Judge in the other Court.

Do we mention the criminal cases that have been pending and the Defendants languishing in detention because the court has not been sitting?

This state of affairs at the Federal High Court Ibadan is no longer bearable for us as lawyers and we beseech the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, to as a matter of urgency make available a Judge for this Court.

We trust this appeal will be given the attention it deserves and hope that the new year will be better than the last.

Copyright 2022 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.

NEW YEAR: ‘HOW I SURVIVED COVID-19, ROBBERIES, NEAR AIR CRASHES,’ BY GADZAMA

The Chairman of the Mentorship Committee of the Body of Benchers (BOB), Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has recounted how he survived the coronavirus disease and several other near-death experiences to become a successful lawyer.

In a moving New Year message, Gadzama who was recently appointed Chairman of the Security Agencies Relations Committee (SARC) by Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, attributed his survival to the grace of God, adding that “These are things that when we move forward in life, we tend to forget and stop being grateful to our Creator for, rather, we focus on the negatives in our lives which may, at times, seem to overwhelm the blessings.”

He urged lawyers to count their blessings, saying: “As the new year comes forth, I encourage each and everyone of you to look back through the years to experiences that you are grateful for but might have forgotten. I wish you a fulfilling new year and hope that you live your best life in 2022.”

Below is the full test of the message made available to CITY LAWYER.

As we usher in the year, 2022, it is good to reflect on the experiences one has passed through and give thanks to God for everything whether good or bad that has happened.

2021 has definitely been nothing short of interesting and challenging. For instance, as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to ravage, I remember contracting the virus and ultimately surmounting it by the Grace of God. I also recall that I travelled far and wide, and by divine grace, did not experience any accident on any of my trips.

Not limiting my appreciation to this year alone, at the beginning of each year, I always remember one of the scariest experiences I have ever encountered. This was when I travelled by road from Bama to Maiduguri in Borno State in a saloon cab as far back as 1989. I initially sat on the front passenger seat of the car, but a passenger asked me to shift as I was occupying his space. I immediately obeyed and moved to the rear passenger’s seat, just behind him. Another passenger came and claimed that I was seated on his seat, I then moved to the rear passenger’s seat behind the driver. As we waited for the last passenger to join us, an Elderly person came as the 4th and last passenger but insisted that I move to the middle seat. I reasoned with him and obeyed, and sat in the middle of the backseat.

As we travelled, the car was unfortunately involved in a ghastly accident. The driver and all the passengers were called to meet the Lord but only I survived. I immediately found an escape route and ran out of the vehicle screaming like a mad man. As God would have it, I then saw a family friend by name Sini Bugu, now late who was driving down to Michika, Adamawa State. He picked me up and took me home to the Maiduguri Specialist Hospital and reported the matter to my parents before continuing with his journey. I always remember this experience with gratitude because I survived by a slim thread. If anything had happened, I would have not been where I am today.

I also recall that I have been attacked by armed robbers 9 (nine) times in this Country but none of these incidences led to the loss of my life or any of my loved ones.

In 2010, I safely travelled essentially by road to every State capital and many major cities of Nigeria within a span of 6 months. I remember during one of my journeys by air that a plane which had just dropped me at my destination ended up crashing thereafter. Similiter, a plane that was coming for us to board, crash landed before arrival.

The question is, can I thank God enough? Definitely not.

These are things that when we move forward in life, we tend to forget and stop being grateful to our Creator for, rather, we focus on the negatives in our lives which may, at times, seem to overwhelm the blessings.

As the new year comes forth, I encourage each and everyone of you to look back through the years to experiences that you are grateful for but might have forgotten. I wish you a fulfilling new year and hope that you live your best life in 2022.

– Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama OFR, MFR, SAN

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.

‘3 THORNY ISSUES CONTINUE TO BOTHER US,’ AKPATA TELLS LAWYERS

The Nigerian Bar Association (President), Mr. Olumide Akpata has identified three key challenges facing his administration, even as he promised that “we intend to double our efforts this year to ensure that these issues are resolved or, at least, we will lay the foundation for their resolution even beyond our term in office.”

In a New Year message sent to members via email and titled, “RE: Looking back, looking forward – The year ahead of us,” Akpata identified one of the challenges as the slow pace of justice delivery, saying: “The first is the slow pace of administration of justice and the unpleasant experience of many of our members who use the courts. On this, our NBA Judiucary (sic) Committee led by my friend and brother, Dr. Babatunde Ajibade, SAN has been working relentlessly for possible solutions since we set up that Committee. I have the assurances of the Committee that, on account of their work, we will begin to see changes at our courts during the year through their court monitoring activities and other high-level engagements.”

Below is the full text of the message.

RE: Looking back, looking forward – The year ahead of us

My Dear Colleagues,

Let me first thank the Almighty God who saw us through the year 2021 and has given us the opportunity to witness the start of another year. We are especially thankful considering that the year was a challenging one for the legal community in many respects.

Despite the challenges posed by the lockdown of our courts during the JUSUN strike, resurgent Covid-19 pandemic and its attendant economic costs to the legal profession, we were resilient and trudged on. Each of you found reasons to celebrate different feats, and as an association, the NBA also made some significant strides – many of which I communicated to you directly or through our media team in the course of 2021.

That said, I am not oblivious of the losses that we suffered, our colleagues and friends (at the Bar and the Bench) who passed on, and the general challenges that we continue to face as a profession. While 2021 is now history, the much that my team and I can commit to is that we will keep doing our best to address these challenges and justify the confidence that you have in us.

As you know, this year signals the end of this administration as we are constitutionally mandated to handover to a new team by August 2022. This, therefore, will be my last New Year address to you, in my capacity as the NBA President.

Since I have had the privilege of leading the NBA, my team and I have continued to put in every ounce of our energy towards delivering on your mandate and as the administration enters what would be its last months, may I assure you that we will continue to do just that.

When I ran for the office of the President of the NBA, one of the commitments that I made to you was to revive the NBA and make it an institution that delivers real value to its members and the society at large. I believe that this objective is being achieved as we have, through the grace of God, held ourselves to this high standard by ensuring that our interventions are directed at improving the welfare of our members, restoring the place of the Bar in our nation building process and introducing initiatives that will raise the standard of lawyers, make the practice of law more exciting and overall, better our professional lives.

In addition to what we have done and continue to do, I should highlight three thorny issues that continue to bother us as a team and in respect of which we are not relenting. Although we have been working on these issues in varying degrees, we intend to double our efforts this year to ensure that these issues are resolved or, at least, we will lay the foundation for their resolution even beyond our term in office.

The first is the slow pace of administration of justice and the unpleasant experience of many of our members who use the courts. On this, our NBA Judiucary (sic) Committee led by my friend and brother, Dr. Babatunde Ajibade, SAN has been working relentlessly for possible solutions since we set up that Committee. I have the assurances of the Committee that, on account of their work, we will begin to see changes at our courts during the year through their court monitoring activities and other high-level engagements.

The second is remuneration of lawyers and scale of charges for legal services. I quite understand the apprehension of our members in this regard, and I can confirm that the Anthony Nwaochei-led NBA Remuneration Committee has done considerable work on this issue and are putting finishing touches on their proposals. Once this is concluded, and we have the approval of the NBA-NEC, we will make the recommendations and implementation strategies of the Remuneration Committee public and commence enforcement.

The third is under-employment and unemployment of lawyers. While this is a macroeconomic issue and cuts across all professions, we are cognisant of the fact that the NBA can galvanise and play a role in reducing the trend within the legal profession. Our current approach in dealing with this has been largely through our efforts at helping lawyers expand the scope of their practice and become more active in other areas of law outside of our current traditional practice areas. The NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education under the able leadership of Mr. Tobenna Erojikwe has been doing an excellent job in this respect on behalf of the NBA. This year, we will give more institutional attention to the issue of underemployment/unemployment within the profession and devise other practical means of dealing with the conundrum, to the extent that it is within the powers of the NBA to do so. Some of our approaches may not yield the desired results in the short term, but with sustained efforts, I am confident that we will achieve our objectives in the mid to long term.

As I conclude, let me remind us that we are now in the fourth phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the World Health Organisation, with the Omicron variant of the virus ravaging nations and economies, and threatening a new wave of lockdowns in parts of Europe and America. I therefore urge us to continue to comply with, and adhere to, the clinical and non-pharmaceutical practices approved by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to protect ourselves, families, friends, and colleagues from the virus. Let us stay safe as we celebrate into the New Year.

Once again, I wish you a happy and prosperous New Year.

Sincerely,

OLUMIDE AKPATA
President
Nigerian Bar Association

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OTU OKA IWU LAUDS NEW SAN MEMBERS

Otu Oka Iwu, the apex law society for lawyers of Igbo extraction, has congratulated three of its members who were recently elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

In a statement signed by Bar. Joy Nzube-Uzoeghelu and Bar. Obinna Okereke, respectively President and General Secretary of the association, the respected association prayed God to “bless you with wisdom and grace to continue to excel in our noble profession.”

Among the Otu Oka Iwu members elevated to the coveted rank are former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary, Chief Philip Ndubuisi Umeh (SAN); Mr. Ikenna Okoli (SAN) and Dr. Charles Dumbiri Mekwunye (SAN).

It is recalled that two Otu Oka Iwu members, Messrs Chukwuka Ikwuazom (SAN) and Lotanna Okoli (SAN) were equally elevated to the new rank during the penultimate edition.

Below is the statement.

CONGRATULATIONS! 

The Executive Committee of OTU Oka Iwu (Law Society) on behalf of members of the Association congratulate our esteemed members who were conferred with Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on 8th December, 2021. We extend our best wishes and congratulations to you all:

1. Chief Philip Ndubuisi Umeh SAN
2. Mr. Ikenna Okoli SAN
3. Dr. Charles Dumbiri Mekwunye SAN

We pray that God will bless you with wisdom and grace to continue to excel in our noble profession.

Okereke Obinna, Esq.                                                                               Joy Nzube-Uzoeghelu, Esq.
General Secretary                                                                                       President

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.

GADZAMA TO CHAIR ENVIRONMENTAL LAWYERS’ FORUM LAUNCH

The Association of Environmental Lawyers of Nigeria (AELN) will hold its inauguration of Chapters/Clubs today at 3 pm at the Faculty of Law Auditorium, Rivers State University.

The event, billed to be attended by the cream of environmental law practitioners, will be chaired by Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, who is also the Chairman of the Advisory Council of the association.

The ceremony will feature a number of programmes including the inauguration of Chapters/Clubs, Seminars and panel discussion on plastic waste management, launching of waste collection bins, tree planting exercise, and recognition/awards.

Among those expected at the event are Prof. N. S. Okogbule, Vice Chancellor, Rivers State University who is the Special Guest of Honour; Prof. O. V. C. Okene, Dean of Law, Rivers State University and Dr. S. C. Dike, president of the association.

The event is scheduled to start immediately after the Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Meeting.

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AUDACITY OF AKPATA’S WELFARIST STRIDES, BY OGAGA

In this article, OGAGA EMOGHWANRE, Secretary to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Welfare Committee x-rays the interventions of NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata in the area of lawyers’ welfare and argues that the reforms are evident for most lawyers to see

In a little over one year since the Olumide Akpata-led National Executives of the Nigeria Bar Association was inaugurated, there’s a sense of unanimity within the Bar, of the Administration’s various interventions aimed at repositioning the Bar, to its full stature. For a man whose audacity to aspire to lead the Bar was questioned by too many a critic, in the period leading to the historic election, it is gratifying that Olumide Akpata has arguably exceeded the expectations of members, and have restored hope and confidence, where doubt and disillusionment once thrived.

While some Lawyers; obviously in the minority, still beg to be proved beyond reasonable doubt of the giant strides of the Administration though, suffice it, to articulate, brevi manu some of these unprecedented interventions which is borne out of Olumide Akpata’s promise to leave the Bar much better than he met it on the night of his inauguration. I’m particularly concerned here with the aspects of his program relating to the welfare of members.

In my capacity as the Secretary of the Welfare Committee of the Association, ably led by the indefatigable Y.C Maikyau, SAN, I have had the privilege of being involved in the very tedious and arduous processes that have crystalised into a basket of welfaristic program, and should know.

Apparently guided by his “Making the Bar Work for All” vision, it is safe to say that Olumide Akpata has been burning both ends of the proverbial candle in delivering the popular mandate of Nigerian lawyers so much so that Nigerian Lawyers can now boast that the Association is alas, working for them.

From the fulfillment of his promise of two free pack of stamps to every financial member; to the health insurance package with Leadway Assurance which saw an increment of One Million to Two Million Naira to beneficiaries of deceased colleagues; to the ground breaking partnership with the National Health Insurance Scheme; the rejigging of the institute of continuing Legal Education to keep the list short, Olumide Akpata’s implicit commitment in the welfare of all category of lawyers within the Bar, is unassailable.

As laudable as these initiatives are, however, there’s a great concern around how many Lawyers have availed themselves of the opportunities inherent in some of them. A rather disturbing case of such apathy is the Law Pavilion-NBA partnership that is geared at providing legal resources to members in one suite, at incredibly affordable rates. This much, came to the fore, at the recently held Young Lawyers Summit in Ogun State, where yours Truly, had the privilege of addressing the audience on the diverse welfare program of the Olumide Akpata-led NBA.

It is indeed imperative I state that the recently concluded Young Lawyers Summit can be ranked as one of the most successful summit in recent times.

It may be recalled that the NBA recently entered into a highly negotiated partnership with Law Pavilion; the leading tech-driven legal solutions company to provide access to legal resources to various categories of legal practitioners in Nigeria through its Primsol app. The Primsol app, is a web-based legal archive which aggregates all Law Pavilion Legal contents and also gives access to external contents in the form of texts and journals that allows for a robust research experience within the legal system in Nigeria.

Courtesy of that partnership, all members of the Association who are between 1 to 7 years post-call (“Young Lawyers”) who had paid their bar practicing fees on or before 31st March 2021, will enjoy free access to primsol Law Pavilion Legal Search engine for one year while members of the Association from 8 years post-call and above who paid their Bar practicing fees on or before 31st of March 2021 will enjoy highly discounted subscription for one year.

There is however indications that the full benefit of this partnership have not been explored by members. This revelation came to light during the technical session on the Law Pavilion/Primsol partnership during the just concluded Young Lawyers Summit.

A situation where only about 7,942 Lawyers is said to have on-boarded as at 4th of October, 2021 certainly leaves much to be desired.
For a partnership billed to lapse on the 6th of October, 2022 the collective need to latch onto the opportunities provided by same, cannot be overemphasized. The place of research and learning in the work of any lawyer cannot be overstated. Indeed, a lawyer is as good as how much he is able to find the Law and deploy it in the interest of his/her client.

While we can expect even more value-adding welferistic programs from the Olumide Akpata-led NBA, within the remainder of its term, Lawyers; particularly young Lawyers cannot afford to isolate themselves from the huge benefits inherent in the various welfare undertakings made by the Administration. It does not only encourage it to explore more options of membership-reward, it drives the Association closer to Its commitment to its members and society at large.

Regards,

Ogaga Emoghwanre, Esq
Secretary, NBA National Welfare Committee.

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. The assertions and opinions expressed in articles, announcements and/or news on this website reflect the views of the author(s) and do not (necessarily) reflect the views of the webmaster, the internet provider or CITY LAWYER. CITY LAWYER can in no way whatsoever be held responsible for the content of such views nor can it be held liable for any direct or indirect damage that may arise from such views. CITY LAWYER neither guarantees nor supports any product or service mentioned on this website, nor does it warrant any assertions made by the manufacturers or promoters of such products or services. Users of this website are always recommended to obtain independent information and/or to perform independent research before using the information acquired via this website.

 

4,500 LAWYERS ATTEND NBA ENERGY PROGRAMME

No less than 4,500 lawyers registered for the recently concluded “Introductory Training on Energy Law and Policy for Lawyers” course organized by the Energy Faculty of the Nigerian Bar Association Institute of Continuing of Legal Education (NBA-ICLE).

Disclosing this in a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, NBA Publicity Secretary, Dr. Rapulu Nduka thanked the delegates for participating in the 16-day long programme, saying: “The NBA-ICLE is equally grateful to the over 4,500 delegates who registered for the training, and to the Continuing Professional Development Committee of the NBA Lagos Branch for its support.”

Below is the full text of the statement.

NBA-ICLE 16 DAY INTRODUCTORY TRAINING ON ENERGY LAW AND POLICY FOR LAWYERS: COURSE MATERIALS AND GRATITUDE

Dear Colleague,

Following the 16-Day Introductory Training on Energy Law and Policy, organized by the Energy Faculty of the NBA Institute of Continuing of Legal Education (NBA-ICLE), please find attached course materials from the presentations made by the various facilitators.

The NBA-ICLE is grateful to the members of the Energy Faculty, for the roles that they played in making the training a possibility.

The NBA-ICLE is equally grateful to the over 4,500 delegates who registered for the training, and to the Continuing Professional Development Committee of the NBA Lagos Branch for its support.

The Course materials are attached as follows:

Acquisition of Oil and Gas Asset in Nigeria by Dr. Ayodele Oni

Legal and Regulatory Regime in the Oil and Gas Sector by Mr. Akindeji Oyebode

Nigerian Gas Policy and Domestic Supply Regime by Dr. Ayodele Oni

An Overview of The Petroleum Industry Bill, 2020 by Jumoke Fajemirokun Day 1 (Governance)

An Overview of The Petroleum Industry Bill, 2020 by Jumoke Fajemirokun Day 2 (Administration)

Fiscal Tool Box by Oyeyemi Oke

Fiscal Issues in The Nigerian Gas Sector by Sesan Sulaiman

Renewable Energy, Off-grid Solutions and Mini-grids in Nigeria by Dolapo Kukoyi

Overview of the Nigerian Power Sector by Mr. Sola Arifayan

Financing of Power Projects by Desmond Ogba Esq

The Nigerian Power Sector: Market Structure and Post Privatization Developments by Dolapo Kukoyi

Financing Asset Acquisition and Development by Yemisi Awonuga

Please note that there are more capacity building and career development sessions scheduled for the benefit of members in the coming weeks.

NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE)

Dr. Rapulu Nduka
Publicity Secretary,
Nigerian Bar Association

To download the course materials, please click here 

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JUSUN STRIKE: NBA-YLF NNEWI GIFTS PALLIATIVES TO MEMBERS

PRESS RELEASE

Sequel to the protracted strike action by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), the C. E. Okonkwo led executive of the Young Lawyers’ Forum, Nnewi Bar (NBA-YLF NNEWI) today, Friday, 11th June, 2021, distributed Palliative to members of the YLF Nnewi to cushion the effect of the protracted strike action.

The palliative items distributed include cash amount of four thousand five hundred naira (#4500) each to about forty (40) members, NBA Nnewi Sports kit and bags of rice. These items were donated by some members and friends of the Branch.

The Donors include:
1. Ike Obeta, Esq. – #20,000
2. A. O. Uzodike, Esq. – #20,000
3. Ifeanyi David, Esq. – #50,000
4. Anonymous – #50,000
5. Anonymous – #20,000
6. Stanley A. Ojiaku, Esq.- #10,000
7. C. E. Okonkwo, Esq. – #10,000
8. O. J. C. Chikaelo, Esq. – #11,000
9. Chimezie Ezechukwu, Esq. – #10,000
10. Obinna F. Okeke, Esq. – #10,000.
11. Ifeanyi David, Esq. – 4 sets of NBA Nnewi sports kit
12. Chimezie Ezechukwu – 5 Bags of Rice

In appreciation, the beneficiaries were very excited about the development and expressed their gratitude to the Young Lawyers’ Forum Chairman, C. E. Okonkwo, Esq. and his entire executive members for their sagacity. The YLF in a special way also appreciates the donors for their show of generosity.

Obinna Okeke, Esq., MICMC
Publicity Secretary, NBA-YLF, Nnewi

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REVALIDATION: CAC SET TO BAR LAWYERS’ PORTAL ACCESS TODAY

Barring an extension of the deadline, many lawyers will from tomorrow be unable to access the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) company registration portal (CRP), as the deadline for revalidation of their accreditations lapses today.

Meanwhile, there are strong indications that the challenges that have led to an online petition to remove the CAC Registrar General, Mr. Garba Abubakar have persisted. This is not unconnected with the difficulty in accessing the portal for the revalidation exercise.

A senior lawyer who sought help to overcome such challenges said: “I have been trying to re-accredit in accordance with this post. I have not been successful. Have you done it? Please, if you have, kindly tell me how to proceed. It is just two days away from the 10th.”

Still unsuccessful, the senior lawyer said: “Kindly take me through how you did. I tried as early as between 1 & 2 am today without success.”

Upon a successful revalidation, the prompt on the user’s home page disappears, while a REMITA generated receipt is sent to the user’s email address. 

It is recalled that CAC had issued a notice reminding accredited agents to revalidate their accreditations, and warning that “Accreditations that are not revalidated by Customers at the end of the prescribed date shall be suspended by the Commission.”

Below is the full text of the statement:

PUBLIC NOTICE ON THE REMINDER OF SUSPENSION OF ACCREDITATION ACCOUNTS NOT REVALIDATED BY 10TH JUNE 2021

The Commission wishes to remind its Accredited Customers that as earlier notified, they are required to revalidate their accreditations on or before Thursday, 10th June 2021. Accreditations that are not revalidated by Customers at the end of the prescribed date shall be suspended by the Commission.

Please note that any Customer that becomes newly accredited between January 2020 to date does not have to revalidate.

To revalidate accreditation, Customers should visit https://pre.cac.gov.ng

Customers should note that this notice supersedes the earlier notice of 1st January 2021.

Signed:
Management
2nd June 2021

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