CIArb OPENS REGISTRATION FOR PORT HARCOURT ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), Nigeria Branch has commenced registration for its 2022 Annual Conference which holds in Port Harcourt, Rivers State from November 9 to 11, 2022.

According to a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, the theme of the Annual Conference is “Restating the Legitimacy of Arbitration: Africa Taking the Lead.”

The three-day conference has a lot of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and arbitration-specific topics lined up for discussion by leading experts in the industry.

Signed by by Messrs Mr. Aham Ejelam (SAN, MCIArb) and Mr. Godwin Omoaka (SAN, FCIArb), both Co-Chair for the Annual Conference, the statement said that “Leading speakers drawn from related ADR fields have been assembled to deliver papers and act as panelists during the conference.” 

“The conference also provides an opportunity for participants to socialise and network for career growth,” it added.

The conference will kick off on November 9, 2022 with the Young Members Group Conference also in Port Harcourt which has the theme, “Bridging arbitral culture in a new era.”

An induction of new members and Gala Nite will draw the curtains on the eagerly awaited Annual Conference.

To register, visit www.ciarbnigeria.org/conference. For enquiries, please contact conference@ciarbnigeria.org or call 08034644337.

CIArb is the recognised global thought leader on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), operating in over 40 countries. Based across and supported by an international network of about 42 branches, the Institute supports members’ career development, enabling them to compete in an ever-changing market.

Its network of worldwide branches provides members with the knowledge, skills and resources to improve their arbitration practice. Be at the forefront of the growth and development of ADR practice by attending the conference, sharing, and engaging on a global level.

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NBA EKET LAW WEEK: GADZAMA GIVES KEYNOTE SPEECH, DECRIES INSECURITY, POVERTY

FEATURED

JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 2022 LAW WEEK OF NBA, EKET BRANCH, AKWA IBOM STATE

On Wednesday, June 29, 2022, the NBA, Eket branch held the opening ceremony of its law week with the theme, “Nigerian State and the Crisis of Governance: What Hope for 2023 and Beyond” at Royalty Hotels & Recreation, Eket, Akwa Ibom State.

Devout Bar man, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN was recognized as the keynote speaker of the ceremony. The Chairman of the branch’s 2022 Bar week gave the welcome address and thanked the Learned Silk and other eminent guests present for attending the event. The chairman of of the occasion, Hon. Justice Ifiok Ukana (Rtd) noted that the theme of the event is very apt considering the current situation of things in the country. He also stated that the Learned Silk, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama is best suited to deliver the keynote address on the theme.

Hon. Justice Edem Akpan who represented the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Ekaette F. Obot declared the law week of the branch open. Prior to that, he commended the leadership of the Bar and keyed into the perspective shared by the chairman of the occasion. He further stated that corruption has eaten deep into the fabrics of our society and therefore, impeded the growth of our nation.

“I am here to claim my birthright” the Learned Silk jokingly stated while informing all that he is also a son of Eket. In his usual manner, he rendered justice to the theme. During his keynote address, he enumerated the indices of both good and bad governance. He expressed his displeasure over the level of poverty and insecurity in the country. One major highlight from his keynote address was the fact that he stated that all stakeholders need to discuss on the roadblocks preventing the growth of the nation and the steps to take to advance our nation. This fact was also reiterated by Mr. Uko Essien Udom, SAN, the Attorney-General of the State while addressing the audience.

The opening ceremony of the branch’s law week was indeed indelible as it witnessed the launching of the branch’s Bar journal and an inflow of highly distinguished personalities in the legal profession ranging from present and past Justices of the High Court of the State to Learned Senior Advocates of Nigeria and then to leaders of the Bar and NBA branches in Akwa Ibom State. Some of these personalities include: Hon. Justice Theresa Obot; Hon. Justice Effiong Effiong; Rt. Hon. Chief Nduese Essien; Hon. Justice B.F Etuk; Hon. Justice Pius Idion; Hon. Obong Goddy Umoh; Rt. Hon. Bassey Essien; Hon. Nimi Walson Jack, past Secretary General of NBA; Mr. Kunle Ogunba, SAN; Snr. Magistrate Esther Etuk Udo; Dr. Amanim Akpabio; Mojisola Tijani, chairperson of FIDA, Eket branch; Nsima Nsima,Esq., past chairman of NBA, Eket branch; Essien Essien, Esq., past chairman of NBA, Uyo branch; Mrs. Gloria Etim, Esq., incumbent chairman of NBA, Eket branch; Aniefiok Ekwere, chairman elect, NBA, Eket branch; Ememobong Nicholas, Esq., chairman of NBA, Uyo branch; Mr. Akpadiaha Ebitu, Esq., chairman of the planning committee of the 2022 Bar week of the branch; Mrs. Ekaette Ukpong, Director in the State’s Ministry of Justice and a host of others.

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‘YOU BOOSTED MY FAITH IN THE FUTURE BAR,’ EDE ASENOGUAN TELLS NBA IJEBU-ODE YLF

ASENOGUAN OSAMUEDE ISOBOMUWA, CANDIDATE FOR NBA GENERAL SECRETARY LAUDS THE YOUNG LAWYERS’ FORUM, IJEBU ODE BRANCH ON ITS FIRST INAUGURAL LECTURE

The first Inaugural Lecture of the Young Lawyers’ Forum, Ijebu Ode branch had the theme, “The Influence of Justice and Order in a Developing Society.” Notable members of the bar were selected as speakers and panelists.

Mr. Osamuede Asenoguan was a panelist at the event, and has hailed the Forum for prioritizing resourceful activities within the branch.

His words:

“Whenever young lawyers put together thought provoking programs, my confidence in the prosperous future of our dear profession and association is further strengthened.

The young lawyers of Ijebu Ode branch have shown capacity to be an integral part of that prosperous future. They have assembled very notable personalities of the NBA to share their thoughts on the topic ‘The Influence of Justice and Order in a Developing Society’ which is the center-point of their first Inaugural Lecture.

I was more than glad to be a panelist at this event wherein I had yet another opportunity to harp on the undeniable link between the rule of law and progress of a nation.

I commend the leadership and members of the Young Lawyers’ Forum, Ijebu Ode branch for this feat.

Thank you and God bless.”

Signed:
Asenoguan Osamuede Isobomuwa, Esq.,
Past Chairman NBA Benin,
Candidate for NBA General Secretary

 

‘LOOKING BACK ENABLES BETTER DECISIONS,’ SAFIYA BALARABE LAUDS NBA IKEJA

SAFIYA BALARABE, CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF THE NBA TREASURER SENDS GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NBA IKEJA AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR 2022 ANNUAL LAW WEEK

Safiya Balarabe, candidate for NBA Treasurer, has penned a goodwill message to the Ikeja Branch of the NBA on the occasion of their 2022 Annual Law celebration tagged: “2023, looking backward to move forward” holding between 10th and 17th of June, 2022.

The statement reads”

“The distinguished leadership and members of the NBA Ikeja branch (“Tiger Bar”),

I am delighted to extend my thoughts to your great branch as you celebrate your 2022 Annual Law Week. The theme ‘2023, looking backward to move forward’ reminds us of the importance of looking back in time order to make better decisions with a view to making desired progress. We cannot as a nation afford to get it wrong in 2023, hence, we must let ourselves be guided by antecedents while making our choices.

This theme could not have been more apt. As a matter of fact, it is one of the best I have come across thus far. I commend the Tiger Bar for this timely reminder.

I wish you a successful Law Week celebration.

Thank you and God bless”

Signed:

Safiya Balarabe

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

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‘YOUR LAW WEEK THEME IS APT,’ TAIDI TELLS NBA IKEJA BRANCH

GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION IKEJA BRANCH ON HER 2022 LAW WEEK

It is with great delight that I felicitate with the Chairman, Executive and Planning Committees as well as the entire members of the Nigerian Bar Association Ikeja Branch on her 2022 Law Week with the theme: “2023: Looking Backwards To Move Forward.”

There is a common African saying that “God created eyes in front so we can always look forward rather than backwards.”

However, as the great Chinua Achebe said, “We must know where the rain began to beat us in order to know where we dried our body.” In other words, it is only by examining the past that we are able to take stock and measure our progress in every endeavour.

Therefore, the choice of this theme is remarkably creative and apt and like the roar of a lion, quite a wake up call in view of the approaching general elections scheduled for 2023.

The recent primary elections of the major political parties, which was brazenly “dollarized,” was a huge embarrassment to our democratic journey.

Of great concern is the supervision of these carnivals by various national agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices are Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) and other similar bodies which have, at their disposal, the facilities and manpower to check these excesses, but chose to look the other way.

It is impossible to make any meaningful progress when we fail to examine the issues that continue to take us backwards in this same journey where other countries with less potentials have recorded tremendous growth.

I challenge all participants at this event to put on their thinking cap and help discover the ways out of our regressive quargmire as a nation.

This indeed will be the greatest gift in our quest for national rebirth.

May we all be counted as part of the solution as we share very meaningful exchanges on this august occasion.

I wish you all a memorable and beneficial law week.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq.
Candidate for NBA President

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TAIDI TASKS NBA BENIN ON INSECURITY AS LAW WEEK THEME

GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION BENIN BRANCH ON HER 2022 LAW WEEK

The Lion Bar chose a great theme: “Security: Panacea for National Growth” and I congratulate the organisers, leaders and members of the branch on this auspicious occasion of the 2022 Bar Week.

Security is a condition precedent to every human endeavour and its absence, known as insecurity, is the albatross of our society. This critical discourse, on this occasion, affords us a unique opportunity to re-examine the existential threats to security of lives and property which is the primary purpose of governance.

It is expected that the legal community and the nation will discover the solution we seek from the outcome of this law week which promises to be like no other.

We eagerly await the resolutions which we hope will signal a new beginning for peaceful and purposeful co-existence and, like the roar of a lion, clear all the obstacles along its path.

I wish all participants a memorable and beneficial law week

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq.
Candidate for NBA President

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‘YOUR LAW WEEK THEME IS QUITE APT,’ AMANDA ASAGBA TELLS NBA IKEJA

Amanda Demechi-Asagba, President of AWLA and Candidate for NBA 3rd Vice President felicitates with the Chairman Barth Aguegbogo and all members of NBA Ikeja Branch (TIGER BAR) on their Law Week 2022

I am filled with so much joy in congratulating the Chairman and entire members of my home branch NBA Ikeja Branch on the 2022 edition of the branch’s Law Week tagged, “2023; Looking backward to move forward.”

So rightly captured is the theme of this year’s law week as it serves as a guide to the activities of humans generally, in looking back to learn from the past, and then making advancement.

I am optimistic that we shall achieve great success in the forthcoming event.

To the Law Week Planning Committee, I say a huge thank you for delivering this landmark event.

Forward Ever!

Amanda Demechi-Asagba

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TAIDI LAUDS NBA ABUJA FOR LAW WEEK

GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION ABUJA BRANCH ON HER 2022 LAW WEEK 

I congratulate the Chairman, Executive Committee and Members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abuja Branch on her 2022 Law Week. 

The theme: “Credible Electoral Process, Rule of Law, Leadership and Good Governance: The Way Forward,” is both timely, and well thought out given our negative experience on all fronts and the renewed opportunity presented by the upcoming 2023 general elections. 

The way forward is to identify the reasons why unlike other nations which attained political independence with Nigeria, we have become a symbol of retrogression.

I therefore challenge all participants to contribute meaningfully to the discussions on this very important area so that our nation will find that elusive path to greatness. 

Happy deliberations as I wish you a fruitful outcome. 

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq 

Candidate for NBA President

‘INTERROGATE ISSUES THAT BESET US,’ TAIDI URGES NBA BAUCHI ON LAW WEEK

GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION BAUCHI BRANCH ON HER 2022 LAW WEEK 

I felicitate with the Chairman, Executive and Planning Committee as well as entire members of the Nigerian Bar Association Bauchi Branch on her 2022 Law Week holding between 3rd – 10th June, 2022.

As has become the tradition, each year our colleagues congregate during a chosen period which has been earmarked for interaction, stock taking and unwinding.

This year’s law week is not particularly different except that the theme requires that we use the platform to discuss issues that have held our nation back while also interrogating the problems militating against the administration of justice.

I urge all participants to actively engage in the events during this law week and come up with recommendations that will take us out of the woods.

Wishing you all a fulfilling and memorable week. 

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq 

Candidate for NBA President

‘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

‘X-RAY ISSUES THAT HINDER LAW AND DEMOCRACY,’ TAIDI TELLS NBA MINNA LAW WEEK

GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION MINNA BRANCH ON HER 2022 LAW WEEK

I felicitate with the Chairman, Executive Committee and Members of the Nigerian Bar Association Minna Branch on the occasion of her 2022 Law Week with the theme: “Law & Democracy: Progress, Challenges & Prospects.”

Law and Democracy like Siamese twins are the foundation of good governance and development. Any society therefore which is consistently grappling with the rudiments of good governance and development stands on a shaky foundation.

The theme of the law week and the topical issues lined up for discussion are timely given the precarious state of our nation which is in need of retooling.

I congratulate the Planning Committee for bringing to the front burner the progress so far recorded, the attendant challenges and the urgent need to find a pathway to the progress and prosperity of our nation.

I charge all participants to take advantage of this platform and interrogate issues militating against law and democracy and profer workable solutions aimed at bailing our ailing nation.

I wish you all a memorable and beneficial law week.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq
Candidate for NBA President

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I WISH ALL EASTERN BAR FORUM DELEGATES JOURNEY MERCIES – AMANDA ASAGBA

WISHING ALL EASTERN BAR FORUM DELEGATES JOURNEY MERCIES 

I wish to express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, the Governor of the Eastern Bar Forum and the entire members of the Forum for their warm reception at the last quarterly meeting of the Forum in Calabar.

I am especially thankful for the opportunity to speak to the esteemed audience, and for the focused and inspiring deliberations.

The theme of the meeting was quite thought-provoking. That the EBF encourages its members to take the lead in being the voice of the voiceless and to take deliberate action to checkmate impunity and injustice is very commendable. It is no longer safe to see evil and do nothing, as this is bound to consume even the unwary in the long run.

I wish all delegates and stakeholders journey mercies.

Amanda Demechi-Asagba

‘WE NEED LAWYERS TO SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER,’ CLEMENT CHUKWUEMEKA TELLS NBA BWARI

Special Goodwill Message To My Branch, NBA Bwari Branch (Cradle Bar) On The Occasion of her Annual Law Week, 2022

There is always joy when you look back and discover that , your foundational Branch remains a key player in the Bar community.

The topic and the keynote speaker must have been chosen by the wisest men in this legal profession. I, Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka am not surprised to see the quality and caliber of discussants.

Bwari Branch, in the last Ten years has demonstrated capacity of standing amongst the oldest branches of NBA, chilling comfortably with the big boys branches in area of advocacy.

The above is demonstrated in the novel and epoch Theme chosen for this year’s law week. While lawyers are running away from condemnation , responsibility and blames, the leadership under the captainship of the pilot, Monday Adjeh refused to exonerate lawyers in the problem bedeviling the Nigeria space, hence the choice of the law week topic across the NBA community: THE STATE OF THE NATION, Where are the lawyers?

Lawyers in Nigeria have disappointed the Nigerian society; I can attribute all these to the lackadaisical approach of lawyers towards human rights abuses, exoneration of being the chief pressure group in the land and above all, reluctance in holding leaders accountable to their disrespect to rule of law and protection of life and property, not leaving out the religiosity monster amongst colleagues.

You can not be a judge of a court without firstly, being a lawyer! The Bench and the Bar must agree that lawyers have failed this nation and begin to thinker very quickly the solution and mechanisms as the way forward for Nigeria .

The sub-theme of the event can be seen as catalyst towards achieving a state of the nation where all amenities for survival abound. Can the lawyers perform optimally without first imbibing the ethics of the profession? Can we actualize a good state of the nation without proper administration of justice founded on the principle of rule of law? The absence of the above can never guarantee us the Dinner topic which is Unity In diversity ! We must act now.

The topic no doubt will keep all Nigerians, especially lawyers in a state of reclaiming our nation . We lawyers are responsible to the woes of this nation and it is high time we began in earnest to tell ourselves the truth about our responsibility as the soul of the nation. If we rise up today to say bad governance shall be over , it shall be so.

It is so because , the leaders of the nation submits to us to adjudicate on their existence . We owe the society a duty to do justice and when we begin to deliver meritorious judgement and lawyers that appear before the Judex maintains a high moral standard for the good of the nation , be rest assured the bad state of the nation shall be eroded and the new order of goodness shall be our portion moving forward .

In conclusion, I must thank the organizers and I sincerely felicitate with the NBA Bwari Branch as it holds her Law week. I appreciate the leadership for choosing a Democrat like me, Senator SHEHU SANI to be the keynote speaker. I cannot thank the Chairman enough for this wonderful topic, coming at a time where ethical value of a lawyer before the society is eroding by the day.

Lawyers must lead this discussion and reclaim our lost glory. In the next one month, lawyers shall be electing their leaders; we owe ourselves the duty to look inward and vote for the right candidates that could look the government of day in the face and speak truth to power as well as activate the pressure group mantra to salvage our nation.

May I wish the Chairman, Branch Executives and members of the Branch a successful Law Week.

Finally, I wish the members and participants a fun filled day .

God bless NBA Bwari Branch

God bless the Nigerian Bar Association

God bless Nigeria.

Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka, Esq.

Immediate Past Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Bwari Branch, Abuja

(A cleared Aspirant for the office of the 2nd Vice President Of NBA )

‘YOUR LAW WEEK THEME VERY APT,’ SAFIYA BALARABE TELLS NBA ILE-IFE

GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM SAFIYA BALARABE TO THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION, ILE-IFE BRANCH ON HER 2022 LAW WEEK

“The highly respected Chairman, Executives and Members of the great Ile-Ife branch, I extend my unalloyed regards to you on the occasion of your annual law week taking place between 30th of May to 1st of June,2022.

The chosen theme: ‘Exploring the Law as a Catalyst towards a truly Federal State’ is very apt, especially as a country that practices a federal system of government.

We have however noticed overtime that the federal system has been bastardized by politicians; turning same on its head with the resultant effect being mismanagement and embezzlement of resources across the different levels of government, lack of accountability from political leaders amongst others.

Flowing from the above, I strongly believe that with the great personalities who will be speaking on the theme, like the revered Chairman of the Body of Benchers cum a respected leader, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN as the Guest Speaker and Prof. Abiola Sanni SAN as a keynote speaker, the theme and all topics on your Law Week program shall be well discussed and possible solutions proffered.

Once again, I wish you a wonderful Law Week celebration.

God bless you”.

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

NBA ILE-IFE LAW WEEK THEME EXCITES ISAAC OGBAH

FEATURED

ISAAC OMUTA OGBAH EXTENDS HIS GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NBA ILE-IFE ON HER 2022 LAW WEEK

Nigeria as a Nation became a Federal state in 1954. However, can we say we are truly a Federal State? What constitutes a Federal State? What is the role of the Law in achieving a truly Federal State. I believe these and many more are the highlights of the topic of discuss Exploring the Law as a Catalyst Towards a Truly Federal State as the members of NBA Ile-Ife Bar celebrate their Law Week.

I felicitate with the Executives and Members of the NBA Ile-Ife Bar on the occasion of their Law Week and wish them a happy deliberation.

ISAAC OMUTAH OGBAH, FICMC

Former Chairman, Ota NBA Branch

AMANDA ASAGBA LAUDS NBA KADUNA, ILE-IFE ON LAW WEEK

FEATURED

AMANDA ASAGBA COMMENDS NBA ILE-IFE BRANCH ON LAW WEEK

I rejoice with the Chairperson and Members of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ile Ife Branch on your 2022 Law Week.

The theme of your Law Week, “Exploring the Law as a Catalyst towards a truly Federal State” is very insightful and thought-provoking, especially in this season when centrifugal forces are tugging at the soul of the nation.

I am confident that resolutions from this epoch-making event will contribute immensely in forging the much-needed unity in our country. Ile-Ife, “The Source” remains a great bastion of modern civilization and knowledge that we are all proud of.

I wish you every success during the Law Week and beyond.

AMANDA ASAGBA
Former NBA NEC Rep,
President, African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA)

AMANDA ASAGBA HAILS NBA KADUNA BRANCH ON LAW WEEK

I felicitate with the Branch Chairman, Executive Committee, Planning Committee, Bar Leaders and all members of Kaduna Branch on your 2022 Law Week holding from 27th to 31st May, 2022.

I find the theme of the Law Week, “Expanding the Frontiers of Legal Practice” most apposite in an era when technology has completely disrupted the legal profession.

There is no gainsaying that lawyers who are able to tap into the emerging new trends and deepen their expertise are bound to be much-sought-after in the new era.

I urge you all to utilize the opportunities thrown up by the Law Week to enrich your knowledge in new areas of law and adequately prepare yourselves for the brave new world of law practice.

Congratulations!

AMANDA ASAGBA
Former NBA NEC Rep,
President, African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA)

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TAIDI EXTOLS NBA KADUNA, ILE-IFE ON LAW WEEK

FEATURED

GOODWILL MESSAGE TO CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION ILE IFE BRANCH ON HER 2022 LAW WEEK WITH THE THEME: EXPLORING THE LAW AS A CATALYST TOWARDS A TRULY FEDERAL STATE”

I felicitate with the Chairperson and Members of Ile Ife Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association on her 2022 Law Week.

The programme is focusing on the very important and very controversial aspect of our existence as a nation fondly referred to as ‘Federation,’ when some say we actually practice a military style unitary system where no matter the level of oppression you are expected to fall in line.
This system is the bane of our development as it promotes over dependence on revenue from the centre and leaves unaccountable streams of revenue to be exploited for personal use.

It is my firm conviction that we can get it right by engagements such as this and by continuing the sort of discourse aimed at fashioning a truly federal state where equity and justice prevail.

I am delighted that this discussion is holding at the ‘source’ of the great O’dua heritage and hope the outcome will be the foundation of a true federation.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq.
Candidate for NBA President

GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION KADUNA BRANCH ON HER 2022 LAW WEEK

I felicitate with the Chairman, Law Week Organising Committee and Members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Kaduna Branch on the occasion of the 2022 Law Week on the theme: “Expanding the Frontiers of Legal Practice”.

At independence, legal practice in the Nigerian parlance connotes litigation. However, overtime, other areas of practice of law evolved in response to the emerging dynamics of society.

In the 21st century there abound relatively new areas that are either dominated by expatriates who have no right of audience under our law or where we have very few members with expertise to shine in those areas.

There is therefore the need to equip ourselves with the requisite knowledge on diverse and emerging areas of law so that we put a permanent wedge on incursion from foreigners under whatever guise or shade.

This law week affords us the platform to interrogate the challenges bedevelling our ability to diversify into emerging practice areas and stem the tide of pervasive external incursion into our legal space. I therefore challenge participants to take advantage of this platform to discover solutions for our overall benefit.

I wish distinguished participants a rewarding experience and fruitful outcome.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq.
Candidate for NBA President

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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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SAFIYA BALARABE ACCLAIMS NBA ISIOKPO YOUNG LAWYERS

FEATURED

SAFIYA BALARABE’S GOODWILL MESSAGE TO YOUNG LAWYERS’ FORUM ISIOKPO BRANCH ON ONE DAY SEMINAR

The Young Lawyers’ Forum, Isiokpo branch has put together a power-packed one day Seminar themed: “Contemporary Areas in Legal Practice: Challenges and Prospects for Young Lawyers”. The event which holds today, 27th May, 2022 features notable legal personalities.

Safiya Balarabe’s goodwill message to the Forum is reproduced below:

“The Chairman, Executives and Members of the Young Lawyers’ Forum, Isiokpo branch,

It gives me great pleasure to commend you for taking out time to organize a program that chronicles the legal elevation of young lawyers within and outside your branch.

‘Contemporary Areas in Legal Practice: Challenges and Prospects for Young Lawyers’ is a theme so well couched, it could not have been any better. This theme coupled with the array of seasoned speakers you have selected informs of the capacity with which your Forum conduct its affairs.

It is my desire that every young lawyer in Nigeria has access to quality opportunities to foster growth. This program is a great boost in this regard.

May your Forum never run out of steam.

Thank and God bless”

Signed:
Safiya Balarabe
Treasurer, NBA Women Forum.

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SAFIYA BALARABE PRAISES NBA EFFURUN BRANCH ON LAW WEEK

Safiya Balarabe has extended to NBA Effurun Branch a message of felicitation on the occasion of its 2022 Annual Law Week tagged, “The Role of the Judiciary in Nation Building” slated for 25th to 27th May, 2022.

The statement reads:

TREASURER NBA WOMEN FORUM, SAFIYA BALARABE FELICITATES THE EFFURUN BRANCH ON ACCOUNT OF THEIR 2022 ANNUAL LAW WEEK CELEBRATION

“The gathering of learned minds is always an assembly of immense resourcefulness.

Permit me, the Chairman, Executives and Branch Members of the Effurun branch to use this medium in extending to your gathering of distinguished learned minds my unalloyed felicitations on the occasion of your 2022 Annual Law with the carefully couched theme: ‘The Role of the Judiciary in Nation Building’.

If anyone asks what the role of the judiciary in Nation building is, it is safe to answer that the judiciary is the keeper of the nation’s sanctity without which same would be in a state of complete disarray. This underscores how important the judiciary is to any nation and this is why we must always seek to protect it. I am convinced that this event will in no small measure open our eyes all the more to the need of protecting the judiciary while it carries out this function.

I wish you a successful event.

Thank you”.

Signed:

Safiya Balarabe
Treasurer, NBA Women Forum

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SAFIYA BALARABE HAILS NBA YENAGOA ON LAW WEEK

2022 LAW WEEK: GOODWILL MESSAGE BY SAFIYA BALARABE, TREASURER NBA WOMEN FORUM TO THE YENAGOA BRANCH OF THE NBA

The Law Week Celebration of Yenagoa Branch of the NBA is billed for 25th to 29th of May, 2022 with the theme: “Building a Stronger Judiciary”.

Safiya Balarabe, the Treasurer of the NBA Women Forum has sent in a goodwill message ahead of the event reproduced as follows:

“The Chairman, Executive and branch members of the great Yenagoa Branch,

It is in anticipation of your 2022 annual Law Week celebration themed ‘Building a Stronger Judiciary’, that I wish to convey my wishes and regards to you.

Being a staunch proponent of total judicial Independence, your Law Week is one I look forward to. I am excited that we will have yet another opportunity to drive home this all important message of judicial independence, which is the most important factor in ensuring a strong judiciary in Nigeria. The judiciary they say is the last hope of the common man, but what hope is there for anyone if it cannot even carry itself?

In the same vein, I also look forward to the paper presentation with the topic: “Nullification of Executive Order 10 and its implication in the quest for Judicial Financial Autonomy”.

I wish you a great Law Week ahead, and may the deliberations therein be put into action for the betterment of your Branch, our noble association and the country at large.

Thank you”.

Signed:

Safiya Balarabe

Treasurer, NBA Women Forum

NBA-SBL CONFAB TO X-RAY DEVELOPMENTS IN BIZ LAW

The forthcoming 16th Annual International Business Law Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) in July will focus on recent developments in the Nigerian business law environment and how they have shaped or affected business operations in the country, a statement by the organisers has indicated.

The conference is scheduled to hold from Wednesday, 20th to Friday, 22nd July, 2022 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital.

Themed “Recent Developments in the Business Law Environment”, the conference will seek to dissect some recent developments in the business law environment, how they have affected businesses, and proffer the way forward to enable businesses to thrive, according to a note issued by the NBA-SBL 2022 Conference Planning Committee (CPC).

It is understood that businesses operate within an environment and whatever happens in the business environment affects businesses and determines whether they thrive or fail.

Theodora Kio-Lawson, Chair, Media, Publicity & Mobilisation Subcommittee of the CPC, said the discussions at the conference will cut across sectors, from oil and gas to finance, tax administration, tech, and the business of law, among others.

A programme schedule made available to CITY LAWYER shows that there will be 11 plenary sessions, with sub-themes including “The Petroleum Industry Act – Making it Work”; “AfCTFA – The Prospects for the Nigerian Business Lawyer”; “CAMA 2020: The Journey So Far”; “Tax Administration Strides and the Nigerian Business Environment”; and “ESG and the Nigerian Business Environment”.

Others are “The Regulation of Over-The-Top Services: Necessity or Overreaching?”; “The Nigerian Startup Bill – Economic enabler?”; “In-house & External Counsel Relationship – New Trends and Expectations”; “The New Face of Competition – Merger Control in the Nigerian Context”; “The Business of Law – New Frontiers, and Succession”; and “Tackling the Challenges of Ponzi Schemes: Insolvency as a Resolution Tool”.

Kio-Lawson said the NBA-SBL is assembling a distinguished faculty of knowledgeable speakers and resource persons from within and outside Nigeria to discuss these issues.

The NBA-SBL Annual Business Law Conference has, since its inception in 2004, continued to provide a platform for stakeholders in the Nigerian business environment to address the issues that affect the business environment as well as businesses operating within the environment. Over the years, the conference has explored themes that include “Bringing Down the Barriers: The Law as a Vehicle for Intra-Africa Trade”; “Growth, Investment and Employment: Beyond Rhetoric”; “Re-tooling Business for Change: Leveraging the Tech Explosion”; “Law and the Changing Face of Legal Practice”, among others.

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TAIDI PRAISES NBA CALABAR, HARPS ON NEED FOR ‘PEOPLE’S CONSTITUTION’

The immediate past General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Jonathan Taidi has commended NBA Calabar Branch on its choice of theme for this year’s Annual Law Week.

Describing the theme as “quite apt,” the Bar Leader said that it is “coming at a time when our nation faces multiple challenges, including issues surrounding the extant constitution and the quest by ethnic nationalities for a truly people-oriented constitution that is the product of genuine participation by representatives of the diverse groups that make up this country.”

He expressed hope that the outcome of the discussions at the Law Week “will help contribute to the existing conversation around a genuine people’s constitution and how best to solve the lingering agitations and yearnings of our people.”

Below is the full text of the goodwill message.

GOODWILL MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (NBA) CALABAR BRANCH (DOYEN BAR) 2022 BAR WEEK

It is with great delight that I felicitate with the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Calabar Branch on the occasion of her 2022 Bar Week with the theme: “We The People: Agenda For National Consensus.”

This theme is quite apt, coming at a time when our nation faces multiple challenges, including issues surrounding the extant constitution and the quest by ethnic nationalities for a truly people-oriented constitution that is the product of genuine participation by representatives of the diverse groups that make up this country.

It is my utmost expectation that the outcome of the discussions at the Bar Week will help contribute to the existing conversation around a genuine people’s constitution and how best to solve the lingering agitations and yearnings of our people.

I wish all attendees a memorable Bar Week.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq.
NBA General Secretary (2018 – 2020)

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NBA LAGOS LAW WEEK: OYEBODE DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS TODAY

Renowned professor of jurisprudence and international law, Professor Akin Oyebode will today deliver the keynote address at the eagerly awaited Opening Ceremony of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch Law Week.

The Law Week kicked off last Friday with a jumat service for Muslim faithful as well as a Thanksgiving Service at Good News Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos, setting the stage for today’s opening ceremony. This year’s Law Week has as its theme, “Democracy and Legal Order: Shaping the Future.”

Speaking at a press conference to herald the Law Week, the Chairman of the Law Week Committee, Mr. Wale Adesokan (SAN) said the programme would explore the need for deliberate action in utilising Nigeria’s democracy and the law in shaping the future that Nigerians desire. He added that the event would emphasize the consequences of inaction in the face of ills plaguing the polity.

His words: “This year’s Lagos Law Week comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s multifaceted crisis and the resulting mounting pressure that threatens the future of the country. By leading this discourse, NBA Lagos Branch seeks to chart a new course for the redemption of the nation’s legal system and the freedom that citizens should enjoy in a democratic nation.

“It is a chance to listen, contribute, learn, unlearn and relearn, as we all work towards building a working system and a free world, in the most relaxing and comfortable environments.”

Speaking on the eight plenary sessions slated for the Law Week, the Branch Chairman, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna said: “To set the tone for the most important event of our legal year is the unveiling of our plenary sessions. Spread out over a period of two days, March 21 and 22, our plenary sessions will explore the role of good governance and legal order in curbing societal ills that threaten to define and shape the future of our country, explore the role of the private sector in ensuring accountability in governance and contributing to good governance, touch on the adequacy of the current fiscal arrangement within Nigeria and examine impediments to the actualisation of Nigeria’s full potential as an investment destination.

“It would also examine the introduction of more practical aspects to the study of Law in tertiary institutions, discuss the alternative business rescue options introduced by the 2020 CAMA and the challenges being faced in implementing them; explore the leveraging of technology to increase efficiency in case scheduling and management; and most importantly, the role of the judiciary, legislature, and the executive in the forthcoming 2023 elections.”

The plenary session will feature NBA Trustee, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN); Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba and the Chief Executive of Financial Derivatives, Mr. Bismarck Rewane. They will speak on the “Role of the Private Sector in National Development.”

CITY LAWYER gathered that Goodwill Messages will be received from the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Sanwo-Olu; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata.

Scheduled to run from March 18 to 25, 2022 the Law Week will also witness visits to Ikoyi Correctional Centre and the Macy Children Centre, Lagos where donations would be made to the facilities. A Health Walk is also billed as part of the Law Week.

Before his retirement, Professor Oyebode served as an erudite Professor of International Law and Jurisprudence at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

In 1967, he left Nigeria to study International Law at Kiev State University, Ukraine where he secured an LLB and an LLM with the highest distinction. He returned to Nigeria in 1973 to begin his career as a Graduate Assistant Lecturer at UNILAG. 1n 1975, he obtained another LLM from Harvard Law School, Cambridge.

He subsequently enrolled at Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Toronto, Canada, the largest and leading law school in Canada, earning a Doctor of Jurisprudence (D.Jur.) in 1988, having specialised on the Law of Treaties.

In 1991, Professor Oyebode was appointed Professor of Law and founding Dean of the Faculty of Law of then Ondo State University, a position he held until 1997 when he returned to the University of Lagos.

Two years later, he was invited back to be pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ado-Ekiti. Upon completion of his term in 2004, he once again returned to the University of Lagos, where he occupied the Chair of International Law and Jurisprudence. It was from there that he retired with an unblemished record.

Oyebode has 7 books and over 200 learned papers to his credit. He has been an assessor for professorial appointments and external examiner to many universities at home and abroad. He is a member of numerous notable organisations.

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‘WHY I SUPPORT CLAMOUR FOR RESTRUCTURING,’ BY GADZAMA

Leading lawyer, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has posited that though there is no consensus on the particular areas to be restructured within the Nigerian polity, “there seems to be a general agreement that the Nigeria structure of governance should be reviewed, and at its epicenter, the CFRN.”

Speaking last Monday at the 2021 Law of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, the foremost arbitrator stated that “a successful review of the CFRN to alter the governance structures and reflect true federalism coupled with religious implementation of the altered structures, will set the foundation for a Nigeria of our dreams; a Nigeria whose dream can be echoed with belief and hope from the rainforest of the South to the windy desert of the North by all Nigerians.”

The theme of the Law Week is “The Nigeria of our dreams.”

Below is the full text of Gadzama’s presentation.

THE NIGERIAN STATE AND THE CALL FOR RESTRUCTURING

Being the Full Text of a Presentation
By

Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR, MFR, SAN, FNIALS, FICMC, DiplCArb, FCIArb, FNICArb, C.Arb
(Of Lincoln’s Inn, Barrister/Life Bencher/Certified Mediator/Regulatory Consultant)
Bobajiro of Akure Kingdom.

ON THE OCCASION OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION IKEJA BRANCH LAW WEEK
HELD ON MONDAY, JULY 12, 2021

PROTOCOL

APPRECIATION
I thank the Organizers of this Law Week as well as the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch (the Tiger Branch) for not only inviting me to attend but also to speak at this auspicious occasion. My topic is the Nigerian State and the call for restructuring which shall be discussed within the context of the theme – the Nigeria of our Dreams.

INTRODUCTION
There is a wide gap between dreaming and day-dreaming. Day-dreaming is a quick elusive delink from one’s immediate reality followed by a transition to quixotic ideals. The Freudian Theory posits that dreams are manifestations of one’s deepest desires and anxieties having the tendency to cause occurrence of creative thoughts to the dreamer or give a sense of inspiration . Hence whilst the former can be likened to a mere mirage of fantasies, the latter is a more deeply immersing series of thought processes in one’s sub-consciousness capable of spurring up creative ideas to translate this reality to manifestation. We cannot overstate; dreams are important as they encompass goals and more. Dreams give one’s life purpose, direction, and meaning. They shape life choices, help to build towards the future and create a sense of control and hope. The same can be applied to a nation. A country needs a dream, hopes and a purpose to move on.

I was almost born in Cameroon; in a Nigerian town called Mubi, situate at the Nigerian-Cameroonian border. I am therefore a proud but not an arrogant Nigerian. As a rising chap, I grew up with a curious mind nursed with knowledge from my immediate family and school. I began my primary education in Kainji in old Kwara State but now Niger State, I continued my elementary school at L.E.A. (Methodist) Primary School, Ibrahim Taiwo Road, (Formerly Market Road) Kaduna State, and L.E.A. (St. Michael-Anglican) Primary School, Sabon Gari, Kaduna State where I completed my primary education. Later on, I moved to Teachers’ College, Song, Adamawa State. Thereafter, I attended Borno College of Basic Studies (BOCOBS), Maiduguri now in Bama, and University of Maiduguri, Borno State, where I obtained my Bachelor of Laws degree after which I proceeded to the Nigerian Law School in Lagos and obtained my Barrister at Law qualification to practise. Throughout all these formative years, as I journeyed through transitional experiences including and or hearing about the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), I harnessed different dreams for myself, my family and my country, Nigeria.

Like me, I know many fellow concerned Nigerians have earnest dreams for our great Nation. However, whether these dreams have found fruition or yielded manifest results remain a recurring rhetoric we must all ponder on. Rhetorically, have these dreams been achieved? Can we say for certain that we live in an ideal Nigeria? Or can we at least say that we are on the right course towards achieving the Nigeria of our dreams? Why are we not living the Nigerian dream? Indeed, who bells the cat for the current predicament of Nigeria? Do we blame the professionals, the technocrats, the scientists, the businessmen or the entrepreneurs? Your guess is as good as mine; certainly not! The questions are endless and the answers are not forthcoming.

The aphorism which says, “A fish rots from the head down” speaks volumes of truth on this subject. Although we may blame non-partisan and apathetic followership as having played a role in the quagmire, the overall and root cause of the problem is lack of quality, devoted and objective leadership born out of true democracy and patriotism. Sadly, leadership in our country has not been motivated by true federalism, fairness, equity, nationhood and good conscience. Rather, we have continued to experience a blatant scene of tribalism, nepotism, favoritism, unfair politicization of government policies, impunity, corruption and insecurity. Despite these setbacks impeding the materialization of our dreams for Nigeria, we must continue to dream.

The idea of developing and sustaining a national dream is to ensure that at every time in the nation’s existence, there are short-term, medium and long-term strategies set up to drive the nation towards living true to its strength and potentials for the benefit of its citizens. These laid down strategies will form the substratum of all the policies of its governments at all levels.

The idea of a national dream cannot be discussed without a reference to the famous “American Dream”. The American Dream which birthed the America we now celebrate, is the core American philosophy; that anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, can attain their version of success in an egalitarian society. The American Dream is considered as a national ethos for the United States and embedded in it are the ideals of democracy, rights, liberty, opportunity and equality which are expected to shape and guide every government in the United States at the Federal, State and County level. The anticipated outcome is that these ideals will provide the environment for everyone to access the opportunity for prosperity and success as well as upward social mobility, so long as they are ready to work hard no matter the barriers. According to James Truslow Adams the American Dream guarantees that “life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement” regardless of social class or circumstances of birth. This essentially forms the foundation of America’s constitutional democracy.

In the case of Nigeria, we can only refer faintly to the lofty dreams and hopes of our foremost nationalists who ensured the birth of Nigeria but not a national dream per se. The closest semblance to a national dream in Nigeria would be the Preamble of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) (CFRN), but that CFRN has often been adjudged to be document not emanating from Nigerians. Hence, the question; shouldn’t Nigeria at 60 years and more of independence be guided by a united purpose encapsulated in a national dream? Who knows, maybe the avenue provided by the NBA-Ikeja Branch during her law week will grow the momentum to have a workable and realizable Nigerian Dream.

THE CALL FOR RESTRUCTURING: A GUIDE TO THE NIGERIA OF OUR DREAMS

Given the opportunity as one of the speakers to speak at this auspicious occasion, permit me to be part of the people proffering workable solutions in line with the dictates of our callings to always provide solutions to legal issues as can be seen infra.

There is no doubt that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) (CFRN) makes bold statements as to the system of governance the Nigerian State is to practise. The system professed without a doubt is Federalism . Federalism connotes a system of governance built on the strengths of a nation’s federating units. However, the provisions of the CFRN make the practicability of federalism a herculean task or even an impossible feat. I firmly believe curing some of these provisions might just be the flame that spark-kindles and sets ablaze Nigeria’s prosperity to create a Nigeria we all love and enjoy living in. In the quest to realizing a Nigeria of our dream, the practicability of federalism I believe, is the linchpin.

The not so fulfilling provisions of the CFRN especially regarding the practice of federalism, now popularly described in Nigeria as “true federalism” has continued to generate agitations for the review and further review of the CFRN. Some even advocate for a complete repeal of the CFRN. This outcry has found the umbrella name of ‘restructuring’. Though there is no consensus on the particular issues to be restructured, there seems to be a general agreement that the Nigeria structure of governance should be reviewed, and at its epicenter, the CFRN.

I share this sentiment and honestly believe that a successful review of the CFRN to alter the governance structures and reflect true federalism coupled with religious implementation of the altered structures, will set the foundation for a Nigeria of our dreams; a Nigeria whose dream can be echoed with belief and hope from the rainforest of the South to the windy desert of the North by all Nigerians. To this end, below are some of the key areas I sincerely believe the CFRN should be amended to reflect the structure that can birth a Nigeria of our dreams:-

1. The Preamble of the CFRN

The preamble is often the first content any reader of a statute comes across. It sets the tone and shapes the mind of the reader on his/her expectation of all the provisions contained in the statute. The Preamble of the CFRN houses the mission and vision of the Constitution. As such, it plays a pivotal role in defining to the mind of everyone reading it and the aspirations of Nigeria as a country. Unfortunately, the Preamble to the CFRN rather than narrate the dreams of Nigerians for us as a nation, breaths an air that lends affinal to the military regime. Notwithstanding that the Preamble is merely cosmetic and that the CFRN was handed down by the military regime, I believe that having had some years of civil rule coupled with the consistent progress of altering the Constitution to suit the new reality, it is desirable to alter the Preamble to reflect the dreams of the Nigerian people.

2. Local Government Administration and Autonomy

The current structure for the administration of the local governments under the CFRN sits on the fence between the federal system – which the Constitution was intended to profess – and the unitary system of governance. At best, the local government system has remained an idea in search of relevance. The local government administration system still breaths an air of the centralization model introduced under military rule and thus, betraying the ideals of federalism which we profess to practise under the CFRN. The ultimate goal for the creation of the local government administration system under the CFRN was to bring the government closer to the people at the grassroots. It was also to accelerate development and enable the local population to participate and hold those in power accountable for their governance roles. Unfortunately, the current provisions for local government as the third tier of government under the CFRN have failed to establish a viable structure to attain the aforementioned goals.

Section 7 (1) of the CFRN provides that “The system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this constitution guaranteed; and accordingly, the government of every state shall, subject to section 8 of this constitution, ensure their existence under a law which provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and functions of such councils.” The constitution assumes that the law and framework regulating the local government administration would be made by the State Houses of Assembly. Hence, the constitutional legal framework does not see or recognize the local government as the third tier of government, but merely as an appendage of the state government where the states enjoy absolute discretion over the local governments’ operations. This does not reflect the ideals of federalism.

Furthermore, the introduction of the State Joint Local Government Account (SJLGA) provided for under Section 162(6) of the CFRN has thwarted in essence the financial structure of the local governments. This provision ensures that all finances of local governments are appropriated by the State at its pleasure. This is so despite the provisions of section 162(3) which captures a disbursement of the amount of credit in the Federation Account to the Federal, State and Local Governments respectively.

The above queries show how the provision of section 2(2) of the CFRN is undermined by provisions within the same Constitution. I believe that in making progress, the Local Government should be unambiguously established under the CFRN as an autonomous unit of government with its administrative structure and functions as in Chapter V, Parts I and II for the Federal and State Governments respectively. The above provision should override the pretence expressed in section 7 of the CFRN. Also, the SJLGA regime should be jettisoned from the CFRN and replaced by a new regime of fiscal federalism where Local Governments will access their funds directly and be accountable for all that is allotted to them.

3. Federal Structure and Power Devolution
It has been said that the centralized nature of powers of government under the Nigerian federal system is the major bulwark standing against equal and progressive development of states and local government areas. It also stands against the effective exploration of the resources in Nigeria for development purposes. I believe that the need to devolve some of the powers vested at the centre will also serve the interest of the government in providing Nigerians with the opportunity to succeed.

I believe that to have a viable federation with the effective exploration of resources for development and bring dividends of governance closer to the people, certain items must be moved from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list. Furthermore, a list of items to be undertaken solely by the local government should be introduced by the Constitution to be called the ‘residual list’. This will mean that the general legislative limitation for the Local Government provided in Section 4(7)(a) of the CFRN should be deleted.

To be more specific, I propose that items 28 on fingerprints, identification and criminal records and 46 on posts, telegraphs and telephones should be moved to the concurrent legislative list as well as the residual legislative list. Furthermore, items 33 on insurance, 43 on patents, trademarks, industrial designs & merchandise marks, 45 on policing & other security services, 48 on prisons, 54 on quarantine, 55 on railways, 58 on stamp duty and 39 on mines, minerals including oil fields, oil mining, geological survey and natural gas, should be moved from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent legislative list.

4. Nigerian Police and Nigerian Security ArchitectureSection 214 of the CFRN provides for the establishment of the Police Force for the federation. This section displays a system whereby the police is under the management and control of the Federal Government at the expense of the federating units – the State Government. However, this arrangement has so far not favoured the country. The Police have been faced with an avalanche of problems, these issues include the accountability of the Police Force, and the high surge of crimes in different states of the country. The inability of the Police under exclusive Federal control to curb them poses a huge flaw to the federal arrangement. I believe that when policing is closer to the society of its jurisdiction, it enables the police to easily detect and uproot crimes. Where there is a common language known and understood by the police, there would be a free flow of communication and understanding between the police and the people. I believe that the creation of State Police will provide appreciable solutions to the current security challenges and enhance the effectiveness of the police in ending criminality in the country.

Effective security is a pivotal component of the Nigeria of our dreams. I believe every Nigerian agrees with me on this point.
To this end, I will be proposing the moving of item 28 on fingerprints, identification and criminal records, item 45 on police and other government security services and item 48 on prisons from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent legislative list to allow states to fashion out their respective internal security architecture. This will enable genuine, beneficial and effective collaborations between police forces of each state to the other and the federal police. I believe this reform is long overdue. Each chief security officer of the state should appoint its head, or in the alternative, each state should be given the constitutional leeway to determine how such issues should be handled.

Nigeria must not only profess federalism but be seen to practise its tenets as well. I believe that our resolve to practise ‘true federalism’ will unlock our potentials and make this country a land where Nigeria of our dream can be realised.

5. Fiscal Federalism and Revenue Allocation
In Nigeria today, the resources of the country belong to the federal government, and the fund to be generated is kept in the federation account and is shared monthly among the three tiers of government: the federal, state and local government. This is a misnomer. Federating units are supposed to tap their resources to generate revenue and pay an agreed percentage as tax to the centre or the federal government. This makes the states to be inferior and subservient to the centre. Many activists have been agitating for true federalism to enable the states to control their resources. As observed by Professor Ohwona, there is nothing like true federalism. Either it is Federalism or Unitary. Concentrating the wealth of the country at the centre is an outstanding feature of a Unitary Government. Why is it that some sections of Nigeria are agitating for fiscal federalism in a country that claims to be a federation? The principles of federalism should affect everything. For example, in the US, the federating units manage their resources and pay taxes to the central government. There has never been such agitation. Under the regional government in the first republic, Nigeria made remarkable progress with the three and later four regions using the resources at their disposal to make life meaningful for their citizens.

As highlighted earlier, fiscal federalism must not be a lip service by the CFRN. Revenue allocation must reflect the tenets of fiscal federalism. Every federating unit must understand what resources are within their grasp that can create wealth for them and be allowed to explore it subject to remitting taxes. Access to the exploration of natural resources must be open and decentralized as much as possible, if there is a desire to have a Nigeria we all can declare it as one of our dreams.

6. Residency and Indigene Debate
Indigeneship has become one of the most contested subjects in the country, given its implications for political and economic opportunities. In Nigeria, a person has to be ‘indigene’ to access certain economic and political opportunities at the federal as well as state and local government levels. However, what makes a person indigenous is not formally defined in the CFRN.

The CFRN recognizes indigeneship in some sections. Section 147(1,2 &3) in providing for the appointment of Minister of the Federal Government recognizes the principle of Federal Character under section 14(3). Similarly, section 171 (5) of the CFRN makes it mandatory that the President shall comply with the federal character principle in the appointment of other key public officers of the Government of the Federation including the ambassadors, high commissioners and permanent secretaries or heads of any extra-ministerial departments of the government of the federation.

Despite the indigeneship principle, political and economic imbalances still exist amongst the various states or ethnic groups that make up Nigeria and this is as a result of its implementation. The inclusion of the federal character principle in Chapter II Constitution which is ordinarily non-justiciable hinders its smooth implementation and enforcement because it deprives citizens of the locus to approach the court to enforce the principle of federal character. This incites the Government to disregard the principle of federal character in the composition of the Government of the Federation and its agencies.

To flourish as a nation, Nigeria must decide whether to stick with the federal character provisions of the CFRN or jettison the idea completely. If the practice is maintained, then failure to adhere to it must be made justiciable with monumental consequences, otherwise, the provision should be done away with.

Let us have a Christian from Calabar who grew up in Sokoto and govern the State as a Nigerian, and likewise, a Kanuri Muslim who grew in Port Harcourt should enjoy the same privilege. This is by no means an easy path, but the path is a must if Nigeria desires the type of progress that makes it resonate as the dreams of its people. We can do this by providing for residency for a period of say five or ten years.

7. Irreconcilable Provisions in the Constitution
Section 315(5)(d) of the Constitution made the Land Use Act of 1978 a part of the Constitution. Section 2 of the Land Use Act provides thus:

2. (1) As from the commencement of this Act-
(a) all land in urban areas shall be under the control and management of the Governor of each State; and

(b) all other land shall, subject to this Act, be under the control and management of the Local Government within the area of jurisdiction of which the land is situated.

Despite this provision, section 44(3) of the Constitution provides that the entire property in and control of all minerals, mineral oils and natural gas in under or upon any land in Nigeria or in, under or upon the territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone of Nigeria shall vest in the Government of the Federation and shall be managed in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly. This is reinforced by Item 39 in the Exclusive Legislative List. A true federal structure requires that Item 39 should be moved to the Concurrent List and section 44(3) amended.

Another irreconcilable difference – Items 27-29 in the Concurrent Legislative List. The Items give powers to the National and State Assemblies to establish institutions for the purpose of university, technological or professional education. Yet the Federal Government established the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board to regulate admissions into tertiary institutions and the National Universities Commission to regulate these institutions. In consequence, we need to re-visit section 4(5) of the Constitution that provides that if any law enacted by the House of Assembly of a State is inconsistent with any law validly made by the National Assembly, the law made by the National Assembly shall prevail, and that other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void. Why should the federal law prevail over matters in the Concurrent List where the State Assemblies can validly make laws? In other words, we should re-visit the ‘doctrine of covering the field’. This doctrine is inconsistent with the federal principle. States should be allowed to establish and regulate tertiary education in their States. States should be allowed to develop at their own pace.

CONCLUDING REMARKS
As I conclude, it is not lost on me that there has been many lofty written and spoken recommendations in the past, some have even gone ahead to develop a national dream for Nigeria, however, we as a nation seemed to have stepped on chameleon feaces, hence stagnant. No doubt, a dream is important so is the path to its realization. I believe that the growing awareness of this discussion in Nigeria is gradually bringing us to a point of unison, where we all can together re-design a Nigeria of our dreams.

As the process for alteration of the CFRN is ongoing, we must continue to speak to our elected representatives at the National Assembly to critically consider, for the sake of national cohesion, integration and prosperity of the country, various workable proposals already submitted in the course of public hearing recently conducted. The era of standing aloof watching our legislators to do as it pleased them is over, now it is time to get involved. Edmund Burke once emphasized thus,

“When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.”

I am here today, reiterating this statement and encouraging everyone of us to get involved. Do not be a spectator, onlooker or bystander, be an active participant so that this process will not be another jamboree but one that brings workable solutions at addressing some of the challenges facing us as a country – please ensure you count and you are counted. We must dust the files now.

Agitations on this discussion were the basis of the 1994/1995 Constitutional Conference, the National Political Reform Conference convened by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005 and the National Conference convened by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014. These conferences made laudable recommendations that can come to aid in our attempt at re-designing the Nigeria of our dreams.

MY POETIC DREAM FOR NIGERIA
Before I take my seat, please permit to share my poetic dream for Nigeria with you:

I dream of a country that rewards hard work and excellence, irrespective of a person’s social status, cultural belief, faith, tongue, gender chauvinism and circumstances of birth;

I dream of a Nigeria with purposeful, visionary and exemplary leadership which extols national interests above individual and sectional interests;

I dream of a day Nigerians will have leaders that are unifying figures and who command moral authority;

I dream of a Nigeria with free, fair, transparent and credible national elections;

I dream of a Nigeria where humanity is our race, our language is one and indigenship is true to all citizens regardless of residency in any State. I dream of a Nigeria where unity binds all peoples both at home and in diaspora.

I dream of a Nigeria where a nobody can become somebody and a somebody is treated as equal with someone regarded as a nobody in the eyes of the law – where the rule of law is worshipped and the sacredness of justice is not corrupted. I dream of a Nigeria where equity, fairness, transparency and justice thrive above all intents and aspirations of persons.

I dream of a Nigeria inspiring the African continent and the black race to her pride of place in the world;

I dream of a Nigeria where the legal profession and the Bar play a pivotal role in nation-building since we are the primus inter pares.

I dream, I dream and I dream of a better Nigeria where everyone mutually co-exists and lives peacefully with a wide range opportunity to thrive and succeed in any lawful profession, trade or vocation anywhere he or she resides. I dream of a brighter future for our Children and children’s children. I pray that all Nigerians work to make these dreams come to pass in the not too distant future.

Thank you for your attention.

REFERENCES
1. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
2. Proposal for Further Alteration of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) by J-K Gadzama LLP, 2021.
3. Mark Abrahams, PhD, LMHC, National Board Certified Fellow in Clinical Hypnotherapy – https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-dreaming-and-day-dreaming
4. Sir James Porter’s publications on the Religion, Law, Government, and Manners of the Turks, 1768.
5. Epic of America by James Truslow Adams, 1931.
6. Tess of the d’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy, 1891.
7. Animal Farm by George Orwell, 1945.
8. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, 1937.
9. https://www.britannica.com/topic/federalism

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