NBA PORT HARCOURT INAUGURATES VICTOR ENEBELI, OTHERS AS YLF EXCO

Dr. Victor Enebeli has been inaugurated alongside other young lawyers to spearhead the Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Port Harcourt Young Lawyers Forum (YLF).

The inauguration ceremony was performed today by the Branch Chairman, Mr. Viktor Benibo. In attendance were members of the Branch Executive Committee among others.

Aside from Enebeli who is the Chairman of the forum, other members of the Executive Committee are:

Ledua Zoe-Akekue, Esq. (Vice Chairman)

Ellen Altraide, Esq. (Secretary)

Ajemina Lawson – Jack, Esq. (Assistant Secretary)

Timothy Clement, Esq. (Publicity Secretary)

Tamunokuro Akuro George, Esq. (Treasurer)

Precious Umoroye Abi, Esq. (Financial Secretary)

Adokiye T. Irisominabo, Esq. (Provost)

Confidence Nwoka, Esq. (Welfare Secretary)

 

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‘ISAAC OGBAH: A BRIDGE BUILDER WITH PASSION FOR SERVICE’

Isaac Ogbah; the Man, who loves to serve.

This is not mere rhetoric. Justified by nature, history is birthed daily by the activities of men. We may also put it this way: whatever we do today becomes that tale to be told thereafter.

Isaac Ogbah has records of service within and beyond the bar. His trajectory in qualitative and selfless service to the bar and the public in Otta ranges from leading public protests, providing bar leadership, sponsoring young individuals on worthy causes including law conferences, donating personal facilities for bar programs, to forging alliances with other professionals in Otta and environs to help people around him at moments of needs.

One cannot but openly declare that Mr. Ogbah’s passion for service has been upright and worthy of being trusted with more opportunities to serve. I add that he has never been tired of honouring the bar with his substance.

Let me share that I served as the chairperson of the YLF, Otta bar between the years 2018 and 2020. Isaac Ogbah was in service as the Chairman of the NBA Otta during the period mentioned above, and that was after he had served well in various capacities at the said branch. Mr. Ogbah’s commitment and delivery to the welfare of the young lawyers and smooth running of the YLF Otta was at the material time second to none. In particular, and cumulatively, his personal financial commitment towards our programs and training was above 55%.

Please be informed that history also has it that we served with diligence and ensured good training for young lawyers as well as enabled platforms for growth and development in the contemporary practice of law.

It is good to also inform you that Isaac Ogbah does not work alone, he is courageous and teachable, elders of the bar, who know him would attest that he has listening ears and he is always ready to collaborate for development.

I hope that Isaac Ogbah would be allowed to serve us as the next NBA 3rd Vice President. I urge us all to consider Mr. Ogbah. He is a bridge-builder and at the risk of repetition, I state that he has a genuine passion for serving others.

Thank you!

Kehinde Jola                                                                                                                                                                    

Research Assistant, Bournemouth University, UK.

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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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‘YOUR BRAVE SUMMT IDEAS EXCITE ME,’ EDE ASENOGUAN TELLS KADUNA YOUNG LAWYERS

ASENOGUAN ISOBOMUWA OSAMUEDE, CANDIDATE FOR NBA GENERAL SECRETARY FELICITATES THE YOUNG LAWYERS’ FORUM, KADUNA BRANCH ON THEIR SUMMIT AND AWARD NIGHT

Mr. Asenoguan Osamuede Isobomuwa has sent a message of felicitation to the Young Lawyers’ Forum, Kaduna branch as they conduct their summit and award night today 24th June, 2022. While the Summit is themed: “Opportunities for Young Lawyers in the Digital Age” the award night is themed: “Setting the Pace”.

Read below the consummate Bar Man’s message.

“It is cheering and reassuring to see the young lawyers of this generation constantly putting forward brave feet as it relates to creating a cynosure of self-belief and determination to excel regardless of our difficult legal -cum- economic environment.

The Young Lawyers’ Forum, Kaduna branch through its programs today, 24th June, 2022 has demonstrated this bravery with its summit themed ‘Opportunities for Young Lawyers in the Digital Age’ and dinner night themed ‘Setting the Pace’. Both themes being vividly reflective of the bravery and ingenuity described above, have by every means attracted my admiration and commendation for them; same is rife and unfettered.

I wish you resounding success at these events. Thank you and God bless.”

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

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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

 

‘SULEJA FRIENDS OF JK’ HOST GADZAMA TO LUNCH

FEATURED

SULEJA FRIENDS OF GADZAMA HOST CHIEF JOE-KYARI GADZAMA SAN AND ENTOURAGE TO AN INTERACTIVE LUNCH SIT-OUT

On June 19, 2022, Suleja Friends of Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN hosted Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN and members of his entourage to lunch at Yankee’s Hotel, Suleja, Niger State. This afforded an interactive platform between members of the NBA-Suleja Branch, the Young Lawyer Forum (YLF) of the NBA Suleja Branch and the Niger Chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) all on the one hand, and the ever amiable Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN and members of his entourage,m on the other hand, at the Yankee’s Hotel, Suleja, Niger State.

The Learned Silk had amongst his entourage, Mr. Muhammad Mongonu, the former Chairman NBA Maiduguri Branch and Former Attorney-General of Borno State, Mr. Sanusi Musa Esq, the Senior Lawyer, Mr, Nasir Saidu and Mr Hassan Sherif, Esq, amongst a host of others.

Speaking at the event organised in honour of Chief Gadzama, Mr Mohammed Tanko Zakari, a Bar leader of the NBA Suleja Branch welcomed the Learned Silk. Mr. E U Iorna, a former NEC Member for the NBA Suleja Branch, offered the opening prayer.

Speaking further during his welcome remarks, Mr. Mohammed Tanko Zakari noted that the Learned Silk is well represented in the Branch and that there was no doubt that “J-K is a household name and the right candidate to lead the Bar”. He emphasized that the Learned Silk was not at the Branch for the campaign but for an interactive session. He concluded that “With J-K, NBA Suleja is in safer hand”.

Thereafter the Learned Silk introduced the members of his entourage which included the Former Chairman NBA Maiduguri Branch and Attorney-General of Borno State, Mr. Muhammed Monguno Esq, Senior Lawyer and Lead Coordinator, Northwest, Vox Populi Foundation, Mr Sanusi Musa Esq and Mr. Hassan Sherif, Esq amongst others.

Speaking to the members of the NBA- Suleja Branch, Mr. Mohammed Mongonu, Esq, the Former Attorney General of Borno State narrated that the Learned Silk’s several selfless instances of service to the bar. He stated that Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN is a man who stands for fairness, and professional excellence and was supremely ready to serve the Bar. He further stated that the Learned Silk is recognized and honoured in all parts of Nigeria; in the Western part as the Bobajiro of Akure Kingdom, in his hometown as the Sardauna of Uba, And more recently as the Shettima of Borno, and in the Eastern region as the Okwuluora of Ukpo. He further stated that the Learned Silk has been recognized even by the Federal Republic of Nigeria having been honoured with the title of OFR and MFR and that the Learned Silk’s accomplishments and qualifications are unquestionable, same as his unwavering commitment to the development of the legal profession.

Mr. Sanusi Musa urged the members of the NBA Suleja Branch to “follow person wey sabi road” that of all candidates, “na J-K sabi road pass” and that his antecedents speak for him. Mr. Sanusi noted that at such a critical time as this, the NBA cannot afford to have leaders that do not know what Bar leadership is all about.

Also addressing the gathering, Mr. A. M Idris, the former Chairman of NBA Suleja Branch noted that “the best man for the job now …is J-K “. E.U Iorna, described the Learned Silk as an “Abraham Lincoln” and “John Cena”, due to his never-say-die attitude, doggedness and tireless nature.

Mr. Ibrahim Bako, a chairmanship candidate for the NBA Suleja, noted that people should not catapult themselves into positions of authority without adequate and necessary preparations. He stated that Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN’s antecedents show that he is indeed a prepared candidate. He passionately noted that “we must look at pedigree, in 2016, when I was the NBA Suleja Branch Secretary, J-K requested that the NBA Suleja Branch send 10 lawyers for mentorship ” this according to Mr. Bawa shows that Chief Gadzama is a mentor, adequately prepared to take up the role of leadership. “If you want a Bar you will be proud of, vote for a prepared candidate, J-K Gadzama is a prepared candidate” he concluded.

A representative of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Niger Branch, Sadiya Muhammed spoke, praising the Learned Silk for his efforts and strides. Mrs Fatimah Muhammed, a member of the NBA Suleja Branch and FIDA stated that she was privileged to read the Learned Silk’s manifesto, especially the part that pertains to the remuneration for young lawyers, she appreciated the learned silk for making the young lawyers a priority,

Mr. Buhari Saidu Adamu, also of the NBA Suleja Branch noted that “J-K is not only ready to lead the Bar, but lead the Bar successfully and competently”. And that the members of the NBA- Suleja Branch will kowtow and vote for the Learned Silk.

The Vote of Thanks was given by an active member of the NBA SPIDEL and majority leader of Democracy Africa Youth Parliament, Mr. Nasir Saidu, who appreciated M. T Zakari And the NBA Suleja Branch, the YLF NBA Suleja Branch, for finding J-K worthy. Mr Muhammed Auwal thereafter offered the closing prayer.

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CONTROVERSY TRAILS PETITION AGAINST NBA PUB-SEC ASPIRANT, OGAGA

An Owerri based lawyer has urged the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) to bar NBA Publicity Secretary aspirant and current Secretary of NBA Welfare Committee, Mr. Ogaga Emoghawanre from further participation in the forthcoming National Officers Elections.

In the petition obtained by CITY LAWYER, the petitioner, Mr. Francis Ugwumsinachi alleged that Emoghawanre, a leading aspirant for the prominent post, is “not qualified to contest for the office of the Publicity Secretary of NBA in the forthcoming election.”

However, NBA Owerri Branch leadership has written a disclaimer to the ECNBA disowning the petitioner, saying he is not a member of the branch.

Ugwumsinachi had in the petition dated May 4, 2022 vowed that he is “a bonafide member of Owerri Branch and by virtue of same, I will be affected by the outcome of the conduct of 2022 NBA National Elections.”

Continuing, the young lawyer wrote: “Sir, Ogaga Emoghawanre Esq. by our understanding of the provisions of the NBA Constitution is not qualified to contest for the office of the Publicity Secretary of NBA in the forthcoming election.”

According to the petitioner, “His tenure as the Publicity Secretary of NBA will expire in June 2022. As at the time of collecting and submitting of his nomination form (21 March- 15th April 2022), he had not been in office for 2 years as prescribed by the constitution of our great NBA.”

He asserted that “It will be a miscarriage of justice if Ogaga Emoghawanre esq (sic) is qualified to contest in the face of manifest precedent,” arguing that former NBA Assisatnt Publicity Secretary Habeeb Akorede Lawal suffered the same fate in 2020 when he was disqualified by the ECNBA allegedly on the same grounds.

But in a letter dated May 9, 2022 and addressed to the ECNBA Secretary, the NBA Owerri Branch leadership described Ugwumsinachi’s claim of being a bonafide member of the branch as “spurious.”

Signed by Messrs Jude Ogamba and Chinedu Agu, the branch chairman and secretary respectively, the branch leadership said: “We have gone through our records to discover, much to our consternation, that the said Ugwumsinachi Francis Ajuruchi has never been and is currently not a registered member of our Branch, and therefore is not a person known to our Branch as such.”

This has however set off a controversy in the branch, with the petitoner threatening to head to court to clear his name. He told CITY LAWYER that the Branch Secretary has urged him to “calm down” as the matter would be amicably resolved soon.

“He sent an inbox message to me assuring me that he would issue an apology letter and a withrawal letter to ECNBA,” he said. “If that is not done, I will go to court to clear my name.”

Validating the petitioner’s membership of the branch, the Branch Young Lawyers Forum (YLF) Chairman, Mr. Kelechi Ogugbuaja told CITY LAWYER that “Ugwumsinachi is a member of the branch. He has a branch ID Card issued by the Secretary and signed by the Branch Chairman. He also furnished us with his branch dues from 2019 till date issued and signed by the Financial Secretary.”

Continuing, the Branch YLF Chairman said: “I do not know how they investigated to say that the young lawyer is not a member of the branch. I don’t believe that we should engage in politics as to deny our own member. Meanwhile, he did not write on behalf of the branch. He is a bonafide member of the branch. We are patiently waiting for the branch leadership to issue him an apology letter and withdraw the purported disclaimer.”

When CITY LAWYER contacted the Branch Chairman, he said: “We have written to the ECNBA. If there is an error, it will be remedied.”

When CITY LAWYER pointed out the petitioner’s claim that the Branch Secretary promised to withdraw the disclaimer, Agu said: “If that is the position of the secretary, he should know. I saw a picture he (petitioner) took with the Branch Secretary. We will not want to injure anyone. Recall that we are transiting from analogue to digital records. We would look at every record. In our branch, we have a procedure for obtaining membership. I have asked the appropriate officers to look at our records again.”

On his part, the Branch Secretary told CITY LAWYER that the disclaimer stands until the branch concludes its enquiry into the petitioner’s membership status. His words: “No such (withdrawal) letter will be issued without a further deep-pocketed inquest into the validity or otherwise of his membership. This inquest is underway.” Reminded that he had assured the petitioner of such a letter and an apology in a message sighted by CITY LAWYER, he said: “Letter of Disclaimer was an official Letter.”

It was unclear at press time if the electoral committee had taken a decision on the petition.

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NBA ELECTION: GADZAMA PICKS FORM AMID BAR LEADERS, YLF, FIDA OFFICERS

Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has laid to rest any speculations on his quest for the presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), having picked up yesterday the form to contest the forthcoming election.

Accompanied by Bar Leaders and some officers of the Young Lawyers Forum (YLF) and International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Gadzama was at the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) secretariat at Trade & Convention Centre, Abuja to pick up the Nomination Form for the National Officers Election scheduled for July 16, 2022.

According to a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, “The support groups which accompanied the renowned Bar Patriot, J-K Gadzama, SAN had in representation several colleagues, friends, families and supporters from different NBA branches within and outside the Federal Capital Territory, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Young Lawyers Forum as well as members of staff from the firm, J-K Gadzama LLP. The astute and active member of the Bar and his supporters received a warm welcome at the Secretariat after which the form was officially handed to him.

“Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN while thanking his colleagues, friends and supporters for coming out in their numbers to jointly support his efforts in advancing the Bar and Legal Profession, promised to continue in earnest service to the course of the Nigerian Bar. The Learned Silk who had ceaselessly been in the news was appointed Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association – Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC) by the current President of the NBA, Olumide Akpata. The Committee had been credited by many members of the NBA for the achievements they recorded within a short time from inauguration and their tactfulness and quick-witted response in tackling issues of harassment of legal practitioners by security agencies.”

Some of the supporters who accompanied the leading litigator to the ECNBA office were Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN (former Chairman NBA Abuja Branch (Unity Bar); Mohammed Monguno, Esq. MCIArb. (Former Attorney-General of Borno State); Chukwudi Prince Oli, Esq (Director-General, Vox Populi Foundation for Leadership); Chukwuemeka Clement, Esq. (Immediate Past Chairman, NBA-Bwari Branch); Dr. Kayode Ajulo, Esq.; Nachamandan Shaltha, Esq. (Past Secretary, FIDA Abuja Branch and Publicity Secretary of FIDA); Moses Gana, Esq.; Darlington Onyekwere, Esq.; Madu Joe-Kyari Gadzama, Esq.; Jerry Ombugadu Musa, Esq.; Mark Chidi Agbo, Esq.; David Bege, Esq (Chairman, NBA-YLF Abuja (Unity Bar); Oluwatosin Emmanuel, Esq (Publicity Secretary, NBA-YLF Abuja branch, Unity Bar); Lamar Joe-Kyari Gadzama (Chairman, Young Lawyers’ Group of J-K Gadzama LLP); Olasunkanmi E. Oluwabiyi, Esq.; Hajara Sorondinki, Esq. (Secretary, Women’s Group of J-K Gadzama LLP); Hilary Ojeke, Esq.; Farida Ipimisho, Esq. and Cynthia Igwedibia, Esq.

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‘WHY NBA ABUJA BRANCH CRISIS PERSISTS,’ BY TAIDI

Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary, Mr. Jonathan Gunu Taidi has identified quest for relevance by some Senior Advocates of Nigeria as the reason for the continued crisis in NBA Abuja Branch.

Speaking on the theme, “Projecting the Future” at the NBA Makurdi Branch Young Lawyers Forum (YLF) Summit, Taidi revealed that while he had the mandate of then NBA leadership to bring peace to the troubled branch, “regrettably some of the senior members of the Inner Bar hijacked the process and thus frustrated our mandate.”

According to Taidi, who is believed to be eyeing the NBA Presidency in the forthcoming National Officers Election, “It is unhealthy to see some senior members of the Inner Bar competing for relevance with the leadership of the Bar. Those efforts are required in the areas of mentorship of our young colleagues who are now in their huge numbers. Indeed, the President of the Bar is president of all whether from the Inner or Outer Bar and there is no room for power or relevance tussle with him.”

Below is the full text of his remarks.

REMARKS AT NBA MAKURDI BRANCH YOUNG LAWYERS FORUM SUMMIT ON THE THEME: “PROJECTING THE FUTURE” HELD ON 8TH APRIL, 2022

I am grateful to the Planning Committee for inviting me to chair the session on “Widening Window on Medical Law Practice in Nigeria” and glad that we have on the panel Dr. Ushakuma Anenger who is the Chairman of Association of Resident Doctors in Benue State and our colleague Cleopatra Atsor.

Permit me to congratulate the Chairman and Members of YLF of this branch who have taken this bold initiative of exploring the means through which we can finally widen the opportunities in medical practice for legal practitioners. For me, such an initiative coming from this branch is a wake-up call to other YLF branches yet to catch up with the need to stem the tide of migratory practice that has overburdened our urban branches. I will in particular commend this kind of programme to my home branch, bearing in mind the hydro-electric industry for which Niger State is well known with a view to exploring opportunities in Energy Law practice.

One of the reasons programmes like this are springing up is because of the enabling environment provided for branches of our association by the leadership of President Olumide Akpata. I am proud that he is one of us at the Outer Bar who has performed beyond our expectations.

Under his leadership, our branches are experiencing zero crisis. Of course, the lingering situation in Dutse and Abuja branches were legacy matters that were inherited. While the situation is under control in Dutse Branch, that of Abuja persists largely due to the needless interference of some senior members of the Inner Bar who instigated the crises in the first place.

I chaired a team as General Secretary sometime in the first quarter of 2020 with the sole mandate of conducting unified election for the branch, but regrettably some of the senior members of the Inner Bar hijacked the process and thus frustrated our mandate.

It is unhealthy to see some senior members of the Inner Bar competing for relevance with the leadership of the Bar. Those efforts are required in the areas of mentorship of our young colleagues who are now in their huge numbers. Indeed, the President of the Bar is president of all whether from the Inner or Outer Bar and there is no room for power or relevance tussle with him. I again commend the doggedness of Mr. Akpata who has no rank baggage which would have impeded his ability to confront the issues that have arisen under his leadership.

I am a little ashamed that other professional associations such as the Nigerian Medical Association, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and Nigerian Society of Engineers have long moved away from the teething issues that we continue to grapple with in the legal profession.

On this note, it is my honor to invite Prof. Agbo J. Madaki to speak to his 19-page presentation which has been circulated.

I wish us an engaging and informative session.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq.

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ELECTION DEBATES: ECNBA MAY HAMMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

BY EMEKA NWADIOKE
There are strong indications that the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) is viewing with serious concern the campaign practices of candidates for the 2020 NBA Elections.

A source who is familiar with the operations of the electoral committee told CITY LAWYER that the electoral umpire is concerned that most of its warnings on campaigning have been observed in breach.

Making reference to a presidential debate billed for tomorrow and organized by The Platform Nigeria, a popular public speaking programme with Pastor Poju Oyemade of Covenant Christian Centre as Convener/Visionary, the source told CITY LAWYER that the committee has decided to deal decisively with the matter, saying: “The committee will take a step to stop the recurrence of these issues. The committee is already working on something.

“The (ECNBA) Statement was very clear. Debates for purposes of Campaign are not allowed. I believe the candidates know the rules, even if organisers feign ignorance.”

Reminded that tomorrow’s event is billed as an “interactive session” and not a debate, the source queried: “But it is Presidential? For candidates in the election!”

Indications have however emerged that at least one presidential candidate may not participate in the debate. A ranking official in the candidate’s campaign organisation told CITY LAWYER that “this is due to the ECNBA Statement on the subject. The statement is clear enough. While I have not spoken to my candidate on his participation, I think the options are clear – get the ECNBA to rescind its statement or stay away.”

It is recalled that The Platform Nigeria has scheduled for tomorrow a virtual programme tagged “Interactive sessions with the Presidential Candidates of the NBA 2020 Elections on their vision and plans for the Nigerian Bar Association.” 

YLF_DEBATE

While the interactive session with Mr. Dele Adesina SAN is scheduled to kick off at 3 pm tomorrow, Mr. Olu Akpata will mount the podium at 5 pm. On his part, Dr. Babatunde Ajibade SAN is billed for the 7 pm slot. Prospective participants are billed to register for the programme.

The electoral committee had in its ECNBA Statement No. 014 warned the candidates against infringing the electoral guidelines, saying: “The Committee frowns at activities that detract from the objectives of an inclusive free, fair, and credible poll for our Association. The Constitution has prescribed the manner of and mode for campaigns for the elections; as such, any electioneering campaign activity outside of this is unacceptable to the Committee. The candidates, their supporters, as well as NBA Branches, are advised to take down all help desks, debate platforms (virtual or physical), and or voting desks set up for the purpose of the elections and which are capable of compromising the integrity of the process. The Committee will not hesitate to sanction any candidate who deliberately flouts the provisions of the Constitution and the ECNBA Guidelines for the elections.” 

Though the NBA Young Lawyers Forum (NBA-YLF) had scheduled a Presidential Debate to hold today, the event was abruptly shelved in deference to the ECNBA’s latest position. CITY LAWYER gathered that efforts to make the electoral committee shift its position have so far proved abortive.

A notice by the NBA-YLF Chairman, Mr. Tobi Adebowale announcing suspension of the presidential debate read: “The motivation behind the debate was and remains our belief that Young Lawyers constitute a large proportion of the prospective voters at the NBA Elections and their concerns have invariably dominated the conversations around the elections. As such, the YLF decided upon hosting a live TV debate with feedback via social media to provide an opportunity for a robust conversation with the candidates for the OPNBA.

“As you are aware, the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (“ECNBA”) recently issued a statement to the effect that ‘candidates, their supporters, as well as NBA Branches, are advised to take down all help desks, debate platforms (virtual or physical), and or voting desks set up for the purpose of the elections and which are capable of compromising the integrity of the process.’
“Further to the above, the YLF has come to a decision to put the Debate earlier scheduled for 6:15pm today, July 18, 2020 on hold. We have communicated the above decision to the NBA Presidential Candidates and our partners, Plus TV Africa. We will continue to engage the ECNBA and other stakeholders for the benefit of Young Lawyers and the Bar at large.”

Meanwhile, some Bar Leaders have berated the presidential candidates for allegedly agreeing to participate in tomorrow’s debate. Uploading the programme’s banner on “State of the Bar,” a WhatsApp group populated by Nigeria’s legal elite, a commentator said: “Ok so i just stumbled on this and I’m like what!!!??? Is this appropriate? What really is happening? We go from Channels to TVC to CNN to ITV to AiT and now Platform? How selfless is service in the NBA really?”

This led another prominent lawyer to state: “I am worried too. Can’t the NBA organise a debate for our candidates? Why should it be 3rd parties doing that? It is becoming to look like this is a governorship election rather than an NBA election.”

The NBA Election is scheduled to hold on July 29 and 30, 2020.

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use.

‘POSTPONE NBA ELECTIONS NOW,’ BAR LEADERS, SBL, EX-YLF CHAIR TELL ECNBA

  • SAY NBA ICT TEAM IS MANIPULATING VERIFICATION PROCESS

  • ASK ELECTORAL C’TE TO WAIVE VERIFICATION, BRANCH DUES

  • WORRY ABOUT NON-DISCLOSURE OF VOTING FRAMEWORK

BY EMEKA NWADIOKE

A major twist has emerged in the run-up to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Officers Elections as some Bar leaders and the NBA Section on Business Law have asked the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) to postpone the elections in order to secure its credibility.

In a letter to the ECNBA Chairman, Mr. Tawo Tawo SAN dated 6th July, 2020 and obtained by CITY LAWYER, the Bar Leaders listed several challenges besetting preparations for the elections, warning that unless these issues are tackled, the NBA may witness another controversial election as was the case in 2016 and 2018.
Titled “Urgent concerns regarding the upcoming 2020 NBA Elections,” the letter was personally signed by frontline Bar Leader, Mr. Ade Okeaya-Inneh, SAN; Mr. Ayuli Jemide, Vice-Chairman, NBA Section on Business Law; Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, Co-Convener, Open Bar Initiative, and Ms. Barbara Omosun, Chairman, NBA Young Lawyers Forum (2014-2016).

Noting that the ECNBA has “a sacred duty which may have been marred by faulty starts,” the Bar leaders said: “We think with all sense of responsibility and to the extent that the NBA constitution allows, the ECNBA may consider requesting the NBA for a short postponement of elections to enable it to discharge its duties creditably.”

They urged the electoral committee to “take these issues raised very seriously to avoid a dent on the image of the ECNBA, the NBA, and all Nigerian lawyers,” adding: “We are rested in the fact that you understand that if the NBA which is a known bastion of governance fails to conduct credible elections, it will be a travesty of untold proportions unfolding under your watch.”

ECNBA_LETTER

The petitioners hinged their quest for a postponement on several factors, listing the issues under headings such as ‘Missing Names on Voters List,’ ‘Voters List Verification,’ ‘Voter Eligibility,’ ‘Verification and Transparent Process for Voting.’

Noting that “It is with all sense of responsibility as lawyers and members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) that we have decided to formally record our concerns about the upcoming NBA elections,” the Bar Leaders chronicled the background to their request for a postponement, adding that “The NBA elections in 2018 was fraught with electoral glitches that raised questions for many members of the profession and interested Nigerians as to its credibility, rightly or wrongly.”

Stating that the ECNBA “must consider it a sacred duty to ensure that the 2020 elections redeem the dent on the NBA’s image arising from the questions raised about the conduct of the 2018 elections,” the Bar Leaders said that the call is for the ECNBA to “ensure that the playing field is level and the NBA can on the back of the 2020 elections regain its pride of place as a credible voice for governance and rule of law in Nigeria.”

They warned that disenfranchisement of any voter “due to technical glitches or administrative errors on the part of ECNBA cannot be excused. A technical disenfranchisement is still a disenfranchisement,” noting that “Thousands of members have complained that despite having paid their Bar Practising Fees and Branch Dues and armed with receipts, their names are still not on the voters list.”

According to them, the ECNBA “must create a fast track process that addresses these voters as a matter of urgency,” adding that “If these names are on the list of paid members provided by any of the banks, they should be allowed to vote. Some other lawyers have complained that their names had appeared on the list and disappeared at a later date. If these persons have their receipts of payment of Bar Practising Fees, they should not be disenfranchised.”

Turning to the thorny issue of verification, the Bar Leaders observed that “a list of credible voters needs to be obtained with greater simplicity and that every candidate should exercise their rights to review the voters list and its source well ahead of elections. The most credible way to achieve this in our view is to simply procure a bank certified print out of the names of NBA members who have paid their Bar Practising Fees which the candidates may then verify and compare with voters list already circulated by ECNBA.”

In a damning indictment of the verification process, the Bar Leaders said: “The unfortunate news going around on social media about names like ‘Opening Balance’’ being on the Voters List can only be refuted by a transparent process verified by all the candidates as we now suggest.”

On voter eligibility, the petitioners said: “To avoid disenfranchising many eligible voters and to create further simplicity, we suggest to ECNBA that for the 2020 elections the ECBNA should waive the pre-condition that voters must have paid their NBA branch dues. Our reasons are that that it is public knowledge that COVID19 occasioned lifestyle changes in the month of March in many cities (Lagos was most affected) that deterred many NBA members from paying their branch dues before 31st March 2020. Your Committee may wish to note that the first confirmed case of COVID19 in Nigeria was reported on 27th February 2020, and Punch Newspapers of 9th March 2020 reported that Nigeria had its second case of COVID19 and by 24th of March Nigeria had 44 cases, and the lockdown in Lagos and FCT commenced March 29 – which means the 30th and 31st being working days fell into the lock down period. As the ECNBA would know, the payment of branch dues for most branches entails members commuting to branch offices to present tellers to officers and it is characteristic with members to pay within the month of March particularly the last 2 days of the 30th and 31st of March.”

The Bar Leaders noted that the process for online accreditation “is semi manual, cumbersome, and akin to a technical disenfranchisement of thousands of voters. For example, we do not see why a member who has a Supreme Court Number (SCN) should also be required to upload a Call to Bar Certificate.”

Worried that the verification process is allegedly being programmed to rig the polls, the Bar Leaders said: “More so, it takes an average of three days for one to get the email of temporary log-in password instead of an automated process. This has raised suspicions, and rightly so, that persons behind the scenes use these three days to vet and calculatedly refuse certain voters from certain branches accreditation for the benefit of certain candidates.”

They urged the electoral committee to take a “brave decision in the interest of inclusiveness to drop the verification part of the eligibility process. In our view, anybody who has paid his or her Bar Practising Fees is an eligible voter and should not be put through rigours that are reminiscent of the nightmares millions of Nigerians went through to obtain PVC’s during the 2019 general elections. Technology is so advanced that simple algorithms can void a person whose name is not on the bank certified list who happens to gain unlawful access to the voting platform.”

Speaking on what they termed “Transparent Process for Voting,” the Bar Leaders described as “fearsome” the fact that barely three weeks to the elections “the voters and candidates do not know how the election technology works,” saying: “The ECNBA should know that any credible elections include a public briefing of candidates and the electorate on the process for voting. Questions that are being asked by members include: Is there an automatic process for collation of votes? Is that process transparent? What are the transparency features in the server? Which systems are in place to ensure that this server cannot be hacked? Any election that is not transparent is subject to manipulations and consequently subject to slanders which cannot be rebutted. This is the reason why votes are counted in public at polling booths during the Nigerian general elections. All voters are involved in the counting and go home knowing the results.”

The NBA Elections are scheduled to hold on July 29 and 30, 2020 via electronic voting.

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use.