The Nigerian Law Society (NLS) has announced plans to hold its inaugural Annual General Conference (AGC) on Friday, July 28, 2023.
A notice made available to CITY LAWYER stated that the conference would be held virtually, while prospective attendees are expected to pre-register for the event.
Below is the full text of the notice.
The Nigerian Law Society (NLS) cordially invites all Lawyers to it’s 1st Virtual Annual General Conference
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Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu has warned that unless urgent steps are taken to redress certain anomalies, the next Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Elections in 2024 may be compromised.
In a resignation letter from the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) made available to CITY LAWYER, the fiery human rights activist also decried the prolonged indebtedness to the service provider for the 2022 Elections, saying this has created challenges for ECNBA’s ability to deliver credible elections next year.
According to Odinkalu, “For reasons that I outline below, I have come to the plain conclusion that this aspiration for a credible election in the next cycle of elections in our Association in 2024 now faces a clear and present risk of foreseeable frustration. In the light of this painful conclusion, I have reconsidered my membership of the ECNBA and hereby tender my resignation from the Committee with effect from 10 July, 2023.”
He noted that while N18 million was contracted by the ECNBA for the 2022 voting service provider, “One year after the elections took place, we still owe the provider N5.4 million, representing 30% of the agreed sum.”
Apparently miffed by the manner in which his colleague was allegedly shot down by NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN when the matter was raised at the NBA National Executive Council meeting, Odinkalu observed that “rather than address it (debt) in the spirit in which it was raised, you shut it down, complaining that you regretted giving my colleague(s) the floor. That was hardly a vote of confidence on the Committee.”
Odinkalu revealed that yet another July 2022 contract by NBA to a company to clean up its database has also run into hot water due to indebtedness, adding that “It is my understanding that relations with this contractor may now have broken down irretrievably, that the portal has been deactivated and that the data collected from this portal are not accessible to the NBA because, being indebted to the contractor, it has been denied access to the encryption keys which the contractor can only release after the debts owed to it have been reconciled and cleared.”
Noting that there are concerns that the 2024 Elections may face a charge of compromise unless steps are taken to redress the issues, the respected good governance advocate stated that “I must make clear that I do not wish to be mis-interpreted as saying that these developments are compatible with a design to compromise the 2024 election in our Association. Absent urgent course correction, however, that outcome is foreseeable.”
According to him, “I continue to believe that the credibility of elections in the NBA must be sacrosanct. This is the spirit and service compact that persuaded me to agree to serve on this ECNBA. In the light of all the facts at my disposal, however, my only option, Mr. President, is reconsider my position. This is a matter of conscience. I have come to the reluctant conclusion that I can best advance these goals outside the ECNBA and I hereby resign.”
Odinkalu was appointed into the 5-member ECNBA by former NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata to conduct the 2022 NBA Elections which ushered in the Maikyau Administration.
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Foremost Bar Leader, Chief Emeka Ngige SAN has continued to receive accolades for his reformist agenda both at the Nigerian Law School and as a member of the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) as he turns 62 years today.
CITY LAWYER recalls that Ngige, until recently the Chairman of the Council of Legal Education (CLE), has orchestrated an unprecedented renovation of the decayed infrastructure at the Nigerian Law School through an innovative collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders.
As a two-term member of the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee since 2020, the highly respected Bar Leader is reputed to have contributed significantly in the reform of the procedures for award of the coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). This has led to the enactment of new conferment rules aimed to ensure that the award is increasingly meritorious.
It is recalled that Ngige had, as CLE Chairman, launched an ambitious Nigerian Law School Support Initiative (NLSI) which has attracted many projects to the school through governments and individual stakeholders.
Aside from major renovation work by the Lagos State Government among other stakeholders, Ngige was able to attract the state-of-the-art Dr. Nabo Graham-Douglas SAN Campus in Port Harcourt, donated to the Nigerian Law School by the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration.
These milestones did not go unnoticed by former President Muhammadu Buhari who showered encomiums on Ngige at his 60th birthday anniversary in 2021 and subsequently conferred the National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) on him. A statement by his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, read: “The President notes, with commendation, contributions of the legal luminary to the study and practice of law in Nigeria, donating books and materials to Law Schools, and serving on National Executive of NBA for more than 25 years, during which he represented the association as a member of the Body of Benchers.
“President Buhari affirms that Chief Ngige played a significant role in ensuring fairness and justice for the state and citizens by accepting to join the team of private legal professionals that prosecuted cases at the Failed Banks Tribunal, and other significant cases for the Federal Government, largely related to recovery of public funds and property.
Then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad also hailed Ngige, a Bencher and Assistant Secretary of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), as a “legal icon and quintessential philanthropist,” adding that he is a “man of honour and dignity” whose lifestyle “has been a formidable fountain of inspiration to people from all walks of life.
“A life of scholarship. A life of commitment to the development of his fatherland. A life of service to humanity. A life of absolute submission to the dictates of the almighty God and his conscience.”
Following his short-lived re-appointment as Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, BOSAN had stated that “your re-appointment is a testament to your commitment to excellent service and immense contribution to the development of the Legal Education in Nigeria,” adding that “We note with admiration your exceptional philanthropic gestures which has manifested in the development of the Nigerian Law School, thereby impacting positively and realistically on the standard of Legal Education in Nigeria and ultimately the standard of Legal Practice nationally and internationally.”
Aside from clearing of backlog of over 10,000 students and resolving the longstanding logjam on admission of National Open University (NOUN) law graduates to the Nigerian Law School, Ngige, with support from the management of the Nigerian Law School, also spearheaded a revision of the school’s curriculum and adoption of interactive teaching methods. He equally instituted administrative reforms and established a Quality Assurance Unit to ensure uniform delivery of academic programmes and facilities across all the campuses. The Council also supervised six final Bar examinations.
Apart from sundry projects delivered by the Federal Government through the supervising Federal Ministry of Justice, the Rivers State government constructed two hostels and a multi-purpose hall at the Yenagoa campus of the school
In conjunction with the school administration, the Council built two medical centres at Abuja and Enugu campuses, commissioned a Moot Court, built by the Nigerian Law School Class of 1986 and several staff quarters were rehabilitated by the Enugu State government, besides installation of CCTV cameras in examination halls at Abuja headquarters and commencement of digitisation of files and documents to enhance speedy issuance of transcripts.
The Council also approved accreditation reports for law programmes in 37 universities, reviewed upwards grading system for Bar finals, overhauled its corporate governance regime, enforced disciplinary provisions in the Legal Education (Consolidation Etc) Act, and equally reviewed the Code of Conduct for students.
Ngige is a member of the Body of Benchers, a body of legal practitioners with the highest distinction. He was a Non-Executive Director at Air Peace Limited, one of Africa’s leading airlines.
Ngige has been a representative of NBA at the Body of Benchers (BoB). He was elected Publicity Secretary (1995-1996) and Secretary (1996-1998) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch. From1991 to 2016, he served as a co-opted member of the NBA National Executive Committee (NEC). He was in 1990 appointed a Notary Public by then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Bello. Ngige has been conferred by the Rivers State Government with its highest honour of Distinguished Star of Rivers State ( DSSRS) award. He holds the chieftaincy title of Ikemba N’Alor.
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Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary, Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN has emphasized the need for an independent and virile judiciary in the country.
Osigwe, who was the Keynote Speaker at the 2023 Gabriel Adikwu & Co. Annual Lecture in Yola, said that this has become urgent in view of the experiences garnered over Nigeria’s general elections since 1999.
Speaking on the topic, “Lawyers and the law in a democratic dispensation: Nigeria’s experience from 1999 to 2023 – lessons learned, challenges, and opportunities,” the Bar Leader noted that lawyers play a crucial role in consolidating democratic gains.
Osigwe, who is also the Chairman of the 2023 NBA Annual General Conference Planning Committee, posited that the experience of lawyers and the law since Nigeria’s democratic dispensation from 1999 to 2023 “has been both challenging and enlightening.”
He said that the lessons learned underscore the importance of an independent judiciary and the role of lawyers in advancing human rights, adding that significant challenges such as corruption and limited access to justice persist.
“Despite all these, there are opportunities for lawyers to contribute to positive change through active engagement in the ongoing constitutional reform process and in embracing technological advancements,” he said, adding that “By addressing these challenges and seizing these opportunities, Nigerian lawyers can continue to play a crucial role in fostering a just and democratic society.”
He thanked Mr. Gabriel Adikwu and members of his team for finding him worthy to be the Keynote Speaker “on this very essential topic that provided us an opportunity to discuss issues around the growth and development of Nigeria and the critical role Lawyers play in that regard.”
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It was another moment in the sun especially for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, unarguably NBA’s poster-child, as its outgoing Chairman and top corporate lawyer, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna was last week named Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice by Abia State Governor Alex Otti.
This is coming on the heels of yet another rancour-free biennial elections held by the Uwanna-led branch Executive Committee to elect a new leadership for the branch.
CITY LAWYER recalls that Uwanna’s elevation followed his earlier appointment as the Senior Special Assistant on Legal Matters to Governor Otti, having won a popular mandate in the governorship race on the ticket of the emergent Labour Party (LP).
Viewed by many industry watchers as an astute technocrat with deft people skills, Uwanna brought several innovations to the running of the branch, not least his mainstreaming of technology in branch operations and skillful management of the branch monthly meetings.
Otti last week swore in the 16 commissioners who were cleared by the Abia State House of Assembly, leaving out three candidates who are yet to be screened by the lawmakers. His words: “Do not betray the trust of our people who have remained patient and loyal to our course by toeing the same path that brought Abia to the sorry state we met it.” In the clearest pointer that Uwanna is regarded as a ranking commissioner in the cabinet, he was given the privilege to speak on behalf of his fellow commissioners.
He thanked Otti for giving them the opportunity to contribute to the development of the state, and assured that they would not betray the confidence reposed in them.
Uwanna was until his appointment a Partner with Tsedaqah Attorneys. Before joining Tsedaqah Attorneys, he was an Assistant Manager, Tax Advisory and Regulatory Compliance Services with SIAO, a Lagos based consulting firm. He had also practiced Law and Taxation with Serenity Legal Union and Partners, Port Harcourt.
Uwanna received a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Abia State University, Uturu and a Master of Laws degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He was admitted to the Nigerian Bar after completing his professional training at the Nigerian Law School. He also possesses a certificate in Entrepreneurial Management from the Pan African University, Lagos.
He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), International Bar Association (IBA), Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Chartered Institute of Taxation (CITN), Chartered Institute of Mediators and Conciliators (CIMC), Association of Outsourcing Professionals of Nigeria (AOPN), and Capital Market Solicitors Association (CMSA).
A Notary Public for Nigeria and a member of the elite Ikoyi Club 1938, Uwanna is reputed as a leading expert in dispute resolution and cutting-edge commercial law practice, with emphasis on Company and Commercial Law as well as Taxation.
Other members of the cabinet are Prof. Monica Ironkwe, Agriculture; Kingsley Anosike, Budget and Planning; Prof. Uche Eme Uche, Education; Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, Environment and Urban Renewal; Mike Akpara, Finance; Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, Health; Prince Okey Kanu, Information and Culture; Chaka Chukwumerije, Lands and Housing, and Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Also sworn in are Prof. Joel Friday Ogbonna, Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Chima Emmanuel Oriaku, Science and Technology; Nwaobilor Ananaba, Sports and Youth Development; Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, Trade, Commerce & Industry; Ngozi Blessing Felix, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Don Otumchere Oti, Works; Sunny Onwuma, Transport; Ikechukwu Monday, Power and Public Utilities, and Dr. Mathew Ekwuribe, Digital Economy/ SME.
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What is NBA doing? What is CLASFON doing? What is MULAN doing? What is NACL doing? What is FIDA doing? What is AWLA doing? SPIDEL, SBL, SLP, YLF etc what are they all doing?
As we approach the end of another Legal Year, I have nothing encouraging to say nor can I place my finger on any solid progress the Judiciary and the NBA has made in this 2022/2023 Legal Year; save for the proposed increases in salaries and the extension of the retirement age of judges of the superior courts. This leaves the lower courts unattended – a very myopic and unfortunate outcome of the independence of the judiciary movement.
My observations here will however be centered on the awkward relationship between the Bar and the Bench, resulting in the run-down infrastructure of our courts.
When some of my colleagues argue that it is not the responsibility of the Bar to support or even provide for our court’s infrastructure, I quiver in shock because in many instances, individual legal practitioners are known for contributing, supporting and doing the very thing the NBA as an Association refuses to do, acknowledge and understand.
Many do not know that providing support to the judiciary is the number one objective of NBA as stated in the NBA’s constitution; but most NBA leaders don’t care or simply haven’t read the NBA constitution.
Let’s ask some questions here:
Who are the users of the Courts?
Who benefits the most from a good and conducive Court environment?
Does a comfortable Court environment improve justice delivery?
Does a Court with full functionality encourage productivity?
Are Clients willing to pay more for legal services when they see a fully functional court environment?
Whatever our answers are to these questions, one thing is clear: if the Bar and Bench cannot cooperate to ensure that our courts are comfortable for users and managers of the courts, then we have failed the country.
In my opinion, I adjudge that the failure is more on the part of the NBA. I do not come to this conclusion lightly, but considering the high corruption levels in government and the challenges of financial allocations to the judiciary, the NBA should play its constitutional role and bridge the gap instead of paying lip service and complaining about the judiciary.
CASE STUDY: NBA IKORODU BRANCH
A few years ago, NBA Ikorodu Branch procured a generator and fans to support the court’s infrastructure.
Before then, the court’s generator was constantly having fault, putting the judges and magistrates in very uncomfortable situations. This negatively impacted on justice delivery, as many cases had to be adjourned.
NBA Ikorodu Branch through its leaders identified that the combined value of the total financial expense of litigants, the value of the time of lawyers present in court, the value of salaries paid to court staff and judges all combined outweighed any politically correct position that suggested that the Bar wasn’t to interfere or contribute to Court infrastructure. It was a no-brainer to procure a generator and fans to make the working conditions better…And it did. Our Judges and Magistrates worked harder and better because they were comfortable.
Today, unfortunately our NBA Branch in Ikorodu has forgotten what it means to make a difference in their workspace; our judges are the ones paying for the fuel to run the NBA generator. Sometimes they pay for the diesel for the main court generator. Should this be? Some judges and magistrates even purchase their own chairs and other basic electronic facilities like printers, computers etc. This is totally unacceptable.
The NBA will spend Billions of Naira on a 5-day conference but cannot find it necessary to invest in the welfare of its members by supporting our justice infrastructure. I mean can we not see that the welfare of NBA members is tied to an improved court infrastructure?
How can we argue that it is the responsibility of government alone? If this was the case, why do we take government to court to protect people’s rights and other noble causes; afterall we have many government funded human rights institutions, committees and agencies supposedly protecting the rights of citizens. Is it not the right of every citizen to have unfettered access to justice?
I call on NBA National, NLS, NBA Branch leaders, leaders of all religious, professional and gender based lawyer groups to reassess the conditions of the courts and work together with the Judiciary to ensure that citizens get the best out of our justice delivery system.
Enough of spending huge amounts on irrelevant parties, cocktails, retreats and law week programs that make no impact other than stroking the egos of some lawyers and which has become an opportunity to enrich some individuals.
Bayo Akinlade is the Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Law Society
Judges and Magistrates are lawyers like the rest of us. The Bench is merely an appointment structure. If the judiciary is corrupt, weak, underfunded or ineffective then it’s the fault of us lawyers and by extension the fault of NBA and its weak, ineffective leadership!
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The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference Planning Committee (AGCPC) has invited qualified lawyers to register for the NBA AGC Sport competition.
In a bid towards inclusiveness, the Committee is also launching an inaugural wheelchair table tennis competition.
Meanwhile, AGCPC has unveiled its Hotel Partners for the eagerly awaited conference. About 20,000 delegates are expected at the flagship NBA annual event, according to AGCPC Chairman, Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN.
In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER and signed by NBA Assistant Publicity Secretary, Mr. Charles Ajiboye, the Committee noted that it had “upon review of proposals” appointed Aishaba Limited and Aura Logistics as official hotel partners for the Annual General Conference.
“The logistics firms have negotiated discounted rates with hotels and apartments in and around the Conference venue.
“Members interested in making hotel reservations are encouraged to engage the services of these official partners.”
AGC SPORTS EVENTS AND COMPETITIONS
Distinguished Colleagues,
The Nigerian Bar Association wishes to invite qualified lawyers to register for the NBA AGC Sport competition. This year also features an inaugural wheelchair table tennis competition.
Eligibility As a condition precedent, all prospective participants are required to register for the AGC.
Timeline Registration starts on the 22nd day of June, 2023 and ends on the 11th day of July 2023.
Registration fee Football Male team: 100,000.00 Female Team: 100, 000.00
Table Tennis Male: 10,000.00 Female: 10,000.00
Wheelchair table tennis: Free
Chess and Scrabble: 5,000
Registration Registration payment should be paid into the account below- Name: NBA-AGC Account Number: 0695176495 Bank: Access Bank
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The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho has assured delegates to the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) Annual Conference that they would not suffer any disability for attending the conference.
Speaking while receiving a high-level delegation of the NBA-SLP Conference Planning Committee (CPC) led by Chief Paul Harris Ogbole SAN, Justice Tsoho stated that lawyers who register for the conference would be granted adjournment to enable them to fully participate in the annual fiesta.
He lauded the theme of the conference, “Legal practice beyond borders,” adding that it would make lawyers to expand their horizons and refuse to be constrained by their immediate scope of practice or knowledge.
Justice Tsoho thanked the Section for identifying with the court, adding that the Bar and Bench belong to the same constituency even while playing different crucial roles.
He urged lawyers to be more steadfast in protecting the interest of both the privileged and the common man, and decried the practice of lawyers taking up litigation solely for purpose of being awarded the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Speaking earlier, Ogbole noted that NBA-SLP is the Section that deals with core law practice especially as it concerns litigation and ancillary matters, urging the Chief Judge to grant two free days to enable members of the Bar and Bench to attend the eagerly awaited conference.
He described lawyers as the mouthpiece of the judiciary, stressing the need for improved welfare package for the judiciary in order to boost the growth of legal practice.
Ogbole emphasized the need for lawyers to periodically embark on training through conferences and seminars, saying that the theme of the conference was carefully chosen to cater to the needs of all delegates.
In his remarks, the Alternate Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Mr. Tonye Krukrubo SAN thanked Justice Tsoho for the warm reception accorded the delegation, adding that it is a strong indication of his commitment to the growth of the legal profession.
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Former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN has decried the gruesome killing of NBA Gusau Branch Welfare Secretary, Mr. Ahmad Muhammad Abubakar.
Describing the killing by gunmen as “a significant loss to the legal community,” Osigwe, who is also the Chairman of the NBA Annual General Conference Planning Committee, urged the Zamfara State Government and security agencies “to promptly and thoroughly investigate this heinous crime.”
CITY LAWYER recalls that the Chairman of NBA Gusau Branch, Mr. Junaidu Abubakar had, while explaining the circumstances leading to the death of the Welfare Secretary, said: “Ahmed was gruesomely murdered by unknown murderers/killers/assasins at about 0030hrs of today, Wednesday, 5th day of July, 2023, at his residence along Mada Road in Kotorkoshi town, of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State.”
Below is the full text of Osigwe’s statement.
MAZI AFAM OSIGWE, SAN, CONDEMNS THE KILLING OF THE NBA GUSAU BRANCH WELFARE SECRETARY
The gruesome murder of our dear colleague and Welfare Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, Gusau Branch, Mr Ahmad Muhammad Abubakar, today at his residence in Kotorkoshi town, Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, is a tragic event, and I condemn it.
Mr Ahmad was a committed Bar Man, devoting a significant portion of his life to serving our colleagues at the branch level. His untimely demise is a significant loss to the legal community.
I call on the Zamfara State Government and the State’s security agencies to promptly and thoroughly investigate this heinous crime.
It is crucial to ensure that those responsible for this savage act and many others are swiftly identified and brought to justice. Actions like this must have consequences, and offenders must face the full force of the law.
In this time of grief, my heartfelt condolences go out.
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN.
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Justice Raphael Chikwe Agbo, a ranking justice of Nigeria’s Court of Appeal, is dead.
CITY LAWYER gathered that Justice Agbo died last Monday in Calabar. Admitted to the Bar in 1978, he was the second ranking justice of the Court of Appeal.
Appointed a justice of the Court of Appeal in 2005, Justice Agbo was due to retire from the Bench on October 21, 2023 after a chequered career as a judicial officer.
CITY LAWYER recalls that former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi had recently named the Enugu State Multi-Door Courthouse after the jurist who hails from the state, saying it is “honour well-deserved.”
In perhaps his last major judgment, Agbo had led a Court of Appeal panel which upheld the conviction of Senator Bassey Akpan, the governorship candidate of Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Akwa Ibom State, over money laundering charges. The court also ordered Akpan’s arrest.
The panel, sitting in Calabar, however varied the sentence by granting the appellant an option of fine.
“The court also affirmed that the appellant should restitute the sum of N240 million to the federal government through the EFCC and that the said restitution shall not be a prerequisite for his release from the correctional facility,” an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) statement noted. “The court finally revoked the bail and ordered the arrest of Senator Akpan.”
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The outgoing Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, and the Chairman-Elect, Mr. Olabisi Makanjuola, have set up a joint transition committee to ensure a smooth transition of the governance structures and administration of the Branch.
According to a statement made available to CITY LAWYER by the Branch Publicity Secretary Elo Adhekpukoli, “The committee is headed by the current Vice Chairlady of the Branch, Mrs. Abiye Tam-George, while the Vice-Chairlady-elect, Mrs. Esther Jimoh will serve as the Alternate Chairlady. The Secretary-elect, Mr. Emuobonuvie Majemite will serve as the Secretary of the transition committee. Other members of the committee include Agba Eimunjeze, the current Legal Adviser of the Branch, Fernandez Marcus-Obiene, Fikayo Ogunrinde, and Justice John. The outgoing Chairman and Chairman-elect will both serve as ex-officio members of the committee.”
The terms of reference of the committee includes:
Knowledge Transfer: Facilitate the transfer of institutional knowledge, including historical information, policies, procedures, and best practices, from the outgoing Executive Committee to the incoming Executive Committee.
Document Review: Conduct a thorough review of relevant documents, such as bylaws, reports, financial records, and meeting minutes, to ensure accurate and up-to-date information is available to the new committee.
Handover of Responsibilities: Coordinate with outgoing committee members to ensure a comprehensive handover of responsibilities, including specific projects, ongoing initiatives, and important contacts or stakeholders.
Continuity Planning: Collaborate with the outgoing Executive Committee to develop a continuity plan that outlines critical tasks, deadlines, and ongoing commitments to ensure a seamless transition and avoid disruption of essential services or projects.
Support and Guidance: Provide ongoing support, guidance, and mentorship to the incoming committee members during the transition period, addressing their queries, clarifying processes, and helping them navigate their new roles effectively.
Reporting: Prepare a comprehensive transition report documenting the activities, achievements, challenges, and recommendations of the Transition Committee. This report will serve as a resource for future transitions and organizational improvement.
The statement notes that “The transition committee, the first of it’s kind in the history of the NBA Lagos Branch, is another unique legacy of the outgoing administration of the NBA Lagos Branch led by Mr. Uwanna, which has taken consistent steps to institutionalize the governance processes of the Lagos Branch. One of the first issues we identified two years ago when we assumed office was the need to transform the governance processes of the NBA Lagos Branch in line with international best practices, and to ensure that we transfer these processes to the administration after us for continuous improvement.
“All elected Executive Members of the Branch, and all Standing and Ad-hoc Committees will submit detailed hand-over reports summarizing their activities in the last two years, and make recommendations for the incoming administration. We hope that this practice will become the norm for subsequent administrations of our Branch, as we work towards the collective goal of maintaining our enviable status as the Premier Bar in Nigeria.”
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Chief Paul Harris Ogbole (SAN) is a former board member of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and a current member of the Council for Legal Education (Nigeria Law School). He is the chairman of the Conference Planning Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP). In this interview with AMEH OCHOJILA, he shares his views on the challenges of administration of justice and the preparedness of NBA-SLP to have its yearly conference next month.
What do you think is responsible for the slow pace of the justice system in Nigeria? In the first instance, I think that a Nigerian judge is overworked, and the judiciary is over-tasked. There is more work and less pay for the judges. So, with the volume of work that the Judges have, their dockets are filled. The number of cases that the judges have in their dockets daily ranges from 20, 30, 40 and sometimes 60.
The question you ask yourself is: how much time will be deployed to research? How well can a judge properly evaluate evidence? That’s one aspect of it. The second aspect is, we have said repeatedly that the facilities available to Nigerian judges are the least in contemporary judicial practice. Our respective Houses of Assembly have automated recording devices, but most of the courts have manual recording, which is a long-hand proceeding.
It is tedious, back-breaking, slow and archaic. That is the problem confronting our judges today. A judge in Nigeria among the three arms of government is least enumerated, and if you make the job unattractive in terms of remuneration, how do you in the first place get the best attracted to the bench? So, the remuneration of judges is nothing to write home about.
The facilities available to them from the court environment are eyesore. It is sad that a temple of justice is allowed to look like a shack. The furniture, equipment, staffing and training all speak about the quality of service you get from the courts.
Judges’ welfare is not attended to, yet the volume of work to be done is huge. So, all of those contribute to slow down the pace of work. Sometimes, lawyers contribute to the cause of delay by filing frivolous applications. And in some cases, as lawyers, we owe it a duty to advise our clients properly as to the likelihood of the general position of the law.
What’s the significance of the NBA section on legal practice as a body under the Bar? The section on legal practice is primarily to improve legal practice and to meet the need of the 21st-century practice demands, and also to reposition members to embrace the change occasioned by globalisation, information technology, and economic development. The section is to assist members to develop and improve legal services to the public.
You intend to hold a conference this month, what is its theme? The world is a global village. We need to expand the frontiers of the areas of practice available to our lawyers. As we continue to increase in numbers as lawyers in this country, we must find a place of relevance for ourselves here and across the globe. So, with the advent of the Internet, modernity, and artificial intelligence, we see the need for Nigerians to tap into all of those technologies so that we can take advantage of the world being a global village.
Having said that, the question to ask is, how prepared are we as lawyers to tap into these advantages? So, the theme of this year’s conference is: ‘Legal Practice Without Borders’ which is to examine the practice and transformation of law in Nigeria and the international environment. It is to critically examine what role our lawyers can play and how relevant they can be in the world space. The question is, how prepared are we? How can we take advantage of the goings on around the world? What areas of training do we further need? How can we position ourselves so that we can be relevant in the scheme of things? How can Nigerian lawyers practice well in Nigeria and outside the country? We are happy to know that our lawyers are doing well in Canada, and elsewhere in Europe. Luckily, our lawyers are currently judges somewhere in Canada and Britain.
They received their training in the country. The training we receive is such that makes you are a global citizen. At the conference, we will showcase Nigeria lawyers as global citizens. Besides, how well are we positioned to take advantage of all of the emerging Information and Communication Technology (ICT)? If we don’t do these, we will find out that we will lose relevance, and lawyers from other parts of the world would gain relevance over and above us.
Before you know it, they would begin to take our jobs. We need to position ourselves in such a way and manner that we can relate globally and positively affect the justice system in Nigeria and the globe. We will be happy to hear that more Nigerian lawyers are doing well globally.
The essence of the conference is to showcase the status of the Nigerian lawyer, the advantages it can bring to bear, and positioning himself to be a practitioner across the globe.
What calibres of resource persons are expected at the event? We are expecting high-class, world-class, highly reputable judges, lawyers and academics. The conference will attract distinguished jurists, academia, high-level government functionaries and corporate executives.
You propose to organise a debate for young lawyers at the event, what’s the essence? We believe we are catching them young. The experience you gather as a young lawyer would go a long way in making you a better lawyer. Young lawyers are indeed the future of our profession. So we decided this year to say let us have a debate for young lawyers, and the essence is to get them to improve themselves and to expose themselves to the nuances of practice. This time around, it is a non-courtroom environment. And we believe that the argument that would emanate from this debate would be a far-reaching argument that would also help to contribute in no small way to expanding the experiences of our practice.
Giving young lawyers the opportunity to embark on a debate like this before very seasoned lawyers and judges would provide an opportunity for confidence building, for exposure and showcasing themselves and being role models to so many other young lawyers.
Sitting among their peers and seeing how well they are doing, I think it would stimulate other lawyers to also work harder regarding their advocacy. We have prices. The winner would be given N750, 000, second runners up would get N500, 000, while the third runners up would be awarded N350, 000.
A number of our lawyers and SANs have indicated interest in giving so much more support to the programme, and to the winners as a source of encouragement. So, we look forward to a very robust debate among our young lawyers. Even the older lawyers will learn a lot from these young lawyers.
They will share knowledge on the use of technology, which they acquired in more recent cases they encountered or worked on. The strength of any practice hinges on the quality and calibre of research embarked on. Most of us commit heavily on the abilities of the young lawyers, their industry and use of technology. They do quite well in those. I must compliment and commend the effort of our young lawyers for their contribution to legal practice. Oftentimes, they are unsung but I think they are true heroes in our profession. They need to be celebrated and encouraged at every opportunity.
There is an extension for early bird registration. Why is it so? Yes, after the closure, we decided to extend it by two weeks period for the early birds. The reasons are: first of all, we are in a season of joy. The Sallah season is a time of celebration. The news is coming at a time when we are all celebrating and you know for a few days this week, we have two days of public holiday and much of the week there would be less of official activities and so we believe that extending the time would give so many people more opportunity to cover up.
Again there is a lot of pressure from our members. People wanting to register and for one reason or the other are unable to increased the demand for an extension. Those are the reason we decided to give an additional two weeks window.
Is there any special provision for gentlemen in skirts and the physically challenged? For physically challenged lawyers, we have in place structures that would support them. For instance, we have made arrangement for interpreters for people who have hearing challenges. We have in place officers and men who would assist people who have some other physical challenges in terms of movement in and out.
We also have a discount for people with physical challenges, a discount in the aid of registration and there are quite a number of incentives to encourage participation of lawyers with physical challenges. For female lawyers, we have systems to encourage them to attend. As I speak to you, specifically, 20 female lawyers would be registered free. That’s the window available only to female lawyers and it’s a way to encourage our female lawyers. And there is also a special discount again for females to register, and then there is a discount also for our gentlemen in skirts.
Credit: THE GUARDIAN
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The Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria(MULAN) has urged aspiring delegates to register for its Annual Conference holding in Lafia, Nasarawa State, saying there would be no onsite registration for the 5-day programme.
The Annual Conference will hold from July 19 to July 23, 2023.
According to an earlier statement signed by Ishaku M. Dikko SAN and MOHAMMED Adama, the Chairman and Secretary respectively of the Conference Planning Committee (CPC), the Annual General Conference has as its theme, “Religion, power and politics: The need for a unified polity.”
Dikko assured MULAN members that the conference “will be a memorable event,” even as he urged them to register early for the conference. On her part, MOHAMMED Adama, who is the first-ever female Secretary of MULAN-CPC, stated that “We have put everything in place to ensure a seamless registration experience for all members.”
The conference fees range from as low as N5,000 for Young Lawyers to N50,000 for Senior Advocates of Nigeria, political office holders as well as Managing Directors/CEOs of companies and organisations.
A senior lawyer and member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch Human Rights Committee, Lillian Eronini has petitioned the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba over alleged traffic violation ticket issued by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
In the petition made available to CITY LAWYER, the fiery human rights activist also demanded “immediate reversal of the processed traffic violation fine of N20,000 (twenty thousand Naira) from the Lagos State Traffic Management Solution (LTMS) as there is no basis for same within seven days) from the date of the receipt of this letter, else I will have no option but use the instrumentality of the law to reverse the said illegal fine.”
Dated June 15, 2023 and addressed to LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Bolaji Oreagba, the petition was titled, “RE: PROTEST LETTER IN RESPECT OF TRAFFIC VIOLATION PROCESSED AGAINST MY VEHICLE NO LSD 273 HG ON 18TH MAY 2023, FOR ILLEGAL PARKING IN FRONT OF SEXUAL OFFENCES COURT HOUSE, HIGH COURT IKEJA.”
Narrating her ordeal, Eronini, who was in court to pursue a pro bono matter on behalf of an indigent client, wrote: “On the 7th day of June 2023, I received a processed traffic violation fine of N20,000,00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) from the Lagos State Traffic Management Solution (LTMS) which they claimed to be penalty for the traffic offence of improper parking with violation no: VNLSD273HG070623042946.
“A video was sent with the said penalty, after watching the video, I discovered that the said video was recorded in front of the Lagos State Sex Offenders Court house, within the Court premises of the Ikeja High Court Lagos.
“I am a member of the NBA Lagos Branch Human Rights Committee, by virtue of the said position, I have so many pro-bono cases assigned by some Lagos State High Court Judges.
“It is pertinent to inform you that I was in court for one of those pro bono cases (THE STATE OF LAGOS V. PETER SAMUEL WITH CHARGE NO.:ID/5350C/2017 BEFORE JUSTICE OSHODI).
“It is also instructive to state that on the said 18th of May 2023, my good self and other colleagues too numerous to mention were directed by the court’s security to park in front of the court, (Domestic Violence & Sex offences Court) because the car park could not accommodate all the vehicles of lawyers, as there is clearly no traffic sign prohibiting lawyers from parking their vehicles beside the court premises.
“I also wish to draw your attention to the fact that from the video evidence sent to me, the said vehicles parked beside the court premises were not causing any form of obstruction to the free flow of traffic.
“Further take note that upon receipt of the processed traffic violation fine of N20,000 (twenty thousand Naira) from your office, I immediately contacted some of my colleagues who we parked together on the said date to confirm if their cars were also fined and to my greatest surprise, only my vehicle was issued with the said parking fine, as such I wonder why my car will be HANDPICKED from over 50 cars parked on the stretch of that road.”
CITY LAWYER gathered that LASTMA is yet to respond to the petition at press time.
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The Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference Planning Committee (NBA-AGCPC) has taken delivery of conference bags, the key souvenir for the event.
CITY LAWYER gathered that the Committee is currently processing the bags for freighting to delegates, 54 days to the commencement of the conference.
The committee, led by former NBA General Secretary, Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN, had assured during the unveiling of the conference website and theme that it would ensure seamless dispatch of the conference bags to delegates.
The Annual Conference, by far the flagship event hosted yearly by the NBA, will hold at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja from August 25, 2023 to September 1, 2023. The theme of the conference is “Getting it Right: Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation Building.”
Speaking on the forthcoming event, Osigwe said: “The Annual General Conference (AGC) is the leading annual event of the NBA and a staple on the calendar of the Nigerian legal profession. Each year, we come together to discuss, debate and learn; constantly seeking new ways to improve the practice of our profession, how we service our clients, and the way our society is governed and regulated.”
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The Conference Planning Committee (CPC) for the 2023 Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) Annual Conference has entered into a partnership with NACO LOGISTICS LIMITED for discounted hotel rates for conferees.
CITY LAWYER recalls that the CPC led by Mr. Paul Harris Ogbole SAN recently extended the Early Bird registration window for the Annual Conference to July 7, 2023.
According to the senior lawyer, “Delegates are encouraged to take advantage of the discounted hotel rates by making their seamless reservations through NACO Logistics.”
To download the Hotel Catalog and pictures of the hotels listed for the conference, simply visit the link below: https://nacobooking.com/special-offer.
Conferees can book any of the selected hotels either online using the above link or offline through bank transfer on the account details provided on the above hotel catalog.
The company advises conferees to opt for offline payment using the discounted rates on the catalog as online rates are slightly higher due to some hidden charges.
You can contact NACO Logistics for enquiries: Call:07031477237 __ WhatsApp: wa.me/2348069206814 Email: support@nacobooking.com Company name: NACO LOGISTICS LTD “Booking through NACO saves you money, time and stress.”
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