The recent threat by the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) to sanction participants who breach NBA Election guidelines goes against the NBA Constitution, a Vice President of the association has said.

In a post on Facebook in response to a CITY LAWYER report on the matter, NBA Second Vice President, Mr. Chukwuemeka Clement Ugo stated that the committee lacked the power to sanction aspirants, arguing that only candidates come under the purview of the committee.

The outspoken Bar Leader who is popularly known as “Democrat” hinted that such sanctions may be challenged, saying that “It is a wrong and unconstitutional threat and ECNBA should be able to understand that all of us are lawyers first before NBA politicians.”

He added that “it is unconstitutional and a damage control that will not control the expensive nature of NBA elections, as they (aspirants) have violated same and spent heavily in printing hard copy campaign materials for their supporters.”

He noted that “such guidelines should be imbedded in our constitution from the word go” by replacing the word ‘candidates’ with ‘aspirants,’ adding that “I will so praise the chairman if he can muster courage to disqualify one presidential aspirant.”

The ECNBA had warned aspirants against embarking on campaigns and “campaign visit under any guise,” noting that it would disqualify any candidate found culpable.

In a notice made available to CITY LAWYER, the committee wrote: “Until the ECNBA declares campaigns open and set out the limited scope of such a campaign as provided in our Constitution, and relevant guidelines, no prospective candidate nor his/her supporters shall post, issue, print, publish, or display any campaign material, nor embark upon a campaign visit under any guise. Where evidence of such infraction is provided to the ECNBA, such a candidate shall be disqualified forthwith and shall not participate in the elections.”

Below is the full text of Ugo’s statement.

I still maintain that it is not proper to sanction an aspirant that is not a candidate yet.

Does it mean ECNBA is overruling the constitution of NBA?

Their guideline is good – no doubt about that – to control the flooding of chats and others as well as reduce the expensive nature of the campaign.

There is no presidential aspirant that does not spend above (N)5m per week. This is not healthy, and that is why some winners do not perform.

But it is unconstitutional and a damage control that will not control the expensive nature of NBA elections, as they have violated same and spent heavily in printing hard copy campaign materials for their supporters.

Such guideline should be imbedded in our constitution from the word go by replacing the word “candidates” with “aspirants” .

What it means is that if an opponent reposts another opponent’s outlawed hard copy campaign materials today, ECNBA will disqualify the said candidate?

It is a wrong and unconstitutional threat and ECNBA should be able to understand that all of us are lawyers first before NBA politicians.

I want to see this ECNBA disqualify one person on this, because many of them have violated (the) same (guideline). I will so praise the chairman if he can muster courage to disqualify one presidential aspirant.

I am waiting to know if the micro-zoning in the constitution will be adhered to!

May they perform without fear, but may they utilize wisdom in service.

#democrat2030

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Adherence to Notice No: 5 of the ECNBA dated April 5th, 2024.

To All Concerned Parties,

I, MohammedI. TSAV Esq., an aspiring candidate for the Nigerian Bar Association [NBA] 2024 Elections, do hereby unequivocally state that I am wholly committed to adhere to the directives of the ECNBA.

The ECNBA is the regulatory committee for the forthcoming 2024 NBA Elections has banned all forms of campaigning activities by aspirants and their various supporters.

I appeal to all my supporters to kindly desist from any campaign activities in my name and on my behalf, such as posting campaign materials or publications or any form of campaigning.

I have not consented nor authorised any campaigning in my name or on my behalf in breach of the ECNBA directives.

As an aspiring candidate, I and my supporters must adhere to the rule of law for a free and fair electoral process. Thank you.

Mohammed I. TSAV Esq.
Chairman-Emeritus,
NBA Bwari Branch.

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DISCLAIMER!

Dear colleagues,

Following the notice issued by the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association dated 1st April 2024, we affirm that our esteemed leader, Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN, has not authorized any form of campaign activities, directly or indirectly, for the forthcoming NBA elections.

We urge all our dear colleagues and supporters to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the ECNBA, which prohibit any form of campaigning until officially authorized. Any actions taken in contravention of these rules not only jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process but also jeopardize our collective efforts.

Let us demonstrate our commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and transparency by respecting the guidelines laid out by the ECNBA.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Best regards,
Friends of Afam Osigwe, SAN

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Pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Obollo-Afor Branch, Dr. Gerald Abonyi has urged lawyers to abide by the electoral guidelines issued by the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA).

In a statement obtained by CITY LAWYER, the Bar Leader noted that he has “pursuant to a recent Notice from ECNBA banning campaigns until otherwise lifted, since prohibited all forms of campaign.”

The Committee had warned aspirants against embarking on campaigns and “campaign visit under any guise,” noting that it would disqualify any candidate found culpable.

In a notice made available to CITY LAWYER, the committee wrote: “Until the ECNBA declares campaigns open and set out the limited scope of such a campaign as provided in our Constitution, and relevant guidelines, no prospective candidate nor his/her supporters shall post, issue, print, publish, or display any campaign material, nor embark upon a campaign visit under any guise. Where evidence of such infraction is provided to the ECNBA, such a candidate shall be disqualified forthwith and shall not participate in the elections.”

IMPORTANT NOTICE

I, Dr. Gerald Abonyi, aspiring for National Office of the NBA, have pursuant to a recent Notice from ECNBA banning campaigns until otherwise lifted since prohibited all forms of campaign.

My Friends, Colleagues and Supporters should ensure that they abide by ECNBA Directives.

Dr. Gerald Abonyi.

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Some aspirants for the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) 2024 Elections or their proxies have issued disclaimers to stave off any sanctions that may be imposed by the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) in the aftermath of its warning against electoral campaigns and visits.

CITY LAWYER investigation showed that the aspirants and their proxies flooded several social media platforms with the disclaimers, warning that they should not be held liable for any infraction of the latest ECNBA Notice.

The Committee had warned aspirants against embarking on campaigns and “campaign visit under any guise,” noting that it would disqualify any candidate found culpable.

In a notice made available to CITY LAWYER, the committee wrote: “Until the ECNBA declares campaigns open and set out the limited scope of such a campaign as provided in our Constitution, and relevant guidelines, no prospective candidate nor his/her supporters shall post, issue, print, publish, or display any campaign material, nor embark upon a campaign visit under any guise. Where evidence of such infraction is provided to the ECNBA, such a candidate shall be disqualified forthwith and shall not participate in the elections.”

Below are some of the disclaimers obtained by CITY LAWYER.

DISCLAIMER!

Dear colleagues,

Following the notice issued by the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association dated 1st April 2024, we affirm that our esteemed leader, Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN, has not authorized any form of campaign activities, directly or indirectly, for the forthcoming NBA elections.

We urge all our dear colleagues and supporters to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the ECNBA, which prohibit any form of campaigning until officially authorized. Any actions taken in contravention of these rules not only jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process but also jeopardize our collective efforts.

Let us demonstrate our commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and transparency by respecting the guidelines laid out by the ECNBA.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Best regards,
Friends of Afam Osigwe, SAN

DISCLAIMER

Pursuant to the NBA ECNBA 2024 notice No. 5, that reiterates the BAN on campaigns pending the lifting of same as provided for in the NBA Constitution and the Guidelines, Dr. Promise W. Iwezor JP. wishes to advice friends, supporters, and well wishers to abide strictly to the said Notice as issued by the ECNBA.

For the records, any publication henceforth bearing and or suggesting the solicitation of votes with respect to NBA Elections 2024 till the ban is lifted, does not have the approval and consent of Dr. Promise W. Iwezor JP. and the maker or author of such does so at his or her peril.

Dated 1st April 2024.
Signed by
Justice E. Chigonu Esq. DRS, CGAN
For and on behalf of Dr. Promise W. Iwezor JP.

DISCLAIMER! DISCLAIMER!! DISCLAIMER!!!

May I respectfully call the attention of my colleagues, friends and well wishers to Article 5 of the ECNBA Notice banning all forms of campaigns.

As dedicated and law abiding citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I urge us all to abide and respect the spirit of the Law in Article 5.

I, as a person solemnly swear not to depart from the said provisions of Article 5.

I therefore state unequivocally that nobody should send any article, publish any message using my name or on my behalf.

This has become necessary to avoid being dragged down by any person (s) or authorities.

Remain blessed and organized even as we focus on the big task ahead.

S.U ANYIA ESQ

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Gentlemen, l bring greetings to you and all yours in this season of Easter. I pray Almighty and Eternal God to meet you at the point of your needs.

In view of the very recent development from ECNBA vide the publication of ECNBA NOTICE NO 5 banning all forms of campaign, l urge all dedicated, law abiding and responsible supporters and well wishers of His Excellency , Soseipiriye Long Williams, Esq. to cease forthwith from posting of any form of sensitisation materials or articles regarding his aspiration in the forthcoming NBA Elections.

As law abiding and responsible members of the NBA, we shall lead the pack by showing leadership and good example by adhering strictly to the said notice.

In due course, further directives will be issued on the way forward as events unfolds. In the spirit of sportsmanship, lets play inline with the rules of the game.

God bless you all as you continue to enjoy the Easter break.

Dr. Peter Ayogu
(Chief of General Staff, to His Excellency, Soseipiriye Long Williams Esq)

DISCLAIMER 

TAKE NOTICE, that pursuant to the ECNBA NOTICE NO 5, and Electoral guidelines of the ECNBA of NBA. our own Oaikhena Osagie KSP, do hereby unequivocally State as follows;

(1)That he has not authorized anybody, individual, howsoever called or described to issue any statement, publication, hashtag, any image on any social and print Media platform, suggesting campaigns in the name of Oaikhena Osagie KSP.

(2). That anybody who does the above is on a frolic on his or her own and does so without consent of Oaikhena Osagie KSP. Let this notice serve as a notice to the whole world.

SIGN:

(Comrade) Henry Osayande Bazuaye,
(Comrade) Adedayo Adeshiela,
(Comrade) Ephraim Adedoyin
(For and on Behalf of Oaikhena Osagie KSP)

DISCLAIMER!!! ⚠️

I, FELIX CHUKWUMA ASHIMOLE, Esq., co-publisher of www.kubwaexpress.com, after carefully going through ECNBA NOTICE NO 5, hereby unequivocally state that:

I will abide by the warning, advice and directive contained in the said Notice.

I have not and will not authorise any body, individual or body corporate to issue any statement, publication, hashtag or use my image as emoji in any WhatsApp group.

I have not given or authorised any body, individual or corporate to place any good will message for me in any Law Week Magazine of any branch.

Nobody should hashtag any publication with my name or mention the world PUBLICITY in the same sentence with my name or image!

Any person doing so, is STRICTLY on his or her own and would be adjudged as my enemy, working with 5th columnists to get ECNBA to slam its harm on me!

It has become important that I issue the above, as I know how mischievous, treacherous and PHD (Pull Him Down) tactics that can be deployed in politics.

Gentlemen and Ladies,

This is to further inform every friend, colleague and well wisher of Auta Nyada Esq of the need to adhere strictly to the directives of ECNBA. We appreciate your support and assurances to him in the course of his consultation. At the appropriate time, we will love to hear from you loud and clear. But for now, let us abide by the ECNBA’s instructions.
Thank you and God bless.

– AUTA NYADA

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On Lagos State Judiciary Charging for Virtual Hearing Services and the Bail Information Management Services (BIMS)

By Bayo Akinlade 

VIRTUAL HEARINGS
We have had enough time to make virtual hearings the norm while physical appearances in open court should have taken a back seat.

In light of the current power supply issues bedeviling the Judiciary in Lagos State, the high cost of fuel and food prices, and the recent measures taken by the Lagos State Government requiring civil servants to only come to work 3 to 4 times a week, one would think that the managers of the Justice Sector would be more innovative in their approach to issues of great importance such as the economic conditions of citizens

With Lagos State Judges and Magistrates facing inadequate court rooms where some can’t sit for more than 3 days a week or work for more than 5 hours a day due to the lack of electricity supply, one would think that VIRTUAL HEARINGS would be a viable, less expensive, effective and efficient alternative but unfortunately, our colleagues on the BENCH have weaponized the very thing that would have put less burden on our judges, lawyers and litigants.

I have observed the Virtual Hearing infrastructure and services of the Lagos State Judiciary for some time now and I can only wonder: who in the world are the Judiciary taking advice from, because we know that the Judiciary within its ranks have very little internal expertise regarding technology to be able to counter any external suggestions that may be self-serving and that may not meet the ends of justice the citizens are hoping for.

I will not say more on this but it is clear that the Judiciary has only put a prize tag on virtual hearings but has not shown any capacity to make it efficient, effective and sustainable.

ON BIMS
Here again the Judiciary has placed an extra prize tag on another essential aspect of justice delivery.

Aside from all the bottlenecks of bail perfection such as requirements to pay taxes, surety approval system, arraignments and remand proceedings all of which are currently administered ineffectively, causing defendants to spend days in correctional facilities, our Judiciary has added another burden through the requirements for BIMS.

It seems that the Nigerian people have no reprieve from all their sufferings and the Judiciary is no longer the LAST HOPE OF THE COMMON MAN.

The Bar should not be silent on this. Senior Advocates of Nigeria in Lagos State should take up this challenge and show citizens why they deserve the rank/title and stand up for the common man. The Attorney General of Lagos State should intervene (seeing that government doesn’t pay for services offered by the Judiciary). The Judiciary is accountable to the people, it should be transparent with its dealings; it’s the 3rd arm of government whose income is derived from the sweat of citizens and our collective resources.

• Akinlade is a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Ikorodu Branch

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The Nigeria Law Society (NLS) FCT Chapter congratulates Chief Audu Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN on his appointment as a Bencher of the prestigious Body of Benchers

The FCT Chapter of the NLS has extended their warm congratulations to Chief Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN on his appointment as a Bencher of the Body of Benchers.

In a congratulatory letter signed by the Chapter Chairman and Secretary – Jephthah Tukura, Esq. and Atna Kayembo, Esq. – the FCT Chapter of the NLS extols Chief Nunghe’s exemplary leadership, exceptional legal expertise, and unwavering commitment to justice.

According to the Chapter, the appointment not only reflects Learned Silk’s achievements but underscores his influence within the legal family.

The Chapter added that they do not doubt that Chief Audu will enrich the deliberations of the Body of Benchers with his wisdom and leadership.

It is instructive to add that the Learned Silk, Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN is a Trustee of the NLS.

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NBA-ICLE Forges Groundbreaking Partnership with Olaniwun Ajayi LP to Build Legal Knowledge Repository

The Nigerian Bar Association’s Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE) has forged a pioneering partnership with Olaniwun Ajayi LP, one of Nigeria’s foremost law firms, to develop a centralised digital repository for legal resources. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to democratise access to vital knowledge within Nigeria’s legal community.

The announcement was made via an email circulated by Tobenna Erojikwe, Chairman of the Governing Board of the NBA-ICLE, who expressed his delight at this strategic collaboration. “On behalf of the President of the NBA and the Board of the NBA-ICLE, I am delighted to announce that the NBA-ICLE has entered into a strategic partnership with Olaniwun Ajayi LP for the building and maintenance of a central repository of all NBA-ICLE materials, whether virtual or print,” Erojikwe stated.

This fully accessible database, slated for launch in the second or third quarter of 2024, will be a game-changer for Nigerian lawyers seeking to enhance their professional development and stay abreast of the latest legal developments. Erojikwe emphasised the repository’s significance, noting, “The repository will be a fully accessible database that will be open to all members of the NBA for use at no cost.”

Underscoring Olaniwun Ajayi LP’s commitment to this groundbreaking initiative, the firm has generously covered the entire platform development costs. Wolemi Esan, Deputy Managing Partner of Olaniwun Ajayi LP, expressed his firm’s enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Olaniwun Ajayi LP is happy to cover the platform development costs as part of our commitment to supporting the NBA-ICLE. Leading the ICLE’s faculty for the finance training reinforced my desire to democratise knowledge. This is a responsibility that we owe those following in our footsteps.”

The NBA-ICLE has long been at the forefront of providing high-quality continuing legal education to Nigerian lawyers, ensuring they remain well-informed and equipped to navigate the ever-evolving legal landscape. With this new digital repository, the institute aims to take its mission to new heights, enabling seamless access to a wealth of resources, including virtual and print materials.

In an era where knowledge is power, this partnership between the NBA-ICLE and Olaniwun Ajayi LP represents a significant stride towards levelling the playing field for legal professionals across Nigeria. By removing barriers to access and fostering a culture of continuous learning, this initiative has the potential to elevate the legal profession and ultimately benefit the Nigerian public by promoting a more knowledgeable and competent Bar.

As the legal community eagerly awaits the launch of this groundbreaking repository, the NBA-ICLE and Olaniwun Ajayi LP have set a shining example of how strategic collaborations can drive progress and empower professionals with the tools they need to excel.

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A major contender for the position of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) First Vice President in  the forthcoming elections has quit the race, CITY LAWYER can authoritatively report.

Former NBA Enugu Branch Chairman, Dr. Jude Ezegwui told CITY LAWYER that he was throwing in the towel in compliance with the Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) Constitution which has zoned the slot to the South South bloc of the regional association.

CITY LAWYER gathered that the Bar Leader also told the last EBF meeting in Enugu of his resolve to collapse his campaign as it concerns the position.

Ezegwui noted that the three leading contenders for the post of NBA President all hail from Anambra State, adding that it would not accord with inclusion for him who is also from the state to gun for the position of NBA First Vice President, leaving the eight other EBF states with no post.

“I was approached by senior members of the Bar, SANs, Lagos, Abuja and PH branch members and Eastern Bar Forum to allow the South-South region to go for the position of 1st Vice NBA,” Ezegwui told CITY LAWYER. “I have always believed that Bar politics is about service; It is not a do-or-die affair.”

CITY LAWYER gathered that as part of the horse-trading that has enveloped the NBA political firmament recently, the stakeholders may have offered the former NBA Enugu Branch helmsman the position of NBA General Secretary come 2026.

It is envisaged that he may be more effectual in that position unlike the post of NBA First Vice President which some political watchers believe does not have real executive powers.

While Ezegwui’s withdrawal may have handed the initiative to the three leading aspirants from the South South bloc, namely Dr. Promise Iwezor of Isiokpo Branch, Mr. Sopriye Long Williams and Mr. Reginald Ugwuadu of Port Harcourt Branch – they would still have to contend with other aspirants from the South East bloc including Dr. Gerald Abonyi, pioneer Chairman of NBA Obollo-Afor Branch; former NBA Ikeja Chairman, Mr. Bartholomew Aguegbedo. On the other hand, while former Aguata Branch Chairman, Mr. Sabastine Anyia hails from the South South bloc, he has since adopted the South East and especially Anambra State as his practice and political base. Former NBA Yenagoa Branch Chairman, Mr. Ikechukwu Stanley Damabide is also said to be interested in the position.

CITY LAWYER observes that some candidates have occasionally defied the EBF Constitution by insisting on testing their political prowess with the electorate.

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MAY THE JOY OF THE RISEN CHRIST COMPEL NBA PRESIDENT, MR. YAKUBU MAIKYAU SAN AND THE FORMER FIRST VICE PRESIDENT, MR. JOHN AIKPOKPO-MARTINS TO SHEATH THEIR SWORDS AND EMBRACE PEACE

It’s no longer news that Mr. President of the NBA, Yakubu Maikyau SAN and the chairman of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA SPIDEL) are having a lingering battle that is now in every tabloid and newspaper in the country. I am also aware that the matter is now in the court of law. This has divided the Bar to a reasonable degree and has caused non-lawyers and other Associations to cast aspersions on our profession.

I sincerely believe that their differences can be settled in-house without the involvement of outsiders. Just recently, friends who are not lawyers have inundated me with calls and messages asking me what is happening in our Association that our Leaders are washing their dirty linens in public.

I became more worried when it got to my notice that the two leaders are Call mates. I plead that their call mates intensify efforts in reconciling their differences. I am not interested in who’s right or wrong at this stage but in anything that will bring peace and the matter in court withdrawn.

I solicit the intervention of past Presidents of the NBA and some respected elders of the Association. I am not sure that any of them is happy about the crisis. It is our tradition that when two brothers or friends are at war, the neighbours and elders intervene for the sake of peace.

When you read the allegations and counter allegations against each other that is now making headlines, you will agree with me that it is not healthy for the association. In every fight, the gladiators are not always equal. One is always bigger and more advantageous than the other. The mediators will know how to pacify both sides for the sake of peace and good name of the Association. There’s no doubt that peace is better than war in all circumstances.

May I also respectfully plead that we should always exercise restraint in going to the Press over in-house issues. Let us endeavor to employ all means of settling in-house issues amicably before making them public. May I passionately pray Mr. President to show love and concern in handling this peace proposal just as I beg the SPIDEL chairman to be amenable to settlement. This will save the association a huge cost and improve fraternity.

I’m looking forward to seeing Mr. President and SPIDEL chairman hugging themselves this Easter Season. It is possible, as this is the season of reconciliation.

May God bless NBA President. May God bless members of the NBA. May God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria.

SABASTINE U. ANYIA, ESQ.

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