Blog – CITY LAWYER MAGAZINE

USORO, OBI-OKAFOR MOURN OLOWOKURE

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Paul Usoro (SAN) and former NBA presidential candidate, Chief Arthur Obi-Okafor are among the Bar leaders who are mourning the sudden demise of veteran Bar activist and former Chairman of NBA Kaduna Branch, Mr. Olumuyiwa Olowokure.

Popularly known in Bar circles as “OO” in line with his initials, Olowokure was considered by many as a consummate Bar-man and a much-sought-after strategist especially in relation to Bar politics.

During the last NBA Elections, he pitched his tent with Obi-Okafor and was one of his ‘Returning Officers’ during the poll. In particular, he was known for his cerebral disposition and integrity, as his support for any particular candidate never wavered.

In a statement signed by NBA Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kunle Edun, Usoro described Olowokure as “an active bar man who featured prominently in the activities of the Nigerian Bar Association as a former Chairman of NBA Kaduna branch and member of the National Executive Committee of the NBA for several years.”

On his part, Obi-Okafor described Olowokure as “an astute Bar man, a personal friend and confidant.” In his tribute titled “O. O. Olowokure’s Demise: A Good Man Bids Goodbye,” Obi-Okafor said that Olowokure “will be remembered as a detribalized and consummate Bar man with the midas touch.”

Below are the statements by the Bar leaders:

NBA MOURNS THE DEMISE OF QUINTESSENTIAL BAR MAN, OLUMUYIWA OLOWOKURE

Moments ago the sad news of the sudden demise of Olumuyiwa Olowokure Esq reached the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Paul Usoro, SAN and the National Officers. It was shocking and saddening.

Mr. Olowokure was an active bar man who featured prominently in the activities of the Nigerian Bar Association as a former Chairman of NBA Kaduna branch and member of the National Executive Committee of the NBA for several years. He was also the Kaduna State Co-Ordinator of Swift Count. Olumuyiwa Olowokure served the bar in many other capacities and made positive contributions to the development of the bar throughout his more than 3 decades of practice. He contested for the office of the General Secretary of the NBA in 2012.

On behalf of the National Officers, the NBA President condoles with members of the Nigerian Bar Association, particularly the leadership and members of NBA Kaduna branch and the family of our dearly loved colleague, over this very sad loss.

The NBA President prays that the almighty God will grant the family the fortitude and grace to bear this loss and grant our dear colleague a peaceful rest in the bossom of the Lord.

Kunle Edun
National Publicity Secretary, NBA

O.O. Olowokure’s Demise: A Good Man Bids Goodbye.

It is with a heavy heart and sense of great loss that I join family, friends and associates in mourning the untimely demise of a one time Chairman of the Kaduna branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumuyiwa O. Olowokure Esq, who passed on to eternal glory yesterday afternoon after a brief illness.

O.O. as he was fondly called was an astute Bar man, a personal friend and confidant. As the head of my Technical Team during the 2018 NBA elections, I found in him a loyal, dedicated, dependable and committed ally who committed his time, energy and resources into my project to lead our noble association.

O.O. will be remembered as a detribalized and consummate Bar man with the midas touch who during his tenure as Chairman of Kaduna branch of the NBA hosted one of the most successful conferences in the history of the association. He believed in excellence and brought same to bear in all he did.

His sudden exit leaves a great vacuum that will be difficult to be filled. O.O. was a good man and my sincere prayers is that the Almighty grant his family, friends colleagues and members of the Kaduna branch of NBA, the grace to pass through this dark hour and may the soul of the deceased find eternal rest in the bosom of the Almighty.
Adieu O.O. Olowokure Esq till we meet to part no more.

Arthur Obi Okafor (SAN).

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NBA PRESIDENCY: ENDORSEMENT WAR RAGES, AS BAR LEADERS BACK GADZAMA, MAIKYAU

An endorsement battle seems to be raging among the leading presidential candidates, CITY LAWYER can authoritatively report.

Bar Leaders among others are currently lining behind their preferred candidates in the hope that this will sway eligible voters to tag along.

Each endorsement is celebrated by the campaign organisations with flashy flyers highlighting the testimonial about the candidate.

CITY LAWYER observes that the endorsements are not limited to the presidential candidates, as some candidates especially for national offices have also been receiving testimonials from close aides and associates.

Among those who have thrown their weight behind the presidential aspiration of Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN are incumbent Ondo State Governor and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu SAN; former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief George Uwechue SAN; foremost human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana SAN, and former Deputy Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Ernest Ojukwu SAN.

Others are leading chartered arbitrator, Prof. Paul Obo Idornigie SAN; Messrs Zik Obi and Chuks Ikokwu, both former Presidents of Otu Oka Iwu (Law Society), the umbrella body of lawyers of Igbo extraction; Chief Martin Ogunleye, former Chairman of NBA Lagos Branch; Mr. Sylvester Udemezue, a Lecturer at the Nigerian Law School, and Hadiza Nasir Ahmad, former member of NBA Electoral Reform and Audit Committee.

On his part, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau SAN has garnered endorsements from equally eminent Bar Leaders including Mrs. Hairat Ade-Balogun OON, a Life Bencher; foremost arbitrator and former NBA Treasurer, Mrs. Funke Adekoya SAN; former Chairman of NBA Legal Profession Regulation Review Committee, Dr. Anthony Idigbe SAN, and Mallam Yusuf Ali SAN, pioneer Chairman, NBA Section on Legal Practice (SLP).

Maikyau’s close aides promised to provide CITY LAWYER with information on more endorsements but were yet to do so at press time.

An aide of Taidi told CITY LAWYER that “We need to take our time to compile the list. I have asked our team members to work on it.” He was yet to revert at press time.

The NBA Election is scheduled to hold via electronic voting on Saturday, July 16, 2022. The election will be conducted on ElectionBuddy voting platform in collaboration with Finesse Technology Limited.

The presidential candidates will tomorrow go head-to-head in a hybrid Presidential Debate organized by the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA).

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ECNBA PUBLISHES ELECTION MAGAZINE, LINKS FOR PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) has released the Election Magazine for the 2022 NBA Elections.

This is in line with the Second Schedule to the NBA Constitution 2015 (as amended) which provides in Part IV Article 16 that “The Electoral Committee shall collate all materials, arrange them in alphabetical order without regard for the position being sought and publish them in an electronic Election Magazine to be hosted on the NBA website at least thirty (30) clear days before the election.”

It would however seem that the Electoral Committee has missed the 30-day constitutional requirement to publish the Election Magazine, given that the election is barely 10 days away.

The documents are published separately for candidates to be elected as National Officers and candidates for election as NBA Representatives to the General Council of the Bar (GCB).

Meanwhile, the committee has also released the links for the Manifesto Day & Presidential Debate scheduled to hold tomorrow at NBA House, Abuja.

A notice sighted by CITY LAWYER reads:

ECNBA’s Manifesto Day and Presidential Debate holds on Thursday, 7 July 2022 by 10am at the Auditorium, NBA House, Plot 1101 Cadastral Zone Central Business District, Abuja FCT. This is a hybrid event and as such, members of the NBA can attend physically or virtually.

To this end, please use the following https://bit.ly/ecnbamanifestoday to register if you would be attending physically. All question(s) may be sent in advance to info@ecnba.ng

Meanwhile, for all those that would be attending the event virtually, find below the links for virtual participation https://www.ecnba.ng/live; https://bit.ly/ecnbalive

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EDE ASENOGUAN BIDS NBA-SLP DELEGATES FAREWELL FROM ASABA

ASENOGUAN OSAMUEDE ISOBOMUWA, CANDIDATE FOR NBA GENERAL SECRETARY BIDS SLP DELEGATES SAFE TRAVELS BACK HOME

Mr. Osamuede Asenoguan penned a farewell message to all delegates who attended the just concluded Section on Law Practice conference which held in Asaba, Delta State.

His words:

“The just concluded Section on Law Practice conference in Asaba was a huge success. The insightful sessions have exposed innovate ways of advancing law practice in Nigeria. I am in no doubt that the implementation of the recommendations therein will go a long way in improving our practice of law.

It is on this note that I wish all delegates, friends, colleagues, co-contestants and resource persons safe travels back to their various destinations. We now look forward to the AGC where we would have another opportunity to rub minds for the advancement of our dear profession.

Thank you and God bless”

Asenoguan Osamuede Isobomuwa
Candidate for the position of General Secretary of the NBA
2022-2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

To view my complete Manifesto, click here

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

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

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

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

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

To view my complete Manifesto, click here

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50 LAW FIRMS, CORPORATES BACK 2022 NBA-SBL CONFAB

In a move that demonstrates their continued faith in the Annual International Business Law Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL), over 50 corporate sponsors have thrown their weight behind the 16th conference coming up in Abuja in July.

The sponsors include Corporate Affairs Commission, Aluko & Oyebode, Flutterwave, Banwo & Ighodalo, Africa Finance Corporation, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and many others.

The 16th NBA-SBL Annual International Business Law Conference is billed to hold from Wednesday, 20th to Friday, 22nd July, 2022 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. Themed “Recent Developments in the Business Law Environment”, the conference will seek to dissect some recent developments in the business law environment, how they have affected businesses, and chart the way forward to give businesses a boost.

A full sponsors list made available by the NBA-SBL 2022 Conference Planning Committee (CPC) shows that the sponsors are grouped into Headline Sponsors, Platinum Sponsors, Gold Sponsors, Silver Sponsors, and Bronze Sponsors. The CPC said the sponsorships cover most of the programmes at the two-day conference, including the plenary sessions, tea breaks, lunch breaks, among others.

Many of the sponsors are returning sponsors, while there are a few who are making the sponsors list for the first time, said Theodora Kio-Lawson, Chair, Media, Publicity and Mobilisation Subcommittee of the CPC.

According to the list, the Headline Sponsors are Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, Corporate Affairs Commission, Flutterwave, Aluko & Oyebode, Banwo & Ighodalo, Aelex, Templars, Babalakin & Co, George Etomi & Partners, IHS Towers, and White & Case, NIGERIAN UPSTREAM PETROLEUM REGULATORY COMMISSION (NUPRC), SHELL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY.

The Platinum Sponsors are BTO Partners, Africa Finance Corporation, Odujinrin & Adefulu, and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

On the Gold Sponsors list are Africa Law Practice NG. & Co, Detail Commercial Solicitors, Zenith Bank Plc, Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe, Chevron Nigeria Limited, CLP Legal, Ukiri Lijadu, Alegeh & Co, Seplat, Total Energies, MTN Nigeria, ENR Advisory, Iroghama LP, and Clifford Chance.

Streamsowers & Kohn, The Law Crest LLP, Mixta Real Estate, Olajide Oyewole LLP, Greychapel Legal, Tayo Oyetibo & Co, Famsvile Solicitors, and Unilever Plc are on the Silver Sponsors list.

The Bronze Sponsors are Nigeria Communications Commission, Y. C Maikyau, SAN & Co, Tunji Mayaki, Julius Berger Nigeria, Monipulo Nigeria Limited, Sterling Bank Plc, Central Bank of Nigeria, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Bluechip Technologies, Wigwe & Wigwe, ACAS Denton, Aarndale Solicitors, and Broderick Bozimo & Co.

Kio-Lawson said the fact that these sponsors continue to back the NBA-SBL Annual Business Law Conference every year is a testimony that the conference has lived up to its bidding.

“Every year the conference provides a platform for stakeholders in the Nigerian business environment to address the issues that affect the business environment, businesses operating in the environment, and suggest the way forward,” she said.

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ANATHEMA OF ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE TO JUDICIAL OFFICERS BY CHIEF EXECUTIVES

ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE TO JUDICIAL OFFICERS BY CHIEF EXECUTIVES: A SYMBOLIC REPRESENTATION OF JUDICIAL SUBJUGATION

By Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq.

There is no gainsaying the fact that the judiciary in Nigeria is in a state of anomie and absolutely unable to operate like an independent arm of government rather than as an appendage of the executive. A plethora of factors account for this sad state of affairs and I am particularly concerned with a certain ceremony which appears innocuous enough but actually illustrates the whole imbalance in the relationship between the executive and the judiciary.

The administration of oath of office to judicial officers by chief executives is manifestly symbolic of the judiciary’s continued subjugation to the executive. We witnessed yet again this anomaly play out when President Buhari administered the judicial oath of office to the new CJN. I mean, if not for anything, the very fact that the heads of courts are customarily ascertained by seniority within the bench, devoid of any executive influence, is enough for the such a ceremony to be done within the judiciary, either by the retiring CJN or a past one. The President has no business administering the judicial oath of office.

In civilized jurisdictions like the United States of America, judicial oaths of office to the Chief Justice is never administered by the President. As a matter of fact, the ceremony has always taken place in that nation’s Supreme Court’s premises. The closest they have come to something like the Nigerian scenario was in 1940 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt invited Frank Murphy to take his Constitutional Oath at the White House. On January 18th, Murphys Constitutional Oath was administered in the Oval Office by Justice Stanley F. Reed as the President looked on. A newspaper covering the event noted at the time that such an occurrence was without precedent. A little more than two weeks later, on February 5, 1940, the Clerk of the Supreme Court administered the Judicial Oath to Murphy in the Courtroom and the new Justice took his seat.

In 1986, President Ronald Reagan revived the practice of holding a Constitutional Oath ceremony at the White House when he hosted a ceremony for Chief Justice-designate William H. Rehnquist and Justice-designate Antonin Scalia. Retiring Chief Justice Warren E. Burger administered the Constitutional Oaths on both after which Rehnquist said, at the conclusion of the second part of the proceedings, that “…in our Court this afternoon, I will become the sixteenth Chief Justice of the United States.”Later that day in a special sitting in the Courtroom, Chief Justice Burger administered the Judicial Oath on Rehnquist. Chief Justice Rehnquist in turn administered the Judicial Oath on Scalia, making Scalia the only Justice to take oaths from two different Chief Justices on the same day.

Subsequently, some oaths have been taken at the White House, or other locations as circumstances may dictate. For example, Stephen G. Breyer, confirmed during the summer of 1994, was vacationing near Chief Justice Rehnquist. Rather than wait to take the oaths, he drove to Rehnquists location in Vermont where the Chief Justice administered them. When all had returned to Washington, D.C., Breyer retook the Constitutional Oath at a White House ceremony and an investiture ceremony was also held at the Supreme Court on September 30, 1994.

The U.S understands the complete and unfettered independence of the judiciary, that is why something as symbolic as oath taking within judiciary is guarded and administered within the court. We cannot as a nation strive to entrench international best practices if we are not serious about imitating same.

Without prejudice to the other factors that contribute to the absence of independence of the judiciary, this is a good point of focus in the effort to vigorously advocate for its independence.

As in all things, we need to do better as a nation if we are serious about making headway. The judiciary is bedeviled with sundry problems right now and we must resolve to do everything possible to restore it to its pristine pedestal.

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‘WHY WE DID NOT ADOPT GADZAMA, MAIKYAU, OTHERS,’ – BY EGBE AMOFIN

The resurgent umbrella association of lawyers of Yoruba extraction, Egbe Amofin O’odua has thrown its weight behind some candidates in the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Elections, even as it shunned adoption of any of the presidential candidates.

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Sokoya, the Egbe “adopted” some of the candidates but was silent on all the presidential candidates among others.

The forum also shunned some candidates who are of Yoruba extraction but who failed to approach the association for endorsement. These include Messrs Oladapo Olalekan Idowu and Oyeyiola Durodoluwa Emmanuel who are gunning for the position of NBA Representative at the General Council of the Bar (GCB).

CITY LAWYER gathered that the Egbe failed to adopt any of the presidential candidates, including Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau SAN and Mr. Jonathan Gunu Taidi, because the Arewa Lawyers Forum did not adopt any of them as its candidate.

The tradition, which is based on reciprocity, is for the regional forums to adopt candidates proposed to them by the forum whose turn it is to present a candidate for certain positions. The position of NBA President is allotted to the Northern Zone by the NBA Constitution (as amended), shutting out aspirants from both Eastern and Western zones.

According to the statement signed by Messrs Isiaka Abiola Olagunju SAN and Adetunji Oso, Egbe Amofin’s Chairman and Secretary General respectively, the resolutions arose from the hybrid Egbe Amofin 1st Quarterly Meeting held on 2nd July, 2022 at the Aare Afe Babalola SAN NBA Ibadan Bar Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

It stated that some Egbe members contesting the NBA Elections “were presented to the meeting for adoption and were so adopted.”

These include former NBA Welfare Secretary, Mr. Adesina Adegbite who aspires for the mantle of NBA General Secretary; Mr. Gbemiga Adaramola (Welfare Secretary), Funmi Adeogun (National Treasurer), Mr. Habib Akorede Lawal (Publicity Secretary), Mr. Charles Ajiboye (Assistant Publicity Secretary) and Prof. Oluwole Akintayo, GCB Representative. It also “adopted” Messrs Dhikirullah Adewale Balogun and Seun Aka who are poised for a face-off to clinch the position of Assistant General Secretary.

The meeting was attended by Chief Adeniyi Akintola SAN, Dr. Babatunde Ajibade SAN, Aare Muyiwa Akinboro SAN, Chief Ranti Ajeleti, and Mr. Olasupo Ojo among others while Mr. Oluseun Abimbola SAN and Prof. Ademola Olawuyi SAN joined virtually.

Aside from resolving to “greatly de-emphasise the relevance and activities of Egbe during NBA National Election and engage in other rewarding activities in order to re-position Egbe,” the regional forum also “condemned the terrorists attack on a Catholic Church in Owo on 5th June 2022 as it was highly unacceptable and sent condolences to all families who lost their loved ones in unfortunate incident.”

The NBA Elections hold on Saturday, July 16, 2022 with about 60,000 eligible voters expected to cast their ballots.

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‘CLEMENT CHUKWUEMEKA: AN UNCOMMON ACTIVIST WITH TRACK RECORD’ – REX UZOEGBU

BY REX ONYEKACHI UZOEGBU

As the Great African Wooden Gong unendingly sounds with torrential lyrical frenzy renting the air to the delight of legal minds, we’re respectfully obliged and inclined to the standing ovation of an enigma; accomplished juggernaut, a legal icon, an uncommon Hero, Protector of the human race, former Action and unbeatable performing Chairman of NBA, Bwari, Erudite, Chukwuemeka Clement Ugo, the sui generis candidate for the position 2nd Vice President of the Prestigious Nigerian Bar Association, National Headquarters, Abuja.

I call him a fearless leader that is needed in the era we find ourselves as the true voice of the oppressed. Let us carefully with rapt attention look through the links attached herein under as excerpts of his liquid, colloidal, brilliant and brave words on the marble which positioned him as the best choice for the office of the 2nd Vice President. These various speeches have earned him an enviable repute to the entire legal community which has been published in the Nigerian dailies at various occasions in his capacity as he then was Servant Leader, Chairman, NBA Bwari Branch.

I respectfully recapture those moments: Police Brutality: Abuja Young Lawyers Pay a “thank you” visit to NBA Chairman, applaud his relentless efforts in fighting for the weak and defenceless citizens of the country. http://www.barristerng.com/police-brutality-abuja-young-lawyers-pay-thank-you-visit-to-nba-bwari-chairman-servant-1-pictures/

1) Sowore’s Detention: Capital Bar blows hot, lists cases of executive rascality against the people:
http://www.barristerng.com/sowores-detention-capital-bar-blows-hot-list-cases-of-executive-rascality-against-the-fg/

2) Speaking Truth to power at the 2019 legal year speech rendered by the Servant Leader, Chukwuemeka Clement Ugo, NBA,Bwari Chairman:
http://www.barristerng.com/speaking-truth-to-power-the-2019-legal-year-speech-of-bwari-chairman-that-no-lawyer-should-miss/

3) FHC’s New Legal Year: the brilliant speech of NBA, Bwari Chairman, Chukwuemeka Clement Ugo:
http://www.barristerng.com/fhc-new-legal-year-the-brilliant-speech-of-nba-bwari-chairman-clement-chukwuemeka-that-got-lawyers-talking/

4) Release other political detainees like El-zazakky and Agba Jalingo: NBA,Bwari Chairman hails Buhari over Dasuki and Sowore release:

5) NBA, Abuja leaders, led by the Servant Leader, Chukwuemeka Clement Ugo, drag Buhari, Malami, others to court, want attendees of Kyari’s burial prosecuted:
https://www.barristerNG.com/nba-abuja-leaders-drag-buhari-malami-others-to-court-wants-attendees-of-kyaris-burial-prosecuted/

6) Abuja NBA blasts IGP, Femi Gbajabiamila, demands immediate release of Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere:
https://www.barristerNG.com/abuja-nba-blasts-igp-femi-gbajabiamila-demands-immediate-release-of-ikenga-imo-ugochinyere/

7) A remark by Olumide Akpata, NBA President, represented by Chukwuemeka Clement Ugo, NBA, Bwari Chairman at the celebration of 2020 Human Rights Day:

https://www.barristerNG.com/a-remark-by-olumide-akpata-nba-president-represented-by-clement-chukwuemeka-ugo-bwari-branch-chairman-of-nba-abuja-on-the-celebration-of-the-2020-human-rights-day/
Etc.

Legal minds, in the words of our elders, “how many times should a man kill lion before he can be called a “lion killer”? Servant Leader is tested and proven. He has done it before. He’ll do it time and time again.

VOTE CHUKWUEMEKA CLEMENT UGO FOR 2ND VICE PRESIDENT IN THE JULY,2022 NBA ELECTIONS.

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ISAAC OGBAH STORMS MULAN’S NEC PARLEY

ISAAC OMUTA OGBAH, NBA 3rd Vice Presidential Candidate attends MUSLIM LAWYERS’ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (MULAN) NEC MEETING

In continuation of his quest to emerge as the 3rd Vice President of the NBA Mr. Isaac Ogbah attended the MULAN’s NEC meeting which held at the National Mosque Conference Hall in Abuja on the 2nd of December, 2022.

At the MULAN’s NEC meeting Mr. Ogbah gave his goodwill message to all the conferees in addition to him having an interactive session with the national leadership of MULAN wherein Mr. Isaac’s credentials and his suitability for the position of 3rd Vice President of NBA were scrutinized.

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHUKWUEMEKA CLEMENT UGO

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

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‘WHY WE CHOSE CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE AS AGC 2022 KEYNOTE SPEAKER’ – TCCP

AGC 2022 Keynote Speaker: Our Bold Choice

It is no longer news that renowned author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is the Keynote Speaker at the 62nd Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference coming up in Lagos in August.

The choice of Adichie as Keynote Speaker at a conference themed “Bold Transitions”, which connotes a transition to a more vibrant, dynamic, and vivacious future, is apt.

It is even more so coming during an NBA administration that has shown leadership in a dynamic and fast-changing world. Ms Adichie, author of many books, is a world renowned thought leader whose opinions on key global issues are highly respected.

Her novel, “Half of a Yellow Sun” published in 2006, made it to New York Times’s “100 Most Notable Books of the Year” in 2007 and has since sold over 5 million copies. While her 2012 TEDx Euston talk, sparked a worldwide conversation, was published as a book in 2014 and featured in Beyonce’s song “Flawless”.

The choice of Ms Adichie also fits into the aspiration of the NBA President to make the 2022 AGC a legacy conference that sets a standard that will become a benchmark for subsequent conferences of the NBA.

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‘WE MUST CHANGE OUR WAYS OF LEGAL PRACTICE,’ TAIDI TELLS NBA-SLP DELEGATES

GOODWILL MESSAGE TO CHAIRPERSON, GOVERNING COUNCIL AND MEMBERS OF NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION SECTION ON LEGAL PRACTICE ON THE OCCASION OF HER 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

I felicitate with the Chairperson, Governing Council and entire members of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice on the occasion of her 2022 Annual Conference with the theme: “Our Reality, Our Future,” holding in Asaba, Delta State.

Legal practice is the medium whereby justice is administered in order to ensure that law and order are maintained and sustained in the land. This conference therefore provides a unique platform to gauge the functionality of the rule of law.

Legal practice in Nigeria today is facing numerous challenges resulting in the dearth of the much needed orderliness and conducive atmosphere for the development of society. If our nation truly desires to develop, it must first witness the rebirth of this indispensable sector.

This conference, like others before it, seeks to interrogate those challenges and proffer remedial measures in tune with the needs of the times.

I therefore challenge participants at this epoch event to ruminate on identified challenges and proffer workable strategies that will bring about the required change in our ways of conducting legal practice.

While conducting serious business attendees should endeavor to make out time to savour what Asaba promises to offer.

I wish you all an enjoyable stay and journey mercies.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq
Candidate for NBA President

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GADZAMA, MAIKYAU, TAIDI TO CLASH, AS ECNBA HOLDS DEBATE JULY 7

The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) will on Thursday, July 7, 2022 hold a “MANIFESTO DAY AND PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE” to herald the 2022 NBA Elections for National Officers and NBA Representatives at the General Council of the Bar.

In an Information Release made available to CITY LAWYER, the Committee stated that “As part of the electoral process, the ECNBA invites members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to the Manifesto Day and Presidential Debate fixed for 10 am, Thursday, 7 July 2022 at the Auditorium NBA House, Plot 1101 Cadastral Zone Central
Business District, Abuja FCT.

“Ahead of the event, members are enjoined to send their question(s) to info@ecnba.ng. Please note that the link for virtual participation will be circulated in due course.”

A further release urged lawyers who plan to attend the debate in-person to register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTUuNEOSFZwix5qRCqpfrELg0K5Nbrg17k__3co1-Kq_wp9g/viewform.

The NBA Election is scheduled to hold via electronic voting on Saturday, July 16, 2022.

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EDE ASENOGUAN CONGRATULATES NEW IKEJA, PORT HARCOURT NBA EXCO

ASENOGUAN OSAMUEDE ISOBOMUWA, CANDIDATE FOR NBA GENERAL SECRETARY CONGRATULATES NBA PORT HARCOURT AND IKEJA ON SUCCESSFUL ELECTIONS

Read below Mr Asenoguan’s congratulatory message to the Port Harcourt and Ikeja branches of the NBA on the successful conduct of their branch elections.

“I congratulate the Port Harcourt and Ikeja branches of the NBA for smooth transitioning from one administration to another. This is a continuous demonstration of true democracy. It is a very positive omen that there is still hope for Nigeria in terms of getting electoral processes right.

I equally congratulate the newly elected branch officials, I enjoin them to work closely with every member of their respective branches, especially the immediate past Executive Committee Members so as to consolidate on their great achievements.

May the Port Harcourt and Ikeja branches always in their endeavours.

Thank you and God bless.”

Asenoguan Osamuede Isobomuwa

Candidate for the position of General Secretary of the NBA 2022-2024

‘I’LL CANVASS 10% MORE BPF SHARE FOR BRANCHES,’ SAYS ISAAC OGBAH

5th Point on the Manifesto of Isaac Omuta Ogbah, FICMC as published by ECNBA on its website

“I shall also strongly advocate that an additional 10% be paid by the NBA National to respective branches of the NBA as welfare remittances to branches from the practicing fees paid by the respective members of the branches.

This would aid the various branches of the NBA in ensuring that the inundating welfare needs of their members are met. As you may be aware, this suggestion has been approved and agreed upon at various NEC meetings of the NBA but yet to be implemented”.

6th Point on the Manifesto of Isaac Omuta Ogbah, FICMC as published by ECNBA on its website

“In addition to all the above I shall also strive to ensure that that the law officers in government employment be supported by the Association for improved condition of services.

Hence, their legal rights must be recognized by the governments of both the Federal and at State levels as well as by the Association and supported”

AMANDA ASAGBA GREW AWLA TO BULWARK FOR WOMEN, CHILD RIGHTS – UJU PEACE OKEKE

Amanda Asagba is an amazing woman with a positive energy and infectious passion for effectiveness. I have known her for over 10 years and she has been consistently consistent in being her resourceful self.

Under her watch as the President, we saw African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) grow from nothing to a great thing, a veritable household name on the issues of women, children and indeed the entire family.

New branches were established and ordinary women mentored into great leaders because she put her hands on the plough and led from the front thereby encouraging others to follow in her footsteps. She redefines work by making assignments look easy, interesting and appealing.

I endorse this Learned Senior in whom I am well pleased, for the position of NBA 3rd Vice because she is capable, a team player and success oriented.

Uju Peace Okeke is a law lecturer at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu Campus (UNEC)

EDE ASENOGUAN WELCOMES DELEGATES TO ASABA NBA-SLP CONFAB

ASENOGUAN OSAMUEDE ISOBOMUWA, CANDIDATE FOR NBA GENERAL SECRETARY WELCOMES DELEGATES TO NBA SECTION ON LAW PRACTICE CONFERENCE

The NBA Section on Law Practice holds its annual conference in Asaba between 3rd and 6th of July 2022. This year’s conference is themed “Legal Practice in Nigeria: Our Reality, Our Future”.

Mr Asenoguan has sent out a message to all delegates attending the conference, welcoming them to Asaba, while wishing them a resourceful outing. His message reads below.

“I heartily welcome members of the Bar to the annual conference of the Section on Law Practice holding in Asaba between 3rd and 6th of July, 2022.

The theme of this year’s conference _to wit_ ‘Legal Practice in Nigeria: Our Reality, Our Future’ tells us that there is a strong and growing desire by the Bar to transcend from the present mode and state of law practice to what conforms more to the realities of the 21st century.

I look forward to a very resourceful and insightful conference.

Thank you and God bless.”

Asenoguan Osamuede Isobomuwa

Candidate for the position of General Secretary of the NBA 2022-2024

EDE ASENOGUAN APPLAUDS FIDA BADAGRY ON MAIDEN PARLEY

GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM EDE ASENOGUAN TO INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN LAWYERS, BADAGRY BRANCH ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR MAIDEN LAW WEEK CELEBRATION

The distinguished Chairperson, Executives and Members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Badary branch,

It gives me great pleasure to be part of your maiden Law Week themed: “Insecurity and its Impact on Women and Children”. I wish to commend you on two fronts.

Firstly, it is always noble and courageous to kickstart a program or project with a view to sustaining same. To this end, I am duty bound to salute you for this maiden Law Week program. Going by your antecedents, I am in no doubt that you shall continue this program seamlessly on an annual basis. I am equally in no doubt that same will record greater traction and participation as the years roll by.

Secondly, I must commend you for the chosen theme, knowing full well that children and women are the most vulnerable in times of crises. We must as a matter of necessity and duty be vocal in advocating for their protection at all times. This is because they are the most integral part of the family setting. Without them society will fall apart.

You are utilizing very judiciously your roles as mothers and lawyers in this regaard and you deserve all the accolades. Thank you for advocating for the defenseless and vulnerable.

I wish you a resourceful Law Week celebration.

Thank you and God bless.

Ede Asenoguan, Esq.,

Past Chairman, NBA Benin.

ISAAC OGBAH HAILS NBA ABUJA, BWARI, NEW IKEJA EXCO

UNITY BAR ABUJA WARMLY RECEIVED ISAAC OMUTA OGBAH TO ITS JULY MONTHLY GENERAL MEETING

Sir Afam Okeke and the entire leadership and members of the Unity Bar, Abuja gladly received Isaac Omuta Ogbah, NBA’s too leading contestant for the position of 3rd Vice President.

At the well attended general meeting of the Branch members of the Branch warmly received MR. Isaac Ogbah even as they overwhelmingly promised to vote him as the 3rd Vice President come 16th July, 2022. To the leadership and all members of Unity Bar, we celebrate you all now and always. Shalom shalom

IT WAS ALL CELEBRATIONS AS ISAAC OMUTA OGBAH VISITS NBA BWARI BRANCH (THE CRADLE BAR) JULY’S MONTHLY GENERAL MEETING

Mr. Monday Adjeh, the Chairman of NBA Bwari Branch and the entire leadership and members of NBA Bwari (The Cradle Bar) opened their doors to welcome Mr. Isaac Omuta Ogbah, candidate for the 3rd Vice President of NBA in its July Monthly General meeting held on 1st July, 2022.

Mr. Ogbah’s visit to the Cradle Bar, Bwari was like a home coming experience for him just as members of the Cradle Bar gave him a hand of fellowship even as they overwhelmingly promised to ensure that he emerges the next NBA 3rd Vice President come July 16, 2022.

Isaac Omuta Ogbah, the adopted member of the Bwari Branch of the NBA (The Cradle Bar), by virtue of he attending his Law School trainings from 1999 to 2000, promised to come back to thank the entire members of the Cradle Bar after the July 16 elections.

To all members of the Cradle Bar we celebrate you all now and always. Shalom shalom.

Isaac Omuta Ogbah, Candidate for NBA 3rd Vice President, congratulates the new excos of NBA Ikeja Branch which election came up on the 30th June, 2022.

ISAAC OMUTA OGBAH hail the Branch for a most successful election which has ushered in a new set of executives to be inaugurated in December, 2022.

I am glad to share in the joy of the Branch for a rancourous free election which has open new vista of opportunities at NBA Ikeja.

I therefore extend my congratulations to the new Chairman elect, Mr. Oluwaseun Olawumi, the Vice Chairperson, Tracy Amadigwe, Secretary, Issa Adedokun, Assistant Secretary, Rotimi Komolafe, financial Secretary, Mohammed Jimoh, Treasurer, Omokhafe Omozusi, Publicity Secretary, Patrick Agboola, Social Secretary, Olanrewaju Komolafe, Welfare Secretary, Chika Okolie and the Provost, Nurudeen Yusuff.

I urge you all to be steadfast, disciplined and dedicated in the discharge of your duties to the bar.

CONGRATULATIONS!

ISAAC OMUTA OGBAH FICMIC

TAIDI LAUDS MULAN ON NEC MEETING

GOODWILL MESSAGE TO MUSLIM LAWYERS’ ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (MULAN) ON THE OCCASION OF THE EXPANDED NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING (NEC) HOLDING IN ABUJA ON 3rd Dhul Hijjah 1443H /2nd July, 2022

I felicitate with the President and Members of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN) on the occasion of her expanded NEC Meeting with the theme: “MULAN : Between Professional Challenges and Societal Expectations”

There is no doubt that our country is facing one of its most challenging times, on the eve of her General Elections. Therefore, the reason and circumstances for selecting the theme for this particular MULAN NEC Meeting shows a bold initiative aimed at understanding, discussing and proposing workable solutions to the myriad of challenges bedevelling not only the legal profession but the nation at as a whole.

This intervention is a significant contribution to nation building and a demonstration that the solution to our challenges lies in constant engagements and not the resort to violence. After all it is only realistic that we try to understand the diversity of the nation because the absence of such an understanding has been the bane of our nation.

I challenge this NEC to engage in bold and frank discussions and come up with recommendations that will form the basis for the elusive, but much sought after solutions to our perennial problems.

I wish all participants travel mercies and blessed stay in Abuja.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq
Candidate for NBA President

EDE ASENOGUAN LAUDS NBA AKURE YLF ON DINNER, AWARDS

GOODWILL MESSAGE BY ASENOGUAN OSAMUEDE ISOBOMUWA, CANDIDATE FOR NBA GENERAL SECRETARY TO THE YOUNG LAWYERS’ FORUM, AKURE BRANCH ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR DINNER AND AWARD NIGHT

The young Lawyers’ Forum, Akure branch holds its Dinner/Award night, consequent upon which Mr Asenoguan a prominent candidate for NBA General Secretary has extended to the Forum a message of felicitation. Same is represented below.

“I heartily felicitate the leadership and members of the Young Lawyers’ Forum, Akure branch on the occasion of their Dinner/Award night. This set of young lawyers have never faultered in building capacity and recognizing same. It is on this note that I feel honoured to be part of this event.

I enjoin the forum to keep the fire burning and maintain steady progress in preparation for key leadership positions in the NBA and the nation at large in the near future.

I wish you a refreshing time tonight. Thank you and God bless.”

Asenoguan Osamuede Isobomuwa

*Candidate for the position of General Secretary of the NBA* 2022-2024

COURT REFUSES FG’S BID TO FORFEIT FIRM’S N46 BILLION MALABU FEE

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has thrown out an application by the Federal Government for the final forfeiture of $110.5 million (about N45.97 Billion) by Energy Ventures Partners (EVP), the British Virgin Islands company which brokered the sale of the controversial oil licence by Dan Etete’s Malabu Oil & Gas Limited to ENI (Agip).

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in setting aside the order of interim forfeiture and dismissing the application for final forfeiture, agreed with the Respondents’ submissions, holding that gisince the proceedings were in rem, the proper venue was a Swiss court in the light of the contested fund being domiciled in Swiss banks.

The latest setback to the Federal Government comes on the heels of the recent loss by Nigeria of its $1.8 billion claim against the global banking giant JP Morgan in a London court.

According to the Respondents, Malabu Oil had refused to pay for services rendered by Energy Ventures Partners, which sued and obtained judgment of a London High Court for the fee in 2015. The company kept the bulk of the money in its bank account and those of its sister companies and beneficial owner in Switzerland. It also transferred some of the fund to the companies which funded the litigation through accounts also in Swiss banks.

Nigeria, acting under the International Mutual Legal Assistance scheme, caused the Swiss authorities to freeze the monies and then later embarked upon their recovery by forfeiture proceedings under section 17 of the Advance Fee and Other Related Offences Act.

The Federal Government had obtained by an ex-parte application an order of interim forfeiture of the monies on February 14, 2022 which set the stage for the hotly contested final forfeiture proceedings.

Energy Ventures Partners and its privies – which constituted the first four respondents – however hired leading commercial litigator and white collar defence lawyer, Mr. Chijioke Okoli SAN to lead their legal team and stem the final forfeiture. The litigation funders, constituting the 5th-8th respondents who were initially absent, later joined and filed their papers, adopting the case made by the first set of respondents.

Challenging the forfeiture proceedings, the Respondents faulted the Federal Government’s case on a number of grounds, arguing that it constituted a gross abuse of process.

The court cast aside the Federal Government’s claim of reasonable suspicion of the monies being proceeds of a crime. The court held that “On the contention that the property sought to be forfeited are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, it was argued by the Respondents that the Italian Court of Appeal cleared the 4th Respondent from allegations of criminal misconduct, the English High Court had adjudged the monies the subject matter of the present proceedings to be legitimate compensation for the services rendered by the 1st and 4th Respondents. The monies paid to the 5th to 8th Respondents are part of the monies legitimately paid to the 1st to 4th Respondents. In the Applicant’s affidavit in support, it was admitted in paragraph 7(xiv) that the dispute between the 1st Respondent and Malabu ended following the rendering of a judgment by Lady Justice Gloster ruling partially in favour of the 1st Respondent (EVP) and awarding it USD 110,500,000 as remuneration for services rendered in the course of negotiations made on behalf of Malabu.

“Indeed by exhibit 2 attached to the 1st-4th Respondents’ counter affidavit, the English (Commercial) Court in a suit between the 1st Respondent herein and Malabu found that… EVP had a contractual right to a reasonable fee and determined that ‘the reasonable (fee) for EVP’s services is $110.5 million, based on a fee of 8.5% of the total disposal consideration of $1.3 billion.’…. By exhibit 2, the English High Court determined with finality that the monies the subject matter of the present forfeiture proceedings was the lawful and just entitlement of the 1st-4th Respondents for services rendered.

“I agree with Respondents’ senior counsel that parties for the purposes of the application of res judicata extends to those with interest in the subject matter of litigation, with the result that if they were aware of the case but chose to stand by and let others fight their battle then they would be bound in the same way as the actual parties. He is deemed to have waived his right to complain and he is certainly bound by the outcome of such action. See Green v. Green (1987) 3 NWLR (Pt.61) 480; Kurma v. Sauwa (2019) 3 NWLR (Pt.1659) 247 at p.261 para. F. The Applicant from the evidence before this Court was aware of the proceedings between the 1st Respondent and Malabu but chose to stand by. They are bound by the decision in exhibit 2. It is not only exact parties to a case that are caught by the doctrine of res judicata and issue estoppel but also their privies. I agree with the learned senior counsel for the Respondents that in the circumstances of this case that Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd (the defendant in exhibit 2) and the Applicant herein are privies for purposes of the monies.”

The Court also held that “the Applicant concealed facts from this Court in obtaining the interim order of forfeiture.”

The multiple losses by the Federal Government in several jurisdictions in cases arising from the Malabu saga has raised concerns on the huge resources being spent on the cases in light of lean and dwindling resources.

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NBA AGC 2022: CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE IS KEYNOTE SPEAKER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ACJA: NYESOM-WIKE, OCJ OKOCHA, RIVERS CJ SET FOR BOOK LAUNCH

Prominent Bar Leader and Director in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Cordelia Eke will on Wednesday unveil her book on the criminal justice system titled “Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria: A Practical Guide.”

Billed to hold at the exquisite Nigerian Bar Association Port Harcourt Branch House by 1:00 pm, the public presentation and launch of the book will hold under the chairmanship of the 19th NBA President, Hon. O. C. J. Okocha SAN, with the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor SAN as Chief Host.

The wife of the Rivers State Governor, Her Excellency, Hon. Justice Eberechi Suzette Nyesom-Wike is the Special Guest of Honour while the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi is expected to grace the occasion with members of the bench.

While legal practitioners and law students in advanced programmes are expected to participate in the public presentation and launch, the Book Reviewer is the erudite Nigerian Law School lecturer and prolific writer, Mr. Sylvester Udemezue.

The hybrid event will be preceded by a 10% discount on the cover price for those who pre-order the book online, via Sellar, before the launch date.

The book is a seminal contribution to the study and practice of criminal law in Nigeria. It is also a compass for persons outside the country who wish to navigate through the Nigerian criminal justice system and gain an understanding of how it operates. It is written from a practitioner’s perspective, and is aimed at identifying and addressing practical issues thrown up on a daily basis with a view to improving the level of criminal justice practice and equipping intending practitioners with the necessary tools to enable them have a seamless practice experience.

The author dissects the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and presents the topics in a reader-friendly manner, with anecdotes from actual courtroom experiences, statutory and judicial authorities, tips for lawyers and suggestions for reforms in certain cases. One of the highlights is the examination of the provisions concerning children in the criminal justice system, whether as victims or offenders.

According to the author, “With over 23 years experience in criminal prosecution and having shouldered various other responsibilities in the sector, I have seen good cases bungled by shoddy investigation by law enforcement agents, prosecutors losing their cases due to lack of attention to detail or non-compliance with the law, Legal Advice wrongly offered, and defence counsel that are unable to take advantage of opportunities in the interest of their clients because they are unaware of legal provisions in their favour. The judiciary is not left out either.”

Eke was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1995. She obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in Public International Law from the University of Kent, Canterbury, in the United Kingdom and has practiced law both in the private and public sectors.

She has published several scholarly articles on the criminal justice system in authoritative peer-reviewed journals and was the Editor-in-Chief of the NBA SBL Business Law News Magazine (2007-2010) and the NBA Port Harcourt Branch BarNews (2006 – 2008). She was also the Editor of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria, Rivers State Branch publication, “Handbook on Widows Rights in Nigeria.”

Eke was a resource person on ACJA at the NBA Annual General Conference (AGC) in 2017 and has presented papers on the subject at various seminars and workshops. She was a Council Member of the NBA Human Rights Institute; Chairman, Prosecution Manual Drafting Committee and Team Lead, Honorable Attorney-General’s Special Legal Advice Decongestion Committee, both in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, among others. She is also a member of several professional organizations. She is married with children.

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

FEATURED

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

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

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

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

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

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

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NBA 1ST VEEPEE: WHO IS LIMAN SALIHU?

CANDIDATE FOR NBA 1ST VICE PRESIDENT

Notary Public of the Supreme Court of Nigeria

Principal Partner, Liman Salihu & Co.

2015-2017 Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Lokoja Branch

2009-2020 Member, National Executive Committee of Nigeria Bar Association.

2009 – 2011 Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association, Lokoja Branch.

2007 -2009 Assistant Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association, Lokoja Branch

Currently Member of the Caretaker Committee of Arewa Lawyers Forum

Member NBA Observer Team for Ondo State Governorship Election 2016.

Secretary NBA Adhoc Team for the Monitoring of Osun State Governorship Election held on the 22nd and 27th September, 2018.

Secretary NBA Election Working Group for Monitoring of the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly Elections held on the 23rd day of February, 2019.

Secretary NBA National Committee for Monitoring of the November, 2019 Bayelsa and Kogi States Governorship Elections.

Secretary NBA Branch Elections Appeal Panel for the Eastern Zone 2020..

Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators U.K.

Member International Bar Association.

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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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‘AS TREASURER, I’LL PROPAGATE REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS’ SAYS FUNMI ADEOGUN

Real estate has consistently outperformed other asset classes over the last five years. With returns of about 25% p.a, against an average of 14.2% p.a. in all asset classes.

VOTE ADEOGUN FUNMILOLA OLUWATOSIN FOR TREASURER, A LAWYER WITH AN ACCOUNTING BACKGROUND

# REDEFINING THE FINANCIAL PRUDENCE OF THE BAR

CHALLENGES AND REMEDIES

Section 5(g)( i- xiii) Constitution of the Nigerian Bar Association 2015( as amended in 2021) spells out the duties and from those duties, I won’t be wrong to say that the Treasurer has the highest duties to perform and therefore must have the capability and capacity to discharge the onerous task.

Challenges
1- ( Sec 5g- vi) we hardly see a report of Treasurer where it states what the Association has invested its money on in consistent with applicable laws.

Solution
Investment is my priority, this will be done by presenting some investment schemes to the President and the other NATIONAL officers for deliberations and decision making.
If you take time to read my Lectures on FINANCIAL INVESTMENT TITLED * THE THREE SERVANTS* which comes out in series everyday, you would know that the best thing you can do as a servant of the master is to increase the wealth committed into your hands.

2- Another challenge is that duty in Section 5g- v
Compilation and circulation of a list of members who have paid or are in default in respect of their Practicing Fees and take steps to circulate such list at the Annual General Meeting, the NEC, various Heads of Courts in the country, CAC and such statutory bodies…

Solution
It is only when you know the intention of the drafters of the Constitution that you would be able to know what this particular provision intends to achieve. However, I could deduce two purposes:

i. To generate more revenue for the Association because those that their names appeared in default list would most likely do the needful

ii. To disallow those that didn’t pay an audience at the various places mentioned for it to be circulated.

Solution
I could hear someone say * stamp and seal* has achieved that…
You are right to some extent it has increased the number of lawyers paying their Practicing Fees just but it has not REDUCED QUARKS MASQUERADING AS ADVOCATES…because we have fake stamp and seal all over…which is another challenge the Bar is facing.

* I would prefer a situation where such publication would be done on Website where the General Public will have access to information on list of lawyers who are dormant or inactive (not Certified to practice), suspended or struck off the Roll of Advocates and those who are active and Certified to practice EVERY YEAR.

My experience in KENYA and ETHIOPIA made me understand that publication in public domain informs the General Public on lawyers to deal with YEAR IN YEAR OUT, increase the revenue of the Law Societies and also help guard against the public falling into the hands ✋ of FAKE * LEARNED FRIENDS * IN corridors of Justice.

3- Section 5g-iv shall be in constant touch with the Branches to ensure that all members of the Branches pay their annual pf as and when due.

Solution
We are now in technology age where things are done seamlessly. A whatsapp group can be created for that purpose to achieve this duty that has so long been neglected, probably because they think, if you don’t pay, you loose the benefits but if done would create a kind of bonding and sense of belonging.

At this juncture, I must commend this administration for proper accounting of the Association’s funds which in my opinion the next administration could do better.

Thank you.

FUNMI ADEOGUN, FIMC, FIMS( UK), MCIArb(UK), CMC, CMS

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