A leading candidate for the post of Secretary in the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch Elections, Mr. Emuobonuvie Majemite has expressed his desire to support 100 young lawyers who wish to attend the training series on insolvency law.

According to Majemite, “To show my support of the program and in honour of these gentlemen of the Bar, I will support 100 young lawyers (i.e., 1-7 years post Call) of the Lagos Branch who attend all 5days of the training series. I will pay for the data subscription of lawyers who meet these criteria.”

Below is the full text of the statement.

June 7, 2023

I commend the great work being done by the Nigerian Bar Association-Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE), ably led by Tobenna Erojikwe Esq.

Being knowledge merchants, it is prudent, nay, imperative that we as lawyers continue to build our capacity through acquiring more knowledge.

I am especially pleased with the training series on insolvency law which faculty comprises three of my respected seniors: Dr Anthony Idigbe SAN, the Senior Partner of my firm, Okorie Kalu Esq. INSOL Fellow, another partner at my firm and my big brother, Dr Kubi Udofia.

To show my support of the program and in honour of these gentlemen of the Bar, I will support 100 young lawyers (i.e., 1-7 years post Call) of the Lagos Branch who attend all 5days of the training series. I will pay for the data subscription of lawyers who meet these criteria.

I encourage all of us to continue to take advantage of these ICLE programs and increase our knowledge base.

Emuobonuvie Majemite
Partner, PUNUKA Attorneys and Solicitors

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Air Peace Ltd, a private Nigerian airline, has sued the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) before the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged disruption of its operations by the unions and their officers.

In a 60-page Writ of Summons taken out by leading white-collar lawyer, Mr. Chijioke Okoli SAN, the airline is asking the court to award it N1 billion as general damages, N450 million as special damages and N250 million as exemplary damages.

The suit was brought before the court pursuant to Order 6(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Order 28 Rules 1 & 2 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, and the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

Also joined in the suit as defendants are the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero; the President of TUC, Festus Osifoh; the Sec-Gen. of NLC, one Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja and the General Secretary of TUC Comrade Nuhu Toro.

Air Peace is asking the court for a declaration that given the very sensitive nature of aviation ordinarily, and particularly in the current climate of pervasive fear of insecurity over long-distance travels within Nigeria by other modes of transportation, the defendants’ calculated precipitation of grounding all the plaintiff’s flights throughout Nigeria for the singular reason that it is responsible for the majority of air-passenger and goods flights in the country in order to cause substantial nationwide paralysis, constitutes condemnable sabotage of the national economy and security.

The plaintiffs also asked the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants by themselves, their agents/servants/privies or otherwise, howsoever, from repeating/continuing the acts of intimidation and coercion against it.

In documents put before the court, the airline, through their lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chijioke Okoli, stated that on May 3, 2023, its employees on duty were confronted by a noisy mob which invaded their offices, check-in counters and work areas at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos and the Murtala Mohammed Airport Terminal 1 (MM1) premises, essentially disrupting their work; disorganising and upturning tables, unplugging and pushing away desktops and personal computers used for employment by the employees, some of whom sustained injuries in the melee.

The airline also claimed that from the songs they sang and the instructions that the apparent leaders loudly issued during the disruption, it immediately became clear that the mob causing the disruptive scene were members of the NLC and TUC, some of whom got into violent altercations, injuring some of its customers and staff who voiced their frustrations at the disruption and frustration of their travel plans by the defendants’ antics.

They also stated that the defendant’s actions had inevitable ripple effects on their operations in other airports in the country, including the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, and Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, all of which the plaintiff’s scheduled flights could not take off from or land at.

The airline says it later learnt that the defendants, had some grouse against the Governor of Imo State, Chief Hope Uzodimma, and to “punish him”, decided upon a total shutdown of Imo State beginning from Wednesday, May 3, 2023, as was stated among other things in their joint communiqué of May 1, 2023.

“That Lagos is the operational hub and nerve centre of the airline operations, and a direct consequence of the defendants’ malicious and unlawful invasion of its work areas/offices and forcible prevention of its functions, as detailed above, was the cancellation of its flights billed for different destinations,” it said.

“Several Air Peace staff suffered physical molestation and incurred bruises which led to their psychological trauma and hospital visitations for treatments, with some having to be excused for some days’ absence from work to recover.”

In addition to the financial losses, Air Peace says it has also suffered a grave injury to its business reputation, not only in the eyes of its flying customers but also in those of the general public and its investors.

It said its lawyers wrote letters, dated May 12, 2023, to the defendants demanding that they promptly make amends for their unjustifiable, grievous and malicious injuries to it, but which demand they have disregarded and are instead threatening more disturbance and harm to its operations.

“That the defendants threatened and intend, unless restrained by the Honourable Court, to continue to intimidate and coerce the Plaintiff’s servants and customers and consequentially cause it more harm and losses,” it added.

CHANNELS TV reports that Air Peace therefore concluded that the defendant’s conduct in the circumstances of this suit and leading to its significant losses are egregiously malicious, scandalous and most deserving of reproach by the award of general, special and exemplary damages which they put at N1.7bn.

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Leading human rights activists are set to engage in fierce face-off as the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) Annual Conference starts barely in a fortnight.

Aside from the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola who is expected to deliver an address, no fewer than four past and present NBA presidents have also confirmed attendance at the eagerly awaited conference.

Meanwhile, the Early Bird window for the Annual Conference will shut finally today. The conference holds at CITADEL Events Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos from June 20 to June 23, 2023 with the theme, “Post-election Nigeria: the judiciary in the eye of the storm.” To take advantage of the highly discounted Early Bird rates, click on www.nbaspidel.ng/conference to register.

Among the speakers who have confirmed their attendance are foremost human rights activists, Mr. Femi Falana SAN, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba SAN, Prof. Mike Ozekhome SAN, and Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa SAN.

Aside from Agbakoba and incumbent NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN, other past presidents billed to attend the conference are Mr. Austin Alegeh SAN and Mr. Olumide Akpata.

Other speakers include Justice Amina Augie of the Supreme Court, Prof. Ernest Ojukwu SAN, retired Justice Taiwo Taiwo, Prof. Pat Utomi, Chief Festus Okoye (INEC), Mr. Samson Itodo of Yiaga Africa, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN (AGC-TCCP) and Mr. Tobenna Erojikwe (NBA-ICLE).

Also confirmed as speakers are Prof. Paul Ananaba SAN, Mrs. Boma Ozobia-Alabi SAN, Dr. Sam Amadi, Mr. Worgu Boms (former Rivers State Attorney-General), Chief Tony Ojukwu SAN (NHRC), AIG Olufimihan Adeoye, Prof Nnamdi Obiaraeri and Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins (former NBA First Vice President).

Equally expected at the conference are Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Abia State counterpart, Mr. Alex Otti; Justice Kazeem Alogba of the Lagos State Judiciary, Justice Kate Abiri (former Chief Judge of Bayelsa State), Justice Daketima Kio of Rivers State High Court, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba (Solicitor General of the Federation & Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice), and Dr. Kole Shettima (Director of African Operations, MacArthur Foundation) aside from addresses by NBA-SPIDEL Chairman, Dr. Monday Ubani and Conference Planning Committee Chairman, Mr. Okey Ohagba.

Aside from the Keynote Session, other sub-themes to be dissected at the conference are the Role of the Judiciary in the promotion of accountable and transparent resolution of election disputes; Public interest protection and the place of ethical values in the temple of justice; The 2023 Nigerian elections and lessons from the field: will the judiciary save the day?; Regaining the Trust in the Nigerian Judiciary Through the 2023 Election Cases – What Needs to Be Done? and Roundtable Discussion on Administration of Justice; Effective Implementation of Section 12(4-12) of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019.

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The Nigerian Bar Association, Kaduna Branch will hold its 2023 Law Week from 16th June, 2023 to 20th June, 2023. The theme for the Law Week is “Level up: Uplifting the standards of legal practice.”

Meanwhile, the Branch has lined up a five-day programme of activities geared towards expanding and uplifting the legal know-how of its members.

According to a statement made available to CITY LAWYER by the Chairman of the Law Week Planning Committee, Mr. Idris Mohammed FCIArb (UK), “The Law Week will also provide a collegial atmosphere for members to socialize and mingle with colleagues and other professionals invited as guests both within and outside the city of Kaduna.”

He stated that the activities will start on 16th June, 2023 with a Jummat prayer at Umar Bin Khattab Mosque, Behind Fire Service, Tudun Nupawa, Kaduna. Immediately afterwards, Fama Firm will host Branch members and invited guests at their new office complex, FAMA-The Place, Plot C18, Urban Shelter Estate, Millennium City, Kaduna. Thereafter, there will be a football match between NBA Kaduna and FRSC at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.

His words: “On 17th June, 2023 there will be a Family Picnic at Goshen Garden, Kachia Road, Sabo Tasha, Kaduna. It would be a great bonding session, with members encouraged to come with their families and food.

“Sunday, 18th June, 2023 will witness a Thanksgiving Service at Living Faith Church, Ungwan Romi, near Command Junction, Kaduna. A former Vice Chairman of the Branch, Mr. Mike Nwakanma will host the Branch to lunch at the same venue immediately after the service.

“The eagerly awaited Opening Ceremony for the Law Week will hold on Monday, 19th June, 2023 at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, 21 Race Course Road, Kaduna. The Chairman of NBA Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC) and former Chairman of NBA Lagos Branch, Mr. Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN is the Keynote Speaker. He will speak on the theme of the Law Week.

“The Showcase Session will follow afterwards on the topic, “In The Eye Of The Storm: Lawyers & The Wider Society; Whither The Relationship?” Panelists are Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN, FCIArb (UK), Chairman of NBA Annual General Conference Planning Committee; Mr. Kazeem Oladepo, Vice President, IHS Towers and ESV Abdulkareem Sule Obaito, Chairman of NIESV, Kaduna Branch. The session would be moderated by Dr. Maryam Shehu Mohammed, Company Secretary, Mafab Communications Limited.”

The Plenary Session titled “Show Me The Money – Improving Remuneration & Scale of Fees For Lawyers” will hold on 19th June, 2023 with Mr. Tobenna Erojikwe, Chairman of the Board of NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE), Mr. Marx Ikongbeh, Principal at Everlaw Associates, Abuja and Mr. Abdullahi Yahaya, SAN as Panelists. The session will be moderated by Gloria Ballason, Chief Executive Officer of House of Justice and Principal Partner at Mive Legals.

Curtains will be drawn on the 2023 Law Week with a Fireside Chat titled “You Can Do It – Mentoring & Opportunities For Young Lawyers In The Digital Space.” The Panelists include Inemesit Dike, CEO of Legal Concierge, Founder of Legal X and Chair, NBA Digital Committee; Mr. Idris Mohammed, FCIArb (UK), Managing Partner at Fama Firm and Alternate Chair, NBA Digital Committee NBA as well as Mr. Marx Ikongbeh, Principal at Everlaw Associates, Abuja and Secretary, NBA Digital Committee. The Panelists will engage young lawyers in the Branch in a motivational session and highlight opportunities that abound in the digital space.

The branch will, in collaboration with Garnet Clinic, Kaduna, offer to all interested members, Free Health Check including Health Talk, Blood Pressure Check, Blood Sugar Test, Hearing Test and Sight Test.

Mohammed recalls that registration had been concluded on 26th May, 2023 with a massive turnout of branch members. Each participant will receive a three-piece knapsack bag, customized program/magazine and a pen donated by Fama Firm.

He said: “We also had a promotional event whereby we went to senior lawyers and signed them up for the Level Up Team alongside quality jerseys branded with their names. It promises to be a great week.”

To view the Law Week programme, click here.

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• REGISTRATION IS FREE!

The umbrella body of lawyers of Yoruba extraction, Egbe Amofin O’odua has announced the dates for its inaugural National Conference.

The conference now holds from 14th to 16th June, 2023 at Aare Afe Babalola Bar Centre, Iyaganku Quarters, Ibadan, Oyo State. The theme is “The Legal Profession in Nigeria: A Rebirth.”

The events lined up will give delegates unparalleled opportunities to meet and network with speakers and other delegates from across the country.

The variety of sessions will showcase insights on hot-button issues and emerging trends in Nigeria’s legal landscape. Featured speakers will share experiences and address some of the most pressing issues facing the legal profession and the Forum.

The Egbe Amofin O’odua is a resurgent platform where indigenous lawyers from the South West discuss crucial issues impacting the zone as well as the nation’s most pressing legal challenges. The Egbe Amofin provides an invaluable platform for fostering the development of lawyers and for addressing socio-economic, cultural, and legal issues affecting its members.

Meanwhile, it is two days till the end of registration for the forthcoming National Conference. Registration closes at midnight on Thursday, June 8, 2023.

Some of the highlights of the conference are below.

FEATURING: Plenary Session, Showcase Session, Dinner and Cultural Night, AGM

SPECIAL GUEST OF HONOUR: H. E. Engr Seyi Makinde, FNSE, Governor, Oyo State

CHAIRMAN OF THE OCCASION: H. E. Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, CON, SAN, Governor, Ondo State

HOST: Aare Isiaka Olagunju, SAN

GOODWILL MESSAGE: Hon. Justice Iyabo Subulade Yerima, Chief Judge of Oyo State

WELCOME REMARKS: Oluseun Abimbola, SAN (Chairman, Conference Committee Planning Committee)

SPEAKERS:

Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, SAN (Former Attorney-general, Oyo State)

Mrs. Titi Akinlawon, SAN (Akinlawon & Ajomo LP)

Kayode Ajulo, OON (Kayode Ajulo & Co., Abuja)

Fela Durotaye (Gems Consulting, Lagos)

Olaseye Oyeleye (DG, DAWN Commission)

Register now, it’s free! Register here http://bit.ly/EgbeAmofinConference2023

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The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) Nigeria Branch has said that the recent assent to the Arbitration and Mediation Bill by former President Muhammadu Buhari would facilitate Nigeria’s justice sector.

The institute stated that the new bill would lead to significant socio-economic developments and shape the future of arbitration in Nigeria. It is recalled that Buhari had on Friday, May 26, 2023 assented to the Bill which enactment process began in 2005.

Reacting to the development at a press conference held at Radisson Blu, Victoria Island, Lagos, the institute’s chairman, Chief Gbola Akinola (SAN, C.Arb) commended the former president for signing the bill into law.

He noted that assent to the bill signified a major milestone in the legal landscape, and commended all stakeholders and Ciarb members who assisted the process. Aside from Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, SAN who facilitated the process, Akinola noted that “Our deepest gratitude goes to the Committee led by Mrs. Funmi Roberts, C.Arb who worked tirelessly to ensure the passage of the Bill. Other members of the Committee are Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, C.Arb, Prof. Paul Idornigie, SAN, C.Arb, Mr. Mohammed Dele Belgore, SAN, C.Arb, Mr. Olatunde Busari, SAN, C.Arb, Mrs. Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour SAN, C.Arb, Mrs. Miannaya Essien, SAN, C.Arb, Mr. Adeyemi Candide-Johnson, SAN, FCIArb, Mr. Olasupo Shasore, SAN, FCIArb, Mr. Babatunde Fagbohunlu, SAN, FCIArb, Mrs. Sola Adegbonmire, C.Arb, Mr. Richard Akintunde, SAN, C.Arb, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, FCIArb, Mr. Seyilayo Ojo, C.Arb, Mr. Isaiah Bozimo, FCIArb, Mr. Henry Chibor, FCIArb, Mr. Adewale Jones, FCIArb, Mrs. Jean Chiazor-Anishere, SAN, ACIArb, Mr. Emmanuel Dike FCIArb, Mrs. Kemi Eweje, FCIArb, and Mrs. Caroline Etuk.”

The institute also used the occasion to introduce its new initiative on mediation and arbitration called the “CIArb Nigeria Cost Calculator,” a ground-breaking tool designed to help end users determine the cost of arbitration before engaging the process.

His words: “With the assent to the Arbitration and Mediation Bill, we are thrilled to introduce the CIArb Nigeria Cost Calculator. This innovative tool is designed to revolutionize cost assessment in arbitration, addressing the need for transparency and efficiency.

“With arbitration proceedings often associated with substantial costs, it is essential for parties to have a comprehensive understanding of the financial implications involved. The CIArb Nigeria Cost Calculator provides the arbitration community with a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of calculating arbitration fees.

“The Cost Calculator generates the estimated fees, offering parties an accurate estimate in a matter of minutes. This tool empowers parties to make informed decisions, promoting transparency and enhancing cost-effective dispute resolution for businesses.

“The CIArb Nigeria Cost Calculator represents a significant advancement in promoting transparency and cost efficiency in arbitration. By leveraging this cutting-edge tool, parties gain valuable insights into the financial aspects of their case, enabling them to make informed decisions that align with their resources and objectives.”

CIArb Nigeria is the leading arbitration institute in Nigeria. It is committed to promoting the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in alternative dispute resolution. With a strong focus on capacity building, Ciarb Nigeria provides training, education, and accreditation programs, while also acting as a hub for networking and knowledge-sharing among professionals in the arbitration community.

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The Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN) is set to hold its 14^th Annual General Conference in Lafia, the serene capital of Nasarawa State from July 19 to 23, 2023.

According to a statement signed by Ishaku M. Dikko SAN and MOHAMMED Adama FICMC, FCILG (USA), the Chairman and Secretary respectively of the Conference Planning Committee (CPC), the Annual General Conference has as its theme, “Religion, power and politics: The need for a unified polity.”

Dikko assured MULAN members that the conference “will be a memorable event,” even as he urged them to register early for the conference. On her part, MOHAMMED Adama, who is the first-ever female Secretary of MULAN-CPC, stated that “We have put everything in place to ensure a seamless registration experience for all members.”

The conference fees range from as low as N5,000 for Young Lawyers to N50,000 for Senior Advocates of Nigeria, political office holders as well as Managing Directors/CEOs of companies and organisations. To register, visit https://mulan.ng/conference2023 or www.mulan.ng.

MULAN has a mission to promote sound, religious and professional ethics amongst members, and also see to the welfare of all members and well-being of all people on the principles of Islam and Justice.

Its vision includes the following: To integrate the spirit and teachings of Islam and foster unity and cooperation among Muslim Lawyers; To inculcate the rules and ethics of the legal profession among members; To offer free legal services for the attainment of social justice in the nation for the promotion of the cause of Islam and humanity in general; To organize public enlightenment programmes through conferences, seminars, workshops, lectures, exhibitions, publication and adverts, and To publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings which shall enhance the process of the achievement of the Islamic religious way of life and foregoing objectives of the Association.

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• CLEARS CANDIDATES FOR JUNE 27 ELECTIONS

The Electoral Committee for the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Elections has warned that it would disqualify any candidate that publishes, prints or distributes campaign materials during the run-up to the elections slated for June 27, 2023.

The committee has also published the names of candidates cleared to run for the elections. Reputed as the foremost of NBA’s 128 branches, the branch has by far the largest voting bloc within the association.

Among those cleared to run for the coveted seat of Branch Chairman are Mr. Adebola Lema, former Branch Secretary and Managing Partner at Fountain Court Partners; Mr. Olabisi Makanjuola, Chairman of Finance Sub-committee for the 2022 Branch Dinner Committee and Partner at Olaniwun Ajayi LP, and Mr. Mayowa Owolabi, Chairman of the Branch CLE Committee and Senior Partner at Pistis Partners LLP.

The race for the next Branch Secretary is a straight fight between Mr. Emubonuvie Majemite, a Partner at PUNUKA Attorneys & Solicitors and Mr. Kelechukwu Uzoka, a Lead Partner at K & C Partners.

Adefowoke Ayo-Ponle and Esther Ifeoma Jimoh will slug it out for the post of Vice Chairman while Dickson Obairi and Oyindamola Chinelo Fasakin will contest for the post of Social Secretary. Messrs Bayo Olusanya and Omoniyi Onabule have also been cleared to battle for the post of Publicity Secretary.

Meanwhile, some candidates are heading into the elections unopposed. These include Adeola Olabamiji, Assistant Secretary; Ono Oliko, Treasurer; Benita Olejeme, Financial Secretary; Olaide Ajewole, Welfare Secretary and Jubril Ali, Provost.

The committee warned that “The publication, printing or distribution of campaign materials, gifts and any form of souvenir whatsoever by a candidate or his/her supporters is hereby prohibited and any candidate who contravenes this provision shall be disqualified from being voted for.”

The Guidelines stated that the elections would hold via electronic voting from 5 am to 6 pm on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

Below is the full text of the guidelines made available to CITY LAWYER.

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Renowned Law teacher, Prof. Chioma Kanu Agomo will again be the cynosure of all eyes next week Tuesday at the public presentation of a book of essays in her honour. The book is titled, “Rethinking Commercial & Industrial Law in Nigeria: Essays in Honour of Prof. C. K. Agomo.”

Spearheaded by the Department of Commercial and Industrial Law, University of Lagos, the event is scheduled to hold at the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG). Time is 1:30 pm.

The Chairman of the occasion is foremost jurist, Prof. Fidelis Oditah QC, SAN while the Host is Prof. Ige Bolodeoku, Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos. The Chief Host is Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos.

Agomo is a highly decorated academic who retired meritoriously from the University of Lagos after teaching for an unbroken period of over 40 years and clocking the statutory 70 years on March 1, 2021.

Famous for her spartan discipline and values, Agomo helped to nurture some of Nigeria’s finest jurists during her illustrious teaching career alongside equally renowned Law teachers such as Prof. Amaechi Uchegbu; Prof. O. Obilade; Prof. Akin Oyebode; Prof. E. O. Akanki; Prof. A. A. Adeyemi; Prof. Taiwo Osipitan SAN; former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN; Prof. P. K. Fogam and Prof. I. O. Agbede.

CITY LAWYER recalls that Agomo was not only the first female Dean of Law of the University of Lagos, her election was also the first time a Dean was elected unopposed. She again defeated her opponent to earn a second tenure as Dean of Law.

Speaking on her retirement, Agomo reminisced: “I have had a fulfilling career teaching and researching Law. It has been like a mission field where many lives have been touched and moulded to the glory of God.”

As part of her retirement ceremonies, Agomo was honoured by the university with a rare Exaugural Lecture titled, “The Reflections of a Working woman in the University of Lagos workspace.” She also unveiled her highly acclaimed autobiography, “My story, my song.”

An expert in contract and labour laws, Agomo was among the three distinguished women leaders who were honoured by the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) at its 52nd CVL “Leader Without Title” Leadership Tribute Colloquium (Special Series) for breaking the glass ceiling.

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The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Constitution Review Committee has extended the deadline for submission of memoranda to today due to non-delivery of emails to the committee’s official email address.

Below is a text of the statement on the extension.

Re: NBA CONSTITUTION REVIEW – NOTICE OF 48 HOURS EXTENSION OF DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF MEMORANDA

Distinguished Colleagues.

We have received reports from some of our colleagues that they are unable to get their memoranda across to the Constitution Review Committee due to non-delivery of emails to the Committee’s official email address. In view of this development, the Committee has graciously agreed to extend the deadline for submission of memoranda by 48 hours (i.e. latest by 11:59 pm on Saturday, 3rd June 2023).

Anyone who still desires to submit memorandum is hereby advised to forward same to – info@nigerianbar.org.ng, not later than the new deadline.

We urge our colleagues to use this window of 48 hours extension to forward their memoranda to the secretariat accordingly.

Warm regards.

Adesina Adegbite, FICMC
General Secretary

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The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) has extended the Early Bird window for the eagerly awaited 2023 Annual Conference. The window will now shut finally on June 8, 2023.

According to Mr. Okey Ohagba, former NBA Assistant General Secretary and Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, “We received representations from several intending delegates and groups who are keen to register for the Annual Conference. It is in the public interest to allow them not only to register but to enjoy the substantial discounts available through the Early Bird window. This has necessitated a shift in the final deadline.”

An earlier statement by Ohagba and NBA-SPIDEL Chairman, Dr. Monday Ubani had noted that “for a more enhanced public interest advocacy in Nigeria, we are happy to announce a hugely discounted Conference fees for this year’s Conference.”

The conference holds at CITADEL Events Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos from June 20 to June 23, 2023 with the theme, “Post-election Nigeria: the judiciary in the eye of the storm.”

Aside from accommodation and flight arrangements which are in top gear, an A-List of prominent speakers has been lined up for the annual fiesta. Among these are Justice Amina Augie of the Supreme Court; fiery human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana SAN (Keynote Speaker); Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN; retired Justice Taiwo Taiwo; Prof. Ernest Ojukwu, SAN; Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti and his Lagos State counterpart, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Prof. Pat Utomi; immediate past NBA President , Mr. Olumide Akpata; incumbent NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN (Chief Host), and Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa SAN, to name a few.
Meanwhile, the Annual Conference will witness welcome cocktails, lunches, fun activities and the signature Annual Conference Dinner alongside exhibition by traditional and new vendors. For sponsorship and corporate exhibition, please contact Nelson +234 706 539 9177, Emeka +234 806 308 8182 or Audrey 070-361-15290.

The 23-member Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the conference led by NBA, Ikeja Branch Chairman, Mr. Seyi Olawumi was recently unveiled by Ohagba.

To register, visit the www.nbaspidel.ng/conference. For enquiries, contact Celestine on +2348030780040, Emeka on +234 806 308 8182 and S. Long Williams (Registration Subcommittee Chair) on 08033094298. You can also send email to info@nbaspidel.ng.

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The Early Bird window for the Nigerian Bar Association’s Annual General Conference will be shut tomorrow, June 4, 2023.

The AGC Conference Planning Committee, NBA-AGCPC 2023 has urged lawyers to hurry and register for this year’s Annual General Conference before the deadline. This will enable registrants to enjoy the huge discounts available through the window.

CITY LAWYER recalls that the Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN, had at the press conference to unveil the conference website and logo, noted that there would not be any extension once the deadline for early bird lapses.

NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN had during the press conference stated that the theme for the 2023 Conference, ‘Getting it Right: Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation Building’ could not come at a better time than now.

According to him, Nigeria is blessed with immense natural and human resources and could not continue to be deficient in terms of development.

He said that it was the responsibility of lawyers to provide direction and leadership in the country for it to recover its lost glory.

The NBA president said that the situation in the country called for lawyers to take a holistic look at events and evolve concrete solutions to addressing the challenges in the country.

To register, click here

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Dr. Yakubu Sankey, the husband of Justice Jummai Hannatu Sankey of Nigeria’s Court of Appeal, is dead.

There are however conflicting reports on the circumstances surrounding his demise. While a report alleged that he was shot by bandits during an attempted kidnap, another account said that the real target was his brother, a traditional ruler.

Hinting that the deceased may have died violently, former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu wrote via his verified Twitter handle @ChidiOdinkalu, “My friend, Dr. Yakubu Sankey, has joined the list of victims in the #SouthernKadunaMassacres….?!😭😭😭”

Also confirming the demise of the respected academic, outspoken former lawmaker who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani tweeted: “The Killing of Professor Yakubu Sankey the former DG of Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies by kidnappers in Southern Kaduna is sad, unfortunate and tragic. May his soul rest in peace.”

On its part, The National Institute, Kuru wrote via its verified handle @NIPSSKuru and sighted by CITY LAWYER that Sankey died last Wednesday in his home town in Kataf Local Government of Kaduna State.

The tweet reads: “The Director General, Prof Ayo Omotayo, today, signed the condolence register opened at the National Institute in honour of the late former Secretary/Director of Administration and former Acting Director General, Dr Yakubu Sankey.

“Also, as part of measures to honour Dr Yakubu Sankey, and in recognition of his meritorious service to the National Institute and humanity, the Director General has directed that the NIPSS Flag be flown at half mast.

“Dr Sankey died in his home town in Zango Kataf Local Government of Kaduna State, Wednesday, 24 May. Until his demise, he was a farmer, lecturer and contestant for the seat of Bajju Traditional Council (Agwam Bajju). He was also Senior Adviser at Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue.”

While a report stated that terrorists shot former DG and dumped his body at backyard of his house, adding that “They storm (sic) our house with heavy weapons, operated for more than four hours,” another report by Law and Society Magazine stated that a source close to the Sankeys lamented that he “was not just killed. He was utterly, totally butchered. The Sallah Ram is treated better.

“He had visited the village briefly. The target, the story goes, was his brother, a traditional title holder who is also a politician. The killers met him and could not be bothered whom they slaughtered.”

Sankey was instrumental to the signing of a peace accord in Jos by the Berom, Fulani, Jarawa, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and Anaguta aimed to stem the violence in Plateau State. He is survived by his wife, Justice Jummai Sankey, and children.

Justice Sankey is the President of National Association of Women Judges. She is the second daughter of Elizabeth Pam. Elizabeth Pam was a member of the Oputa Panel (Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission) set up by the Obasanjo Administration in the year 2000 to investigate human rights abuses dating back to the military coup of 15th January, 1966 till 28th May 1999, the day before the last military handover to civilians.

Her father, Lieutenant Colonel James Yakubu Pam was killed during the 1966 coup. Lt. Colonel J.Y. Pam led the Nigeria-Tanzania Bilateral Special Training and Security Mission in 1964.

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The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) has formally announced the demise of one its most senior members, Mr. Jonathan Babatunde Majiyagbe, SAN, OFR

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER and signed by its Secretary, Mr. Olumide Sofowora SAN, the body wrote: “The late Mr. Majiyagbe no doubt contributed to legal jurisprudence both nationally and internationally. We mourn his loss and we pray that the soul of Mr. J.B. Majiyagbe, SAN and the souls of all our departed members Rest in Peace. Amen!”

In a further statement on the demise of the senior lawyer, BOSAN stated that “we commiserate with his family particularly his son who is one of us in the person of Mr. John Mustapha Majiyagbe, SAN. Whilst praying that the Almighty God will grant the soul of Mr. Majiyagbe eternal rest, we also pray that he will grant the family and especially our Learned Brother Silk – Mr. John Mustapha Majiyagbe, SAN the fortitude to bear the loss. Amen!”

Below is the full text of the statement.

NOTICE OF DEMISE – Mr. Jonathan Babatunde Majiyagbe, SAN, OFR

The BOSAN Secretariat wishes to announce the demise of Mr. Jonathan Babatunde Majiyagbe (OFR), who passed on today, Saturday, May 27, 2023.

He was born on the 10th of July, 1934 (89 years old) in Lagos, Nigeria. He was the Principal Partner of JB Majiyagbe & Co a law firm with offices in Kano and Abuja.

Mr. Majiyagbe attended Holy Trinity School, Ebute-aero in Lagos and completed his secondary education at Ilesha Grammar School. He obtained his law degree from the University of London and was called to the English and Wales Bar (Honourable Society of the Middle Temple) in 1964. He attended the Nigerian Law School in 1965 and was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1966. He was conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1980.

He served as Vice-President of the Nigerian Bar Association (1975 – 1977), member, National Executive Committee, Nigerian Bar Association (1975 – 1978), member of the International Bar Association and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, former member of the Body of Benchers. He was also a former member of the Interim Judicial Service Committee, Kano State and the Editorial board of the Journal of Nigeria Law.

In 2003, Majiyagbe SAN became the first African to be appointed the Worldwide President of Rotary International, a one-hundred year old humanitarian service organization with over 1.2 million members. He was thereafter appointed the Chairman of its Board of Trustees in 2008.

Mr. Majiyagbe served as Chancellor of the Anglican Diocese of Kano; Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Kano Branch; and Coroner for Kano State.

In recognition of his numerous contributions to legal advocacy and humanity, Mr. Majiyagbe was conferred with the National honour – Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR).

The late Mr. Majiyagbe no doubt contributed to legal jurisprudence both nationally and internationally. We mourn his loss and we pray that the soul of Mr. J.B. Majiyagbe, SAN and the souls of all our departed members Rest in Peace. Amen!

Signed:

Mr. Olumide Sofowora, SAN
Secretary

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The Nigerian Bar Association’s Annual General Conference Planning Committee, NBA-AGCPC 2023 has urged lawyers to hurry and register for this year’s Annual Conference before the deadline for Early Bird Registration ends on June 4, 2023.

The Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN, had at the press conference to unveil the conference website and logo, noted that there would not be any extension once the deadline for early bird lapses.

NBA President , Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN had during the press conference stated that the theme for the 2023 Conference, ‘Getting it Right: Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation Building’ could not come at a better time than now.

According to him, Nigeria is blessed with immense natural and human resources and could not continue to be deficient in terms of development.

He said that it was the responsibility of lawyers to provide direction and leadership in the country for it to recover its lost glory.

The NBA president said that the situation in the country called for lawyers to take a holistic look at events and evolve concrete solutions to addressing the challenges in the country.

To register, click here

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Astute boardroom player and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Paul Usoro SAN has assumed duty as Chairman of one of Nigeria’s largest banks, Access Bank Plc.

CITY LAWYER recalls that Usoro also doubles as a Non-Executive Director of the bank, a position he has held since January 2014.

Reputed as a “consummate boardroom person whose deep analytical mind and illustrious leadership skills are well appreciated in all the Boards he sits,” Usoro has, at various times, served on the boards of several companies such as Premium Pensions Ltd, CR Services (Credit Bureau) Plc (representing Zenith Bank Plc), Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc, Airtel Nigeria Limited, Marina Securities Ltd (currently known as Marina Mars Principal Investments Limited).

Usoro was a pioneer director of Airtel Nigeria Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading mobile telephone company, having been appointed to the Company’s Board in 2001 when the company was then known as Econet Wireless Networks Limited. Usoro also headed the Board’s Audit Committee since the entry of Bharti Airtel till 2018.

Between 2008 and 2014, Usoro served as a Director on the Board of Premium Pensions Limited, a leading Nigerian pension funds administrator, and was throughout the entire period the Chairman of the Board’s Audit Committee.

As a Director of Access Bank Plc, Usoro chairs the Board’s Remuneration Committee and Governance & Nomination Committee. He also serves as a member of the Board’s Audit Committee, Risk Management Committee and Credit & Finance Committee. Usoro was appointed as a director of PZ Cussons in 2011; he chairs the People & Governance Committee of the Board.

He is the Senior Partner and founder of Paul Usoro & Co (PUC), a top commercial law firm. He heads the Advocacy and Dispute Resolution Practice Group and the Communications Section of the Firm. Reputed as perhaps the foremost communications lawyer in Nigeria with over 30 years’ experience in legal practice, Usoro is variously described as the go-to-counsel for complex litigation or commercial transactions.

A member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Legal Profession Regulation Review Committee, Usoro was the founding Chairman of the Communication Committee of NBA Section on Business Law. Paul is a consummate boardroom player and sits on the Boards of several top companies. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIARB), and a member of the International Bar Association (IBA) and the Federal Communications Bar Association of the United States of America.

Usoro was in 2011 appointed by former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as a pioneer director on the board of Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), Nigeria’s sole and government-owned power trading organization. The NBET Board was then chaired by former Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. He was also the pioneer Chairman of the NBET Board’s Audit Committee.

He is married to Mfon, reputed as an internationally acclaimed expert in transport laws and project finance, and former Chairman of NBA Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL).

To view his full resume, click here.

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An advocacy group, Citizens Support for Lower Courts, has petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola over alleged leakage of the entrance examination for recruitment of judges into the Oyo State Judiciary.

The examination was allegedly conducted by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) on June 20, 2022.

In a statement obtained by CITY LAWYER and signed by its Convener, Mr. Adebayo Akinlade, the group stated that the entrance exercise was “compromised,” adding that though the immediate past Chief Judge of the Oyo State Judiciary raised concerns over the alleged leakage, this did not yield any positive result.

The group urged Justice Ariwoola to jettison any recommendations from the Oyo State Judicial Service Commission relating to the recruitment exercise, adding that written examination should be scrapped for the recruitment process as it “does not play any significant role in ascertaining the experience and disposition of potential Judges.”

Said the group: “Your lordship, it has come to our attention that the appointments process/exercise to the High Court Bench in Oyo State was substantially flawed and was not transparently done. We have it on good authority that the written examination conducted by the National Judicial Institute, Abuja on the 20th day of June 2022 was leaked. This allegation is very damning and worth investigating

“We were reliably informed that the immediate past Chief Judge of Oyo State complained about the leakage of the Examination question papers but nothing was done about it. Your lordship; we cannot have a corrupt free Judiciary with these kinds of allegations hanging over it.

“Your lordship; we have also been informed that the JSC in Oyo State are not working as a team to deliver on its mandate as provided for by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). Instead a section of them have adopted a mechanism that can easily be manipulated and abused.

“Your lordship; CSLC believes strongly that lawyers serving on the Bench should be careered in the sense that when they are first appointed as magistrates, they should have the priority of being elevated to the higher bench. If this is not the case then we urge your lordship and the NJC to ensure that the remuneration of Judges at the lower courts is substantially at par with Judges at the High Courts.

“Your lordship; with the greatest respect, it is our conclusion that due to the foregoing; the current recommendations of the Oyo State JSC of candidates to the Higher Bench be jettisoned and the Commission be properly constituted. We also strongly recommend that written examinations of any kind be scraped (sic) as it does not play any significant role in ascertaining the experience and disposition of potential Judges.”

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A leading candidate for the position of Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, Esther Ifeoma Jimoh will tomorrow on WAZOBIA Max TV speak on the topic “Cultural Bias”. The programme will air at 8 am.

Jimoh, who is the Principal Counsel of Estelle Attorneys & Legal Consult, currently serves as a member of the branch Human Rights Committee as well as the Ethics, Compliance and Dispute Resolution Committee. A senior lawyer, Jimoh is also a member of the 2023 Law Week Planning Committee of the branch.

She is the Chairperson of the Prisons Watch Committee of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ikeja Branch, a member of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) and a member of the Pro Bono Group of the National Association of Catholic Lawyers (NACL), Lagos Archdiocese.

Reputed as a rights advocate, Jimoh is also a member of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) among other professional associations.

She was recently cleared by the NBA Lagos Branch 2023 Electoral Committee to contest for the position of Vice Chairman during the forthcoming branch elections scheduled to hold on 27th June, 2023.

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The Supreme Court has held that petitioners alleging over voting must prove the allegation by relying on the record of accredited voters in the BVAS and the Polling Unit result in Form EC8A.

This was the kernel of the decision of the apex court in the appeal brought by former Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola against the declaration of Senator Ademola Adeleke as the actual winner of the Osun State Governorship Election by the Court of Appeal.

In the unanimous judgment obtained by CITY LAWYER today and read by a member of the five-man panel of law lords, Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court held that “It is glaring from the above reproduced provisions of the Electoral Act and the INEC Regulations and Guidelines that the evidence required to prove that voting was allowed without accreditation or that there was improper accreditation are the Register of Voters, BVAS and the Polling Unit result in Form EC8A and that the evidence required to prove that there was over voting are the record of accredited voters in the BVAS and the Polling Unit result in Form EC8A.”

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Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti has been released on Tuesday night on bail, from the detention of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Lagos.

The development was confirmed by his attorney, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, in a telephone interview with PUNCH correspondent on Tuesday night. “Yes, Ṣeun Kuti was released minutes ago,” he said.

CITY LAWYER has obtained a viral video where fans were jubilitaing with the Afrobeat musician.

The PUNCH had earlier reported that the Afrobeat musician may be released today (Tuesday) following the expiration of the extension of his remand in police custody, court documents obtained by The PUNCH revealed that the Chief Magistrate, Adeola Olatunbosun, extended Kuti’s remand until Tuesday, May 23.

The document shows that a Sabo-Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State last week Thursday granted an application by the police for an extension of remand of Seun Kuti until Tuesday (today), to enable the police to conclude its investigation, and for the advice of the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution.

The police had told the court that the two days remand extension that was earlier granted was not enough for it to conclude its investigation.

Responding to the police’ application, the magistrate said, “I will grant the extension. Matter adjourned to May 23, 2023, for DPP’s advice,” the document exclusively obtained by our correspondent on Monday revealed.
Meanwhile, legal counsel to the musician, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, told The PUNCH that his client’s (Seun Kuti’s) bail conditions had been met last Thursday.

However, our correspondent gathered that police lawyers went to court on Thursday to get a remand extension without notifying the musician’s legal counsel.

“The police lawyers came to court on Thursday without informing Seun’s lawyers. When the matter was called for mention, a young lawyer who was in court, pleaded with the magistrate to stand down the matter for about five minutes for Seun Kuti’s legal counsel, Olumide-Fusika, SAN, who had rushed down from Ikeja, to arrive.

“But the magistrate refused, and extended Seun’s detention till Monday,” a source privy to the development revealed to our correspondent on Thursday.

Our correspondent gathered that the lead counsel to the police, Simon Lough, SAN, moved the application, noting that the extension was to allow further investigation into the case.

The PUNCH reports that Kuti is charged with assaulting a police officer during an altercation on Saturday, May 13, on the Third Mainland Bridge, in Lagos.

The police charged him with slapping an inspector after he drove dangerously on the bridge, and deliberately blocked a moving police vehicle.

Kuti was arraigned last Tuesday, during which the Chief Magistrate earlier ordered his remand for 48 hours, and held that the defendant be admitted to bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum, at the end of the 48-hour remand.

However, following a second arraignment last Thursday, the magistrate adjourned the case until May 23 for mention and directed the prosecutor to duplicate the case file and forward a copy to the state director of public prosecutions for advice.

Seun Kuti’s bail conditions met – Lawyer
Reacting to the development during an interview with our correspondent, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, noted that the musician’s bail conditions had been met, while insinuating that the court’s decision for the four days remand extension would, however, be respected.

Olumide-Fusika said, “There’s no comment on the four-day extension. It’s a court decision, we’ll wait and see.

“However, Ṣeun Kuti’s bail conditions have been met from our side. But since there’s a court decision extending for four days, the presiding magistrate did not sign off until after then.”

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The Supreme Court today fixed May 26 for the judgement on the alleged double nomination of vice president-elect Kashim Shettima filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The judgement, slated three days before the presidential inauguration, would determine whether Shettima would be sworn in as the vice president or if his candidacy would be truncated.

If affirmed, Shettima’s disqualification could truncate the swearing in of Bola Tinubu as president since they ran a joint ticket, PEOPLE’S GAZETTE reports.

Senior lawyer Joe Agi SAN told the Court that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had earlier admitted Shettima’s double nomination at the appellate court, but the APC denied the allegation.

Agim, citing a case involving Uche Nwosu against ADP as precedent, asserted that his respondents did not deserve to speak, let alone make any argument, over the alleged double nomination.

“There’s a punishment for double nomination. They ought not to be heard,” Agim told the highest court on Monday. “It should never happen in this country.”

CITY LAWYER gathered that APC’s lawyer, Omosanya Popoola, however countered his colleague, saying the motion did not hold water as the Federal High Court has ruled that PDP had no locus standi to bring up the matter, a judgement that was later upheld by the Court of Appeal.

He further said the matter, being a pre-election matter, had exceeded the time in which it can be challenged, saying it was too late for the PDP to raise the matter at the Supreme Court after 180 days.

“This matter has long expired, well over 200 days,” asserted Mr Popoola, hinting it was a pre-election matter.

But Agi argued that the number of days was not an issue based on Uche Nwosu’s precedent, in which he quoted the Supreme Court as previously saying “time does not run” when treating matters of double nomination.

Having lost at the trial and appellate courts, PDP was asking the Supreme Court to invoke its powers and assume jurisdiction over the matter to set aside the previous judgements made by the lower courts and reexamine their arguments.

At issue was Shettima’s vice-presidential and Borno Central senatorial nominations, which the PDP said contravenes the provisions of the Electoral Act. The PDP said it was illegal to compete for two positions at the same time, alleging Shettima’s senatorial nomination was not withdrawn from the electoral commission.

The five-member justices, led by Justice John Inyang Okoro, said the Court will give its judgement on Friday, May 26.

But preparations are in full gear in the APC camp for the presidential inauguration that would see Shettima taking the vice presidential oath of office on May 29 unless the Supreme Court’s judgement says otherwise.

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The Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, sitting in Abuja, has rejected request to allow its day-to-day proceedings on petitions seeking to nullify the outcome of the 2023 presidential election, to be televised.

The Justice Haruna Tsammani-led five member panel dismissed as lacking in merit, the application which was brought before it by the two major candidates that are challenging the outcome of the presidential election that held on February 25.

The court held that no regulatory framework or policy direction, permitted it to grant such application. It held that allowing cameras in the court room is a major judicial policy that must be supported by the law.

“The court can only be guided and act in accordance with the practice directions and procedures approved by the President of the Court of Appeal.

“We cannot permit a situation that may lead to dramatization of our proceedings,” Justice Tsammani held.

Besides, the court held that the request was not part of any relief in the petitions before it, saying it was merely hinged on sentimental claim that it would benefit the electorates, according to a VANGUARD news report. 

It maintained that the petitioners failed to establish how televising the proceedings would advance their case, adding that such live broadcast would not have any utilitarian value to add to the determination of the petitions.

CITY LAWYER recalls that both Mr. Peter Obi of Labour Party (LP) and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had prayed the court to order a televised hearing of the petitions brought by them against the declaration of Senator Bola Tinubu as winner of the February 25, 2023 presidential poll.

The duo, through their lead lawyers, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, and Dr. Livy Uzoukwu, SAN, maintained that petitions they lodged to query the declaration of the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as winner of the election, was “a matter of monumental national concern and public interest”.

They argued that the case involved the interest of citizens and electorates in the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, who he said voted and participated in the presidential poll.

Atiku and the PDP insisted that their case against Tinubu, being a unique electoral dispute with a peculiar constitutional dimension, they said it was a matter of public interest in which millions of Nigerian citizens and voters are stakeholders, with the constitutional right to be part of the proceedings.

They specifically applied for; “An order, directing the Court’s Registry and the parties on modalities for admission of Media Practitioners and their Equipments into the courtroom”.

“With the huge and tremendous technological advances and developments in Nigeria and beyond, including the current trend by this Honourable Court towards embracing electronic procedures, virtual hearing and electronic filing, a departure from the Rules to allow a regulated televising of the proceedings in this matter is in consonance with the maxim that justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done.

“Televising court proceedings is not alien to this Honourable Court, and will enhance public confidence”, the petitioners added.

However, in separate processes they filed before the court, both Tinubu and the APC urged the court to dismiss the application which they described as an abuse of the legal process.

Tinubu, in a counter-affifavit he filed alongside the Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima, accused Atiku of deliberately attempting to expose the judiciary to public opprobrium.

According to them, the court “is not a rostrum or a soapbox. It is not also a stadium or theatre. It is not an arena for public entertainment.”

The respondents maintained that Atiku’s request had no bearing with the petition, insisting that it was only aimed at dissipating the judicial time of the court

They stressed that Atiku failed to realise that the virtual court system that was adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic, was backed by a practice direction that was administratively issued by the President of the Court of Appeal.

“Another angle to this very curious application is the invitation it extends to the court to make an order that it cannot supervise.

“The position of the law remains, and we do submit that the court, like nature, does not make an order in vain, or an order which is incapable of enforcement,” the respondents added.

Besides, they argued that the application was at best, “academic, very otiose, very unnecessary, very time-wasting, most unusual and most unexpected, particularly, from a set of petitioners, who should be praying for the expeditious trial of their petition.”

“Petitioners have brought their application under Section 36(3) of the Constitution which provides that the proceedings of a court/tribunal shall be held in public.

“The word ‘public’ as applied under Section 36(3) of the Constitution has been defined in a plethora of judicial authorities to mean a place where members of the public have unhindered access, and the court itself, sitting behind open doors, not in the camera.

“Even in situations where a class action is presented, the particular people constituting the class being represented by the plaintiffs or petitioners are always defined in the originating process.

“Here, in this application, the public at whose behest this application has been presented is not defined, not known, not discernable.

“Beyond all these, it is our submission that the court of law must and should always remain what it is, what it should be and what it is expected to be: a serene, disciplined, hallowed, tranquil, honourable and decorous institution and place.

“It is not a rostrum or a soapbox. It is not also a stadium or theatre. It is not an arena for ‘public’ entertainment.

“With much respect to the petitioners, the motion is an abuse of the processes of this honourable court,” Tinubu argued.

On its part, APC, through its team of lawyers led by Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, told the court that contrary to Atiku’s claim, the presidential election “is not subject matter of any national concern”, insisting that the election was “well managed by INEC with turnout of voters in their millions”.

It argued that proceedings of the court was already being adequately coveted by the media.

“There is nothing unique or peculiar in the electoral dispute that emanated from the outcome of the 25th February 2023 election that is different from the earlier five presidential elections in the country since the Advent of the Fourth Republic and if anything, the February 25 2023 election referred to, has the least litigation since 1999,” APC added.

It further argued that live broadcast “will subject the proceedings of the court to unnecessary sensationalism and undue social media trial, which distracts from the kernel of the serious business before the court”.

Continuing its argument against the application, APC, averred that allowing live televising of the proceedings, “will defeat the protection afforded to witnesses, expose them to avoidable censure and put them in a precarious situation.

“Televising of election tribunal proceedings (live) will only cause unnecessary tension, violence and unrest among the public, which may lead to breach of peace”, APC added, even as it urged the court to dismiss the application in the interest of justice.

INEC equally opposed live broadcast of the proceedings.

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A leading candidate in the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos Branch Elections, Mr. Emuobonuvie Majemite has been invited by Silverbird Television to shed light on Nigeria’s judicial framework.

Majemite, who is gunning for the position of Branch Secretary, will be speaking on “The Nigerian Judicial System: A Look at the Existing Structure.” The programme is billed to air today, 22nd May, 2023 at 8.15 am.

Majemite is a Partner and Head of the Arbitration and ADR Practice Group at the leading law firm of PUNUKA Attorneys & Solicitors. He is a “2022 Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer in Dispute Resolution,” the Chairman of Young Members Group (YMG) of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Nigeria Branch as well as the Alternate Chairman of NBA Lagos Branch Membership and Data Management Committee.

In a letter obtained by CITY LAWYER and dated May 14, 2023, the Electoral Committee of the branch had given Majemite the green light to contest for the position of Secretary. It wrote: “The Electoral Committee has scrutinized your Nomination Form and is pleased to inform you that you are qualified to contest for the post of ‘Secretary’ in the NBA – Lagos Branch 2023 Elections.”

The committee also informed Majemite that “you are hereby invited to present your manifesto on Manifesto Day scheduled to hold on Wednesday the 21st of June 2023 at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos.”

Titled “NBA LAGOS BRANCH ELECTIONS – NOTICE OF QUALIFICATION TO CONTEST FOR SECRETARY,” the letter was signed by the Electoral Committee Chairman, Mr. Wale Akoni SAN and the committee’s Secretary Temitope Aribisala.

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