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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 16, 2022
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‘YOU’RE A BULWARK FOR LESS PRIVILEGED,’ SAFIYA BALARABE TELLS FIDA LAGOS

SAFIYA BALARABE SENDS GOODWILL MESSAGE TO INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN LAWYERS (FIDA), LAGOS BRANCH AS THEY CONDUCT THEIR 2022 ANNUAL LAW WEEK

Read below Safiya Balarabe’s goodwill message to the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) on account of their 2022 Annual Law Week themed “Education as a Catalyst for Boosting the Self Image of the African Child”.

“FIDA, Lagos branch has over the years demonstrated an unparalleled level of capacity in championing the cause of the less privileged in the society; organizing people oriented programs and stepping in to act as a beacon of hope for those whose life experiences have dimmed their spirit.

“This year’s Law Week themed ‘Education as a catalyst for Boosting the Self Image of the African Child’ is a perfect example of the above point. This theme touches on the very soul of the African continent, its future and dynamics. We are well aware that an uneducated population is a handicapped one. This is why if the African continent is serious about pulling out of its present state of underdevelopment, it must as a matter of duty invest in the self esteem of its future generations by putting in place the necessary requirements for sound education.

I am full of praises for the leadership and members of FIDA, Lagos State for this all-important program.

Thank you.

Signed:

Safiya Balarabe

Treasurer, NBA Women Forum and Candidate for the position of NBA Treasurer 2022-2024

EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 15, 2022
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FUNMI ADEOGUN ON FINANCIAL INVESTMENT: THE THREE SERVANTS (PT. 15)

ADEOGUN, FUNMILOLA OLUWATOSIN LECTURES ON FINANCIAL INVESTMENT: THE THREE SERVANTS (Part 15)

Remember the lesson in part 14 is Master needs DEMONSTRATED ABILITY AND CAPACITY. Do have the required experience?

The master in the parable of ‘THE THREE SERVANTS’ also gives us insight into the the second parameter used in allocating capital:

Now, let’s look at the issue of profit. The servants that were commended in the parable were those who made maximum profit on their enterprise. As it is written, “The first servant went to work and doubled his master’s investment.” And his master commended him. Ditto the second. We can reasonably conclude that 100% return on investment is permissible. Stop feeling guilty about making profit on your TREASURY.

In actual fact the man God had a problem with was the one who made no profit. You’re not running a business if you’re not profit-oriented.

Your aim should be to double the investment of your Master. That’s how to impress your master in business. Profit motive is critical in business.

Lesson: YOU MUST DOUBLE THE TREASURY FOR THE MASTER TO BE HAPPY WITH YOU

FUNMI ADEOGUN

* has applied SKILLS in
* Corporate and Business Law (LW)
* Reporting (FR)
* Performance Management (PM)
* Financial Management (FA)
* Audit and Assurance (AA)
* Taxation (TX)

* she has applied KNOWLEDGE IN
* Business and Technology (BT)
* Financial and Accounting (FA)
* Management Accounting (MA)

Stay tuned with

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

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 15, 2022
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‘YOUR LAW WEEK THEME IS APT,’ TAIDI TELLS NBA IKEJA BRANCH

GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION IKEJA BRANCH ON HER 2022 LAW WEEK

It is with great delight that I felicitate with the Chairman, Executive and Planning Committees as well as the entire members of the Nigerian Bar Association Ikeja Branch on her 2022 Law Week with the theme: “2023: Looking Backwards To Move Forward.”

There is a common African saying that “God created eyes in front so we can always look forward rather than backwards.”

However, as the great Chinua Achebe said, “We must know where the rain began to beat us in order to know where we dried our body.” In other words, it is only by examining the past that we are able to take stock and measure our progress in every endeavour.

Therefore, the choice of this theme is remarkably creative and apt and like the roar of a lion, quite a wake up call in view of the approaching general elections scheduled for 2023.

The recent primary elections of the major political parties, which was brazenly “dollarized,” was a huge embarrassment to our democratic journey.

Of great concern is the supervision of these carnivals by various national agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices are Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) and other similar bodies which have, at their disposal, the facilities and manpower to check these excesses, but chose to look the other way.

It is impossible to make any meaningful progress when we fail to examine the issues that continue to take us backwards in this same journey where other countries with less potentials have recorded tremendous growth.

I challenge all participants at this event to put on their thinking cap and help discover the ways out of our regressive quargmire as a nation.

This indeed will be the greatest gift in our quest for national rebirth.

May we all be counted as part of the solution as we share very meaningful exchanges on this august occasion.

I wish you all a memorable and beneficial law week.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq.
Candidate for NBA President

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 14, 2022
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CLASFON DECRIES OWO KILLINGS, ‘WEAK’ CHARGE ON DEBORAH’S CASE

The Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON) has condemned the recent killing of worshippers at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.

In a communique made available to CITY LAWYER after its President-in-Council meeting in Calabar, the body also decried the filing of “weak charge” filed against suspects in the murder of Deborah Yakubu in Sokoto.

Below is the full text of the communique.

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 14, 2022
807
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OGUNJIDE EMERGES NBA GWAGWALADA CHAIR, VOWS INCLUSIVE BAR

FEATURED

Following the election of the Gwagwalada Branch of the Nigeria Bar Association conducted on Saturday, the 11th of June, 2022 , Mr. Emmanuel Tayo Ogunjide, popularly known as ETO, has emerged as the new Chairman after a keenly contested election. To emerge as the new Chairman, Mr. Ogunjide scored 102 votes to defeat his only contender for the position, Mr. David Ebosetale Aigbefoh who garnered 25 votes only.

The results of the election was openly announced by the Electoral Committee of the branch Chaired by Ashara Mohammed, Esq. Thereafter, Mr Ogunjide got sworn in as the new Chairman before an array of who is who from the Gwagwalada branch of the Bar.

In his maiden but brief remarks shortly after taking his oaths of office and allegiance as Chairman, Mr Ogunjide promised to live up to the expectations of the branch in line with his campaign promises while seeking for the position. The event which held at the Gwagwalada Division of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, afforded the visibly elated Mr Ogunjide the opportunity to be thankful to God, elders of the Gwagwalada branch of NBA, the Electoral Committee, his campaign teams and others too numerous to mention who contributed in one way or the other to his emergence as the new helmsman of the Gwagwalada branch of NBA.

In his usual unassuming and modest nature which he exhibited throughout the period of the campaign, Mr Ogunjide was emphatic that though he won the election overwhelmingly, however, in a contest of that magnitude involving learned members of the Bar, there’s neither a victor nor vanquished. It was a remark which earned him a thunderous applause.

The new chairman alongside members of his new executives thereafter took a symbolic salutary bow before everybody to affirm their appreciation and readiness to set the ball rolling in serving the branch wholeheartedly.

Immediately he assumed office, the first assignment performed by the new Chairman was to seek for the ratification of the reconstitution of the Electoral Committee of the Branch which he accordingly announced will henceforth remain a standing committee in line with the Uniformed Bye Laws of the Nigeria Bar Association..All members at the Annual General Meeting collectively, without any hesitation, approved same.
Mr Tayo Ogunjide further informed members on the need to roll out the drums as the Gwagwalada branch of NBA now under his watch has attained 10 years of existence having been created in 2012. A Committee to that effect was again expressly approved by the members for the new Executive to set it up without much ado.

It later became an emotion laden gathering with full of gratitude to God as Mr Ogunjide openly used the opportunity to thank his wife, Magistrate Janada Balami-Ogunjide and his family members for their unflinching support before, during and after the electioneering campaigns.

The icing on the cake of his gratitude to God and humanity were members of his campaign team; ETOTRATIB/THINK TANK which he specially recognized and acknowledged as the solid rock of Gibraltar behind his success story as the new chairman, stressing that, for the rest of his life, he will always live to appreciate their love, support and magnanimity. He also acknowledged the spirit of his opponent Team ABTC.

Other members of the newly sworn in executive of the 10 year old Gwagwalada branch of NBA are Miss Onwubiko Barbara as Vice Chairman, Hassan Luqman Olayiwola, Esq. as Secretary, and Mr. Olusegun Richard Femi, Esq. as Publicity Secretary. Completing the list of the new Exco are: Mrs Gwary Tessy who was sworn in as Financial Secretary, Mrs. Ezegwu Emmanuela as Assistant Secretary, Mrs Esther Opeyemi Akinrinde as Treasurer,
Mrs. Oboh Christy as Welfare Secretary, Eze Friday Esq. as Social Secretary and the last but not the least member of the ETO led Exco is Mr Aliyu Zubairu Yakubu, Esq. as the provost of the team.

Dignitaries who attended the swearing in ceremony include Prof Mrs J. A . A Agbonika, (SAN), Alhaji I.G Haruna and A. A Mohammed, Esq. among others too numerous to mention, who, one after the other prayed to God to grant newly elected Executive members of the Eagle Bar the necessary wisdom, knowledge, grace and tenacity of purpose to be able to soar like an eagle while carrying out the enormous tasks ahead of them.

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 13, 2022
668
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NBA AGC 2022: TCCP SLASHES FEES, KICKS OFF REGISTRATION

Registration has commenced for the 2022 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) holding in Lagos in August.

The Technical Committee on Conference Planning (TCCP) for the 2022 Annual General Conference (AGC) announced this in a statement issued on Sunday, 12th June, 2022.

Tobenna Erojikwe, Chairman, Technical Committee on Conference Planning (TCCP), said that registration for the conference opened on 12th June with an early bird registration window and that participants would be able to register for either physical attendance or virtual attendance at www.nbaconference.com.

The conference is scheduled to hold at the Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos from 19th to 26th August, 2022 with the theme “Bold Transitions”. Renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, will be the Keynote Speaker.

According to the statement by the TCCP, early bird registration for the conference will run from 12th June to 17th July, while regular registration will start on 18th July and end on 5th August, 2022. Late registration will run between 6th and 12th August, 2022, while registration for virtual attendance will be on an ongoing basis.

“The core objective of the 62nd edition of the NBA Annual General Conference is to host a world-class conference, with in-depth discourse on critical issues affecting the legal profession and the country, facilitated by the most eminently qualified resource persons able to galvanize all conference attendees towards the path of becoming better legal practitioners and experts in their chosen fields; shape public opinion on critical issues; and inspire lawyers to build the law firms of the future,” Erojikwe said.

The registration fees are broken down according to categories. There has also been a significant reduction in the fees for virtual attendance compared to 2021.

Lawyers in the category of 1-5 years of practice will pay N15,000 for early bird registration, N40,000 regular registration, N80,000 for late registration, and N5,000 for virtual attendance as against N7,500 charged last year.

Lawyers within the 6-10 years category will register with N22,000 for early bird, N60,000 for regular, N120,000 for late registration, and N10,000 if they want to participate virtually compared to N11,250 they paid for virtual participation last year.

Lawyers who have practiced between 11-15 years will pay N36,000 registration fee if they make use of the early bird window, N70,000 for regular registration, N140,000 for late registration, and N15,000 for virtual attendance, N3,000 less than the N18,000 they were charged last year.

For lawyers between 16-20 years, the cost is N54,000 for early bird, N80,000 for regular, N180,000 for late registration, and N20,000 for virtual registration compared to N27,000 paid in 2021.

Lawyers who have more than 20 years of practice will pay N95,000 if they come as early bird, N150,000 for regular, N300,000 for late registration, and N30,000 for virtual attendance, a whopping N17,500 reduction from what it cost them to attend virtually in 2021.

Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Attorneys General, and Benchers will pay N190,000 early bird, N300,000 regular, N500,000 late registration, and N50,000 for virtual participation, N45,000 less than the N95,000 they paid last year.

It will cost Magistrates and other Judicial Officers N50,000 to register if they use the early bird window, N50,000 regular, N50,000 late registration, and N20,000 for virtual attendance compared to N25,000 for last year.

Honourable Justices, Honourable Judges, Grand Khadis and Khadis will pay N75,000 registration whether they come as early bird, regular registration or late registration. However, if they wish to participate virtually, the cost is N25,000 instead of N37,500 they paid in 2021.

For non-lawyers who want to attend the conference, the fee is N100,000 irrespective of whether it is early bird, regular or late registration. If they want to register to attend virtually, the fee is N30,000, N20,000 less than last year’s fee.

International Delegates will pay a fee of $300 for either early bird, regular or late registration, but $100 for virtual attendance, $50 less than last year’s fee.

“The AGC will bring together thought leaders in the areas of justice delivery, technology, economy, politics, judicial reforms, human rights, and rule of law. 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.

NBA Conference

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 13, 2022
483
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‘THERE ARE THREATS TO OUR NATIONAL TIES,’ SAYS AMANDA DEMECHI-ASAGBA

Amanda Demechi-Asagba Commemorates June 12

‘It’s a Unique Day to Celebrate the Joy of Freedoms Associated with Democracy’

A cursory look around reveals that several factors now threaten the ties that bind us as a nation. Therefore, on this day, I call on all state actors and stakeholders to rise up in giving effect to the true intent of our national anthem and symbols – Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress.

NIGERIA WE HAIL THEE. HAPPY DEMOCRACY DAY.

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 13, 2022
577
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DEMOCRACY DAY: ‘OUR DEMOCRACY NOW FOR HIGHEST BIDDER,’ SAYS TAIDI

Democracy Day, and 2022 is the 20th Anniversary of this Day which used to be celebrated on May 29. Democracy is well known across the world as the method of governance which insists on the active participation of the people, in cooperation with the leadership.

Democracy all over the world is a work in progress and every democratic government has its peculiar challenges as even the United States of America, acclaimed as a leading democracy, saw its Capitol (which is the equivalent of our National Assembly), invaded by anti-democratic forces barely three years ago.

Our 20th Anniversary was marked with the usual speeches, worships and fanfare, but it is hardly appropriate that we should be celebrating our return to democracy which, despite being paid for in blood and toil, has now become quite commercialised and available only to the highest bidder.

It is impossible to progress in our journey to nationhood when we perpetuate such a farce or allow our leaders take us along such a dangerous path which only benefits very few at the expense of society.

The legal profession has a vital role to play in our quest to practice the kind of genuine democracy that is worthy of celebration.

As we reflect on those issues that can reshape our country, and our part in the process, may I wish our distinguished learned colleagues happy holidays.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq
Candidate for NBA President

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 11, 2022
549
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HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYER, BABATUNDE JINADU EXTOLS CLEMENT CHUKWUEMEKA

My encounter with MR. CLEMENT UGO CHUKWUEMEKA, the chairman (as he then was) of NBA Bwari Branc and now a cleared candidate for the office of the 2nd Vice President in NBA Election 2022

As a young lawyer, I had the opportunity to handle one of the EndSars matters, precisely that of Eromosele “eromz”. Mr Chukwuemeka was already on ground at FCID Abuja before my arrival.

When I came, he welcomed me and supported me, as if we have been together for years. He bought food for Eromz and made efforts to secure his release without intending to take the glory or hijack the matter from me.

He told me to proceed with the filing of bail application while he would prepare FHR Enforcement processes. He related with me freely and encouraged me.

He doesn’t relate with colleagues based on class or age at the Bar. He is truly a DEMOCRAT(S), as he is commonly referred to.

I will not hesitate to vote for Honest and Selfless Service. CLEMENT UGO CHUKWUEMEKA exemplifies selfless service. Thank you

SIGNED: BABATUNDE JINADU, ESQ. Member Ikeja Branch . (11/06/2022)

EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 10, 2022
502
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ISAAC OGBAH LAUDS AKPATA, NBA IN LAGOS, ABUJA ON NEC MEET, NEW BRANCHES

Isaac OMUTA Ogbah, FICMC, candidate for the 3rd Vice President of NBA has commended NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata and all national officers of the NBA and all NEC members for the success of Ilorin NEC meeting.

He also congratulated NBA branches of Kwara State for seeing to the success of Ilorin NEC meeting.

Ogbah, the publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Erudite Judgments of the Supreme Court (EJSC), also congratulated NBA in Lagos and Abuja respectively for NEC’s approval of the establishment of NBA Surulere, Garki and Nyanya branches.

EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 10, 2022
450
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FUNMI ADEOGUN ON FINANCIAL INVESTMENT: THE THREE SERVANTS (Part 10)

ADEOGUN, FUNMILOLA OLUWATOSIN LECTURES ON FINANCIAL INVESTMENT: THE THREE SERVANTS (Part 10)

Remember the lesson in part 9 is SAVE TO EARN, DON’T SAVE TO HIDE.

With the master-of-the-talents’ goals established and the servants’ investment mandate clear, the talents are allocated and performance systematically reviewed. Following the master’s journey, he meets with the servants who report their investment results and account for the talents. The lead servant reports a 100% return on assets, comprising 71.43% of the master’s total return. The second servant also had a 100% return, comprising 28.57% of the total return. The third servant returned the principal talent with no capital appreciation, income, or interest.
The weighted return for the owner over the long term was 87.50%. The 100% return of the faithful servants could illustrate 12% compound average annual returns during an economic cycle of a 6-year, for example.

To complete the investment process, the master reallocates the talents from the underperforming servant and rewards the best performing lead servant with $56,320,000 or 73% of $76,800,000 total assets under management.
Two servants remain in faithful service to the master while the third is removed from his responsibilities.

The financial system is intact!
The lead servant is motivated and rewarded by his success. The second servant performs well and is also rewarded.

The third servant is removed from management.

Lesson: Don’t hesitate to remove an unproductive servant from your management.

FUNMI ADEOGUN

* has applied SKILLS in
* Corporate and Business Law(LW)
* Reporting (FR)
* Performance Management (PM)
* Financial Management (FA)
* Audit and Assurance (AA)
* Taxation (TX)

* she has applied KNOWLEDGE IN
* Business and Technology (BT)
* Financial and Accounting (FA)
* Management Accounting (MA)

Stay tuned with

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

EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 10, 2022
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SAFIYA BALARABE WISHES NBA-NEC MEMBERS SAFE JOURNEY FROM ILORIN

SAFIYA BALARABE, CANDIDATE FOR NBA TREASURER BIDS MEMBERS OF NBA-NEC SAFE TRAVELS BACK HOME

Read below Safiya Balarabe’s message bidding all members of NBA-NEC safe journey after a resoundingly successful NEC meeting, yesterday, 9th June, 2022 at Ilorin Kwara State.

“It gives me great pleasure to wish all members of NBA-NEC safe travels back to their various destinations.

“The NEC meeting was resoundingly successful. The NBA leadership has yet again demonstrated capacity and will to better the lot of its members. The increment of the branch share of the BPF is by far my favorite highlight of this quarter’s meeting. This is indeed a very welcome development.

May God bless the NBA”

Signed:
Safiya Balarabe, Treasurer, NBA Women Forum and Candidate for the position of NBA Treasurer 2022-2024

EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 09, 2022
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ANXIETY, AS 2 US FIRMS, OTHERS BATTLE FOR E-VOTING ROLE FOR NBA ELECTIONS

Two United States based Information and Communication Technology (ICT) service providers are battling to be hired by the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) to provide the electronic voting platform for the all-important NBA Elections, CITY LAWYER can authoritatively report. The other bidders are VATEBRA Limited and Africa Prudential.

However, while the Virginia based leading E-Ballot Voting Services has submitted a direct bid to deploy its voting platform for the elections, CITY LAWYER reliably gathered that INITS Limited is presenting ElectionBuddy, the ICT provider for the controversial 2020 NBA Elections, as its partner. While acting as the ICT Service Provider, INITS Limited will deploy ElectionBuddy e-voting platform for the elections. INITS Limited was the Technical Support Consultant (TSC) for the 2020 NBA Elections.

In a notice by the ECNBA, it said: “We wish to invite any member of the Association who has any reason why the foregoing entities should not be engaged as Information Communication Technology Service Provider by the ECNBA, to contact us by email (info@ecnba.ng) with all relevant facts in that regard by or before 11:59pm Tuesday 7 June 2022.”

CITY LAWYER recalls that in a Final Report dated March 16, 2021 and submitted to NBA National Executive Committee (NBA-NEC), the Ayodele Akintunde SAN-led NBA Electoral Audit and Reform Committee noted that the service providers for the controversial 2020 NBA Elections “were Tavia Technologies (“Tavia”) as primary election platform provider and ElectionBuddy as secondary election platform provider. INITS was the technical consultant.” Akintunde is the Chairman of the 2022 ECNBA.

In a damning indictment of the 2020 Elections, the committee stated that “Nigerian lawyers were again optimistic that the 2020 Elections would be seamless as all the challenges encountered in the 2016 and 2018 Elections would have been fully addressed,” noting however that “that was not the case, like the previous elections, the 2020 Elections was controversial and there were pre-election and post-election issues and challenges.”

Continuing, the Audit Committee said: “INITS’ report revealed that during the elections on the ElectionBuddy platform, there were two major challenges. The first challenge was that based on the traffic and requests for the results between the first and second hour of the elections, voters and viewers began experiencing service degradation.”

In a searing indictment of the Technical Support Consultant, the NBA Electoral Audit and Reform Committee noted that “The INITS’ report did not include a Vote-by-Vote Audit Report. The Committee requested for the Report but was not able to obtain it before the submission of this Final Report. It will contain the following details:

a. Voter;
b. Ballot Open Time;
c. Ballot Submission Time;
d. IP Address;
e. Position; and
f. Selected Candidate /Abstention.”

The Audit Committee had warned that “The challenges highlighted above are continuous occurrences which have plagued the electoral processes and if not resolved, will persist.”

The ECNBA is set to announce its choice of ICT service provider as the elections draw near.

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 09, 2022
490
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ISAAC OGBAH HAILS NBA IKORODU ON SMOOTH TRANSITION

Isaac Omuta Ogbah, FICMC, candidate for the 3rd Vice President of the NBA heartily congratulates NBA Ikorodu Branch on its successful transition from one administration to another and as it holds its AGM

It is time we appreciate the immense contribution of the outgoing executives of the NBA Ikorodu Branch.

Of a truth NBA Ikorodu Branch has contributed immensely to the development of the bar in Nigeria and not just Lagos state alone as it is really one of the foremost branches in Lagos and beyond. History will never forget the contributions of past and present leaders of Ikorodu Branch as the Branch has produced great leaders of national repute even as my dearly beloved friend and colleague, a former chairman of the branch, *Bayo Akinlade* was at the forefront of, and instrumental in the setting up of the PDSS scheme which some police stations around the country have benefitted immensely from. I am the current chairman of PDSS Onipanu Divisional Headquarters, Ota Ogun State.

This shows the calibre of practice and legal practitioners in this branch.

I hereby congratulate the incoming members of the new executive and I wish you all a successful reign as j have no doubt you all will build on the achievements of all the past administrations of your Branch.

I celebrate you all now and always.

EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 09, 2022
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AMANDA ASAGBA LAUDS MEMBERS ON NBA-NEC MEETING IN ILORIN

I heartily rejoice with NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, on the ongoing NEC Meeting in Ilorin.

I wish all NBA-NEC members, observers and other stakeholders fruitful deliberations.

As you commence your departure from Ilorin, l wish you all journey mercies to your various destinations.

AMANDA DEMECHI-ASAGBA

EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 08, 2022
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BOSAN, CHIEF JUDGE MOURN, AS LUCIUS NWOSU GOES HOME FRIDAY

The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) and Chief Judge of Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho were among leaders of the Bar and Bench who paid glowing tributes to foremost environmental law expert, Late Lucius Ezeaka Nwosu at a valedictory session held in his honour in Abuja.

Tsoho described Nwosu as “one of the finest Senior Advocates of his generation,” adding that the valedictory session was “an opportunity to express with clarity and warmth, how the late SAN was genuinely respected at the Bar and in all of his dealings with the Court. Therefore we count it as an honour to celebrate his lifetime and practice.”

The chief judge noted that until his death, “the distinguished late Silk had applied his perseverance, doggedness and dexterity in offering excellent legal services to his numerous clients, which comprised more of the Niger-Delta Communities. He was a fighter for human rights, the legal warrior of the Niger-Delta Communities and he will be remembered for easing the liability that comes with engaging the services of a lawyer with his clients.”

Saying that Nwosu “defended the financially and politically powerless whenever their rights were trampled upon,” Justice Tsoho stated that the late litigator was “a fierce environmental campaigner and activist through litigation,” adding that “Those he litigated against dreaded and labelled him ‘Lucifer Nwosu’ but the beneficiaries actually adored him.”

On its part, BOSAN in a tribute delivered by former Attorney General & Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi SAN stated that “A time will never come when we shall forget the prowess of Lucius Nwosu. You witnessed yourselves the exploits of this remarkable man. The commendations that we bestow on him are a tribute to our profession. He is therefore entitled to our gratitude. He was a well-educated man, reared and trained in strict self-discipline. Whoever reared him, reared him well.”

According to BOSAN, “To deal with the achievements of Lucius Nwosu as a whole is something that we cannot now attempt in the short time available to us,” adding that “In his devotion to our profession Lucius Nwosu neglected himself.”

The body of senior lawyers stated that “The best tribute we can pay to him is to endeavour to realize our talents as he realized his and use them for the benefit of mankind as he used his. Lucius Nwosu was that man to whom the Lord gave five talents and who when he rendered his account the Lord commended him saying: ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant.’ ”

BOSAN described him as a “great man” and a “man of high character,” saying that “Lucius Nwosu was a selfless man. He was a brilliant man. He did not know how to relent. He was a man of defiant spirit. The grave cannot hold such a man down. We are witnesses to the trials and temptations that he had to contend with. We are witnesses to the many difficulties he had to overcome. We are witnesses to all the dangers that he had to avoid. He worked harder than a slave but it was the Lord that he served. He had to overcome many difficulties. He had to avoid many dangers and strive on so that on this day when he gives account of his stewardship, he can say, as did St. Paul: ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.’ ”

The body urged lawyers to “do our work with all the passion, energy and sincerity that we can summon” notwithstanding that the legal profession has “come under suspicion of aiding and facilitating the collapse of the nation.”

Turning to the judiciary, BOSAN said: “As for you judges and justices, we thank you for your sacrifices. The fault is not yours that the nation continues to languish in violence and uncertainty. It is in spite of all your sacrifices. Do not despair. It shall be well. We have hope.”

It concluded that “Lucius is not dead. Though he failed to achieve old age, he has achieved a fame which knows no age. He has now been released from sickness and grief and from all the other sorrows and anxieties that attend our lives.”

The foremost senior lawyer will be buried on Friday at Udo Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government of Imo State.

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Jun 08, 2022
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GADZAMA GETS ROUSING WELCOME AT EBF, IKEJA, LAFIA, MAKURDI, UNITY BAR

FEATURED

MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN BAR FORUM (EBF) WELCOME CHIEF J-K GADZAMA

At the canaan city of Calabar, Cross Rivers State, members of the Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) comprising 9 States of the old Eastern Region gathered for their quarterly general meeting scheduled for Friday 3rd – Saturday 4th June, 2022.

The general meeting started on Friday, June 3, 2022 with a cocktail at Event 45 Conference Center at the instance of the Honourable Chief Jude of the Cross Rivers State, Hon Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme, wherein the members were entertained with a variety of local delicacies and cultural dance.

At the cocktail, the compere recognized and welcomed the friends of J-K Gadzama ably led by Chief Princes Chukwudi Oli.

At the general meeting of the forum on Saturday, June 4 2022, members in attendance deliberated on the business of the day as it affects the forum, the States in the old Eastern Region and Nigeria in tune with their theme “Insecurity and Injustice: Threats to Nigeria’s Corporate Co-Existence”. The Governor of the State, His Excellency, (Sen) (Prof) Ben Ayade was ably represented by the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tanko Ashang, Esq.

In line with the noble tradition of the Forum, all candidates vying for various positions in the Nigerian Bar Association were called upon to address the members.

Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama, SAN, who was ably represented by Chief Prince Chukwudi Oli, the Director-General of Vox Populi, spoke to the members of the EBF on the candidature of Chief J-K Gadzama, SAN. He highlighted various capacities Chief J-K Gadzama, SAN have served the Nigerian Bar Association as the pioneer Chairman of NBA – SPIDEL; NBA – SARC; Council Member of NBA-SBL and SLP.

He described Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama SAN as a consummate and quintessential Bar Man and a true detriblised Nigerian. Chief Oli informed the members that Gadzama holds the traditional title of “Okwuluora of Ukpo” in Anambra State which means the mouthpiece of the people in Igbo language, which is a honour well deserved.

Chief Oli stated that the Bar has gone beyond the rhetoric of welfare and what one will do if elected to what one has done to the Bar. He stated that Chief Gadzama is an embodiment of love to all, bridge between the old and the young one, and have passion for the development and welfare of young lawyers. He narrated his experience with Chief Gadzama while under the employment of his firm about 12 years ago and how he impacted his life till date. Chief Oli’s speech threw the members of the forum into thunderous clapping and singing of the songs of acceptance of the candidature of Chief Gadzama.

After the greetings and speech from the representative of Chief Gadzama, some members and supporters converged and took a group photograph where the flex banner of Chief J-K was conspicuously placed at the entrance of the hall.

CHIEF JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN GAILY WELCOMED BY NBA LAFIA – MEMBERS AND EXECUTIVES TO A LUNCH DATE.

On Saturday, June 4, 2022, the friends of Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN in conjunction with the members and executives of the NBA Lafia Bar hosted the Learned Silk, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and his esteemed entourage comprising of Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN(Former. Chairman Abuja Branch), Steve Abar ( Former. Vice President NBA National body, Former. Chairman Jos Branch, Former. National Assistant Secretary), Ganny Ajape (Abuja Branch Elder), Samson Samson Gotom (Jos Brand Secretary), Darlington Onyekwere (Partner,J-k Gadzama LLp ), Jerry Ombugadu Musa ( Financial Secretary Unity bar, Abuja and Junior Partner,J-k Gadzama LLp ), Victor Ehiosun (Counsel J-k Gadzama LLp), Love Chukwumerije (Counsel J-k Gadzama LLp),
Promise Godwin (Counsel J-k Gadzama LLp), Esther Oduh (Counsel J-k Gadzama LLp), Ogwuche Roseline (Counsel J-k Gadzama LLp), were gaily received to a lunch date hosted by the NBA Lafia branch.

The Lunch date witnessed the attendance of Bar Leaders from the NBA Lafia Branch such as: Mustapha Sadiq( Chairman), Mohammed Dahiru( vice chairman), Ayuwule Baba Ayuwule ( Secretary), Ovey Yakubu Ezekiel ( Director of Sports), Grace Akatiki Dominic( Chairperson Young lawyer forum NBA Lafia Branch), Emmanuel C.Agoh ( Secretary YLF Lafia Branch).

The welcoming remarks were delivered by Mustapha Sadiq, Esq (Chairman of Lafia Bar) who amongst many other things expressed his gladness to be hosting the Learned Silk. The Chairman also stated that Chief J-K Gadzama, SAN was an exemplary leader and one they were more than happy to be with.

Baba Ayuwule, Esq (Secretary of the Bar) spoke on behalf of the lawyers. In his remarks, the young lawyers were pleased with the good works and contributions of the Learned Silk and welcome every occasion to have interactions with the Learned Silk.

Thereafter, an indigene of Nasarawa State and Junior Partner with the firm of J-K Gadzama LLP, Mr. Jerry Musa Ombugadu spoke to the gathering, describing the Learned Silk as a man of capacity who has consistently contributed to the development of the personal and professional lives of many lawyers in Nigeria. He also reassured all who were present that the Learned Silk is a committed Bar patriot; and not just anyone but one with the rare ability to speak fearlessly on behalf of the Nigerian Bar.

In similar light, the Former National 1st Vice President and Assistant Secretary, Former Chairman Jos Branch, Mr. Steve Abar, addressed the gathering. He referred to the Learned Silk as a man of impeccable pedigree and unbiased character. He said he could attest to this because he had known the Learned Silk since 1997. He said, “be careful of people who come to you to solicit for your support to be NBA President. Ask them this, what they were doing for the NBA in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Thereafter he ended his speech by making reference to a statement made by Hon Justice O.A Adeniyi: “J-K Gadzama rivals the NBA as someone who has shown commitment to the affairs of the profession”.

The Learned Silk was then introduced to address the Lafia Bar. Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN expressed delightfully, his commitment to the welfare of the Lafia Bar. He thanked everyone for joining him and welcoming him to Lafia Bar. He stated that being in Lafia is a homecoming for him as he is no stranger to the state and he’s a son of the soil . He described the Lafia Bar as an extension of his family explaining to all who were present that he had several affiliations with Nasarawa State. The Learned Silk reassured the members that the welfare of Young Lawyers will always be his priority and prayed for the young lawyers that they will achieve more and greater things than he has achieved in the profession. He also expressed his commitment to ensuring better access to loans with single digit interest, better access to Lawpavillon and other amenities. In his remarks, he assured the Lafia Bar that as a part of his plan, he was going to set up a structural system that would create more employment opportunities for lawyers. “It is possible to have two legal advisers in every local government in Nigeria under statutory employment. There are many ideas that we have. We have only come to thank you for what you have been doing, what you are doing and what you will do to assist us implement our ideas”.

Thereafter His Highness M.A Sambo (Madaki Kayada), thanked the Learned silk for not relenting in his desire to serve the bar despite his caliber and standing.

J.A Kigbo stated that they are privileged to have the Learned silk in their midst and that the leadership of the NBA requires the boldness of a person who can pull the bull by the horn. Thereafter he asked the learned silk to look into the plight of private legal practitioners such as appointment into the judiciary, remuneration of lawyers. The learned silk in response to him stated that all these things are in his agenda and he will make sure to occasion a change.

Zoe Fuantuam (President of Legal Aid), stated that she was grateful to the learned silk for always recognizing corp members

The Chairperson of Young Lawyers Forum, Lafia, Grace Akatiki Dominic thanked the Learned Silk for the interactive session, assuring him of their unwavering support come rain, come sun. She also thanked all who attended the lunch date.

Darlington Onyekwere( partner J-K Gadzama LLP), expressed gratitude on behalf of Chief J-K gadzama SAN and thank everyone for their warm welcome.

PARTE AFTER PARTE: FRIENDS OF J-K HOST AN AFTER-PARTY FOR THE NBA MAKURDI BRANCH 2022 LAW WEEK DINNER.

On Saturday, June 4, 2022 the NBA Makurdi Branch held its 2022 Annual Law Week Dinner at Benue Hotel & Resorts, Makurdi. The Branch invited Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN to deliver a dinner talk with the theme, “Democracy, Electoral Process & Paradigm of Change in Nigeria”. Thereafter, Friends of J-K hosted an after party for the members of the NBA Makurdi branch in honor of the Learned Silk, Chief J-K Gadzama SAN.

The after-party witnessed the attendance of Bar Leaders from the NBA Makurdi and Gboko Branch such as: J.T Kpakaa, Esq., (Chairman Gboko Branch), J.T Akaazua, (Vice Chairman Gboko Branch), M. Alabar, (Secretary Gboko Branch) B.I Tyiogh, (Social Secretary), R.K. Chia, (Treasurer Gboko Branch), TAR Tombuwua, (Legal Adviser, Gboko Branch) and Jude Nyam, (Chairman, YLF Makurdi).

The Learned Silk opened the dance floor with some great moves and other members of the Bar joined him.
A special highlight of the event was the singing of a composed hymn by some members of the NBA Makurdi Branch amidst gleeful chants of “J-K” and “incoming”.

The after-party was indeed phenomenal, as the bar members danced and had a good time with the Learned Silk with a lot to eat and drink.

MEMBERS OF NBA MAKURDI BRANCH COMPOSE HYMN AND CHANT VICTORY SONGS IN FAVOUR OF J-K GADZAMA, SAN

Thereafter, Friends of J-K hosted an after party for the members of the NBA Makurdi branch in honor of the Learned Silk, Chief J-K Gadzama SAN. The After party hosted by friends of J-K was indeed phenomenal and memorable for the NBA Makurdi branch member and the Learned silk.

The Bar members composed Hymns and chanted them amidst gleeful chants of “J-K” and “incoming”, as Chief J-K Gadzama SAN, was privileged to perform the role of a choir master.

It was indeed a memorable night!!!

UNITY BAR KICKS OFF 2022 LAW WEEK WITH A COCKTAIL PARTY AT HON. JUSTICE S.M.A BELGORE HALL, J-K GADZAMA COURT

It’s the season of law weeks for NBA branches across Nigeria and in this fashion, the NBA, Abuja branch commenced its law week with a fancy cocktail party which was organized by friends of Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN on Sunday, June 5, 2022.

The chairman of the branch, Moses Ebute, SAN and the Learned Silk, Joe-Kyari Gadzama heartily welcomed all the members of the branch who ebulliently attended the event. Mr. Afam Okeke, former secretary of the branch and alternate chair person of the planning committee also expressed his gratitude to the members present and assured them of a good time at the party.

Amid the classic jams being played in the background, members sipped on their drinks and dined on the finest barbeque chicken and meat that were offered at the event.

The Learned Silk, Joe-Kyari Gadzama and other members of the branch utilized the cocktail party as an opportunity to network while dancing and chatting with each other.

Prominent personalities who were present at the event include: Mela Nunghe, SAN, past chairman of the branch; Chief Mrs. Victoria Awomolo, SAN; Chief C.P Oli, Director-General of Vox Populi; Hon. Femi Adeniyi, chairman of NBA, Sagamu branch; Dr. Princess Chukwuani; Adama Mohammed; Mrs. Amaruche Onyedum Anya; Dayo Ashonibare amongst a host of others.

It was a great night as priceless memories were made.

JOE-KYARI GADZAMA SAN DAZZLES MEMBERS OF THE NBA-IKEJA BRANCH

Leading Senior Advocate and Candidate for the Office of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN stormed the monthly meeting of the NBA-Ikeja branch on Monday, June 6, 2022.

Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN – the Honoree of the meeting was given an opportunity to address members of the branch who had eagerly been awaiting his arrival. Amidst the overwhelming rounds of applause, Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN remarked that he had been the only lawyer in the country that had been in the foundation of all the sections of the NBA. In particular, he said that he was the Pioneer Chairman of the NBA-SPIDEL, Pioneer Vice-Chairman the NBA-SLP and a Pioneer council member of the NBA-SBL.

The Leading Senior Advocate also promised improved welfare and increased remuneration for young lawyers, female members of the Bar and lawyers with disabilities.

Furthermore, the Learned Silk stated that the Bar and the Country were at a point where they needed leaders that speak truth to power and could only be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that of the NBA.

As the Learned Silk concluded his remarks, members of the branch recited the well-known chant, “J-K is OK” which was anchored by Mr Kunle Ogunba SAN.

As is customary with activities linked with the Learned Silk, members of the branch were treated to exquisite delicacies at the cocktail organized in his honour.

Notable personalities present at the meeting with the Learned Silk were Mela Audu Nunghe SAN – Past Chairman of the NBA-Abuja branch, Hon. Nimi Walson Jack – Past General Secretary of the NBA, Otunba Martin Ogunleye – Past Chairman of the NBA-Lagos branch, Stephen Abar – Past 2nd Vice-President of the NBA and Vice-Chairman NBA-SPIDEL, Mr P.B Ishaku, Samson Gotom – Secretary of the NBA-Jos branch, Mr John Austin – Past Publicity Secretary of the NBA, Rotimi Ogunlade, Onwuka Igwe, Oluniyi Adediji, Lamar Joe-Kyari Gadzama, Subomi Adegbemisoye, Anene Nwadukwe, Obinna Ezeanim, Chioma Ferguson, Chukwu Adimote, Chikasi Madubike, Yomi Fagbayi, Azodo Oluchukwu, Her Worship Roseline Akimbo, Benita Olejeme, Lilian Obwugu, Nora Nwaokoye, Naomi Uko, Florence Duru, Nonso Ejionye, Prince Eddy Njoku, Felicia Oheke, Chinelo Ugwu and many others.

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 08, 2022
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FUNMI ADEOGUN LECTURES ON FINANCIAL INVESTMENT: THE THREE SERVANTS (Part 8)

ADEOGUN FUNMILOLA OLUWATOSIN LECTURES ON FINANCIAL INVESTMENT: THE THREE SERVANTS (Part 8)

Remember the lesson in part 7 is that ‘The owner of talents must be familiar with his servants’ work, know their track record and must be able to trust them accordingly with his property.

The servants demonstrated their understanding of the owner’s goals and their investment mandate by investing the talents “at once.”

The servants’ knowledge of the long-term investment, time horizon, confirmed by the master’s journey, combined with the act of immediately investing the talents indicates their understanding of the time value of money.

The servants went about investing according to their abilities, undoubtedly with different strategies, and among the different asset classes.

Lesson: A servant must understand the time value of money for example, the dollar had an average inflation rate of 5.6% per year between 2020 and today, producing a cumulative price increase of 11.71%.

FUNMI ADEOGUN

* has applied SKILLS in
* Corporate and Business Law(LW)
* Reporting (FR)
* Performance Management (PM)
* Financial Management (FA)
* Audit and Assurance (AA)
* Taxation (TX)

* she has applied KNOWLEDGE IN
* Business and Technology (BT)
* Financial and Accounting (FA)
* Management Accounting (MA)

Stay tuned with

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

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Jun 08, 2022
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‘YOUR LAW WEEK THEME IS QUITE APT,’ AMANDA ASAGBA TELLS NBA IKEJA

Amanda Demechi-Asagba, President of AWLA and Candidate for NBA 3rd Vice President felicitates with the Chairman Barth Aguegbogo and all members of NBA Ikeja Branch (TIGER BAR) on their Law Week 2022

I am filled with so much joy in congratulating the Chairman and entire members of my home branch NBA Ikeja Branch on the 2022 edition of the branch’s Law Week tagged, “2023; Looking backward to move forward.”

So rightly captured is the theme of this year’s law week as it serves as a guide to the activities of humans generally, in looking back to learn from the past, and then making advancement.

I am optimistic that we shall achieve great success in the forthcoming event.

To the Law Week Planning Committee, I say a huge thank you for delivering this landmark event.

Forward Ever!

Amanda Demechi-Asagba

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 07, 2022
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ECNBA ISSUES FINAL LIST OF CANDIDATES, ASHIMOLE DISQUALIFIED

The Nigerian Bar Association National Election Petitions Committee has now disqualified controversial NBA Publicity Secretary aspirant, Mr. Felix Ashimole aka Che Oyinatumba from participating in the forthcoming NBA Elections, paving the way for Messrs Ogaga Emoghawanre and Habeeb Akorede Lawal to slug it out for the post.

A document obtained by CITY LAWYER shows that the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) has also listed the canidates that will do battle at the elections.

The list is below.

ECNBA_FINAL LIST

https://citylawyermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ECNBA_FINAL-LIST.pdf

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 07, 2022
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NBA ELECTIONS: IKEJA BRANCH ENDORSES ADESINA ADEGBITE FOR GENERAL SECRETARY

FEATURED

NBA Ikeja Branch Endorses Adesina Adegbite As Sole Candidate For General Secretary.

It was all cheers and glitz as the NBA Ikeja Branch the local Branch of Adesina Adegbite popularly known as AA unanimously adopted him as the Branch’s sole candidate for General Secretary.

At the Monthly Meeting of the NBA Ikeja Branch held on Monday 6th January, 2002. the Branch Chairman, Bartholomew Aguegbodo Esq, who presided over the meeting emphasized the need for the Branch members to give maximum support to its candidate and Past Secretary of the Branch, Adesina Adegbite who is a candidate for the office of General Secretary in the forthcoming NBA Elections . He advised that no vote of the Branch should be wasted.

While still basking in the euphoria of conviviality and camaraderie that pervaded the air, a senior member of the Branch Chief Afam Ofomata (A.K.A Multiple Chief) moved the motion for the adoption of Adesina Adegbite as the sole candidate of the Branch and same was seconded by another senior member of the Branch Chief Samson Omodara. The meeting also endorsed Mandy Asagba and Charles Ajiboye for 3rd Vice President and Assistant Publicity Secretary respectively.

AA was full of praises to his members and assured them that just as he had served them in several capacities in the past and served creditably, he will serve them even more creditably this time around, if given the opportunity to serve again.

#AAIsIndeedTrulyLoved

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Jun 07, 2022
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NBA-ICLE, NLNG TO EQUIP LAWYERS WITH ENERGY, FINTECH, GOVERNANCE SKILLS

NBA-ICLE PARTNERS NIGERIAN LNG FOR FINTECH AND OTHER STRATEGIC LEGAL TRAINING FOR LAWYERS

The Nigerian Bar Association Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE) is pleased to announce its collaboration with the NLNG Legal Learning Academy (NLLA) of Nigeria’s foremost gas company – Nigeria LNG Limited. This collaboration will provide trainings and knowledge sharing events for Nigerian lawyers in contemporary areas of law practice including corporate governance, fintech, the energy transition and several other areas of interest at no cost to members of the Nigerian Bar Association.

The collaboration which will involve notable local and international knowledge partners will commence with a 3-day training series on Fintech which will run from 7th June to 9th June 2022. The training faculty will feature subject matter experts drawn from Nigeria and the United States including Alexandra C. Scheibe; Joseph B Evans; Daley Epstien and Aaron Brogan from McDermot Will & Emery; Damilola Salawu and Kofoworola Toriola of Olaniwun Ajayi LP; Babajimi Ayorinde of TNP and Davidson Oturu of Aelex.

The inaugural series will cover topics such as regulatory environment for digital assets and cryptocurrency; current trends in digital assets litigation and enforcement; digital assets investors’ rights, disputes and class actions; anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism (aml/cft) risks and compliance for fintech companies; data protection and other interesting topics.

According to Mr. Tobenna Erojikwe, Chairman of the Governing Council of the NBA-ICLE “I am very pleased with this partnership that we have entered with the NLLA and all our knowledge partners. Nigeria remains a country of interest for startup companies and tech investors and our goal at the NBA – CLE is to increase the knowledge base of Nigerian lawyers in these and other areas of contemporary law practice so that Nigerian lawyers can play an active role in this space and control a large share of the legal-tech services market. Such growth in knowledge is not only useful to the clients that we serve but is key to improving the financial wellbeing of our lawyers”.

In addition to the Fintech training, which would be virtual, the NBA and the NLLA have agreed that a number of physical training sessions will also be held in Port Harcourt to cover key areas that should be of interest to lawyers who practice in Port Harcourt and its environs where NLNG has most of its operations. In the words of Mr. Akachukwu Nwokedi, General Counsel of NLNG and Dean of the NLLA, “The objective of the NLLA has been to continuously and proactively update the competencies of our in-house counsel on contemporary issues in our areas of operation. This collaboration with the NBA-ICLE will bring the resources of the NLLA to lawyers in Nigeria, and in line with NLNG’s vision of ‘helping to build a better Nigeria’, deepen knowledge, capacity and competencies in the kind of legal subjects that are of interest to NLNG and similar companies operating in Nigeria and internationally. This will in no small way help Nigerian lawyers better position themselves to compete for and win legal work in the energy and other emerging high value sectors of the Nigerian economy”.

This training series is part of the different learning, knowledge sharing and capacity building sessions that the NBA-ICLE has organized for Nigerian lawyers since its Governing Council was constituted by the NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata.

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 07, 2022
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FIDA LAGOS LAW WEEK KICKS OFF TUESDAY

EVENTS

The International Federation of Women Lawyers [FIDA] Nigeria, Lagos Branch announces her annual Law Week which is set to kick off on Tuesday, 14th June, 2022 at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Kofo Abayomi, Victoria Island, Lagos with the theme “Education as a catalyst for boosting the self-image of the African Child”.

The annual program is held in commemoration of the United Nations 2022 International Day for the African Child and it offers us a great opportunity to continue with our campaigns and various activities to improve the literacy, health, and economic well-being of women and children in Nigeria.

Announcing the schedule of activities, the Chairperson, Law Week Committee, Mrs. Abiola Laseinde, assured members of an activity-packed week. She said there will be interactive sessions on the first two days commencing the Law Week, charity visitations on the third day and for the grand finale, there will be an exclusive imperial dinner on the last day that will afford members and interested parties the opportunity to experience the Full-on social scene of Fidans.

The Law Week Committee revealed that the two-day conference will have in attendance key stakeholders and distinguished personalities. The first sessions will hold on Tuesday, 14th and Wednesday, 15th June, 2022. A number of sub-topics will also be discussed at the law week including: “The Future-Fit Female Professional”, “Create & Strengthen Your Personal Brand”, “Bitter-Sweet Experience of being a Female Lawyer” etc.

With the array of the confirmed speakers, the Law Week promises to be engaging and cerebrally rewarding.

Below is the schedule of event for the Law Week:

Day 1:

Tuesday, 14th June 2022 – Opening Ceremony and Keynote Lecture:
“Education as a catalyst for boosting the self-image of the African Child”.

Venue: The Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Kofo Abayomi, Victoria Island, Lagos
Time : 10am

Day 2:

Wednesday, 15th June 2022 – Capacity building Program for Professional Development of the Female Lawyers [Professional Development Presentations]

Time: 11am [Virtual]

Day 3:

Thursday, 16th June 2022 – Charity Visitations
i. Visit to FIDA Children’s Ward E4, LUTH, Idi-Araba

ii. Visit to FIDA Lagos adopted school at Makoko, Yaba

iii. Visit to the Pacelli School for the Blind, Surulere

Day 4:

Friday, 17th June 2022 – FIDA [Lagos] Exclusive Law Week Banquet Dinner & Presentation of scholarships to some female indigent pupils.
Venue: The Collosus Hotel, Behind Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja
Red Carpet: 5pm

For sponsorship and enquiries, Please call Abiola on 07031781142 or Chioma on 07031114725.

EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 07, 2022
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CATHOLIC LAWYERS CONDEMN OWO KILLINGS, WANT CULPRITS PUNISHED

It is cruel and sacrilegious that innocent worshippers are attacked in the serene town of Owo, Ondo State and massacred in cold blood. This attack coming on a day the Church celebrates the Pentecost, the birthday of the Church.

The National Association of Catholic Lawyers once more condemns in absolute terms the reckless and abominable crime perpetrated by these monsters.

The brazenness of this attack at the centre of an important city like Owo suggests the breakdown or absence of a coordinated security architecture in Nigeria.

There’s now a total breakdown of law and order in the country as this is an attack too many. May the souls of these martrys rest in the Lord. Amen We condole the Catholic Bishop of Akure and the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria on the loss of lives and pray the good to console the families of the dead and grant quick recovery to the wounded.

We therefore call on the organs of the State to make haste to arrest and prosecute all the persons involved in this abominable act. We shall no longer accept excuses for the inactions of the Nigerian State.

Signed

CHUKWUMA EZEALA, ESQ.
President
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CATHOLIC LAWYERS

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 07, 2022
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‘WHY I WANT NBA ABA ELECTORAL C’TE DISBANDED,’ BY APPELLANT

OPINION

APPEAL TO THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION ABA BRANCH APPEAL COMMITTEE AGAINST THE DECISION OF THE ELECTORAL COMMITTEE OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION ABA BRANCH.

BRIEF SUMMATION OF THE GROUSE OF THE APPELLANT

2.1 INTRODUCTION:
2.2 This Appeal is against the decision of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association Aba Branch published on the 16th day May 2022 upon the grounds ex facie the Notice of Appeal.

2.0 BRIEF SUMMARY OF FACT

2.1 I am a member of the Nigerian Bar Association Aba Branch.

2.2 Respectfully, upon the commencement of the Nigerian Bar Association Aba Branch 2022 Electoral process, I had course to carefully study the Nigerian Bar Association Uniform Bye-Laws for Branches in order to ascertain the validity and or competence of the Nigerian Bar Association Aba Branch Electoral Committee which the branch set up to conduct the election and the validity of the Notice of Election given by the said committee.

2.3 After a deep study of the Constitution of Nigerian Bar Association 2015 as amended in 2021 and the Third Schedule, Part 1 of the Nigerian Bar Association Uniform Bye-Laws for Branches as it relates to the constitution of Electoral Committee and the validity of the Notice of Election issued by them, it became obvious that the exercise of their constitution as an “Electoral Committee” and the election they purport to carry out is illegal.

2.4 Consequent upon that, I wrote a petition to the Electoral Committee to that effect. Same was considered by them and they ruled against me which led to my appeal to this Committee.

3.0 ISSUES FOR DETERMINATION

3.1 I hereby nominate three (3) issues for determination, which are:
a. Whether the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association Aba Branch is duly constituted in accordance with the Nigerian Bar Association Uniform Bye-Laws for Branches. (Grounds One and Two).

b. Whether the Notice of Election date issued by the Electoral Committee is valid taking into consideration the provisions of the Nigerian Bar Association Uniform Bye-Laws for Branches. (Ground Three).

c. Whether the Electoral Committee is competent to fix the date of an election for a branch taking into consideration article 9(2)b of the uniform bye law for branches. (Ground Four)

d. Whether the Electoral Committee after holding that they will comply strictly with the provisions of the Nigerian Bar Association Uniform Bye-Laws for Branches can turn around to strictly apply some provisions of the Bye law and jettisoning some of the provisions. (Ground Five).

4.0 ARGUMENT OF ISSUES.
4.1 I shall respectfully argue the issues raised in this appeal seriatim.

ISSUE ONE

4.2 The committee tagged the “Electoral Committee” was constituted with the following members:

1. Chief Theo Nkire
2. Prof. Ernest Ojukwu (SAN)
3. Ichie Goddy Akonani Esq
4. A.G.E. Nwachukwu Esq
5. N.D. Ojeh Esq Esq
6. Chief C.U.C. Eduzor
7. Victor Nwaugo Esq
8. Sir. E.E. J. Agwulonu
9. Chidozie Ogunji Esq
10. Ken Nwakanma Esq
11. Barth Okoye-Aniche Esq
12. C.C Elele Esq

4.3 Furthermore on or about February 2022, other persons were equally added to the already illegal body as members of the committee. These are;

1. Bob Chukwueke Esq
2. Godson Ihenko Esq
3. Linda Ejims Esq
4. Chinyere Ojukwu Esq.

4.4 I submit that the Committee in the first instance was illegal and the lumping of the other members compounded the illegality and therefore they cannot engage in the conduct of a valid election. After all, as we say, “you cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stand”.

4.5 First and foremost is the sacred provisions of ARTICLE 9(2)(A) OF THE THIRD SCHEDULE PART 1 OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION UNIFORM BYE-LAWS FOR BRANCHES which provides as follows;

“2 The Electoral Committee:
(a) shall consist of five members;”

4.6 Respectfully, the above number is the valid committee to be established and not otherwise. The key words in Article 9(2)(a) referred to above are the word “Shall” and “Consist”. The word shall by all authorities and definitions is mandatory. Further, by the BLACK’S LAW DICTIONARY SIXTH EDITION AT PAGE 308 the word “consist” is defined as follows;

“To stand together, to be composed of or made up of”. (emphasis mine)

4.7 In effect for there to be a valid Electoral Committee, it must be one composed of or made up of five members as that is what will create a valid and legal entity. Any other thing is illegal and unconstitutional.

4.8 This word consist has equally been given judicial interpretation in DR OLUBUKOLA ABUBAKAR SARAKI VS. F.R.N (2016) 3 NWLR PT 1500 PG 531 where a full panel of the Supreme Court made up of seven Justices per Kekere Ekun (JSC) stated thus;

“The phrase “consist of” is defined in the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English, 8th Edition (International Student’s Edition) page 310 as follows:
“Consist of make up something; constitute; be comprised of;
These words all mean to be formed from the things or people mentioned, or to be the parts that form something.”

4.9 Sirs, flowing from this, it is obvious that the creation of 12 man committee as an Electoral Committee is illegal and the attempt rather unfortunately raising it to Sixteen (16) is equally a void act by virtue of the Constitution of Nigeria Bar Association.

4.10 The effect therefore is that for there to be a valid Electoral Committee, it must consist of five members.

4.11 Furthermore, I am not unmindful of the provisions of Article 9(d) of the Third Schedule, Part 1 of Nigerian Bar Association Uniform Bye-Laws for Branches which provides as follows:

“Each Committee shall have a minimum of 5 members each of whom must be a financial member of the Branch”.

4.12 Sirs, reliance on the above provision is simplistic as the said provision does not brook the increase and or forming of a committee outside the provisions of The Nigerian Bar Association Uniform Bye Law for Branches. With respect holding on same to validate an otherwise illegal body is clutching on straws.

4.13 More so, the above do not excuse the committee as while the provision dictates the minimum, the specific provision on the constitution of the committee insists that it must “Consist” only of five members.

4.14 A further look at the said provision of Article 9(d) of the Third Schedule, Part 1 of the Bye Law will show that it is intended for other Committees in the bye law that have no number of persons to constitute same but was left open for the appointing authority or body to fix as they deem fit. These committees include: the Continuing Legal Education Committee, The Welfare Committee, Human Rights Committee, Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, Law Reform Committee, Bar and Bench Relations Committee and the Election Appeal Committee. The provisions of Article 9(d) do not concern the Electoral Committee whose membership were clearly spelt out by the Constitution. It is trite that the express mention of a thing means the exclusion of others. It is instructive to note that the operative word in that article is “shall” which connotes mandatory compliance. If the draftsmen of the Uniform Bye Law intended the said provision to be permissive, they would have used the word “may” instead of “shall”.

4.15 My Lord ONNOGHEN (JSC) (as he then was) put a note of finality on the issue in DR OLUBUKOLA ABUBAKAR SARAKI VS F.R.N (SUPRA) when he held thus:

“By submitting that the above relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and sections of the Acts constitute both the composition and quorum of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, learned senior counsel for appellant admits that there is a difference between composition and quorum but that in the case of the tribunal in question, the terms/words mean the same thing.
To resolve the issue, we shall have to start by understanding some relevant words used in drafting the provisions; these are “consist of”.
At page 208 of New Webster’s dictionary of English Language, International Edition, the word “consist” is defined inter alia, thus:-
“To be made up or composed… to reside or lie essentially”.
On the other hand, the word is defined in Black’s Law Dictionary, 6th Edition at page 308 as follows:-
“To stand together, to be composed of or made up of”.
From the above definitions, it is very clear, and I hold the view that paragraph 15(1) of the 5th Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and section 20(1) and (2) of Cap. C15, LFN, 2004 provide for the establishment and composition of the Code of conduct Tribunal as consisting of a Chairman and two other members. This construction is clearly the literal meaning of the words used by the draftsman in the relevant sections concerned”.

4.16 In the circumstances, the committee is therefore illegal and such an illegal body cannot midwife a valid election.

ISSUE TWO:

4.17 The Electoral Committee on the 14th day of April 2022 issued a Notice which was pasted at the Notice Board of the Nigerian Bar Association Aba Branch wherein it was published that the election of the Nigerian Bar Association Aba Branch by the Committee is fixed for the 17th day of June 2022. This publication with the greatest respect is void as same is made contrary to the provisions of THIRD SCHEDULE PART 1 OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION UNIFORM BYE LAWS FOR BRANCHES AT ARTICLE 16(1) which states thus:

“Not later than Ninety (90) days to the election, the Electoral Committee shall announce the date of the election as fixed by the Electoral committee shall announce the date of the election as fixed by the Electoral Committee and invite nominations of candidates for the various offices and shall publicize the provisions of the Bye-Law relating to eligibility to contest and eligibility to vote and also issue election and campaign guideline. Provided that no candidate shall commence any form of public campaign until the campaign guideline are issued or released. (Emphasis mine)

4.18 Respectfully, the words of the said Article 16 are very plain and brooks of no side stepping. By the provisions of the above Article, the least time for publication of election date is a day that is not less than Ninety (90) days. A simple calculation of not later than the Ninety (90) days window by the publication is the 14th day of July 2021. It’s therefore a shock that contrary to the above provision, instead of the said 14th day of July 2022 or thereabout for the holding of the election the Committee stated that the Election has been fixed for the 17th June 2022 contrary to the basic law for the holding of the election. Despite my petition, the Electoral Committee glossed over this.

4.19 Incidentally, and most fundamentally is that the said Article 16(1) is the first under the duties of the Electoral Committee. Clearly any election fixed for the 17th day of June 2022 as the Electoral Committee sought to do is an illegal venture which no legal practitioner should be part of.

4.20 Sirs, unless it is shown that election is not being conducted under the Nigerian Bar Association Uniform Bye-Laws for Branches as if it is to be held under the said enabling law, the purported election allegedly fixed for the 17th day of June 2022 is an illegal act. As a body of lawyers, it will be most wrong not to follow our own laws which we gave to ourselves.

ISSUE THREE:
4.21 We submit that the electoral committee cannot by any stretch of imagination be competent to fix the date for the election because it is contrary to the provision of the Uniform Bye-law for branches. Article 9(2)(b) provides thus:

“Article 9 (2) Electoral Committee:

(a) ………….

(b) Shall conduct the election of officers of the branch on a date in the month of June of an election year as the branch Executive Committee may determine and shall inter alia undertake due publicity for the elections and nominations thereto, the printing of ballot papers and compilation of the list of eligible candidates and voters”

4.22 From the wordings of the above article, it is clear that the Electoral Committee usurped the powers of the Executive Committee of the branch as can be gleaned from the minutes of the meeting of the Electoral Committee particularly paragraph 4.3 of the minutes of 4th April, 2022. This usurpation of the powers of the Executive Committee by the Electoral Committee has further compounded the infirmity bedeviling this Electoral Committee and its unlawful activities.

4.23 Furthermore, this usurpation of powers by the Electoral Committee has rendered the acts of the electoral committee unlawful and the Electoral Committee cannot be allowed to continue in its illegality.

ISSUE FOUR:

4.24 Respectfully Sirs, the Electoral Committee after holding that they will strictly apply the provisions of the Bye Law in the conduct of the branch election turned round to pick the provisions they desired to apply and jettison the other provisions which they don’t like.

4.25 Where the affairs of an organization are regulated by a given set of rules or constitution, that constitution must be followed and applied to the latter. The committee cannot decide to apply one provision and leave the other the inherent power which is imbibed in a constitution lies in its strict applicability.

4.26 Furthermore, this act of the Electoral Committee if not stopped will create disunity, malice and or crisis among the members of the Aba Branch as the persons who are affected by the strict interpretation of the Bye Law against them will feel bad, cheated and or scammed knowing that a provision of the same Bye Law was jettisoned in favour of another person.

4.27 I therefore urge you to resolve the issues in my favour and make the following directive:

1. A holding that the body called the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association Aba Branch is incompetent by virtue of Article 9 (2) of the Nigerian Bar Association Uniform Bye-Law for Branches.

2. A directive to the Chairman and the Executive Committee of Nigerian Bar Association Aba Branch to constitute a new Electoral Committee consisting of only five (5) members as provided for in the Nigerian Bar Association Uniform Bye Law for Branches.

3. A decision that the document dated 14th day of April 2022 calling for election on the 17th day of June 2022 is in violation of Article 16 (1) Of the Nigerian Bar Association Uniform Bye Law for Branches and therefore invalid.

DATED THIS 18TH DAY OF MAY, 2022.

…………………………………………….
B.C. NWAOKORO ESQ.

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 07, 2022
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‘OWO KILLINGS A TERROR ATTACK ON YORUBA,’ SAYS EGBE AMOFIN O’ODUA

OWO KILLINGS : A TERRORIST ATTACK ON YORUBA LAND’- Egbe Amofin Oodua (The Yoruba Lawyers Forum)

Egbe Amofin Ooodua ( The Yoruba Lawyers Forum) condemns in strong terms the gruesome attack and murder of worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo, Ondo State of Nigeria which occurred today the 5th day of June 2022 by yet to be identified gun men. This was indeed a terrorist attack on Yoruba land.

We commiserate with the Olowo of Owo, HRH. Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the people of Owo Land, families of the victims, the Catholic Church of Nigeria as well as the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN for this tragic event.

We urge the Federal Government of Nigeria, government of Ondo State and Security services to ensure that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are urgently apprehended and made to face the wrath of the Law.

We pray that God Almighty shall forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, comfort their families and grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

DATED 5th June 2022.

Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju SAN
Chairman, Governing Council

Olayinka Sokoya Esq
Publicity Secretary
Egbe Amofin Oodua (The Yoruba Lawyers Forum)

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 07, 2022
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‘X-RAY ISSUES THAT HINDER LAW AND DEMOCRACY,’ TAIDI TELLS NBA MINNA LAW WEEK

GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION MINNA BRANCH ON HER 2022 LAW WEEK

I felicitate with the Chairman, Executive Committee and Members of the Nigerian Bar Association Minna Branch on the occasion of her 2022 Law Week with the theme: “Law & Democracy: Progress, Challenges & Prospects.”

Law and Democracy like Siamese twins are the foundation of good governance and development. Any society therefore which is consistently grappling with the rudiments of good governance and development stands on a shaky foundation.

The theme of the law week and the topical issues lined up for discussion are timely given the precarious state of our nation which is in need of retooling.

I congratulate the Planning Committee for bringing to the front burner the progress so far recorded, the attendant challenges and the urgent need to find a pathway to the progress and prosperity of our nation.

I charge all participants to take advantage of this platform and interrogate issues militating against law and democracy and profer workable solutions aimed at bailing our ailing nation.

I wish you all a memorable and beneficial law week.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq
Candidate for NBA President

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 07, 2022
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IDRIS DOKO, AKPETO, ONAKOYA BARRED FROM NBA ELECTIONS BY APPEALS C’TE

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Election Appeal Committee has dismissed three more appeals filed by disqualified aspirants for the 2022 NBA Elections, CITY LAWYER can authoritatively report.

Among those who have had their fate sealed as regards contesting the elections are NBA 1st Vice President aspirant, Mr. Muhammad Idris Doko; his counterpart for the office of NBA 3rd Vice President and former Chairman of NBA Sapele Branch, Mr. Promise Besinginwayemi Awolowo Ademi-Akpeto, as well as an aspirant for the General Council of the Bar (GCB), Mr. Femi Onakoya.

It is recalled that the National Appeals Committee headed by prominent chartered arbitrator, Mrs. Funmi Roberts had earlier dismissed an appeal by Mr. Finian Eze Ndukwu, an aspirant for the post of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) 2nd Vice President.

The committee has so far upheld all the decisions of the Ayodele Akintunde SAN-led Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) on qualification of aspirants for the eagerly awaited elections.

In the decision on Ndukwu’s obtained by CITY LAWYER, the committee stated that the sole issue for determination was “Whether upon consideration of the omissions in the Appellant’s Nomination Form constituting the basis for the rejection thereof and his disqualification thereby, the Appellant’s appeal is not devoid of merit and liable to being dismissed.”

It held that “It is therefore, our finding that the failures or omissions by the Appellant, his Nominator and Seconder in filling in those fundamental pages, portions, spaces, columns etc in the Appellant’s Nomination Form are not mere irregularities but failure to fulfil or supply to the ECNBA, facts/answers that would have aided ECNBA to determine his eligibility or otherwise for the position of office of the 2nd Vice President of NBA, in the 2022 General Elections.”

“We are in full agreement with the submissions by the ECNBA at page 2 lines 13, 21, and 24 of its Reply to the Appellant’s Appeal, that having failed to proffer answers to questions vii, viii, x, xi, xii, xiii, xiv, xv, xvi, xvii, and xviii of his Nomination Norm, which would have demonstrated his eligibility under the provisions of Part VIII(c), (d), (e) of the Second Schedule and Section 4(a), (b), (c), of the Constitution, the ECNBA was right to have rejected the nomination of the Appellant, and in consequence of that rejection, disqualify the Appellant pursuant to part I, paragraph 6, Second Schedule to the Constitution of the NBA2015, as amended in 2021.”

Bringing its final hammer on the quest by the aspirant to reverse the decision of the ECNBA, the Appeals Committee said: “The Appellant’s contention that he should have been notified of the errors, and that by not notifying him, his right to fair hearing is breached, is of no moment.

“The ECNBA is not clothed with such vires and more so, the Appellant was given the same opportunity as other aspirants to fill the Nomination Form properly, before submitting them. In Ayoade vs State (2020) 9 NWLR (pt 1730) 577 ratio 3 at pages 583 – 584, the Supreme Court held that:

“A party cannot and should not complain of breach of his right to fair hearing where he refused to avail himself as in the instant case, of the opportunity provided under the law to present his case. Darma Vs Eco Bank Plc. (2017) 9 NWLR (pt 1571) referred to………” See also C.M & E.S Ltd. (2020) 1 NWLR (pt 1704) 70 ratio 8 at page 78.

“It is upon the foregoing that this Committee resolves the sole issue against the Appellant and accordingly, his Appeal is hereby dismissed for lacking merit.”

It is recalled that the Appellant, an aspirant to the office of 2nd Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA/Association) in the 2022 National Elections of the Association, was disqualified by the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) for failure to fill pages 4, 5, and 6 of the Nomination Form, and that his Nominator and Seconder did not fill pages 10 – 12 and 16 – 18.

The NBA Election is scheduled to hold on July 16, 2022.

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 06, 2022
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FUNMI ADEOGUN’S FINANCIAL NUGGETS: THE THREE SERVANTS (PT. 5)

FEATURED

ADEOGUN FUNMILOLA OLUWATOSIN LECTURES ON FINANCIAL INVESTMENT: THE THREE SERVANTS (Part 5)

Remember the lesson in part 4 is that ‘People are not endowed with identical or necessarily equal gifts.’

At the same time, the talent was taken from the third servant being given to the one with ten talents. Equal worth does not necessarily mean equal compensation.

Some positions require more skill or ability and thus are compensated accordingly. The two servants who did well are rewarded in different amounts. But they are both praised identically. The implication of the is that we are to use whatever talents we’ve been given to the best of our ability and when we have done that, we are on an equal playing field with other faithful, trustworthy servants.

Lesson: Some positions require more skill or ability.

FUNMI ADEOGUN

* has applied SKILLS in

* Corporate and Business Law(LW)

* Reporting ( FR)

* Performance Management (PM)

* Financial Management (FA)

* Audit and Assurance ( AA)

* Taxation ( TX)

* she has applied KNOWLEDGE IN

* Business and Technology ( BT)

* Financial and Accounting ( FA)

* Management Accounting ( MA)

Stay tuned with

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

EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 06, 2022
386
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OWO KILLINGS: ‘TIME TO OVERHAUL NIGERIA’S SECURITY SYSTEM,’ SAYS TAIDI

The Owo Attack and Security Agencies in Nigeria

The attack on the Catholic Church Owo, Ondo State, where scores of worshippers were killed and several others wounded has again been greeted with the usual “condemnation” from various quarters – as if such a response is enough to avert future occurrences of similar or worse attacks.

The dastardly act has again exposed the ineptitude of our security agencies whose score card has certainly fallen below zero in intelligence gathering. The whole thing was made even more odious by the complete lack of response from the police, or the motley number of uniformed agencies that are sworn to defend the people, thus making it easy for the attackers to operate maximally and flee without any intervention or interception.

The inability of various security agencies to device effective intelligence gathering is responsible for the calamities that befall us in various locations and at varying shades of vileness.

Our security agencies, despite the huge allocation of scarce resources, are constantly caught sleeping on duty and this has become a running national embarrassment.

Again, we must insist that the time has come to re-examine the nation’s security architecture, to overhaul and upgrade the detecting arm of all the security forces and to recalibrate our surveillance systems to meet modern methods of investigating crime. We have been locked in an obsolete system where we spend money on men, rather than on sophisticated materials and scientific methods.
At this point, a national summit on security will not be out of place because the brains currently manning our forces appeared tired, and posses neither the enthusiasm for crime fighting nor the innovative skills required to succeed at such an enterprise.

I condole with the families of the victims as well as the Catholic community over this avoidable loss of innocent lives and pray for the repose of the souls of those whose lives have been so brutally cut short.

I hope those whose duty it is to arrest and prosecute the criminals responsible for this mayhem will, for once, do their job swiftly and effectively in order to bring closure to the families of the bereaved and the rest of our anxious nation.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq.

EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 06, 2022
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OWO KILLINGS: ‘MAY GOD HEAL OUR LAND,’ ISAAC OGBAH PRAYS

The events which happened at *St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo, Ondo State* on the 5th day of June 2022 is most unfortunate.

This desperate and wicked attack on innocent people who woke up in robust health and going to church to worship God almighty, not knowing that day will be their last on earth is saddening.

As a country, our right to life is entrenched in the Constitution and the government should be able to secure lives and properties of all citizens and residents of this great country Nigeria.

But it is appalling that in broad daylight countless lives would be killed and or maimed in the most horrific manner and with security operatives no where to be found. And more worrisome is the fact that the intelligence community could not even have any intelligence reports that would have prevented this from happening.

The security of our lives and Properties should be of utmost importance to the Government.

I join other Nigerians to commiserate with the people that of Ondo state and most especially the families of those that died at yesterday’s unfortunate incidence. My prayer is for God to heal our nation and a quick recovery of all those that survived the attack and are presently receiving medical attention.

Isaac Omuta Ogbah, FICMC.

EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 06, 2022
494
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‘BRING OWO MASSACRE CULPRITS TO JUSTICE,’ ADESINA ADEGBITE URGES FG

OWO MASSACRE : ADESINA ADEGBITE CONDEMNS KILLINGS, CONDOLES WITH THE VICTIMS AND STATE GOVERNMENT, SAYS IT’S TIME FOR VIGILANCE AND SERIOUS ACTION

It was with extreme shock and disbelief that I read the sad news of the horrific attack and murder of worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo, Ondo State of Nigeria which occurred earlier today Sunday, 5th of June, 2022, by those that have been bandied unknown gunmen.

That such a dastardly act could happen at all is a confirmation that wickedness and barbarism have become the order of day in our country; and that it happened in the ancient and peaceful Owo Town, the hometown of the Governor of Ondo State is indeed a signal that anywhere in the South West is susceptible to being a target of this heinous criminality.

It is with a seriously traumatized heart that I commiserate with the families of the victims, the Catholic Church of Nigeria, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN and the grieving people of Ondo State, the South West and Nigeria in general over this unimaginable tragedy.

I’m in agreement with an earlier statement issued by the leadership of Egbe Amofin Oodua urging the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Government of Ondo State and Security Services to ensure that the perpetrators of the dastardly act are urgently apprehended and made to face the wrath of the Law.

However, the Government at all levels and all security agencies must now be very vigilant more than ever and take the protection of lives and properties of the citizens more seriously.

Enough of this kind of senseless wanton killings.

May the Almighty God bless the souls of the deceased and comfort their families, and bring speedy healings to the surviving victims.

Adesina Adegbite Esq. (AA)

EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 06, 2022
573
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‘YOUR BRANCH IS IN CAPABLE HANDS,’ SAFIYA BALARABE SAYS OF NEW NBA ONITSHA EXCO

SAFIYA BALARABE LAUDS ONITSHA BRANCH FOR SUCCESSFUL ELECTIONS; CONGRATULATES NEW AND OUTGOING EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES

Read below Safiya Balarabe’s congratulatory message to the Onitsha branch on account of their successful elections which held on Friday, 3rd June, 2022.

“I heartily congratulate the Onitsha branch for having successfully elected new officers into executive committee. The election which held on Friday, 3rd June, 2022 was a seamless one.

I specifically congratulate the new Chairman, D. I. Uba, Esq. and his executive committee. I am in no doubt that the branch is in capable hands to take same to greater heights.

Likewise, I congratulate the immediate past Chairman, Onyechi Ononye Steve and his ever supportive executive committee. They performed tremendously well during their tenure.

It is my prayer that the Onitsha branch continues in its developmental strides.

God bless”

Signed:

Safiya Balarabe

Treasurer, NBA Women Forum and Candidate for the position of NBA Treasurer 2022-2024

EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 04, 2022
615
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‘THANK YOU FOR ACCEPTING ME AS ONE OF YOU,’ GADZAMA TELLS EASTERN BAR FORUM

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 04, 2022
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Comments Off on FUNMI ADEOGUN ON FINANCIAL INVESTMENT: THE THREE SERVANTS (Part 4)

FUNMI ADEOGUN ON FINANCIAL INVESTMENT: THE THREE SERVANTS (Part 4)

FEATURED

ADEOGUN FUNMILOLA OLUWATOSIN LECTURES ON FINANCIAL INVESTMENT TITLED ‘THE THREE SERVANTS’ ( Part 4)

Remember the lesson in part 3 is that * master is interested in making wise investments of his money to obtain profit*

More pointedly for the workplace, it commends putting capital at risk in pursuit of earning a return. Sometimes we speak as if growth, productivity, and return on investment were not godly.
We should invest our skills and abilities, but also our wealth and the resources made available to us at work, home, associations all for the betterment of humanity.
This includes the production of needed goods and services. The volunteers who put themselves forward to serve humanity.

People are not endowed with identical or necessarily equal gifts.

If you do as well as you can with the gifts given to you by God, you will hear his “Well done.” Not only the gifts, but also the people have equal worth.

Lesson: People are not endowed with identical or necessarily equal gifts.

FUNMI ADEOGUN

* has applied SKILLS in
* Corporate and Business Law(LW)
* Reporting ( FR)
* Performance Management (PM)
* Financial Management (FA)
* Audit and Assurance ( AA)
* Taxation ( TX)

* she has applied KNOWLEDGE IN
* Business and Technology ( BT)
* Financial and Accounting ( FA)
* Management Accounting ( MA)

Stay tuned with

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

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Jun 04, 2022
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Comments Off on CLEMENT CHUKWUEMEKA WELCOMES EASTERN BAR FORUM MEMBERS TO CALABAR

CLEMENT CHUKWUEMEKA WELCOMES EASTERN BAR FORUM MEMBERS TO CALABAR

Welcome To the Paradise City of Calabar

Calabar is known for her tourism potentials, the venue for the quarterly meeting of Eastern Bar Forum . May I sincerely welcome the Governing Council and members of Eastern Bar forum to the Peaceful Paradise City of Calabar, My home.

This is wishing the forum a successful and humane deliberation as they discuss for growth of mankind.

Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka

I am, one of the Candidates cleared for the office of the 2nd Vice President of NBA in the forthcoming election.

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 03, 2022
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Comments Off on ‘LAGOS HIGH COURT IS TAKING ACTION ON MY FACE-OFF WITH TOP COP,’ SAYS ‘DETAINED’ CHIEF MAGISTRATE

‘LAGOS HIGH COURT IS TAKING ACTION ON MY FACE-OFF WITH TOP COP,’ SAYS ‘DETAINED’ CHIEF MAGISTRATE

NBA WADES INTO DEBACLE

The Lagos State Chief Magistrate who was reportedly arrested and incarcerated by a senior police officer has given a blow-by-blow account of her face-off with the top cop.

In a voice note obtained by CITY LAWYER, the judicial officer, Mrs. S. K. Matepo who is the Chief Magistrate at Court 1, Mushin debunked news reports that she was arrested and detained while on a routine oversight visit to a police cell in Mushin.

It is recalled that several news outlets (not CITY LAWYER) had yesterday reported that the Area Commander of Area D Police Command, Lagos, ACP Aliko Dankoli had last Monday ordered the arrest and detention of the Chief Magistrate who, in line with the provsions of the Adminsitration of criminal Justice Act, went to the command to see the interview detainees. The reports had alleged that ACP Dankoli was angry because the Chief Magistrate did not seek his permission before speaking with the suspects.

This led several lawyers including the Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN-led Nigerian Bar Association Security Agecnies Realtions Committee (NBA-SARC) to wade into the debacle, even as the Lagos State Police Command debunked the reports.

But in the voice note reviewed by CITY LAWYER, Chief Magistrate Matepo stated that while she had a heated argument with the top police officer, it did not degenerate to her arrest or detention. She also added that not only did she complete her assignment by interviewing the suspects, the senior police officer was reprimanded while a formal apology from him is pending.

The full transcript of the recording by CITY LAWYER is below:

“Good afternoon, my colleagues, Magistrates of Lagos State.

“Thank you everybody for the calls and love. This is Mrs. Matepo, the concerned magistrate, Chief Magistrate Court 1 Mushin.

“I just want everybody to know that, yes, something happened but not as bad as it was narrated. I went on the police visit to Mushin and the Area Commander insisted that I must take his approval or permission before I interrogate the suspects in the cell.

“I explained to him that, having seen his senior officers who led me to the cell, I don’t think I need to see him first. I might come back to him after interrogating the suspects – if need be.

But he kept on and insisted that it shouldn’t have gone that way. But I put it to him that that is the way I do my job – I need not visit him in his office. I stood my ground and insisted that I must complete my job and his officers might report to him after I might have finished, or if there is any need for me to see him, that is when I will see him, and that I’m not supposed to see him first.

“Though he (got) agitated and shouted; Anyway, I put it to him. And immediately the second day, I came to the High Court to report him to Mr. Fadeyi who called him and put him to order. He warned him and told him that he would make arrangement for him to apologize.

“So, that was the situation before all this news that went viral this morning (yesterday) about this situation. There was no arrest or detention. Mrs. Matepo is fine and everything is in order. I think the High Court is taking proper step on the issue. Thank you very much.”

STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN, NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION – SECURITY AGENCIES RELATIONS COMMITTEE (NBA-SARC), CHIEF JOE-KYARI GADZAMA OFR, MFR, SAN, ON THE UNLAWFUL ARREST AND DETENTION OF A MAGISTRATE BY THE AREA D POLICE HEADQUARTERS IN MUSHIN LAGOS STATE

1. It has come to the notice of the NBA-SARC via a series of online publications by media outlets, accessed today, Thursday, June 2, 2022, that a magistrate, whose name was withheld, had on Monday, May 30, 2022, during a routine check of suspects in cells at the Area D Police Headquarters, Mushin, Lagos State, been arrested and detained on the orders of the Area Commander, ACP Dankoli over the allegations that the Magistrate went to check suspects detained in the Command’s cell without his permission.

2. Indeed, it is preposterous to think that a Magistrate will be humiliated and even detained for carrying out one of the statutory responsibilities of her office as obligated by the Lagos State Judiciary and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State.

3. In line with the NBA-SARC’s mandate, our Committee is presently making urgent efforts at verifying the facts and circumstances surrounding the instant report especially as it relates to the arrest and detention of the magistrate in question. This is to inform further steps, actions and/or decisions made from the standpoint of knowledge and information.

4. In the interim, we call for calm from the legal community and further reassure that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring the justice of this instant case and that whoever is found wanting faces the music in the present investigative efforts by the NBA-SARC. We continue to condemn, unreservedly, all forms of unlawful arrest and detention and the instant case, if verified, is no different. We are making efforts to reach the said Magistrate, her aides and eyewitnesses, if any, to ascertain the extent, and/or nature of confrontation with the Police on that the said day.

5. We remain ever committed to the safety and welfare of all members of the Nigerian Bar Association and its me.

6. I remain yours in this lofty struggle.

Signed: Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR, MFR SAN (Chairman, NBA–SARC)

RE: HOW AREA COMMANDER LOCKED UP LAGOS MAGISTRATE INSIDE CELL AT AREA D COMMAND

The Lagos State Police Command is aware of a June 02, 2022 news story by one Michael Akintola of PM Express titled ‘How Area Commander Locked Up Lagos Magistrate Inside Cell at Area D Command.’

The Command wishes to state clearly that the story is nothing but fiction. At no time did the Area Commander detain or attempt to detain the magistrate, who was at the Area Command for Cell Inspection exercise. The Police will never engage in such disrespect to the Judiciary.

The writer referring to a serving magistrate as ‘the innocent woman’ says a lot about his objectivity/bias and contrived efforts at sensationalism. Also, it is suspicious that the writer could not provide the name of the magistrate, who is a public officer. It is equally suspicious that the writer made no attempt to contact the judiciary to verify the purported detention.

The Lagos State Police Command did the needful and contacted the judiciary. The Lagos State Judiciary confirmed that there was no such thing and neither was the magistrate prevented from carrying out her Cell Inspection exercise. We hereby state it unequivocally that any attempt to cause disaffection between the Police and the Judiciary will be fiercely resisted. We remain worthy partners in the justice sector.

The Lagos State Police Command enjoins Lagosians to disregard the story as officers and men under the stewardship of CP Abiodun Alabi, fdc will continue to be professional and uphold the rule of law at all times.

SP BENJAMIN HUNDEYIN, anipr, mipra
Police Public Relations Officer,
Lagos State Command,
Ikeja-Lagos.

June 02, 2022.

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 03, 2022
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ISAAC OGBAH WISHES EASTERN BAR FORUM FRUITFUL MEETING

Isaac OMUTA Ogbah arrives the City of Calabar.
To attend EBF activities slated for 3rd and 3th June, 2022.
Wishes the Governor and entire leadership and members of EBF a joyous and fruitful quarterly meeting.
Isaac OMUTA Ogbah, FICMC welcomes the Governing Council, ably led by Sir. Uba ANENE, JP, Members and Friends of the Eastern Bar Forum to Calabar for the June 2022 Quaterly General Meeting of the EBF.

I wish all participants journey mercies to and fro even as I pray for a fruitful deliberations at this Calabar summit of the EBF.

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 03, 2022
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TAIDI SALUTES EASTERN BAR FORUM ON MONTHLY PARLEY

I felicitate with the Governing Council and Members of the Eastern Bar Forum on her Quarterly General Meeting holding in Calabar, Cross River State between 3 – 5 June, 2022.

The quarterly meeting of this Forum serves the quite useful purpose of bringing together like minds united by geographical location within Nigeria to discuss issues of common interest for the advancement of its members.

There is no doubt that a common challenge confronting the region today, as it is in other parts of Nigeria, is insecurity. Therefore, discussions at this meeting ought to deliberately interrogate the remote causes of this menace with a view to proffering solutions, something which has so far eluded our leaders.

I enjoin members while enjoying the hospitality of the tourist hub not to lose sight of the other numerous issues confronting the legal profession within the region in particular and Nigeria in general.

I wish all attendees journey mercies.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq.
Candidate for NBA President

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 03, 2022
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ADESINA ADEGBITE STORMS NBA YENAGOA DINNER, YOUNG LAWYERS’ HANGOUT

FEATURED

ADESINA ADEGBITE (AA) VISITED NBA YENAGOA BRANCH IN STYLE, RECEIVED WARM WELCOME…

AA was on Saturday 28 of May, 2022 a guest of the NBA Yenagoa Branch where he attended the Annual Bar Dinner which drew the curtain on the very successful 2022 Law Week of the Branch.

AA was earlier in the afternoon warmly received by the leaders and members of the Branch including members of the Young Lawyers’ Forum reception by the Bar Leaders and stakeholders.

While delivering his goodwill message at the dinner, AA Dinner called for a stronger Judiciary through depoliticising of judicial appointments and entrenchment of true financial autonomy.

The young lawyers later treated AA to a night of fun when they trooped out to unwind with him at an after dinner hang out.
AA was accompanied on the trip by several colleagues including serving and past Branch officers of NBA Port Harcourt Branch.

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 03, 2022
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GADZAMA ATTENDS NBA YENAGOA THANKSGIVING SERVICE, PRESENTS MEDALS AT EGELE FOOTBALL TOURNEY

FEATURED

NBA YENAGOA BRANCH ENDS HER LAW WEEK WITH SPECIAL THANKSGIVING, CHIEF JOE KYARI GADZAMA SAN ATTENDS TO HONOUR GOD

It was a special day as the ebullient members of the NBA Yenagoa branch gathered at the Kingdom Life Gospel Outreach Ministry International, Yenagoa to thank God in appreciation of a successful and hitch free 2022 annual law week of the branch.

The joy of the members were complete with a great sermon that focused the need to build a relationship with God and hear from God as children of God in the obedience of faith.

At the climax of the sermon, the members who were all well adorned in their different native attires danced out to the church altar accompanied by the NBA Presidential Aspirant Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama SAN to give thanks to a God whom many said has been faithful to the branch all through the law week activities.

The highlights of the thanksgiving witnessed the branch Chairman, Ukubiriyowei Saiyou, Esq. who addressed the Church in testimony of the countless blessings of God throughout the branch law week.

The Chairman after thanking God, also thanked Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama SAN who he refered to as the “in-coming President on the Nigerian Bar Association”, for finding time to join the branch in their thanksgiving to God for the hitch free celebration of the 2022 NBA Yenagoa branch annual law week.

After the thanksgiving members were all blessed by the Pastor of the Church. Thereafter, members shared the grace together which was followed immediately by a group photograph of the branch members, their Chairman and the erudite learned Silk Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama SAN and his entourage.

JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN PRESENTS MEDALS TO WINNERS OF F. F. EGELE, SAN FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

The NBA, Yenagoa branch organized the F.F Egele, SAN Football Tournament during the 2022 law week of the branch. Various football teams such as Ambaowei FC, Wuku FC, Dambo FC, Ayabowei FC amongst many others participated in tournament. Medals and trophies were also presented to the teams that participated in the tournament. Worthy of note is that friends of the Learned Silk, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN contributed a token that was attached to the medals presented to the players.

You may recall that the Learned Silk witnessed the football game for third place between Dambo FC and Ayabowei FC where Dambo FC came out victorious. He also witnessed the finals between Ambaowei FC and Wuku FC where Ambaowei FC emerged as the overall winner of the tournament with a score line of 4-2.

Mrs. Peretimi Peterside, chairman of the sports committee for the 2022 law week noted that the team had lost its first game with a score line of 5-0. She congratulated the team for their resilience throughout the tournament. Afterwards, the medals for the team were given to the Learned Silk, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama who congratulated the team and presented the medals to the players of Ambaowei FC, the champions of the football tournament. With smiles on their faces, the players accepted their medals and took pictures with the Learned Silk.

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 03, 2022
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FUNMI ADEOGUN ON FINANCIAL INVESTMENT: ‘THE THREE SERVANTS’ – PART 3

FEATURED

ADEOGUN FUNMILOLA OLUWATOSIN LECTURES ON FINANCIAL INVESTMENT TITLED ‘THE THREE SERVANTS’ (Part 3)

Remember the lesson in part 2 is that you should not give your talent to someone that will do nothing with it.

The severe consequences to the unproductive servant, far beyond anything triggered by mere business mediocrity, tell us that we are to invest our talents and, not waste them.

The particular talent invested in the parable is money.
It depicts investing, not hoarding, as a godly thing to do if it accomplishes godly purposes in a godly manner.
In the end, the master praises the two trustworthy servants with the words, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave”
In these words, we see that the master cares about the results (“well done”), the methods (“good”), and the motivation (“trustworthy”).

He assesses the stewardship of his servants. He evaluates them according to how faithful each was in making wise investments of his money to obtain profit.

Lesson: master is interested in making wise investments of his money to obtain profit.

FUNMI ADEOGUN

* has applied SKILLS in
* Corporate and Business Law(LW)
* Reporting (FR)
* Performance Management (PM)
* Financial Management (FA)
* Audit and Assurance (AA)
* Taxation (TX)

* she has applied KNOWLEDGE IN
* Business and Technology (BT)
* Financial and Accounting (FA)
* Management Accounting (MA)

Stay tuned with

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

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 02, 2022
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‘WE WILL DISQUALIFY ANY CANDIDATE IF ….,’ SAYS ECNBA CHAIR

‘WE HAVE NO ANOINTED CANDIDATE’

The Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), Mr. Ayodele Akintunde SAN has warned that the committee will not hesitate to disqualify any candidate who breaches the guidelines for the forthcoming NBA Elections.

Meanwhile, the ECNBA Chairman has vowed that the committee is not under any pressure to favour any candidate during the election, saying: “We have no anointed candidate and nobody can thrust any candidate on us.”

Speaking at the maiden hybrid “Stakeholders Briefing and Press Conference” for the elections, Akintunde urged the candidates to abide by the electoral rules set out in the NBA Constitution, adding that “If the Constitution prohibits any act, we will apply sanctions.”

Emphasizing that “this is a clarion call” to all candidates especially as the electoral committee had restated the guidelines in letters and notices to the candidates, the ECNBA helmsman said: “Don’t look for loopholes to exploit.”

Akintunde also said that voters may be able to watch the voting process online real-time via the ECNBA dashboard, adding that the electoral umpire would make the dashboard “open to the public” as well as the candidates or their representatives. This would however depend on the guidance to be provided by the ICT service provider.

Responding to a question on the appointment of Finesse Integrated Technologies Limited as the Technical Support Consultant (TSC) to the electoral committee given that the company performed the same function in the controversial 2018 NBA Elections, Akintunde revealed that the technology company played a minimal role in the election, adding that it was brought in after the original ICT company was disengaged by the electoral umpire.

The ECNBA Chairman stated that in line with the NBA Constitution, petitioners do not have a right of audience with the Election Appeals Committee, even as he assured that the committee “attended to each and every petition. We are not court or LPDC or LPPC. But we deliberated as a committee and unanimously agreed on the decisions we took.”

Akintunde assured that there would be verification of the election results before publication, though he said that an audit could only be done in line with the NBA Constitution and after release of election results.

Adding his voice to the issue, ICT expert and ECNBA member, Mr. Basil Udotai noted that authentication of ballots has become a part and parcel of modern electronic voting, adding that post-election reports would be produced by the ICT service provider.

On his part, fiery human rights activist and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu chided those who sought to impugn the electoral committee on disqualification of some aspirants. He warned candidates to desist from acts that may breach the electoral guidelines, saying: “If you breach the rules, we will disqualify you. People should seek to do what is proper.”

Other members of the electoral committee who participated in the parley include Ms. Mabel Ekeke and Ms. Aisha Ado Ibrahim, ECNBA Secretary and member respectively. The NBA Election is scheduled to hold on July 16, 2022.

CITY LAWYER also noted that many candidates attended the briefing. These include 2nd Vice President candidate, Mr. Cement Ugo Chukwuemeka, Amanda Asagba (3rd Vice President), Funmilola Adeogun (Treasurer), Caroline Ande-Bishop (Treasurer), Mr. Churchil Aniekwena, Mr. Habeeb Lawal (Publicity Secretary), Mr. Daniel Kip and Mr. Dhikrullah Balogun.

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Jun 02, 2022
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GADZAMA LAUDS AKPATA ON LAWYERS’ FINANCE SCHEME

FEATURED

CHIEF JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN

RE: THE NBA ACCESS TO FINANCE SCHEME COMMENCING

On Monday, May 23, 2022, and Friday, May 27, 2022, the NBA, ably and amiably led by Mr. Olumide Akpata, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with First Bank Ltd and Access Bank Plc respectively, as it relates to the framework regulating the NBA Access to Finance Scheme.

The imperative of the instant pilot scheme of the NBA, created for lawyers who may require loans for their working capital, operational needs and sundry purposes, cannot be overemphasized. This is especially true given that lawyers who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria can now access up to N2 Million at a single-digit interest rate.

This is indeed a huge milestone for the NBA community and a further testament to the waves of other lofty welfare initiatives of this present administration. I cannot but wholeheartedly commend this initiative and urge every and any eligible member to key into the many benefits the scheme affords.

As one of my focal areas of interest is to promote viable fiscal policies that enable the financial security, growth and stability of legal practitioners across Nigeria, it is a desire of mine, as a matter of urgency, to see that this instant scheme grows, thrives, and impacts the quality and development of the practice of law and the legal profession in Nigeria through financial empowerment.

Well done, Mr President. We appreciate you.

EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 01, 2022
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KARIBI-WHYTE, SALAMI, OTHERS SHINE AS GROUP UNVEILS BOOK TODAY

Former Supreme Court jurist, Late Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte (CON) and retired President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami (OFR) would be under the klieg lights today as a civil society organization, Hallmarks of Labour Foundation unveils Volume 10 of its “Hallmarks of Labour” publication in their honour.

Among those also profiled in the compendium are Emeritus Professor Ladipo Ayodeji Banjo (CON) and Professor Allen Bankole Oyediran.

The event will be chaired by former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Chief Akinolu Olujinmi, SAN while the Hosts are the first female to be elevated to Nigeria’s Inner Bar, Chief Folake Solanke (SAN, CON) and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

While the Registrar & Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede is the Special Guest of Honour, the Book Reviewer is the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello.

Authored by Patricia Otuedon-Arawore, the book will be unveiled today, Thursday, June 2, 2022 at 10:30 am at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The coveted “Hallmark of Labour” honours was established against the backdrop of increasing decay in Nigeria’s moral fabric, dishonest practices and inefficient management of public affairs by successive governments. The founders of Hallmarks of Labour Foundation “believe that something has to be done to salvage the image of our country; convinced that our society boasts exemplary men and women who — against all odds — have embraced hard work and integrity. They are great Nigerians who can match and excel their contemporaries anywhere in the world.”

Its objectives include: Searching for and identifying Nigerians, Africans and people of the Black race who have achieved success through hard work, honesty, integrity and justice in every field of human endeavor; Using the achievements of these Role Models and their legacies as examples to educate Nigerians that success through genuine Labour is more rewarding and fulfilling; Developing a positive attitude among Africans especially the youth, and encouraging them to discard fraudulence, dishonesty and greed as means to success; Helping in making Nigeria a decent society, that deserves the respect of other nations of the world, thereby enhancing investment and tourism, and documenting the achievements of our noble patriots for the purpose of history.

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 01, 2022
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FUNMI ADEOGUN EXPOUNDS FINANCIAL INVESTMENT

FEATURED

ADEOGUN, FUNMILOLA OLUWATOSIN LECTURES ON FINANCIAL INVESTMENT

THE THREE SERVANTS ( Part 1)

According to her:
THREE SERVANTS WERE INVOLVED

A rich man delegates the management of his wealth to his servants, much as investors in today’s markets do.
He gives talents (a large unit of money) to the SERVANTS AS FOLLOWS:

1. FIVE [5] talents to the first. servant,
2. TWO [2] talents to the second servant and
3. ONE[1] talent to the third.

Two of the servants earn 100 percent returns by trading with the funds, but the third servant hides the money in the ground and earns nothing. The rich man returns, rewards the two who made money, but severely punishes the servant who did nothing.

The meaning of the parable in financial investments is that God has given each person a wide variety of gifts, and he expects us to employ those gifts in service of humanity. It is not acceptable merely to put those gifts on a closet shelf and ignore them.

Funmi Adeogun has Certificate in Bookkeeping and Accounting

* she has applied SKILLS in
* Corporate and Business Law(LW)
* Financial Reporting ( FR)
* Performance Management (PM)
* Financial Management (FA)
* Audit and Assurance ( AA)
* Taxation ( TX)

* she has applied KNOWLEDGE IN
* Business and Technology ( BT)
* Financial and Accounting ( FA)
* Management Accounting ( MA)

Stay tuned with

FUNMI ADEOGUN,

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

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
Jun 01, 2022
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ECNBA UNVEILS LIST OF ELIGIBLE VOTERS FOR NBA ELECTIONS

Barring any changes, the list of voters to elect the incoming National Officers and Nigerian Bar Association representatives to the General Council of the Bar is now known.

This is coming on the heels of the release of the full list of NBA members who are qualified to vote at the forthcoming election slated for July 16, 2022.

The full text of the Information Release signed by Mr. Ayodele Akintunde SAN and Ms. Mabel Ekeke, Chairman and Secretary respectively of the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) reads:

FULL LIST OF MEMBERS QUALIFIED TO VOTE

This information release is issued pursuant to the provisions of the Second Schedule Part
IV(9) and V(4) of the Constitution of the Nigerian Bar Association 2015 (as amended).

1. This list comprises of members of the Association that paid their Bar Practicing Fee
on or Before 31 March 2022, consequently, are qualified to vote in the 16 July 2022
elections.

2. The ECNBA publishes the data as is, and hereby emphasizes that the primary
responsibility for having an up to date, valid email and phone number lies with the
respective lawyers. Thus, every lawyer on the voters list is required to visit the NBA
Membership portal to ensure the accuracy of their phone number and email address
between Wednesday, 1 June – Friday, 10 June 2022.

3. While this is the list of eligible voters, every lawyer on the list is required to visit the
NBA membership portal to confirm that their email and phone number are accurate,
as unique voters’ credentials will ONLY be sent to valid phone numbers and email
addresses.

4. Please note that as part of the voting preparation, the ECNBA will be sending test
messages to Lawyers to ascertain the integrity of the records provided.

5. Lawyers that encounter difficulties in receiving OTP on their phones may need to
temporarily disable the Do not Disturb (DND) mode following any of the steps below:
a. 9mobile (Etisalat) numbers, Text START to 2442.
b. MTN numbers, Text ALLOW to 2442.
c. Glo numbers, Text CANCEL to 2442.
d. Airtel numbers, Text ALLOW to 2442

To view the full list, please click here ECNBA VOTERS LIST_CITY LAWYER

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
May 31, 2022
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AMANDA ASAGBA: A PROFILE IN BAR SERVICE EXCELLENCE

Justina Ego Amanda Demechi Asagba is a detribalized, courageous, passionate, dependable and Result oriented, Nigerian lawyer, Human Rights Activist, Private Prosecutor, Mediator and Notary Public. She graduated from the Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma (formerly Bendel State University) and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990. She is a woman of many parts who sees law as a tool for social engineering for national development particularly as it relates to access to justice, eradication of injustice, corruption, poverty and inequality. To achieve this, lawyers must be equipped and motivated to fulfill their professional calling.

She worked with leading law firms of Ajumogobia, Okeke, Oyebode & Co, Akinola Aina & Co, and Sanya Ayeni & Co. She is currently the Managing Partner of Amanda D Asagba Chambers, an ever growing law firm. She is a member of NBA Ikeja branch (Excellent Bar) where she has served in many committees including Insurance Committee, Human Rights Committee, Continued Legal Education Committee, Disciplinary Committee, Legislative Advocacy Committee among others. She served in the Human Rights Committee of the NBA national and as a co-opted member of NBA NEC. She holds LLM in International Law and Diplomacy and Masters in Divinity (M.Div). She is trained in Mediation and Arbitration skills and was on the Board of Citizens Mediation Center, and currently a member of the Criminal Law Sector Reform Committee, a Fellow of the ICMC (F.I.C.M.C) and a Comrade with Advanced Certificate in Industrial and Labour Relations (ACILR).

She is the immediate past Country Rep of African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria chapter and currently the World President of AWLA, elected in recognition of her achievements. She is a member of NBA Women’s Forum (NBAWF), International Bar Association, Commonwealth Lawyers Association, International Alliance for Women (IAW), International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), African Bar Association (AFBA), African Lawyers Association (MD USA), Legal Pool for Justice and Equity Initiative LPJEI (President), Legal Defence and Assistant Project (LEDAP), Council of Legal Education, Institute of International Affairs, Negotiation and Conflict Management Group, Immigration Lawyers Forum among others. She is a recipient of many awards for her commitment, infectious passion and excellence.

EMEKA NWADIOKE
May 30, 2022
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AKPATA STORMS NBA ILE-IFE FOR LAW WEEK

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Olumide Akpata today attended the opening ceremony of the NBA Ile-Ife Branch Law Week holding at the Ife Grand Resorts, Ife, Osun State.

Mr. President, while delivering his opening remarks as the Chairman of the Law Week, reiterated the point that the strength of the Nigerian Bar Association resides in the branches.

Below are photos from the event.

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
May 30, 2022
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Comments Off on ‘REVERSE MY UNREASONABLE DISQUALIFICATION,’ ASHIMOLE BEGS APPEAL C’TE

‘REVERSE MY UNREASONABLE DISQUALIFICATION,’ ASHIMOLE BEGS APPEAL C’TE

RE: 2022 ELECTIONS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS OF THE NBA AND NBA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE BAR – NOTICE OF DISQUALIFICATION.

1. The email of disqualification was received in my spam today, 28th day of May 2022.

2. That I am contesting for the office of Publicity Secretary and duly completed a nomination form in that respect and not the office of Assistant General Secretary as indicated in the disqualification letter.

3. That on May 10th May, 2022, I was invited for a Zoom meeting for further screening. At this Zoom meeting, I did not meet any Committee member but was interrogated by two ladies, who told me that my sealed form had been opened in my absence, no video of the opening made or shown to me.

4. They informed me that 2021 Local Due Receipt of my 1st nominator, Mr. Mohammed lyorember Tsav, the immediate past chairman of NBA Bwari, my Branch, did not attach local Branch Due of 2021.

5. That my response was that I am shocked at this and asked the ladies, what should I do in the circumstance? They told me that the Committee will get back to me.

6. That I re-sent the said mysteriously missing due to the Committee via info@ecnba.ng. The copy of the email is annexed as F1.

7. That ECNBA did not reply my email, did not send me any letter, did not send any SMS or WhatsApp message to me.

8. That ECNBA instead forwarded me a petition by one Mr. Kayode Bello, a law school drop out. I responded to the said petition but ECNBA, did not communicate to me the outcome of my response to Mr. Bello’s petition.

9. That I never received any letter of disqualification from ECNBA when other candidates received or were cleared.

10. That on 27th May,2022, I sent an email to ECNBA asking what is my status, whether I am qualified or not, having not received any letter from ECNBA.

11. ECNBA merely sent me a copy of the reply they sent to Mr. Bello telling him that his petition had no merit and was dismissed.

12. That today 28th May, 2022 after I wrote to ECNBA on 27th May, complaining of the list “List of Properly Nominated Candidates” ECNBA sent me an email, of notice of disqualification for the office of Assistant General Secretary, dated 20th May, 2022, giving me 7 days to appeal to Appeal Committee.

Dear Sir, It is against equity and good conscience to disqualify me as Assistant General Secretary contender instead of the post of Publicity Secretary, which I am eminently qualified for.

13. That the disqualification sent to me is mischievous and not in compliance with the NBA Constitution and Electoral Guidelines published by ECNBA. That the non-submission of receipt of a nominator who paid is not a constitutional condition to disqualify me as my nominator paid as when due like me.

14. I hereby humbly pray to you the Appeal Committee, to reverse this unjustifiable, uncalled for, unreasonable decision of ECNBA to disqualify me for an office I did not apply for.

15. I further pray that you compel ECNBA to declare me as qualified, fit and proper candidate for the office of Publicity Secretary and not Assistant General Secretary as contained in the letter of disqualification sent to me, having met all requirements and re-submitted Mr. Mohammed lyorember Tsav’s mysteriously 2021 local due, which I duly submitted along with other documents in a properly sealed envelope.

Accept the assurances of my highest professional regards.

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
May 30, 2022
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ASF FRANCE SECURES RELEASE OF DETAINEE AFTER 11 YEARS

PRESS RELEASE

Following strategic litigation by Avocats Sans Frontières France (Lawyers without Borders France), a High Court in Lagos ordered the release of a young man who had been held in the Nigerian prison for over 11 years without trial.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) data on the Summary of Inmate Population by Convict and Persons Awaiting Trial as of October 4, 2021, revealed that the facilities hold 37% more inmates than it is designed to and that over 70% of the prison population consists of pretrial detainees. The report also revealed that the average period of pre-trial detention in Nigeria was nearly four years. The work of ASF France in the field reveals that many detainees are held for much longer, as in this case of Maxwell Dele* who had been arbitrarily detained for over 11 years, reflecting both an overburdened justice system and structural problems between Nigeria’s state and federal justice systems.

In his case, officers of the Nigeria Police Force were on the hunt for a certain individual called Mr. James Idem* whom they believed was responsible for an armed robbery operation. Mr. Maxwell Dele happened to be a shop owner and neighbour to Mr. James in Ikorodu market, Lagos. During the search for Mr. James, Maxwell was asked by the police officers to provide information on the whereabouts of Mr. James and when Maxwell* couldn’t provide those answers, he was arrested for armed robbery.

Mr. Maxwell was handed over to the Sagamu Road Police Station, from where he was transferred to SARS Ikeja, Lagos where he was hanged and tortured. Maxwell Dele was also forced to sign an already written statement on the 6th of October 2011, the same day he was charged for armed robbery at the Magistrate Court 17, Ikeja, Lagos. Maxwell Dele remained in the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos and never appeared in court again for the next 11 years.

Avocats Sans Frontières France intervened in this case through the pro-bono legal aid component of its European Union (EU) & Agence Française de Développement (AFD) funded SAFE project – “Strengthening the National Actors Capacities and Advocating for Ending Severe Human Rights Violations in Nigeria project”, targeted at addressing human rights violations of torture, extra-judicial killings and arbitrary detention. ASF France tendered an application to the Lagos State High Court on behalf of the detainee, particularly seeking for the unconditional or conditional release, citing the instances of torture, violation of their fundamental human rights, their rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement, provided under the sections 35 and 41 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended. The application was successful at the High Court of Lagos State.

The Country Director of Avocats Sans Frontières France in Nigeria, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu speaking after the judgement said “Loosing 11 years of one’s life to a systemic irregularity is an unimaginable suffering, nothing would ever be able to make up for this loss. The practise of routinely charging suspects with serious offenses in order to have them remanded in prison indefinitely, with little or no effort to prosecute the case needs to stop”.

The SAFE project is being implemented in Nigeria by Avocats Sans Frontières France in partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organization (CAPIO).

Signed: Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu

Country Director, ASF France Nigeria

For further enquiries please contact:

ASF France Communication Officer, Nigeria

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
May 30, 2022
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NBA ILE-IFE LAW WEEK THEME EXCITES ISAAC OGBAH

FEATURED

ISAAC OMUTA OGBAH EXTENDS HIS GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NBA ILE-IFE ON HER 2022 LAW WEEK

Nigeria as a Nation became a Federal state in 1954. However, can we say we are truly a Federal State? What constitutes a Federal State? What is the role of the Law in achieving a truly Federal State. I believe these and many more are the highlights of the topic of discuss Exploring the Law as a Catalyst Towards a Truly Federal State as the members of NBA Ile-Ife Bar celebrate their Law Week.

I felicitate with the Executives and Members of the NBA Ile-Ife Bar on the occasion of their Law Week and wish them a happy deliberation.

ISAAC OMUTAH OGBAH, FICMC

Former Chairman, Ota NBA Branch

EMEKA NWADIOKE
May 30, 2022
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‘TAIDI AS A GREAT LEADER: A PERSONAL TESTAMENT,’ BY IKE AUGUSTINE

OPINION

MR. JONATHAN GUNU TAIDI: A GREAT LEADER THE BAR NEEDS

I have known Mr. Jonathan Gunu Taidi right from the days of my practice in Minna, Niger State. Testimonies abound of his impeccable track record. He is someone who shows so much dedication to any task given to him. His deep passion to see the Bar taking its place as the vanguard for social justice is what drives him to take up leadership roles at the bar. He is very accessible, amiable and above all an astute Bar man. He is an invaluable asset to the Bar.

I feel elated and there is hope of a rejuvenated and virile Bar seeing that he has been cleared by the ECNBA to contest for the office of NBA President in this year’s election.

Ike Augustine, Esq.
Activist and Public Commentator

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
May 29, 2022
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‘THERE IS NEED TO COMPILE WELFARE NEEDS OF LAWYERS,’ SAYS MAXIMUS UGWUOKE

FEATURED

“THERE IS NEED TO CURATE THE WELFARE NEEDS OF LAWYERS ACROSS THE 125 BRANCHES OF NBA”- MAXIMUS UGWUOKE , AS HE FELICITATES WITH NBA PORTHARCOURT, NSUKKA, ABAKILIKI, OKIGWE, OJI RIVER, OBOLLO AFOR, GWAGWALADA AND OTHERS

Ikechukwu Maximus Ugwuoke frontline candidate for National Welfare Secretary position of the NBA has advocated the need to curate the welfare needs of members of the NBA across the 125 branches of the bar. He made the observation in his felicitation to the various branches of NBA that held their monthly meeting last week, namely, NBA Portharcourt, Nsukka, Oji River, Okigwe, Abakiliki, Ahoada, Gwagwalada and Anaocha Branches of the bar.

According to him “I have observed in the course of my visit to various branches of the NBA across the country that the welfare needs of members of the NBA vary from one branch to another even though some of the needs are central to all the branches of the bar. For the welfare needs of Lawyers in Nigeria to be adequately addressed, there is need to curate these needs from one branch to another taking into account the peculiarities of the welfare need of each branch . Given the opportunity to serve the bar as the National Welfare Secretary curating the welfare needs of the 125 branches of the NBA is the way to go. This will be achieved through a publicized email address where this welfare needs will be complied, analyzed and made available to the President of NBA to enable him have adequate data required for his effective and efficient decision making around the welfare of lawyers. This is top notch in my Maximum Welfare vision for the bar.
The issues discussed by the members of the bar during their monthly meetings that held simultaneously in various branches of the bar last week, some of which I participated, underscore this point. I really commend the members of the following branches of the bar that held their monthly meeting last week and the branch leaders for the capacity they have demonstrated in providing leadership to the bar; the NBA Portharcourt Branch led by Nyekwere, Nsukka bar led by Ugo Fed Ukwueze, Oji River Bar led by Seth Nwokolo, Okigwe bar led by Ndeme Romi, Abakiliki Bar led by Ogbonnaya Okorie, Ahoada Bar led by Alili Kipe Morris and the Gwagwalada and Anaocha Branches of the bar.

I pray that God shall endow them with greater wisdom to continue to pilot the affairs of their branches especially at this critical period when many of them are in their transition process.”

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
May 29, 2022
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OLANIPEKUN INAUGURATES NEW BOSAN EXECUTIVES

The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) has elected a new Executive Committee to superintend its affairs. This was a major highlight of its Annual General Meeting/Elections held yesterday at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus.

According to a statement made available to CITY LAWYER by the BOSAN Secretariat, while renowned chartered arbitrator, Mr. Olumide Sofowora, SAN emerged as the new Secretary of the body, replacing longstanding former Secretary, Mr. Seyi Sowemimo SAN, Mr. Oladipo Olasope, SAN was elected as the Assistant Secretary.

Former Ogun State Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice, Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu, SAN emerged as the new Treasurer while leading maritime lawyer and President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA-NIG.), Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN was elected as the Financial Secretary. Mr. Abdul Mohammed SAN is the new Programming and Publicity Secretary.

The new executives were inaugurated by the presiding Chairman, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN who also doubles as the Chairman of the Body of Benchers.

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
May 28, 2022
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‘WHY WE DISQUALIFIED FELIX ASHIMOLE FROM NBA ELECTION’ – ECNBA

* I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTICE FROM ECNBA – ASPIRANT

An aspirant for the position of Publicity Secretary in the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Elections, Mr. Felix Ashimole has been disqualified, CITY LAWYER can authoritatively report.

The Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) however dismissed a petition by embattled Bar aspirant, Mr. Kayode Bello, saying that he “failed to provide sufficient evidence” in support of his petition.

However, there is a cloud of uncertainty on whether the aspirant actually received the notice of disqualification from the ECNBA. The aspirant vigorously denies receiving any email from the electoral committee.

CITY LAWYER investigation indicates that while the ECNBA actually dispatched an email to the aspirant, there may have been an error in the email address.

It was gathered that while the aspirant’s correct email is oyimnatumba92@yahoo.com, the Notice of Disqualification was actually sent to oyimnatumba29@yahoo.com.

A source at ECNBA headquarters vowed that the error was “an honest mistake,” adding that “There is no foul play. Our Secretary is trying her best in dispatching correspondence. A mistake can happen.”

Giving reason for disqualifying the aspirant, ECNBA had stated that Ashimole’s Nominator did not provide evidence of payment of his Branch Dues for 2021, even as CITY LAWYER gathered that the aspirant failed to provide a satisfactory answer to the irregularity at the further screening interview with the electoral committee.

It was unclear at press time whether the aspirant would appeal his disqualification.

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
May 28, 2022
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‘I DEDICATE ECNBA CLEARANCE TO MY SUPPORTERS,’ SAYS ISAAC OGBAH

FEATURED

IT IS WITH GREAT JOY FOR ME TO AWAKE TO THE NEWS OF MY HAVING MADE THE FINAL LIST OF THOSE QUALIFIED TO CONTEST THE FORTHCOMING NBA NATIONAL ELECTIONS

Having earlier received an email wherein the petition written against me by a fellow legal practitioner was dismissed, the news of my making the final list of those qualified to contest for the post of 3rd Vice President of the NBA crowns it all

*Once again I have no doubt whatsoever that God, who began the good works in me, will surely bring it all unto perfection *

*With all my heart ❤️ I sincerely appreciate and thank everyone of you for standing by me all these while. Special thanks to you all for all your support, counsel and prayers. I could never have gone this far without you all the way. Together we shall have cause to celebrate when the elections are finally over *

*I dedicate this victory so far to you all for your having to believe in me. You never gave up on me even in the face of the frivolous petition that was written against my person. And neither did any one of you ever stop believing in me even when the much needed email from ECNBA was delayed in coming. Surely we shall all have cause to celebrate together in the coming weeks. *

*Once again I sincerely appreciate and celebrate you all now and always *

*It shall all end up in testimonies. To God alone be all the glory *

Isaac Omuta Ogbah, FICMC, Past Chair, NBA Ota; Editor-in-Chief, EJSC

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
May 28, 2022
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NBA AHOADA ENDORSES GADZAMA, ISIOKPO HONOURS HIM, STORMS YENAGOA SOCCER FINALS

FEATURED

NBA AHOADA BRANCH ENDORSES PRESIDENTIAL AMBITION OF CHIEF JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN AT THE MONTHLY MEETING FOR MAY

The NBA Ahoada branch, Rivers State held its monthly meeting on Friday, May 27, 2022. The branch extended invitations to eminent members of the Bar such as Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN amongst many others. While some of the invitees could not attend the meeting, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and other aspirants were in attendance at the meeting.

The branch specially designed a banner which was strategically placed to welcome only Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and his entourage to the branch. Mr. Morris Kipe Alali, Esq., the chairman of the NBA, Ahoada branch personally welcomed the Learned Silk and gave him an opportunity to address members of the branch. The Learned Silk thanked the branch for the hearty and elaborate welcome he received.

“This is not my first time here. I was here several years ago and I will be here again” Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN said while informing members of the branch that Rivers State is home to him as he is an adopted Rivers State man.

“Collectively, we can work together to improve the Bar and take smaller branches to the next level,” Chief Joe-Kyari said while commending the branch for their rapid growth.

He urged members of the branch to actively participate in initiating ideas that positively affect the branch and the Bar at large. The Learned Silk who has proven that mentorship of young lawyers is very dear to his heart through the Hon. Justice Chukwudifu Oputa JSC (Rtd) Mentoring Program of J-K Gadzama LLP, noted that he shall continue to take steps that are directly aimed at bettering the legal profession, particularly capacity building for the young lawyers.

Members of the branch wildly applauded at the end of the Learned Silk’s address to the branch. The chairman endorsed and stated that the branch shall support the Learned Silk with his NBA Presidential ambition. The leadership of the branch and other members of the branch joined the Learned Silk while he was taking pictures with the banner made for him by the branch.

Some amiable members of the NBA who accompanied the Learned Silk to the branch’s meeting include: Hon. Nimi Walson Jack, past general secretary of NBA; Mrs. Anthonia Osademe, vice chairman of NBA, Port Harcourt branch; Ms. Sarah Apia; Mr. Victor Agala; Mr. Ebuka Samuel; Ms. Sophia Ugwuorah; Mr. Akuro T. Enoch; Mr. Adebayo Williams; Mr. Godsent Belema; Mr. Evidence Asite Agbor; Ms. Harmony Chikodili; Mr. Wejinya Azubuike A; Mr. Nwaiwu Patrick; Mr. Dafenone Akpomudiare; Ms. Hillary Ayebaifie Ojeke amongst many others.

NBA YLF, ISIOKPO BRANCH HONORS CHIEF JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN WITH AN AWARD FOR HIS REMARKABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION

On Friday, May 27, 2022, the NBA YLF, Isiokpo branch organized a one-day seminar with the theme, “Contemporary Areas in Legal Practice: Challenges & Prospects for Young Lawyers” at the OCJ Okocha Bar Centre, High Court Complex, Isiokpo, Rivers State.

The Keynote Speakers at the event were: Chukwuka Ikwazom, SAN, Partner at Aluko & Oyebode; Dr. Hon. Cashmia Ofurum; Mr. Ogbonna Goodluck Ogbom, Esq.; and Mr. Nweke Prince Nweke, Esq. They all delivered justice to the theme of the seminar as they selected different areas of law to concentrate on such as: entertainment law, financial technology, land law, intellectual property law and several other emerging areas of law. Other distinguished guests who were at the event include: High Chief Lukeman Ihua, past chairman, NBA, Isiokpo branch and Hon. Churchill Wosu, pioneer chairman, NBA, Isiokpo branch.

Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN who was a guest speaker at the event was introduced to the audience by DCN Promise Uche Ichegba, incumbent chairman of the NBA, Isiokpo branch. Mr. Goodluck Ogbonda, chairman of the NBA YLF, Isiokpo branch presented an award on behalf of the branch to the Learned Silk for his selfless contribution to the legal profession.

We could tell that the Learned Silk was overwhelmed with excitement as the award was being presented to him. He expressed his immense gratitude to both the leadership and members of the branch. He noted that he was encouraged by the creativity of the NBA YLF, Isiokpo branch. He commended both the past and present leadership of the branch for the growth of the branch and noted that they had done a good job with the younger generation of lawyers in the branch.

Furthermore, he urged all present to take steps towards the development of the Bar as that duty remains a collective one. He implored the older generation of lawyers to participate in improving the welfare and remuneration for young lawyers. He saluted the incumbent president of the NBA, Mr. Olumide Akpata and the president of the NBA Remuneration Committee, Mr. Anthony Nwaochei for the steps taken by the administration to improve the remuneration for the legal profession. He reiterated the point made on specialization for young lawyers by Mr. Chukwuka Ikwazom, SAN. He urged the young lawyers present to center their legal practice around two to three areas of law as this shall influence the success of their legal practice.

The Learned Silk was accompanied to the seminar by the following lawyers of the NBA, Port Harcourt branch and NBA, Abuja branch (Unity Bar): Mrs. Anthonia Osademe, vice chairman of NBA, Port Harcourt branch; Ms. Sarah Apia; Mr. Victor Agala; Mr. Ebuka Samuel; Ms. Sophia Ugwuorah; Mr. Akuro T. Enoch; Mr. Adebayo Williams; Mr. Evidence Asite Agbor; Ms. Harmony Chikodili; Mr. Dafenone Akpomudiare; Ms. Hillary Ayebaifie Ojeke amongst many others.

JOE-KYARI GADZAMA SAN ATTENDS THE 2022 LAW WEEK FOOTBALL MATCH FINALS OF THE NBA, YENAGOA BRANCH

The Learned Silk and a group of other lawyers attended the final football match organized by the NBA, Yenagoa branch for their 2022 law week between Wuku FC and Ambaowei FC.

The Learned Silk who attended the football match between the two teams at Joseph Beredugo International School received a positive reception from members of the branch.

This is the second match of the NBA, Yenagoa law week that the Learned Silk has witnessed in his short visit to Bayelsa State. Yesterday, he witnessed the match for third place between Dambo FC and Ayabowei FC wherein Dambo FC emerged as the winner with a score line of 2-1.

The Learned Silk’s interest in the football game is not out of place as he is indeed a fervent supporter of the game and an energetic sportsman. Recently, he sponsored his football team, Gadzama FC during the 2022 Abuja Lawyers’ League where the team came in third place at the league. He is the chairman of Gadzama FC; incumbent vice chairman of the Bar and Bench Golf Tournament; a trustee of Hon. Seriake Dickson Golf and Country Club in Yenagoa and also, a member of the Bayelsa State Sports Committee headed by His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Diete-Spiff.

Ambaowei FC came out victorious with a win of 4-2 over Wuku FC. The Learned Silk congratulated both teams and took pictures with the players and other members of the branch who were present at the game. The chairman of the branch, Mr. Ukumbiriowei Saiyou and members of the branch received the Learned Silk as one of their own and thanked him for his show of interest in the activities of the NBA, Yenagoa branch.

Some members of the NBA, Yenagoa branch who were present include: Mr. Ukumbiriowei Saiyou, chairman of NBA, Yenagoa branch; Mrs. Pere Egbuson; Mrs. Bob Ayonimite; Mr. Jumbo Soala, vice chairman of the branch; Mrs Peterside Peretimi, the sports chair person of the NBA, Yenagoa branch; Mr. Ben Braye; Mr. Duke Ebiyon; Mr. Emmanuel Robert, football captain of NBA, Yenagoa branch and a host of others.

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
May 28, 2022
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‘I HAVE BEEN CERTIFIED BY ECNBA,’ SAYS TAIDI

FEATURED

Dear Distinguished Colleagues,

Recall that on the 14th of April, 2022 in furtherance of my deep commitment to galvanize the Bar to live up to its challenges and the even more grievous challenges bedeviling our nation, I made a commitment and that commitment has now been certified as fit and proper by the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA).

I therefore thank Almighty God for enabling my availability to serve, and our esteemed courageous supporters and would-be supporters for patiently and painstakingly keeping step with us.

Indeed, it has not and will not be an easy task to consolidate on the gains so far achieved and with vigour surpass every performance so far experienced, but it is possible.

In the coming days when ECNBA will unveil the manifesto for the well being of distinguished colleagues and total liberation of the Bar, each one will be required to share their lofty ideas with others for a focused, truly unified and dignified Bar.

I thank you all most sincerely and I am more than confident that together we win.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq.
Candidate for NBA President

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
May 28, 2022
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SAFIYA BALARABE ACCLAIMS NBA ISIOKPO YOUNG LAWYERS

FEATURED

SAFIYA BALARABE’S GOODWILL MESSAGE TO YOUNG LAWYERS’ FORUM ISIOKPO BRANCH ON ONE DAY SEMINAR

The Young Lawyers’ Forum, Isiokpo branch has put together a power-packed one day Seminar themed: “Contemporary Areas in Legal Practice: Challenges and Prospects for Young Lawyers”. The event which holds today, 27th May, 2022 features notable legal personalities.

Safiya Balarabe’s goodwill message to the Forum is reproduced below:

“The Chairman, Executives and Members of the Young Lawyers’ Forum, Isiokpo branch,

It gives me great pleasure to commend you for taking out time to organize a program that chronicles the legal elevation of young lawyers within and outside your branch.

‘Contemporary Areas in Legal Practice: Challenges and Prospects for Young Lawyers’ is a theme so well couched, it could not have been any better. This theme coupled with the array of seasoned speakers you have selected informs of the capacity with which your Forum conduct its affairs.

It is my desire that every young lawyer in Nigeria has access to quality opportunities to foster growth. This program is a great boost in this regard.

May your Forum never run out of steam.

Thank and God bless”

Signed:
Safiya Balarabe
Treasurer, NBA Women Forum.

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Welcome To the Paradise City of Calabar

NBA WADES INTO DEBACLE

Isaac OMUTA Ogbah arrives the City of Calabar.

To attend EBF activities slated for 3rd and 3th June, 2022.

Wishes the Governor and entire leadership and members of EBF a joyous and fruitful quarterly meeting.

Isaac OMUTA Ogbah, FICMC welcomes the Governing Council, ably led by Sir. Uba ANENE, JP, Members and Friends of the Eastern Bar Forum to Calabar for the June 2022 Quaterly General Meeting of the EBF.

‘WE HAVE NO ANOINTED CANDIDATE’

* I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTICE FROM ECNBA – ASPIRANT