ATTORNEY-GENERAL

GADZAMA VISITS LAGOS AG, VOWS BAR ACTIVISM

FEATURED

GADZAMA, SAN PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO AG OF LAGOS, PLEDGES LOYALTY TO NBA CONSTITUTION, RULE OF LAW AND YEARNINGS OF MEMBERS.

Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Alausa Secretariat.

The visit of the foremost Senior Advocate to the Lagos State Ministry of Justice is one of his consultations and familiarizations tour to all stakeholders as NBA prepares for her general elections next month. Whilst making his remark, Chief Gadzama, SAN reiterated the need for the Bar to be alive to its duties as enshrined in the NBA Constitution, observe the tenets of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and see to the welfare of all members of the Bar. He stated that the Bar needs a leader who understands the challenges of the Bar and has the capacity, experience and will to tackle them headlong.

Whilst restating his vision to lift the Bar to a higher standard, Chief Gadzama, SAN said the visit is necessary for him to present himself as a candidate for the post of the NBA President and it is important to formally inform the Honourable Attorney General and the entire management of the Ministry of Justice. In his words, “I have the requisite experience to lead the Bar having served the NBA in various capacities; a pioneer Council Member of NBA Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) under the chairmanship of Mr. George Etomi, a pioneer vice-chairman of NBA Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) under the chairmanship of Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN and a Pioneer Chairman of NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) now being ably led by Dr. Monday O. Ubani, a former Chairman of NBA Abuja (Unity) Branch and due to my passion for mentorship and professional training for young lawyers, I was appointed as the Chairman, Mentorship Committee of the Body of Benchers for Young Lawyers due to the annual mentorship programme I organize for young lawyers. I have a moot Courtroom in my head office in Abuja purposely built to expose Law School Externs and University undergraduates to Courtroom advocacy. I am a bridge builder between the older lawyers and young colleagues, I am physically fit, mentally, emotionally and spiritually prepared for the task of leading the Bar.”

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, the Honourable Attorney General commended Chief Gadzama, SAN for all his contributions to the Bar and development of law in Nigeria, he assured him that it is customary for the Ministry to welcome all candidates vying for one position or the other in the NBA and the doors of the Ministry is open to Chief Gadzama, SAN. Present at the meeting include some top management members of staff including Mr. S. A Quadri, Mrs. Abiola Olayinka, Mrs. Adenike Oluwafemi, Mrs. Folasade Tugbiyele, Kehinde Taiwo, Bose Fasinde and other State Counsel.

Chief Gadzama appreciated the AG for the audience and warm reception and promised, as the time permits, to reschedule his visit to address all lawyers in the Ministry. Members of Chief Gadzama’s entourage include Mr. Kunle Ogunba, SAN, Mr. Chukwuma Ezeala, Otunba Martins Ogunleye, (former Chairman of Lagos Branch) Mrs. Chioma Ferguson (former Chairman of Surulere Lawyers Forum), Mr. Moshood Abiola (immediate past secretary of NBA, Lagos Branch) and Mr. Oluniyi Adediji, Junior Partner at J-K Gadzama LLP.

To join our Telegram platform, please click here 

COPYRIGHT 2022 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. To ADVERTISE in CITY LAWYER, please email citylawyermag@gmail.com or call 08138380083. All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use.

  • EMEKA NWADIOKE
  • May 10, 2022
  • 875
  • 0
  • Comments Off on LAWYER ASKS COURT TO SACK EMEFIELE AS CBN GOVERNOR

LAWYER ASKS COURT TO SACK EMEFIELE AS CBN GOVERNOR

An Abuja based senior lawyer, Mr. Tochukwu Ohazuruike has urged the Federal High Court to order Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele to resign.

In an Originating Summons brought by their Lead Counsel, Chief Chukwudi Oli of Oli & Partners pursuant to Sections 2, 8(4-5), 9 &11(2)(C) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007; Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, 2022; Section 6(6) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court, Ohazuruike, who is suing alongside Mr. Alieze Sunday Ekpa as plaintiffs, is praying for “AN ORDER mandating the 1st Defendant to cease holding office as the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria by virtue of his acts of serious misconduct in filing Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/ 610 /2022 – GODWIN EMEFIELE VS INEC & AGF seeking interpretation of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, 2022, amidst other political participations and/or interests etc, while still serving as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as against the object/purpose of the 2nd Defendant and the minimum standard of duties imposed on him by virtue of Sections 2 and 9 respectively of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 and in compliance with Section 11(2)(c) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.”

The defendants are Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Central Bank of Nigeria and Attorney General of the Federation.

The plaintiffs are seeking “AN ORDER directing the 2nd Defendant to cease recognising the 1st Defendant as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria by virtue of his acts of serious misconduct in filing Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/ 610 /2022 – GODWIN EMEFIELE VS INEC & AGF seeking interpretation of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, 2022, amidst other political participations and/or interests etc, while still serving as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as against the object/purpose of the 2nd Defendant and the minimum standard of duties imposed on him by virtue of Sections 2 and 9 respectively of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 and in compliance with Section 11(2)(c) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007,” and

“AN ORDER directing the 3rd Defendant to take all necessary steps in ensuring compliance that the 1st Defendant cease to be recognised by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria by virtue of his acts of serious misconduct in filing Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/ 610 /2022 – GODWIN EMEFIELE VS INEC & AGF seeking interpretation of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, 2022, amidst other political participations and/or interests etc, while still serving as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as against the object/purpose of the 2nd Defendant and the minimum standard of duties imposed on him by virtue of Sections 2 and 9 respectively of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 and in compliance with Section 11(2)(c) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.”

They are also asking for “AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION against the 1st Defendant retraining him from further parading himself as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria by virtue of his acts of serious misconduct in filing Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/ 610 /2022 – GODWIN EMEFIELE VS INEC & AGF seeking interpretation of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, 2022, amidst other political participations and/or interests etc, while still serving as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as against the object/purpose of the 2nd Defendant and the minimum standard of duties imposed on him by virtue of Sections 2 and 9 respectively of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 and in compliance with Section 11(2)(c) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.

“AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION against the 2nd Defendant, its Board of Directors, agents, servants, privies etc from recognising and/or allowing the 1st Defendant to continue to parade himself as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria by virtue of his acts of serious misconduct in filing Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/ 610 /2022 – GODWIN EMEFIELE VS INEC & AGF seeking interpretation of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, 2022, amidst other political participations and/or interests etc, while still serving as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as against the object/purpose of the 2nd Defendant and the minimum standard of duties imposed on him by virtue of Sections 2 and 9 respectively of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 and in compliance with Section 11(2)(c) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.

“AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION against the 3rd Defendant, his principal, appointor, agents, servants, privies etc from recognising or allowing the 1st Defendant to continue to parade himself as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria by virtue of his acts of serious misconduct in filing Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/ 610 /2022 – GODWIN EMEFIELE VS INEC & AGF seeking interpretation of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, 2022, amidst other political participations and/or interests etc, while still serving as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as against the object/purpose of the 2nd Defendant and the minimum standard of duties imposed on him by virtue of Sections 2 and 9 respectively of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 and in compliance with Section 11(2)(c) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.

“AN ORDER awarding the sum of Ten Million Naira Only (N10,000,000.00) as cost of this action against the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Defendants in favour of the Plaintiff in this suit,” and

“AN ORDER awarding a 10% post judgment interest on the judgement sum of this suit against the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Defendants from the date of judgment till final liquidation.”

Supported by a 34-paragraph affidavit sworn by the senior lawyer, the plaintiffs are seeking “A DECLARATION that by the express provisions of Sections 2 and 8(4-5) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, the object, purpose and business of the Central Bank of Nigeria (2nd Defendant) has nothing to do with the provision of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, 2022 or engaging in any direct or indirect political activities in Nigeria vis-à-vis the duties and functions of the 1st Defendant as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria.”

They are also asking for “A DECLARATION that the 1st Defendant’s suit filed in this Honourable Court on 5th May, 2022 in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/ 610 /2022 – GODWIN EMEFIELE VS INEC & AGF seeking the interpretation of the provision of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, 2022 etc. while still serving as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does amount to engaging in activities contrary to the minimum standard of duties imposed on the 1st Defendant pursuant to the express provision of Section 9 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.

“A DECLARATION that the 1st Defendant’s act in filing Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/ 610 /2022 – GODWIN EMEFIELE VS INEC & AGF seeking interpretation of the provision of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which preclude serving political appointees from been delegates or candidates in political parties’ congresses and/or conventions, amidst other political participations and/or interests etc, has exposed the 1st Defendant as partisan and interested in direct political activities in Nigeria, while still serving as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) contrary to the the express provisions of Sections 2, 8(4-5) and 9 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.

“A DECLARATION that the 1st Defendant is liable to acts of serious misconduct contrary to Section 11(2)(c) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, by virtue of his act of filing Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/ 610 /2022 – GODWIN EMEFIELE VS INEC & AGF seeking interpretation of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, 2022, amidst other political participations and/or interests etc, while still serving as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as against the object/purpose of the 2nd Defendant and the minimum standard of duties imposed on him by virtue of Sections 2 and 9 respectively of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007,” and

“A DECLARATION that the 1st Defendant is liable to cease holding office as the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria by the serious acts of misconduct constituted in his filing of Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/ 610 /2022 – GODWIN EMEFIELE VS INEC & AGF seeking interpretation of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, 2022, amidst other political participations and/or interests etc, while still serving as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as stipulated under Section 11(2)(c) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

To join our Telegram platform, please click here 

COPYRIGHT 2022 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. To ADVERTISE in CITY LAWYER, please email citylawyermag@gmail.com or call 08138380083. All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use.

  • EMEKA NWADIOKE
  • Jun 11, 2021
  • 1.24k
  • 0
  • Comments Off on BENUE ASSAULT: EFCC CHIEF INVESTIGATOR GRILLS NBA CHAIR, A-G WADES IN

BENUE ASSAULT: EFCC CHIEF INVESTIGATOR GRILLS NBA CHAIR, A-G WADES IN

  • BENUE A-G DEMANDS CCTV FOOTAGE FROM EFCC

  • I’M SHOCKED, SCANDALIZED BY EFCC’S DENIAL

  • I CAN’T SEE, HEAR WELL AGAIN

  • I WILL PRESS CHARGES IF ….

Embattled Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Makurdi Branch, Mr. Justin Gbagir has been grilled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chief investigator on his allegation of assault by operatives of the anti-graft agency.

In an exclusive interview with CITY LAWYER, Gbagir said that the interview by the Director of Intelligence Unit at the EFCC which started yesterday at the office of the Benue State Attorney-General was concluded today when he wrote a formal statement on what transpired at the Makurdi Office of the EFCC last Tuesday.

Gbagir said that aside from the impairment to his left eye, he has started experiencing hearing challenges due to the alleged beating by the EFCC operatives. He warned that “I told them that I have other options to seek redress” if the perpetrators are not brought to justice.

Below is the full text of the interview.

“I am Justin Gbagir, Chairman of NBA Makurdi Branch who was assaulted and beaten by the operatives of the EFCC on Tuesday, the 8th of June, 2021.

“It is unfortunate that EFCC which claims to operate within civic norms will come out to blatantly deny that they did not assault and beat me up.

“The beating was so severe that I was admitted at Benue State University Teaching Hospital and administered some drugs and injections. As a result of the beating, I also sustained injury in my left eye. As I speak with you, I cannot see very well with my left eye.

“Yesterday again, I started experiencing problem with my hearing. So I am also currently having hearing challenges. I am yet to go for medical check-up to sustain (sic) the level of damage that might have been done to my ears.

“But yesterday someone came from Directorate of Intelligence – which he said is like Military Police in the Army – to listen to us from the headquarters. We met at the office of the Honourable the Attorney General of Benue State and we took turns to narrate what happened. So when we finished, he specifically requested me to put my statement in writing and because it was already dark we agreed to reconvene at 8.30 this morning, which we did. And I put my statement in writing.

“I am actually shocked, scandalized and embarrassed with the allegations that EFCC have made in their Press Release that I went there with thugs to forcefully release a detainee. I want to say it in very clear terms that all the lawyers that were there with me – including the Honourable the Attorney General, the Solicitor General and Director of Public Prosecution and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters – we were just nine, including myself, 10. And all the people that were there – except the Director of Finance and Administration in the State Ministry of Justice who was also there, who is not a lawyer – the rest of us were lawyers. I don’t see how colleagues who went to EFCC Office to facilitate the release of their colleague will be called thugs.

“Today, the AG also requested the person that came from Abuja to request for CCTV footage from their (EFCC) office. This happened directly within their compound and their CCTV footage must have captured what happened. So if they fail to produce their CCTV footage, I think it will also be another way of trying to deny or hide the facts.

“By and large, I think the EFCC are not being truthful; their denial of all the allegations is baseless. I think we are not going to leave the matter like that. In my statement which I wrote today, I told them that I have other options to seek redress. But I am giving them an opportunity for them to sort out this issue, punish the perpetrators, and then we discuss further on whatever demands that I might have.

“At the moment, I don’t want to make demand yet; I am yet to fully ascertain the level of damage they have done to my eye, to my ears and other general health conditions. So when that is ascertained by medical experts, I will also know what demands I will be making for compensation. At the moment, I don’t want to say that because I am yet to get the proper medical report in that regard.

“Today again, the NBA Makurdi Branch insisted on making a Press Statement particularly in view of the statement by EFCC. After they (EFCC) had reached out to our (NBA) President with a view that they would investigate the matter, they went ahead to issue a statement denying the facts. So the Press Conference just finished a while ago and I think in a very short it will also be in the public domain on the position of NBA Makurdi Branch.”

CITY LAWYER recalls that Gbagir had alleged that he was manhandled at the instance of the EFCC Makurdi Zonal Head. Narrating his ordeal, Gbagir said: “As I made to leave, the personnel of EFCC numbering between 7 and above pounced on me and started beating me. They broke my recommended reading eyeglasses in the process and pushed me out of the premises. “Outside the premises, they threw out my footwears which I was dispossessed of in the course of the beating,” he said.

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. To ADVERTISE in CITY LAWYER, please email citylawyermag@gmail.com or call 08138380083. All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use.