OZEKHOME: THE ‘COMMANDER’ AS FIERY RIGHTS ADVOCATE

BY IGE ASEMUDARA 

When Vladmir Lenin first employed the phrase “Commanding Heights,” it was to describe the control of perceived key segments of a national economy as further espoused by Daniel Yergin and Joseph Stanislaw when they first published their book, “The Commanding Heights: The Battle Between Government and the Marketplace That Is Remaking the Modern World” in 1998. However, today I am employing the phrase in its metaphoric signification to access and situate the life, works, struggles and agitation of the Iviukwe-born Chief Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome SAN who was just conferred with the national honour of the Commander of the Order of the Niger. The phrase is quite suitable especially in view of the original ideological history of Chief Ozekhome as a Leninist who has also struggled to rescue the commanding heights of the Nigerian economy from the forces that have held it back. Yes, on the 15th of October, 2022, Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN will be Sixty-Five years of age; hale and hearty 65!

I first began to read and hear about Chief Mike Ozekhome about the year 1997 when I worked under my first employer and political tutor, Mr. Akin Ayebiwo, a school principal who in those days made it a point of duty to buy dailies daily. He would read them, give them to me and we would discuss the top political stories even late into the night whenever he was free. It was a time the struggle to unseat the military leaders and confine them to the barracks was climaxing under General Sani Abacha. I found the various protests; civil disobedience and litigations challenging the status quo intriguing. I also found a set of Nigerians featuring consistently in the fight very inspiring. I always looked forward to a day I would join them at the barricades on the street of Lagos. Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN, Olisa Agbakoba SAN (CLO), Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN (CLO/UDD), Mr. Femi Falana SAN (CDHR), Beko Ransome-Kuti (CDHR) and few others were always at the forefront. Back in Okitipupa, my boss would tell me of their glowing days at the University of Ife and how Ife shaped the life of most of the names in the forefront of the struggle and why the military must go. I took interest in all of them and their struggles to the extent that when in 1998 I took the JAMB form, I had no hesitation in filing Obafemi Awolowo University as my University of first and second choice. I also chose law as my first and second choice. For me, only a knowledge of law could empower me like these worthy and strong Nigerians and only the Obafemi Awolowo University could offer me the right spirit; and fire the ember of struggle in me. I had no second choice, my mind was made up. I got what I wanted.

I passed that University Matriculation Examination; I got admission into OAU on merit. The week of my resumption, I joined the CLO and the CDHR which I also later coordinated briefly on campus and remained a member till I graduated. When we were in the third year, I had the privilege of meeting Chief Mike Ozekhome in his chambers on Ogunlana Drive in Surulere, Lagos alongside few other law students. I got more interested in him because he was as brilliant as he was exciting and never letting any opportunity to be humorous and banterous slip away.

Chief Ozekhome is a repository of history, philosophy, politics, literature, economics and very sound knowledge of the law. His knowledge is not accidental. He was first admitted into the Department of English Language of the Faculty of Arts, University of Ife in 1977. He sought to cross to the Faculty of Law but was not allowed unless he could muster a benchmark performance, Ozekhome had an easy cross as he topped his class in the English Language Department. He graduated among the best at the faculty of law in 1980. He returned to obtain a Master’s degree of that university in 1983. As of today, Chief holds a Doctor of Law degree of the Alliance International University, Lusaka, Zambia with specialty in Constitutional Law. On the 20th of October, 2022, he will deliver the 10th Convocation Lecture of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) and the following day, he will be conferred with the Doctor of Laws degree (Honoris Causa). That will be the twelfth of such honourary doctorates he has received from different institutions which include International Biographical Centre, (IBC), Cambridge, England, American Heritage University, San Bernardino, California, USA, Edo State University, Uzairue, Edo State among others. He has received well over four hundred honours and awards locally and internationally including the UN Ambassador (Eminent Peace), honourary citizen and recipient of the keys to the cities of Atlanta Georgia, USA (2002) and Dallas, Texas, USA (2002).

Trained by the inimitable Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN, SAM, GCON, Chief Ozekhome is a workaholic, a walking law library, an orator and a very creative law practitioner. In 2010, he was, alongside eighteen others, conferred with the prestigious rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Chief is driven, in his practice of law, by a need to subject everyone to the rule of law and afford everyone fair hearing whether high or low and this reflects in his cases and the varied statuses of his clients. To the poor, he appears as a poor, to the rich he appears rich and to those in captivity, he wears his shackles as bands. Although Chief Ozekhome can no longer, in my humble view, be strictly described as a Leninist or leftist as his ideology is more or less that of a very radical centrist, he is however a very passionate human rights activist who believes in equality and social justice and does everything within his capacity to engender a just society.

As a lawyer, I have had the privilege of closely working with Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN in not less than ten cases at the Federal High Court and at the Appellate Courts. I first worked directly with him in FRN V. Dudafa & others where we acted for different co-defendants together with the equally experienced Gboyega Oyewole SAN, a former Attorney-General of Ekiti State. We all also worked together in a number of cases including the case of Patience Jonathan v. EFCC where we also acted for different parties but as a team. Chief Ifedayo Adedipe SAN would also bring his leadership to bear in those cases just as our beloved but now deceased Glanville Abibo SAN brought knowledge, glamour and candour. Chief Ozekhome brought knowledge, strength and audacity to the team.

Chief Mike Ozekhome has through various cases and court verdicts written his name in gold. The law reports are awash of his Midas touch on law and legal works. He seems to be a reincarnate of King Midas in Greek mythology, his latest breakthrough being the victory recorded in the Nnamdi Kanu’s case at the Court of Appeal. Chief dazzles and dazes his opponents with law and some courtroom theatrics. You need to see him at some of his finest moments when he addresses the court. Telling can never equal seeing. Hey! He has a memory as green as spirogyra! It is a unique gift from God deliberately watered by Chief himself through avid reading and prolific writing.

In recognition of his works as an activist, he was in 2014 conferred with a national honour; Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. On 12th October, 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari who he has always publicly criticized awarded him a higher national honour than he previously had. He was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) as if the president just admitted that Ozekhome has always been right in his critique of his regime.

Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN remains in the vanguard of the struggle to free the Nigerian people from the shackles of oppression, poverty and economic suffocation and to hand over the commanding heights of the economy to the Nigerian people; the wretched of the earth. In doing this, he employs very strategic and dialectical approach to solve both legal and political problems. Just a few days ago, Chief Ozekhome followed the ideological prescription of Paulo Freire in recommending the dialogue option to President Muhammadu Buhari to resolve the IPOB’s Biafra secessionist impasse. Whilst that letter was pending on the President’s table and he had not taken action, the Court of Appeal discharged Nnamdi Kanu and struck out the charges against him. Freire had written in his Pedagogy of the Oppressed that “Leaders, who do not act dialogically but insist on imposing their decisions, do not organize the people – they manipulate them. They do not liberate, nor are they liberated. They oppress”. General Muhammadu Buhari may be adamant but he surely has learnt his lessons.

At 65, Chief Ozekhome SAN still fires on all cylinders, he soars like an eagle! He has done well in the classroom, in the courtroom and in the “other room”. Although he has every right to borrow the immortal words of the Bard of Avon, William Shakespeare through the character of Gratiano in his 1597 dramatic work, Merchant of Venice to gladly say “with mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come”, the Akpakpavighivighi of Edoland has rather chosen to typify the words of American writer Mark Twain that “age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” Little wonder no wrinkle has come at 65, it is youthfulness all round as the Commander still has many rivers to cross and so many fleets to command. At the commanding heights, Chief Mike Ozekhome still soars! Bravo!

Ige Asemudara is a lawyer and the Convener of Mission Against Injustice in Nigeria (MAIN).

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AKPATA CLOCKS 50, WEDS HEARTTHROB IN FAR-AWAY MAURITIUS (EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS)

The immediate past Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Olumide Akpata is 50 years today. This is coming exactly five days after the senior corporate lawyer wed his heartthrob, Osayamon Michelle May Ogbebor at a lavish and exclusive nuptial on the beautiful island of Belle Mare in Mauritius.

The wedding was held at the Trou D’Eau Douce Catholic Church while the A-List guests were feted at the luxurious Longbeach Resort.

Akpata was born on 7 October, 1972. He had his early education in Warri, Delta State and thereafter attended King’s College, Lagos from where he proceeded to study Law at the University of Benin (UNIBEN). He graduated from UNIBEN in 1992, and was admitted to the Nigerian Bar on 15 December, 1993.

After his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kano State, he joined the law firm of Dr. Mudiaga Odje & Co. in Warri, Delta State where cut his teeth in legal practice under the tutelage of the late sage, Dr. Mudiaga Odje, SAN, OFR, who he describes as “the most seasoned litigator of his time.”

In 1996, he relocated to Lagos and teamed up with his cousin, Oghogho Akpata, who had in 1995 set up the law firm, TEMPLARS, after honing his skills in the firm of F. O. Akinrele & Co. under the leadership of the legendary Chief Frank Odunayo Akinrele, SAN.

In his words, “From 1996 to date (2020), I have worked with Oghogho, and our colleagues at Templars, in building and sustaining a world class, multi-sectoral and full-service law firm which is now in the 25th year of its existence and consists of over 100 fee-earners, including two Senior Advocates of Nigeria.”

Prior to ascending the coveted NBA Presidency, Akpata was the Senior Partner and Head of Corporate & Commercial Practice Group of TEMPLARS. The Group comprises Mergers & Acquisitions; Capital Markets; Corporate Law; Labour & Employment; Immigration; Telecommunications, Media, Entertainment and Technology; and Regulatory Compliance.

As a measure of his expansive scope, he notes that “in my over two decades at Templars, I have practised across the diverse areas in which we operate, and I have been privileged to lead or participate in some of the major groundbreaking transactions that have shaped commercial law practice in Nigeria and indeed the Nigerian economy.”

Reputed as a consummate Bar-man, Akpata began participating in NBA activities as a member of the NBA Warri Branch upon joining the law firm of Dr. Mudiaga Odje & Co. Upon relocating to Lagos in 1996, he joined NBA Lagos Branch.

He was a foundation member of the NBA Section on Business Law, and worked closely with the pioneer Chairman of the Section, Mr. George Etomi, and his team to operationalise the Section after its inauguration in December 2004 by then NBA President, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN.

His words: “I was also a member of the Planning Committee which organised the very first NBA-SBL Conference that was held in Abuja in March 2006 and which proved to be a transformational conference that set the NBA-SBL on its current trajectory.

In his 2020 NBA Manifesto, he stated that “My active participation in the NBA-SBL led to my election, in January 2012, as Secretary of the NBA-SBL Council. I was subsequently elected as Vice-Chairman in August 2014 and then as Chairman in August 2016, after which I handed over to the current Chairman, Seni Adio, SAN, in August 2018 albeit I remain a member of the Council. My two-year tenure as Chairman of the NBA-SBL was eventful and impactful.”

Akpata sits in non-executive capacity on the Boards of a number of private companies, some of which he chairs. He is a member of several think-tanks, including the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the United Nations Nigerian Humanitarian Fund (UN-NHF), of which he was a pioneer member.

Increasingly popular for his trademark dance steps, Akpata describes himself as “a gregarious person and when I am not advising on a transaction or attending a client meeting, I love to be in the company of my friends and family or attending social events. I also love travelling and reading the biographies of distinguished personalities. I am a devout Christian and a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.”

His tenure as NBA President was reckoned as one of the most proactive in tackling human rights and rule of law issues that confronted the Nigerian Bar as well as in pushing the frontiers of welfarism at the Bar.

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NBA-SPIDEL LAUDS UBANI AS HE CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY TODAY

The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) wishes its indefatigable Chairman, Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani a very happy birthday as he adds another year today.

Dr. Ubani is a relentless human rights crusader, an unrepentant good governance advocate, an activist and social critic of note, a painstaking public interest litigator, a committed community leader and philanthropist, and an endearing family man.

He showed his mettle as a former NBA 1st Vice President, a trait he has carried into his current role as NBA-SPIDEL Chairman.

Dr. Ubani is a trailblazer and a visionary leader whose daring and can-do spirit is matchless.

The NBA-SPIDEL Council applauds you and especially your uncommon track record in the public interest and development law sphere.

Your landmark cases have opened new frontiers in public interest matters and fostered the entrenchment of human rights in Nigeria.

As you celebrate today, we pray for God’s continued guidance and protection on you. We are confident that posterity will be kind to you in your relentless pursuit of the public interest.

We wish you many more years of happiness and service to humanity.

SIGNED:

Dr. Princess Frank-Chukwuani (FICMC),
Secretary, NBA-SPIDEL
PP: NBA-SPIDEL COUNCIL

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LAW SCHOOL: NYESOM WIKE GIFTS EMEKA NGIGE BEST BIRTHDAY PACKAGE

Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike has delivered a fitting birthday gift to the Chairman of the Council of Legal Education (CLE), Chief Emeka Ngige SAN with the completion of Dr. Nabo Graham Douglas Campus of the Nigerian Law School in Port Harcourt. Ngige turns 61 years today, July 11, 2022.

The CLE Chairman has been passionate about revamping the moribund infrastructure at the Nigerian Law School. Aside from securing several projects notably from Lagos and Rivers State Governments, the alumni and other stakeholders, Ngige spearheaded an ambitious “Nigeria Law School Support Initiative” which was launched during his 60th birthday to further the objective of positioning the Nigerian Law School as a world-class citadel for the training of lawyers.

At a gathering where Wike handed over more land title documents and hint on completion of the Law School Campus project to the authorities, Ngige described Wike as a promise keeper, adding that he promised to deliver on the audacious project a month before the deadline.

Governor Wike on the occasion re-emphasised that the Dr. Nabo Graham Douglas Campus of the Nigerian Law School in Port Harcourt has been delivered to be self-sustaining.

Ngige, following the latest project inspection and receipt of the further titled documents said: “July 21, 2021, when we came for foundation laying, His Excellency promised this project will be delivered in one-year. Behold, today is June 27, 2022, not up to July yet and he had delivered.

“Recall that when we were doing the ground breaking ceremony, His Excellency promised that every month he will give this campus N10 million for four years, and will be given in advance, that is about N480 million to run this institution.

“When I learnt that he had acquired adjoining property, houses, shopping malls and other business facilities for the Law School to rent out to raise revenue to run this institution. I can tell you it is unparalleled.”

A fulfilled Wike on the occasion, said: “We are using this opportunity to present Certificate of Occupancy of the property acquired and paid for by the Rivers State Government for the Nigerian Law School, Dr. Nabo Graham Douglas, Port Harcourt Campus to you (Chairman).

“We are giving the property to you for the purposes of making some revenue to run this campus. Whatever revenue derived is to be utilised for this campus alone.

“Soon, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Director-General will meet to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding. It will ensure that you won’t take revenue from here to subsidise for other campuses. Any money you make here, put it here in this campus.”

Wike conducted Ngige with Director-General of Nigeria Law School, Prof. Isa Chiroma, SAN, and other dignitaries round structures within the Law Campus that are completed and ready for formal handover, according to a THISDAY report.

He said with construction work on all the structures in the campus now completed, the state government awaits the Council of Legal Education to choose a date when they desire the campus be formally handed over to them.

Wike later took Ngige and other officials on a guided tour of the new Law School campus. 

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SAFIYA BALARABE LAUDS JUSTICE MARY ODILI ON HER BIRTHDAY, RETIREMENT

Following the birthday and retirement of Hon. Justice Mary Peter Odili from the Supreme Court, Safiya Balarabe has felicitated with the jurist on this dual celebration.

Her message reads:

“My Lord, Honourable Justice, you are a constant inspiration to all gentlemen in skirt and to all women.

You are a blessing to humankind, a pacesetter, a rare gem, an achiever and a success story. It is amazing how you have walked the paths of the legal journey from the Rivers State Magistracy up to the highest court of the land, the Supreme Court. This is no mean feat neither is it an easy journey in a country such as ours. 44 years in the judiciary is no joke!

It was equally no child’s play as you combined service at the Judiciary as well as your position as the First Lady of Rivers State; indeed you are a great woman.

Your achievement in the Judiciary will never be forgotten, it will continue to inspire us all to reach for the greater heights possible.

My Lord, as you retire today, I wish you a happy retirement, I bring you glad tidings, I wish you the very best and above all, I wish you good fruits from your good labour.

Further more, as your retirement is same day with your 70th birthday, I wish you long life, prosperity and unending happiness. You will continue to celebrate many more years.

Happy birthday, My Lord and God will continue to bless you”.

Signed:
Safiya Balarabe

Treasurer, NBA Women Forum

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ADEKOYA RETIRES FROM AELEX, NGIGE HAILS LEGAL ICON

BY EMEKA NWADIOKE

Pre-eminent senior lawyer and Bar Leader, Mrs. Funke Adekoya SAN is set to retire from AELEX, a leading Tier-1 law firm she co-founded with four partners almost 18 years ago. This is coming against the backdrop of her attainment of the age of 70 years.

Perhaps pre-empting her retirement, Adekoya wrote in July 2020 on Twitter: “Time flies when you’re having fun! Glad to have been a part of this dream. Looking forward (with some trepidation I must confess) to the next step in the strategy plan – retirement! Many more mountains to climb!! #Lawfirmmanagement. #Strategy. https://lnkd.in/eNhQybh.”

Meanwhile, the legal industry has been agog with effusive encomiums on the respected legal amazon and globally acclaimed arbitrator. Extolling the virtues of the former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) First Vice President, the Chairman of the Council of Legal Education (CLE), Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN) described her as “a great Amazon at the Bar.”

According to Ngige, “I took interest in Mrs. Adekoya when she contested and was re-elected as the National Treasurer of NBA at the 1991 NBA Annual General Conference held at Owerri. Her Treasurer’s report shook the conference to its foundations. Since then Mrs. Adekoya has remained a beacon of conscience and integrity at the Bar.”

Not done with his lavish praise, Ngige said: “As the 1st Vice President under Chief Wole Olanipekun’s able leadership she proposed the introduction of Stamp and Seal by the NBA to check the activities of fake lawyers. She has also contributed immensely to the improvement in the standard of legal education when she served as a member of the Council of Legal Education. She did her utmost best to raise the Bar in the legal profession with the setting up of one of the best law firms in Africa.”

Concluding, the CLE Chairman and former NBA presidential candidate said: “As Madam Funke clocks 70 and retires from active legal practice, I join her numerous well wishers and brothers in wishing her a joyful birthday, many happier returns, sound health, greater heights and peace of mind! I am very proud to be associated with her.”

Adekoya is a founding Partner at the firm and heads the Dispute Resolution Practice Group. Appointed Notary Public in 1986 and elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2001, Adekoya has almost 50 years experience in Litigation and Arbitration. As a Litigator, she represents clients regularly before the Nigerian courts at all levels. She also provides expert opinions and has appeared as an expert witness on Nigerian law issues before the courts of England, United States and Turkey.

In the field of arbitration, she represents both local and transnational parties as counsel in domestic and international arbitration proceedings within Nigeria and abroad and has acted in numerous disputes as either party appointed Arbitrator, Sole Arbitrator or Presiding Arbitrator. She lectures regularly on arbitration law and procedure and has been approved by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators as a Tutor at the Associate to Fellowship Course level.

A LLM graduate of the prestigious Harvard Law School, Boston, Massachusetts, Adekoya is regularly listed by leading global ranking entities as a go-to lawyer, especially in litigation and arbitration. She is ranked Band 1 (Dispute Resolution) by Chambers and Partners; Thought Leader (Arbitration) by Who’s Who Legal; “Most Outstanding Female Legal Practitioner” by Financial Standard Newspaper of the Year 2007, and “Most Outstanding Female Legal Practitioner” by Women Entrepreneurs African of the Year 2007 Network.

Reflecting on her service to the Sanctions Board of The World Bank Group, the board wrote that she “brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Sanctions Board in the past years, ”adding that she “made deep contributions to the jurisprudence of the Sanctions Board and the World Bank Group’s anti-corruption agenda.”

Aside from being a former Chair of the NBA Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP), CITY LAWYER recalls that it was Adekoya – as Chair of an NBA Lagos Branch committee – who recommended litigation against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Attorney General of the Federation when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) sought to compel lawyers to make reports on their clients to the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML). The recommendation was unanimously endorsed by NBA-NEC. Both the trial court and Court of Appeal gave judgement in favour of NBA. It is not clear whether any further appeal is pending on the matter.

Adekoya who is the President of International Lawyers for Africa (ILFA) is frequently appointed to arbitral tribunals, either as sole or party-appointed arbitrator conducting proceedings under the rules of the ICC, ICSID, UNCITRAL and LMAA. Arbitrations in which she has been involved range from disputes arising from gas sales agreements, oil rig supply contracts to joint ventures in construction and real estate.

Her recent appointments have been in disputes brought under the ambit of either a BIT or an investment agreement. She was most recently appointed by the State party as arbitrator in an investment dispute between the purchasers of a monopoly electricity producer and the State in one case and in another case, the dispute was between an investor alleging breach of a mining contract by a State and the subsequent cancellation of the investor’s mining licence. She also advises clients on award enforcement issues within Nigeria and leads the counsel team in arbitration-related litigation.

Adekoya is a Fellow and has achieved chartered arbitrator status at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London and has served as the Chair of its Nigerian Branch. She was a founding Board Member of the Lagos Court of Arbitration (LCA) and a former member and a past Vice President of the Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris.

Her other memberships include the London Court of International Arbitration African Users Council and the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration where she sits on the Board of Trustees. She is also a member and past Vice President of the Governing Board of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration, in addition to being a member of the African Users Council of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre. She is a member of the Arbitration Foundation of South Africa’s International Arbitration Rules Drafting Committee’s Advisory Board and the International Appointments Committee of the Scottish Arbitration Centre.

A Life Bencher, Adekoya is listed on various panels, including the ICSID Chairman’s Panel of Arbitrators; those of CIETAC, the Kigali International Arbitration Centre, the Lagos Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration and the Panel of Neutrals of both the Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

She has been invited to conduct arbitration training courses in Accra, Ghana and Kigali, Rwanda and is a regular speaker on arbitration law and practice both within and outside Nigeria.

Adekoya holds both Nigerian and British nationality and in addition to her being called to the Nigerian bar, she is qualified as a Solicitor in England and Wales. She is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, International Bar Association (IBA), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and LCIA African Users Council.

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GADZAMA LLP RELEASES Q1 2022 NEWSLETTER

The law firm of J-K Gadzama LLP has released Volume 34 of its popular quarterly newsletter for 2022.

This latest edition includes the Keynote Address by Most Rev. Dr. Mathew Hassan Kukah, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, on the theme: Labour of Our Heroes Past: Thoughts on National Unity, delivered at the J-K Gadzama LLP 14th Annual Public Lecture in commemoration of the 60th Birthday celebration of Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN.

Held at the Hon. Justice S. M. A Belgore Hall, J-K Gadzama Court, Abuja on Friday, November 26, 2021, the event was chaired by Hon. Justice Sidi Bage, FCIarb., JSC (Rtd), Emir of Lafia, and attended by many dignitaries such as Oba Aladetoyinbo O. Aladelusi Odundun II, the Deji of Akure Kingdom among others.

This 34th volume also features sights and scenes from the J-K Gadzama LLP 2021 Christmas Carol and End-of-Year party. Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN’s New Year Message is also featured in this edition.

Other events on commemoration of the 60th birthday celebration of Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN, games, words on marble, upcoming events, programmes and jokes are also contained in this 34th Volume of the publication.

The newsletter is available at: https://j-kgadzamallp.com/publications/newsletters/49-vol-34-jan-mar-2022

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GADZAMA HEADLINES CLASFON, NBA IBADAN EVENTS, FETES AKPATA, OTHERS

Pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN will today deliver the Keynote Address at the Opening Ceremony of the NBA Ibadan Branch Annual Law Week.

According to a press statement made available to CITY LAWYER, Gadzama, a chartered arbitrator, will speak to the theme of the Law Week, “Unity in diversity and sustainable security in Nigeria: Any role for the law?”

Said the statement: “As part of the activities scheduled for the Law Week, the opening ceremony would commence tomorrow Tuesday, 7th December, 2021. To this end, a son of the soil in person of Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR, MFR, SAN, has been invited to deliver a keynote address at the event.

“The devout bar man and pioneer Chairman of NBA-SPIDEL, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN has maintained good ties with the people of Ibadan both as lawyer and golfer. Gadzama, who also happens to be a patron of the Ibadan Golf Club, occasionally enjoys the sport with friends and colleagues at the Tiger Golf Club and IITA Golf Club in Ibadan. He has and continues to show his undying loyalty and support to the Ibadan Bar. Little wonder, one of his Partners and Head of Lagos Office, Oluniyi Adediji, Esq., ACTI, hails from Ibadan, Oyo State.”

Meanwhile, the leading litigator was one of the special guests at the 2021 Annual Dinner of the Abuja Branch of Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON) hosted in honour of Justice Peter Oyinkenimiemi Affen of the Court of Appeal.

In his goodwill message, Gadzama, a veteran Clasfonite, lauded the leadership of Abuja Branch of CLASFON for the dinner and the “continual succor” given to the Bar in the place of prayer and admonition. He urged the association to “continue in the spirit of commitment and fellowship to pray for the betterment of the legal profession in Nigeria.”

Gadzama emphasized the importance of the independence of the Judiciary and extolled the “dexterity and unwavering sincerity and transparency of Hon. Justice P. O. Affen.” He urged the jurist “to keep up with the good work.”

In a similar vein, Gadzama who is also the Chairman of the Mentorship Committee of the Body of Benchers (BOB), recently hosted NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata and other guests at his residence after his 60th Birthday Thanksgiving service held at the Church of the Brethren Nigeria (EYN).

The event witnessed presentation of birthday gifts to Gadzama by the guests who extolled his good deeds and leadership qualities. These included gifts from the University of Maiduguri Alumni Association led by Mrs. Afiniki Hananiya, the Legal team of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) led by Prof. Joash Amopitan SAN, as well as the staff of J-K Gadzama LLP led by Mohammed Monguno, a former Attorney General of Borno State.

Aside from Akpata, other dignitaries at the barbecue/lunch were Oba A. O. Aladelusi Odundun II, the Deji of Akure and his wife; Alfred Dimas Gadzama, the Garkuwa of Uba Emirates; K. T. Turaki SAN, former federal Minister; Alhaji Garba Gajam, former Nigerian Ambassador to State of Kuwait and Kingdom of Bahrain; Chief Emeka Ngige SAN, Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, and Mr. Mela Nunghe SAN and his wife.

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PIONEER LIFE BENCHER HAILS GADZAMA AT 60, NWAGBARA WINS DEBATE

A member of the Body of Benchers, Ambassador Chief C. D. Orike has paid a courtesy visit to the pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN at his Abuja office.

Orike, who was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 1961, was at the office to felicitate with Gadzama on his 60th birthday anniversary. He is a pioneer member of the Body of Benchers. He was appointed as a Bencher in 1965 alongside 15 others, and is the only surviving pioneer member of the Body.

Orike was a member of the first parliament of 1964 alongside Nigeria’s Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and late Chief Solomon Lar, former Governor of Plateau State. He was Nigeria’s Ambassador to Uganda, with concurrent accreditation to the republics of Rwanda and Burundi.

Gadzama thanked Orike for the visit, restated his respect to the senior life bencher and commended him for the long service he has rendered to the legal profession. He prayed that God will continue to sustain him with good health and strength.

Meanwhile, Mr. Izuchukwu Temilade Nwagbara has won the N1 Million prize at the hotly contested Gadzama Business Law Debate. The finals of the debate held yesterday. After a fierce competition, the Judges retreated for about 30 minutes to decide the winner.

Announcing the winners, the Presiding Judge, Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju SAN informed the audience that Mr. Usman Ibrahim Wali was the 2nd Runner-Up after edging Mr. Adeyemi Kehinde Ayeku in the third place debate.

On the grand finale between Mr. Izuchukwu Temilade Nwagbara and Mr. Ayodeji Ayodele Ayolola, Ogunwumiju stated that both participants did incredibly well. He then declared Nwagbara as the winner while Ayolola was the runner-up.

While Nwagbara took home N1,000,000, Ayolola won N500,000 and Wali received N250,000.

In his remarks, Gadzama appreciated the efforts of all the participants and thanked them for showing wit and skill at all stages of the debate. He also stated that he was proud of the participants and that the fourth placed contestant would also be specially recognised.

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32 CONTESTANTS EMERGE IN GADZAMA ‘BUSINESS LAW DEBATE’

Thirty-two contestants have been selected for the “Business Law Debate” which is part of activities to mark the 60th birthday anniversary of pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL).

According to a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, “The first round will commence today, Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.; it will be live on zoom and can be watched via this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86044023411

Below is the full text of the statement.

APPROX N2M UP FOR GRABS AS GADZAMA’S BUSINESS LAW DEBATE STARTS TODAY *

Congratulations to the 32 shortlisted Candidates for making it to the knockout stage of the competition.

The first round will commence today, Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.; it will be live on zoom and can be watched via this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86044023411

The debates will continue tomorrow, Thursday, November 18, 2021 and will end on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, when the finals will be held.

Recall that the winner will walk home with N1,000,000 while the runner up and second runner up will win N500,000 and N250,000 each. Other prizes are also available for the shortlisted Candidates.

To find out more about the competition and obtain live updates, you are advised to check J-K Gadzama’s social media handles.

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.

GADZAMA @ 60: HOT PRIZES FOR BUSINESS LAW DEBATE

About N1.75 Million is to be won in the “Business Law Debate” to mark the 60th birthday anniversary of pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN.

The debate is open to lawyers of 1-10 years post-call. Participants are required to send a video of themselves arguing ‘Whether the Nigerian law should permit third party funding in arbitration.’

The 32 valid entries with the highest ‘likes’ on Instagram will be shortlisted for the next round. The entries close today.

Meanwhile, Gadzama has vowed to debunk “mammoth series of falsehood being concocted and peddled against my person, practice and interpersonal relationship within the legal profession.”

The statements made available to CITY LAWYER read:

N1.75M To Be Won as J-K Gadzama SAN Turns 60.

Are you a lawyer?
Can you debate??
You know a thing or two about Business law???

Then don’t miss this opportunity!
N1,000,000; N500,000 and N250,000 are up for grabs as J-K Gadzama SAN celebrates his 60th Birthday.

Interested Participants should quickly submit their application to partake in this competition

Don’t wait to be told!
Participate!!

THE MANY FALSEHOODS AGAINST JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN
——————————–
REFUTAL SERIES

Dear Colleagues,

My attention has been drawn to the mammoth series of falsehood being concocted and peddled against my person, practice and interpersonal relationship within the legal profession.

Against this backdrop, it has become pertinent, now more than ever, especially given the likelihood of misconstrued silence as admittance, to state, and categorically so, the true position of things.

Therefore, in the coming days, weeks and months I will be stating in unequivocal terms, my position on the many lies, unwarranted publications and red herrings against my person and practice. Indeed, no matter how dark and scary the night is, it must give way to the light and joy of the morning. I intend to, religiously shine the light of my truth through the many dark lies against my person.

For the record, most of my professional interactions have been documented from day one and I will tap from that rich reserve to put to death these roaring mendacities of falsehood.

Thank you.

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.

GLITZ, GLAMOUR AND NAIRA RAIN, AS NGIGE TURNS 60

The Chairman of Council of Legal Education (CLE), Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN recently celebrated his 60th birthday anniversary. Organised by his Committee of Friends led by Mr. Chijioke Okoli SAN, he used the occasion to launch his pet project, the “Nigerian Law School Support Initiative” aimed to revamp the decaying infrastructure at the Nigerian Law School. The event turned out a naira rain for the initiative, even as Ngige encouraged more donors to commit to the project by paying into the “Council of Legal Education” account on REMITA platform.

CITY LAWYER recalls that among those who felicitated with Ngige, fondly called IKEMBA n’ALOR, were President Muhammadu Buhari; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim T. Muhammad; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; Attorney-General of the Federation & Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami SAN and many of Ngige’s classmates and alumni associations.

The colourful ceremony which was heralded by a Thanksgiving Mass at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, Yaba was witnessed by the cream of Nigeria’s political class and Bar and Bench. Below are some of the faces at the events.

 

EKWEREMADU TO TACKLE LAWMAKING DYNAMICS, AS UWECHUE CLOCKS 82

BY EMEKA NWADIOKE

Former Deputy Senate President, Prof. Ike Ekweremadu (PhD, CFR) will deliver the Keynote Address at the virtual birthday celebration of respected former Chairman of Nigeria’s Body of Benchers, Chief George Uwechue SAN, FNIALS who clocks 82 years on Monday.

The event which is aimed to honour Chief Uwechue, a former Speaker pro Tempore of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has as its theme “The lawyer in Parliament: A catalyst in the legislative process.” The birthday lecture is billed as a tour de force between politics, lawyering and lawmaking. Chief Uwechue was the Deputy Leader of the Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) Caucus and Chairman of the Public Petitions Committee.

A statement by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN which was made available to CITY LAWYER noted that “As Owelle was a lawyer-member of the House of Representatives in the Second Republic, we consider the topic apposite for the occasion, moreso as Senator Ekweremadu is not only the immediate past Deputy Senate President but is also a lawyer and has been in the Senate for unbroken 17 years.”

The event which kicks off at 4:30 pm will be chaired by renowned senior lawyer, Senator Onyeabo Obi. It will witness goodwill messages from political leaders and foremost jurists. It will also be streamed on several social media channels as well as feature sensational saxophonist, BeeJay Sax who is billed to thrill the global audience.

Chief Uwechue is adjudged one of Nigeria’s foremost jurists, with many leading precedents to his credit. These include Magnusson v Koiki; NAS LTD v BA PLC; Ashibuogwu v AG Bendel State, and the regularly referenced Adeniyi v Governing Council of Yabatech which concurrent verdicts of the trial court and Court of Appeal he upturned at the Supreme Court upon being hired by the appellant.

A longstanding Faculty member at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Chief Uwechue was appointed as a Member of the Rules of Court Advisory Committee of the Supreme Court between 1985 and 1986. He produced a draft review of the rules which was later subsumed into the Supreme Court Rules 1999 (as amended).

Chief Uwechue, the “Owelle of Ogwashi Uku,” was born on 30th November, 1938. He was a two-time member of the House of Representatives, representing Aniocha Federal Constituency of former Bendel State on two different party platforms. He rose to the pinnacle of the House leadership following his assumption of office as the Speaker pro Tempore.

Following the interruption of civil rule by the military, he returned to law practice and again rose to the apogee of the legal profession with his admission into the Inner Bar and his election as Chairman of the Body of Benchers, the apex body that regulates the profession in Nigeria.

He was admitted into the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, Inns of Court School of Law for the English Bar in February 1961 and passed the “British Constitution” with distinction at the North Western Polytechnic, London. He repeated this uncommon feat at the Holborn College of Law, Languages and Commerce where in 1962 he again earned Distinction in “Constitutional Law.” His teacher and one of the world’s foremost constitutional lawyers, Prof. Ben Nwabueze SAN once described Chief Uwechue as unarguably the best among his classmates. This was during the launch of a compendium written by leading Nigerian jurists in Uwechue’s honour.

Chief Uwechue enrolled at the London School of Economics and Political Science courtesy of his mentor, Prof. Nwabueze, and in 1965 received his Bachelor’s Degree in Law, graduating with Second Class Honours. He returned to Nigeria the same year and enrolled at the Nigerian Law School. Having passed the Bar Finals, Chief Uwechue was admitted to the Nigerian Bar on January 21, 1966 – almost 55 years ago.

To register for the virtual event, click
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_19N9qdSbTXaheLKZBsZ-Pw OR https://bit.ly/OwelleAt82

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. 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.

OBI, OLANIPEKUN, OTHERS CELEBRATE EX-NBA SPOKESMAN AT 60

Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong and his Benue counterpart, Dr. Samuel Ortom are among dignitaries expected to participate in an online colloquium that would discuss law and technology.

The theme of the webinar is “The COVID-19 new normal: leveraging law and technology to promote good governance; ensure food security in a sustainable environment.”

The colloquium is in commemoration of the 60th birthday anniversary of Mr. John Echezona Unachukwu, (John Austin), former National Publicity Secretary of the NBA and the unveiling of John Austin Unachukwu and Associates Law and Media Centre. The event will hold today by 1 pm.

While Mr. Obi will present the Keynote Address, the Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Lanre Fagbohun (SAN) would be the 6th speaker.

The chief host, according to The Guardian, would be the pioneer chairman of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN), while the former Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), Chief Sebastine Hon (SAN), Chief Arthur Obi-Okafor (SAN), among others would host the event.

To register, click here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_294c3EnXQ2KGI78hBKuf5Q

LAWYERS’ GROUP, EBUKA, NBA PUBLICIST HAIL AKPATA AT 48

A group of lawyers under the aegis of Lawyers for Welfare Advocacy (LAWFWA) has felicitated with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Olumide Akpata on his birthday today.

NBA Benin Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ogaga Emoghwanre has also congratulated Akpata on his birthday, describing him as “a  quintessential gentleman, effervescent, intelligent, savvy, spruce, dapper and a stylish personality.”

In separate messages made available to CITY LAWYER, they prayed for greater success for the NBA President.

Meanwhile, popular lawyer and TV host, Mr. Ebuka Obi-Uchendu has also joined in the flurry of congratulatory messages to Akpata. In the message posted on his verified Twitter handle, he wrote: “Happy birthday my presido @OlumideAkpata !!! More wins boss Folded hands

Below are the messages:

LAWYERS FOR WELFARE ADVOCACY (LAWFWA) CELEBRATES THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT; OLUMIDE AKPATA ON THE OCCASION OF HIS BIRTHDAY.

The Lawyers for Welfare Advocacy wishes to congratulate the most innovative President of the bar in modern history; Olumide Akpata on the occasion of his birthday.

Sir, not only do you seamlessly adapt to addressing the emerging challenges from the persistent ones that we face in our country today, but you are also always striving to make things better with new approaches and such unfaltering determination and focus.

We therefore seize this opportunity to thank you for all of your amazing efforts in repositioning our dear bar, for your sagacity in making Nigeria better and for your pragmatic approach to addressing her numerous challenges for the betterment of all.

We wish you many happy returns today and always.

Happy birthday sir.

For: Lawyers for Welfare Advocacy
Ezekiel Ugwueze Esq.
National Secretary

OGAGA EMOGHWANRE, ESQ FELICITATES MR. OLUMIDE AKPATA, PRESIDENT OF THE NBA ON HIS BIRTHDAY.

Today is the oldest you have ever been and before it loses that privilege, I will attempt to eulogize your good self. Words may fail me in doing that, however, this eulogy is inextricably linked with verifiable facts.

Mr Olumide Akpata, before the day goes dim or lusterless, I want to say a huge Happy Birthday to you. You are a  quintessential gentleman, effervescent, intelligent, savvy, spruce, dapper and a stylish personality, I wish you all the best as you celebrate today.

Our President Sir, you are a man with a keen sense of beauty, a genius of the first magnitude, a man of transparent honesty, your amiable disposition, regal dignity and humility makes you a matchless colossus.

Today may be like any other day for some, but a special, glamorous and illuminating day for you. It is not the years of our lives that counts but the life of our years.

You are a man who breaks down barriers, explores new frontiers, sets records only to  break them.

You are  quintessential in all that you do, a leader par excellence. You are revolutionary and progressive in ideas.

To truly know you is to have a  piece of heaven as you are God’s hand on earth. Your philanthropy transcends mortal reasoning; a man with a heart of gold and accessible to all.

You are by every means a man of the people and loved by all. We are indeed blessed to have you around; a gift to humanity.

Mr Olumide Akpata is a detribalized Nigerian with a penchant for bringing everyone together. As a trailblazer who has shown light in so many ways, moreso as a unifying factor to lead the largest community of learned personalities in Sub Saharan Africa.

The internet is agog today, the 7th day of October, 2020 from both lawyers and non lawyers with so much encomiums and birthday wishes. This shows that the Support and acceptance that trailed your emergence as PRESIDENT of the NBA was vox populi and a testament of the fact that it was divinely orchestrated. 

As is true about life, some hard balls may be thrown at you at some point; some days are good and some are bad, pain is written on all our cards so we remember to value our good times.

But one thing I know is that you have the grace to always weather the storm.

There is no doubt and it is crystal clear that your vast knowledge is unprecedented and oceanic, these and so many of your stirling qualities endeared me to you and I am indebted to you with so much gratitude, thank you for all you have done and will still do.

Your birthday is an opportunity for me to express my sincere and unalloyed gratitude to you for everything.

My wish for you on your birthday is that you always be, happy and healthy.

May you live a prosperous and abundant life.

May God grant you more wisdom, knowledge and leadership prowess to pilot the affairs of our Association, the NBA.

Happy birthday once more sir. May this year bring for you all the graces you require to sustain the good works you have gained notoriety for.

Amen.

Cherish and savor the unprecedented love of God in your life and enjoy your Natal day to the fullest. God bless the President of Nigerian Bar Association Mr Olumide Akpata.

OGAGA EMOGHWANRE, ESQ.

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails tocitylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebookat https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTERat https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag 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.

NGIGE, BAR LEADER AND CLE CHAIR, CLOCKS 59

Consummate Bar Leader and Chairman of Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige SAN is 59 years today. Fondly called “Emeka Ngige” by his teeming admirers, the renowned activist Bar Leader was born on 11th July, 1961 to the family of late Chief Pius & Mrs. Priscilla Ngige of Urueze-Ide Village, Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. He is the last of seven children.

Shortly after the end of the civil war in 1970 Chief Ngige started his primary education at St. Francis Primary School, Uruezeani, Alor in 1970 and completed same at St. Patrick’s Primary School, Ogbete, Enugu. In 1974 he was admitted to St. John’s Secondary School, Alor for his secondary school education. He graduated in 1979 with the much coveted Division 1 grade.

After his secondary school education and precisely between August 1979 and September 1980, Chief Ngige had a stint with the Federal Ministry of Employment, Labour and Productivity where he worked as a clerical officer. In September 1980 he gained admission to study Law at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNN). He graduated in July 1984.

In August 1984 he was admitted to the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island for his Bar Qualifying Examinations. He successfully completed the programme in 1985 and was admitted to the Nigerian Bar on 23rd August, 1985.

Following his call to the Nigerian Bar, Chief Ngige was posted to Ondo State for the mandatory National Youth Service (NYSC) programme. His primary place of assignment was at the Nigeria Police Force, State CID, Akure where he prosecuted criminal matters on behalf of the Police.

Upon completion of his national youth service in 1986, Chief Ngige was employed as a Pupil Counsel in the Chambers of G. N. Uwechue & Co., Lagos. Chief Ngige practised in the law firm for four years and rose through the ranks to the position of Deputy Head of Chambers. In September 1990 Chief Ngige set up his law firm, Emeka Ngige & Co at the same Bank Chambers building before moving to his present location at Lewis Street in central Lagos.

Chief Ngige was on 10th July, 1992 appointed a Notary Public for Nigeria by then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon Justice Mohammed Bello. In 2002 Chief Ngige was adjudged to have achieved legal excellence and distinction, and elevated to the enviable rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on account of his contributions to the development of Nigeria’s legal profession. Chief Ngige was one of the private legal practitioners engaged by the Government to prosecute cases at the Failed Banks Tribunal at Enugu and Lagos. He was also among the private legal practitioners engaged by the Federal Government to represent the government in various cases filed by the Abacha family to stall the recovery efforts of the Government.

Chief Ngige is a consummate Bar man and has held various offices in the Nigerian Bar Association. He was a member of National Executive of the association between August 1991 and September 2016. Between 1995 and 1997, he served as Publicity Secretary, NBA Lagos Branch. He later became the Branch Secretary between 1997 and 1999. He was in 2009 appointed a member of the Body of Benchers as a representative of the NBA. He remained in that Body till November 2012.

He was also a member of the NBA National Disciplinary Committee between 2002 and 2004. Chief Ngige is a longstanding Assistant Secretary of Body of Senior of Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), having mounted the saddle since 2005. Chief Ngige also doubles as the Chairman of Class of ‘85 Nigerian Law School Alumni. The Class is among the alumni classes supporting the Nigerian Law School in various aspects including donation of law books and other materials.

Highly passionate about Bar governance, Ngige contested for NBA Presidency in 2012 and lost in very controversial circumstances. Subsequently, he penned a memorandum on Bar reforms, saying: “Every effort must be made to insulate the Election Committee from the influence, authority, direction or control of the National Secretariat or the National Officers. Under no circumstance should the Election Committee take directives or instruction from a National Officer or the National Secretariat.”

On 22nd May, 2019 Chief Ngige was appointed a non-executive Director of Air Peace Ltd, one of Nigeria’s leading airlines. A week later and precisely on the 28th May, 2019 Chief Ngige was inaugurated as Chairman, Council of Legal Education (CLE) by the Attorney-General of the Federation & Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN.

Chief Ngige is happily married to Mrs. Ogochukwu Ngige (Nee Anichebe), a civil servant with the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO). The lovebirds are blessed with four children. In recognition of his contributions to his community, Chief Ngige was conferred with the chieftaincy title of “Ikemba N’Alor.”

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. 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.

FESTSCHRIFT: UNILAG HONOURS OYEBODE AT 71

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) will on Tuesday turn to a mecca of sorts as jurists and scholars storm the famous citadel of learning to honour renowned professor of international law and jurisprudence, Prof. Akin Oyebode. The learned scholar turns 71 same day. Continue Reading