ENCOMIUMS

BUHARI, BOSAN, CARDINAL HAIL NGIGE ON NATIONAL HONOUR

President Muhammadu Buhari has given reasons why he conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) on respected Bar Leader and Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN, OFR).

In an “Instrument of Conferment of National Honour” sighted by CITY LAWYER, Buhari stated that the honour was bestowed on the leading litigator “in recognition of your outstanding virtues and in appreciation of your services to our country, Nigeria.”

The honour coincides with the 20 years anniversary of Ngige’s conferment with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Meanwhile, the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) and Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpareke are among several bodies and individuals who have commended Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN, OFR) on the award of national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Congratulating Ngige among other members who received national honours, BOSAN wrote: “The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) felicitates its eminent members on being conferred with the National Honour by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.”

On his part, Cardinal Okpareke, who is the Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese of the Catholic Church, stated that “This is a recognition, at the national level, of your contribution to humanity and to Nigeria in a special way.”

Okpareke, who was recently ordained a Cardinal by Pope Francis, stated that “You have contributed to the development of jurisprudence in Nigeria both in your professional career as a lawyer and in your administration of the Council of Legal Education,” adding that “Our prayer is that God who has sustained you and given success to your labors (Ps 90(89):17) will continue to bless you and inspire many more people to take after your example of service to humanity.”

Meanwhile, a group called “Friends of Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN” and comprising about 200 signatories 145 of whom are Senior Advocates of Nigeria, also felicitated with Ngige on the award. The group also donated sundry medical equipment worth millions of naira to support Ngige’s pet project targeted at revamping the moribund infrastructure at the Nigerian Law School.

Others who also commended Ngige on the award include the Council of Legal Education (CLE); Class of 1985 of the Nigerian Law School which is chaired by Ngige; Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC); Otu Oka Iwu (Law Society); Dominican University, Ibadan; former Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr. Fatai Owoseni; Mr. Samuel Zibiri, SAN; Mr. Rotimi Oguneso, SAN and Alor Dinma Initiative (ADI), to name a few.

More encomiums were poured on the respected Bar Leader and member of the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) at a post-investiture reception which held at Gwarinpa, Abuja. The event was attended by many dignitaries especially judges of the Federal High Court, members and top management of the Council of Legal Education/Nigerian Law School, as well as senior lawyers and government officials.

Among those who attended the reception were former Transport Minister, Chief Chibuike Amaechi; the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu; Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity) to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Garba Shehu; Director-General of Nigerian Law School, Dr. Isa Hayatu Chiroma SAN; Chief Adegboyega Awomolo SAN; Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Awomolo, SAN; Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Mr. Emeka Obegola SAN; former Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, Mr. Chijioke Okoli SAN and his successor-in-office, Mr. Chukwuka Ikwuazom SAN.

Others are HRM Igwe Ebubechukwuzo Collins Chukwumesili, the traditional ruler of Alor; Prof. Samuel Alege, Chairman of Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Mr. Chinedu Akubueze, Clerk of the Senate; Mr. Ahmed Al-mustapha, former Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), as well as members of the 1985 Nigerian Law School set and 1984 University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC) Law Class.

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JURIST, AG, KAIGAMA POUR ENCOMIUMS ON GADZAMA

FEATURED

JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN, A TRAILBLAZER WHO SHOULD BE IMITATED BY THE NBA – HON. JUSTICE O. A ADENIYI AT THE 7TH EDITION OF THE ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND MENTORING PROGRAM FOR YOUNG LAWYERS OF J-K GADZAMA LLP

According to Hon. Justice O. A. Adeniyi, “Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN is in active competition with the NBA as a body for the provision of legal services and the NBA should learn from the Learned Silk”. Flowing from this quote, the prestigious J-K Gadzama LLP held the 7th edition of its Annual Hon. Justice Chukwudifu Oputa JSC (Rtd) Professional Training and Mentoring Program for Young Lawyers on Saturday, 4 June 2022. The hybrid event with the theme, “Emerging Areas of Law: The Role of Young Lawyers” witnessed the attendance of young lawyers from different states across the country.

As you may be aware, the Mentoring Program has been a long standing tradition of the law firm, and is in accord with the Principal Partner’s mandate of alleviating the plight and bridging the knowledge gap of young lawyers in the legal profession in Nigeria.

As a result of his passion for the welfare and growth of young lawyers, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, the principal partner of J-K Gadzama LLP, who despite his tight schedule, was present at the Mentoring Program to chip in his bit of advice to the young lawyers before embarking on a journey same morning. While giving his opening remarks, he urged the young lawyers present to pick a mentor and carve out a niche for their legal practice by specializing in two or three aspects of legal practice. Mr. Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN, Mr. Ganny Ajape, Mr. Steve Abar, Mr. Gotom Samson (Secretary of Jos Branch NBA), Mr. Francis Oronsaye, Mr. Madu Joe-Kyari Gadzama and Mr. Jerry Musa Ombugadu were in attendance at the program.

The Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf, who is the incumbent Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, was ably represented by Hon. Justice O.A Adeniyi of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. His Lordship during his remarks commended the Learned Silk, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama for his continuous efforts towards developing young lawyers through his annual mentoring programs. He noted that the Learned Silk is indeed a pacesetter in the field of mentorship for young lawyers and he urged the Nigerian Bar Association to follow the footsteps of the Learned Silk to ensure that the legal profession is left in secure and safe hands.

Dr. Oluwakemi Pinheiro, SAN, the founding partner of Pinheiro LP, who was the keynote speaker at the program delivered a stellar presentation on the topic, “Attaining Self-Development to Becoming an Iconic Legal Practitioner in Emerging Areas of Law”. In the wise words of the Learned Silk, he stated that “A lawyer is a student until he dies. Once he considers himself not a student anymore, the lawyer inside him dies”. While concluding his session, the Eminent Silk reiterated the essence of identifying an area of specialization and harnessing the opportunities prevalent in that field.

Other discussants who keyed into the theme by making presentations on various emerging areas of law include: Mr. Darlington Onyekwere, Partner at J-K Gadzama LLP who set the high bar for other discussants by delivering an outstanding presentation on legal advocacy; Mrs. Anne Agi, a law lecturer at the University of Calabar and the Chief rapporteur of NBA, who during the second session of the event made a top-notch presentation on space law, a seemingly interesting area of law with little development in Nigeria; Ms. Layo Olaiya, an associate at Olaniwun Ajayi LP and Mr. John Olamiposi, an associate at Omaplex Law who during the third and fourth sessions delivered exceptional presentations on the rapidly growing areas of Fintech law and Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria respectively.

In the words of Mrs. Anne Agi, “the mainstream is already chocked. As such, lawyers should continuously transform into something else”. In accordance with these words, we believe that the program was indeed enlightening and informative as the keynote speaker and discussants did substantial justice to the theme. At the end of each session, the mentees asked a host of interactive questions to the mentors who eagerly provided insightful answers to these questions based on their wealth of knowledge and experience.

Indeed, the Chairman of the Mentoring Committee of the Body of Benchers for Young Lawyers, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN has shown immense dedication and commitment towards ensuring that young lawyers are adequately equipped with the requisite knowledge to succeed in the legal profession.

WHAT A MAN!!! – KAIGAMA IBRAHIM TO J-K GADZAMA, SAN AT THE LUNCH/SIT-OUT SESSION HOSTED BY THE NBA KEFFI BRANCH

On Sunday, June 5, 2022, Learned Silk, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and his entourage including Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN (Former. Chairman Abuja Branch), Steve Abar ( Former. Vice President NBA, Former. National Assistant Secretary), Ganny Ajape (Former. National welfare Secretary of the NBA), Samson Samson Gotom (NBA Jos Branch Secretary), 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), Esther Oduh (Counsel J-K Gadzama LLP), Ogwuche Roseline (Counsel J-K Gadzama LLP), attended a lunch/ sit-out session hosted by the NBA Keffi branch.

The Lunch/ sit-out session witnessed the attendance of Bar Leaders from the NBA Keffi Branch such as: Senator Abubakar Danso Sodangi, Dr Abdullkareem Kana (A.G Nasarawa State), Hassan Dikko Ibrahim (Class of 86), Eric I. Esq (Pioneer Chairman Keffi Branch), Ahmed Loko (Immediate Past Chairman Keffi Branch), Mr G.B Ashi (Elder, NBA Keffi branch), Uche Okonkwo (FIDA Chairperson) and Isaac Paul Akpomishi (Secretary, NBA Keffi Branch).

Kaigama Ibrahim, a member of the NBA Keffi Branch expressed his gratitude to the Learned silk, stating that he had personally benefited from the benevolence of the Learned silk. In his words, “we have our candidate and need not vote for another”.

Furthermore, he stated that he is a graduate of the University of Jos and during his undergraduate days, letters were written to a lot of Senior Advocates of Nigeria by the Law Students’ Association of University of Jos soliciting for funds and only the Learned Silk, Chief J-K Gadzama, SAN responded and provided them with financial assistance.

Kaigama Ibrahim also stated that when his set got admission into the Nigerian Law School, seven (7) of his classmates could not afford the law school tuition. They reached out to the Learned silk and he, (J-K Gadzama, SAN) paid the tuition fees of all seven of them, saying that he did not want them to tell anyone and he was only doing so for his conscience and in obedience to God.

What a man!!!

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J-K GADZAMA, SAN OPENED THE WAY FOR NORTHERN LAWYERS – AG NASARAWA STATE AT THE LUNCH/SIT-OUT SESSION HOSTED BY THE NBA KEFFI BRANCH.

On Sunday, June 5, 2022, Learned Silk, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and his entourage including Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN(Former. Chairman Abuja Branch), Steve Abar ( Former. Vice President NBA, Former. National Assistant Secretary), Ganny Ajape (Former. National welfare Secretary of the NBA), Samson Samson Gotom (NBA Jos Branch Secretary), 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), Esther Oduh (Counsel J-K Gadzama LLP), Ogwuche Roseline (Counsel J-K Gadzama LLP), at the lunch/ sit-out session hosted by the NBA Keffi branch.

The Lunch/ sit-out session witnessed the attendance of Bar Leaders from the NBA Keffi Branch such as: Senator Abubakar Danso Sodangi, Dr Abdullkareem Kana(A.G Nasarawa State), Hassan Dikko Ibrahim of class 86 with Chief J-K Gadzama SAN, Eric I. Esq ( pioneer Chairman Keffi Branch), Ahmed Loko (immediate past chairman Keffi Branch), Mr G. B. Ashi ( Elder, NBA keffi branch), Uche Okonkwo ( FIDA Chairperson) and and Isaac Paul Akpomishi (secretary NBA Keffi branch).

Dr. Abdullkareem Kana (A.G Nasarawa State), welcomed the Learned silk and expressed his gratitude to the learned Silk for all he has done for the legal profession and the bar.

Furthermore, He stated that at a time many did not believe that a Northern lawyer especially one from maiduguri can make a breakthrough in the legal profession, the Learned silk showed them, that it can be done and opened the way for them.

Thereafter he concluded by saying that all J-K Gadzama SAN has done for the profession and the bar, no Northern lawyer has ever done it.

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ENCOMIUMS, AS YEMI AKANGBE EMERGES NBA LAGOS CHAIR

• ICT PARTNER TO GET N700K

There is palpable excitement among members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch as the first-ever branch elections via electronic voting climaxed with the election of leading corporate lawyer, Mr. Yemi Akangbe as the new branch Chairman. Akangbe, a partner at the law firm of Sofunde, Osakwe, Ogundipe & Belgore, polled 440 (56.8%) of the 774 votes to beat his closest rival, Mr. Adebola Lema who garnered 311 votes or 40.2%. Bolatumi Animashaun came a distant third with 23 votes or 3%.

In the traditional show of sportsmanship that the branch has become accustomed to, some candidates have been calling to congratulate their opponents who won. The branch elections have often been rancour-free over the years.

Meanwhile, there are strong indications that Vote-now.com, LLC, the Jacksonville, USA based ICT Partner for the elections may receive about $2300 or N703,000 for their efforts. Mr. Richard Akintunde SAN, Chairman of the Election Committee told CITY LAWYER in an interview that “The service provider will be paid at the conclusion of the election, depending on the total number of voters registered. Their fees are estimated at about $2300 but we will have a final figure at the conclusion of the election.”

It has also been encomiums galore for the Akintunde-led committee which once again delivered rancour-free polls. Akintunde had during an interview https://citylawyermag.com/2019/06/25/we-will-deliver-rancour-free-elections-nba-lagos-cte-chair-tells-city-lawyer/ with CITY LAWYER said: “I want to assure members of the NBA Lagos Branch, candidates, eligible voters and stakeholders that with their cooperation and support, the 2019 election by e-voting will be seamless. At the end of it all, we will all congratulate ourselves.” He has been involved in branch election management since 2009, three times as Secretary to the Election Committee. He is piloting the elections as Chairman for the second consecutive term.

Some members have taunted the national body, saying the NBA National Officers Elections should henceforth be conducted by the Akintunde-led committee. While Ngozi Onwuka said that “The voting process is so easy and stress free, unlike the national election,” Queeneth Hogan said: “I must say, the convenience of this process should be emulated by our National body. Very transparent process. Kudos to the Electoral Committee. Very well done.”

Another Bar Leader, Chukwuma Ezeala said: “May I use this opportunity to congratulate the Premier Bar for their commitment to excellence. I salute in particular our Chairman, Chukwuka Ikwuazom for visionary leadership, our Electoral Committee for their hard work. The contestants were great, our friend Lema and others with laudable projects who would not serve us now. To our Chairman Elect Yemi and other officers Elect congratulations and put on your seatbelts as you must surpass where our current Chairman has taken us to. The Premier Bar must lead and others follow. Finally I say bravo to our President, Paul Usoro SAN for his leadership at the National level and request him to recommend our system to other Branches to reduce the rancorous system in most Branches.”

Okey Ilofulunwa garnered 295 or 39.6 votes to become the Vice Chairman-elect, while Chuks Nwana polled 246 or 33.0 votes and Bode Omoboriowo brought the rear with 204 or 27.4% votes. Incumbent Publicity Secretary, Mr. Moshood Abiola polled 470 or 63.7% to clinch the coveted post of Secretary, beating Tochukwu Chukwumerije and Obinna Okereke who got 208 (28.2%) and 60 (8.1%) votes.

The post of Social Secretary went to Ngozi Egeonu with 406 or 54.7% votes while her opponent Adefowoke Ayo-Ponle polled 336 or 45.3% votes. Harry Ukaejiofor got 331 or 45.8% votes to beat his closest rival, Ben Ihesiulo who polled 245 or 33.9%. Dumgbara Torbari trailed the duo with 147 or 20.3% votes. Ifeoma Ben fought a hard battle to dust two of her rivals, polling 367 or 49.5%. Elo Adhekpukoli and Hammed Bakare got 260 or 35% and 115 or 15.5% votes respectively.

Other candidates whose nominations were not opposed were returned elected. These include Foluke Akinmoladun, Treasurer; Chinenye Oragwu, Financial Secretary; Anthonia Enitan Eke, Welfare Secretary; James Sonde, Publicity Secretary and Florence Chijioke-Duru, Provost.

Both Lema and Animashuan have congratulated Akangbe on his victory. Some other candidates have also congratulated their victorious opponents. In a whatsapp post barely an hour after close of polls, Lema wrote: “Good evening learned Seniors and Colleagues. Permit me to inform you that the result of the NBA, Lagos Branch 2019 Election has just been released by the Election Committee. The result showed Mr. Yemi Akangbe scored 440 votes as against Mr. Adebola Olarotimi LEMA who scored 311 votes. Mr. Yemi Akangbe has therefore been returned Chairman-elect of the Branch and l have called to congratulate him on his victory. I thank all members of our great Branch for your time, effort, energy, commitment and support. God bless NBA Lagos Branch. Adebola Olarotimi Lema.”

On her part, Animashaun wrote: “Congratulations to you, my brother, Yemi Akangbe! I wish you a successful tenure. Well done to our Electoral Committee for a job well done. Thank you all for your cooperation.”

A similar gesture was extended to Ilofulunwa when his opponent, Chuks Nwana wrote: “Well done to the electoral committee, it was a seamless process. To the winners Congratulations. Okey my brother special congratulations to you. It’s our Bar. Long live the Premier Branch.” On his part, defeated Assiatant Secretary candidate, Elo Adhekpukoli wrote: “I just called Ifeoma Ben to congratulate her.”

Members have commended the Election Committee for organizing a seamless and transparent exercise. Other members of the committee are HRM Chief E. A. Otokhina, Mrs. Sola Adegbonmire, Mr. Geff Eze and Mrs. Obosa Akpata, Secretary of the Committee.

At least one Bar Leader has commended the losing candidates for their show of sportsmanship. In a post seen by CITY LAWYER, former NBA presidential candidate and Chairman of the Council of Legal Education (CLE), Chief Emeka Ngige SAN gave Lema a pat on the back, saying: “Well done, Lema! A gallant fighter and true sportsman! It is well!”

On his part, senior lawyer, Chief Adewale Adeniji said: “Congratulations, Yemi. I am sure you will reach out to your co-contestants, if you’ve not done so already. I wish you well in your task of following a class Act that Chairman Chukwuka has been.”

Members have also commended the foresight of the Chukwuka Ikwuazom-led Executive Committee in initiating the electronic voting system in the branch. Fiery Bar commentator, Gerty Ben-Iloegbunam wrote: “I’m most grateful to God for the Spirit that entered and controlled Chukwuka Ikwuazom to appoint this Electoral Committee headed by the Learned Silk! His uncommon integrity has brought joy and acceptance of the outcome of this just concluded election. I’m most grateful to Almighty God. Thanks once more to the outgoing Exco, while I sincerely pray and hope that the New Exco will surpass in their duty. Congratulations all.”

Senior Partner at Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL), Victor Nwakasi added his voice to the encomiums when he said: “Chukwuka Ikwuazom! Character and strength are better proven. Thanks for being a great leader, truly proven by this process.”

Many branch members contend that Ikwuazom has raised the stakes in Bar governance, adding that the incoming regime has a tough task of taking the branch a notch higher.

Congratulating the winners on their victories, Ikwuazom wrote: “I congratulate Mr. Yemi Akangbe on his emergence as Chairman Elect of the great Premier Bar. I congratulate all the successful candidates in the election. To those who did not realize their ambitions in this election, I congratulate you as well for the good fight you all fought. To my dear brother Lema, I congratulate you for being such a good sport. You are a good man and an astute bar man. On behalf of the branch, I want to thank the Chairman and members of the Electoral Committee. I know the amount of work that you put in to give us a flawless election. God bless you all. We have demonstrated by this election that we are the Premier Bar and chart the course for other branches to follow. Long live the Premier Bar! Long live the NBA.”

Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Copyright 2018 CITY LAWYER. 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.