GADZAMA Archives - CITY LAWYER MAGAZINE

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MAIKYAU WINS, AS NBA APPEALS C’TE WINDS UP, SUBMITS REPORT

The last hurdle on the path of Nigerian Bar Association President-elect, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN being sworn-in as the next NBA President has been cleared, with the winding up of the appeals process.

CITY LAWYER recalls that Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN, who was declared runner-up in the elections, had queried the outcome of the election, though he vowed not to file any petition unless the NBA National Appeals Committee (NBA-NEAC) was ratified by the NBA National Executive Council before commencing its work and an audit of the election conducted.

But an unimpeachable source at NBA House told CITY LAWYER that the Appeals Committee has wound up its activities, adding that “The committee has submitted its report.” This has foreclosed the filing of any appeal on the election.

It is recalled that NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata had during the week dissolved all Standing Committees, leaving only the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) and the Technical Committee on Conference Planning (TCCP) which is spearheading the forthcoming NBA Annual General Conference (AGC).

While members of the first NBA-NEAC LED BY Mrs. Funmi Roberts had resigned en masse following allegations of bias by the Gadzama Campaign Team against some of its members, another committee was quickly constituted to deal with any petitions arising from the 2022 NBA Elections.

Led by former Attorney-General & Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi SAN, the committee comprised of former NBA President and Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba SAN; Cecilia Madueke (Secretary); Mr. Olumide Babalola (Counsel) and Mr. Rotimi Ogunyemi (Resident IT Expert).

The committee had on August 5, 2022 issued guidelines for filing of petitions, pegging the deadline at 7 days. The appeal window lapsed on August 12, 2022. There are strong indications that the committee did not receive any appeal on the election.

CITY LAWYER reliably gathered that the NBA leadership will present the committee and its report to the NBA-NEC for ratification.

Maikyau was declared winner of the NBA presidential election with 22,342 votes while Gadzama polled 10,842 to become runner-up. Immediate past NBA General Secretary, Mr. Jonathan Taidi garnered 1380 votes to place third.

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GADZAMA IS KEYNOTE SPEAKER, MENTORS PREMIERE ACADEMY GRADUANDS

The President of Vox Populi Foundation, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN, was privileged to be invited as the Keynote Speaker at the 13th Graduation Ceremony of Premiere Academy at Lugbe, Abuja.

While delivering his speech on the theme, “Managing my Success”, Gadzama stated that he felt very honoured to have the rare privilege of not just lending his voice to the theme of this year’s graduation ceremony, but also sharing his personal success story with young minds and prospects beaming with life’s vigour.

Gadzama stated that beyond words, the theme, “Managing My Success” evokes a great deal of reflection on the life patterns, principles, relationships, strategies and focus needed to attain a certain level of success, maintain same and grow exponentially over some time.

He stated that in defining success, there are a few things an individual must know which he outlined as follows: The person one aspires to be? Feasible steps to take towards becoming that person?

Gadzama stated that to achieve and maintain success, one needs passion, hard work, determination, self-discipline, planning and faith in God. Further, he stated that one thing which kept him through his life’s journey was his resilience to never give up on the visions he had. Today, he is grateful to God that He has in his infinite mercy allowed him to attain his current level of success.

He stated that he would like to think that this stage of his career is synonymous with the icing on the cake and that managing success is more difficult than its attainment.

For him, the same virtues that are responsible for the attainment of success are the same virtues which help in the management of these successes. This is why he has continued to work relentlessly to maintain excellence in the legal profession.

He noted that other than the factors earlier highlighted, good professional and personal relationships are very much instrumental in managing success.

In his concluding remarks, Gadzama admonished young persons by stating that “Young persons must know that even after applying these principles and doing all that should be done, they ought to be patient with themselves and the process before the desired goals come to fruition”.

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GADZAMA TO AKPATA: ‘I WON’T FILE PETITION AGAINST MAIKYAU UNTIL ….’

The last has not been heard about the recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Elections as erstwhile presidential candidate, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has vowed not to file any petition at the reconstituted NBA National Election Appeal Committee (NBA-NEAC) unless the reconstitution is ratified by NBA National Executive Council.

In a letter dated August 11, 2022 and made available to CITY LAWYER, Gadzama’s Campaign Organisation demanded “That the instant reconstitution of the NBA-NEAC be ratified by the NBA-NEC in accordance with S.14 (3)(i) of the NBA Constitution, as a condition-precedent to assuming office and duly executing its functions within the mandate of the NBA Constitution.”

Signed by Chief Chukwudi Oli, Director-General of Joe-Kyari Gadzama Campaign Team, and copied to the Chairman and Members of NBA-NEAC, Gadzama also asked “That an independent forensic audit of the NBA National elections of July 16, 2022, including but not limited to election logs, be mandated and conducted forthwith particularly that of the presidential election.”

The Campaign Organisation also decried the “levity visited upon the petition dated 6th May, 2022 (“the Petition”) hereto attached as “Annexure 3”, addressed to the ECNBA by Mr. Tochukwu E. Ohazuruike,” saying it “is a cause for grave concern.”

According to the Organisation, “The Petition was not considered on its merit and this leaves much to be desired. Of substance, the Petition was hinged on the ground that one of the NBA presidential candidates, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN is not constitutionally qualified to contest for the office of President in the 2022 NBA National Officers’ election due to his failure to meet the eligibility criteria of not less than two years membership of NEC at the time of nomination, mandatorily required under section 9(3)(c)(i) of the Constitution and page 1 of the ECNBA’s Preliminary Notice of Election dated 17th day of March, 2022. The Petition also made copious references to verifiable minutes of NEC meetings and signed attendance lists within the period of 2018 to 2020, confirming that Mr. Maikyau, SAN was absent for three consecutive meetings by virtue of which he automatically lost NEC membership at the time under reference pursuant to section 8(8) of the Constitution. And that such period of Mr. Maikyau’s non-membership of NEC cannot be reckoned with for purposes of computation of time as NEC member for his nomination, qualification and participation in the 2022 NBA National Officers’ election, held on the 16th day of July, 2022.

“The Petition also averred that assuming that Mr. Maikyau had not absented from three consecutive meetings under the Mr. Olumide Akpata led NBA dispensation, Mr. Maikyau, SAN has still not and could not have met the NEC eligibility criteria of not less than two years between the timeframe of August, 2020 to the 15th April, 2022 deadline for nomination of candidates which is barely 20 months and thus less than the requisite two years. Thus, the NEC membership of Mr. Maikyau, SAN under the Olumide Akpata led NBA does not also meet the minimum two years’ requirement of NEC membership as stipulated in the Constitution.

“The issues raised in the said Petition, prima facie, are plausible grounds for disqualification and their veracity should have been explored and not waived aside on the basis of technicality. This is more so considering that the response given by Mr. Y.C. Maikyau, SAN (Annexure 4 attached hereto) is a confirmation/admission that, indeed, he was absent from three consecutive NBA-NEC meetings.

“Furthermore, having due regard to paragraph 2.2(d) of the second schedule to the NBA Constitution, an aspirant to the Office of the Presidency of the NBA has to be from a section/geo-political zone in the geographical zone where the Presidency is zoned, in this case the North for 2022 NBA election, in compliance with the constitutional rotation requirement. Owing to the fact that previous Presidents of the NBA have emerged from the North West and North Central geopolitical zones of the Northern Zone in times past, the import of section 9(3) of the Constitution and paragraph 2.2(d) of the second schedule of the Constitution on the 2022 NBA general election is that it is only the North Eastern geographical zone in the North that is yet to produce the NBA President, and therefore only candidates from the North East are eligible to contest the 2022 NBA Presidential election in view of the rotational principle enshrined in paragraph 2.2(d) of the second schedule to the Constitution. This line of thinking represents the clear and mandatory provision of the Constitution.”

The Campaign Organisation stated that “There is therefore a clear testimony of the incompleteness of the electoral process, which makes it unfair, unfree, non-transparent and non-credible.”

It stated that “While it presently seems that the legal profession in Nigeria is sitting gingerly on a ticking time-bomb, may I ultimately reiterate that the leadership of the Bar has an all-important statutory, legal, professional and moral duty to ensure the protection, promotion and defence of the unity, indivisibility and indissolubility of the Bar in Nigeria which has been glaringly bedevilled by too many a crisis in recent times.”

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MAIKYAU TO BE SWORN IN, AS GADZAMA BOWS OUT

Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has again vowed not to appeal the recently concluded Nigerian Bar Association presidential election notwithstanding the resignation en masse of members of the NBA National Election Appeal Committee (NBA-NEAC).

This clears the way for senior lawyer, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau SAN to be sworn in as the next NBA President, having been declared winner of the July 16, 2022 election by the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA).

In a press release made available to CITY LAWYER, Chief Chukwudi Oli, a close aide of the ranking Bar Leader, said that “The NBA-NEAC instant resignation is now of no moment and whatever bias this belated attempt aims at curing is long spent and overtaken by event since it is well outside 10 days from the announcement of the election results by the ECNBA within which petitions are to be filed before it.”

Signed by Oli, Director-General of J-K CampaignTeam, the statement noted that “the NBA-NEAC, as with all Standing Committees, is constituted by the President of the NBA, subject to ratification by the National Executive Council. Therefore, a reconstituted NBA-NEAC will no doubt still require the ratification of NEC to lawfully function.”

According to Oli, “If anything, the instant resignation buttresses premeditated and predetermined objectives; for how best can it be explained that the instant resignation is coming well outside of the time limit the NBA-NEAC had itself stipulated in para 3.2 of its “GUIDELINES FOR HEARING AND DETERMINING COMPLAINT(S) FROM CANDIDATES IN THE 2022 NBA NATIONAL ELECTIONS.””

Titled “RE: RESIGNATION OF MEMBERS OF THE NBA NATIONAL ELECTIONS APPEAL COMMITTEE,” the Campaign Team chided the NBA-NEAC members for claiming that the earlier letter to NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata was penned by Gadzama, saying that “in the present instance and for clarity, the referenced letter of July 26, 2022, was even neither signed nor circulated by Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN on social media as alleged by the NBA-NEAC.

It also berated the NBA-NEAC members for the tone of their joint resignation letter, saying that “as legal practitioners and conscionable persons, we understand the virtue of being temperate in language and making variable assertions; and therefore make bold to say that expressing reservations about a process, especially in view of the manifest likelihood of bias, cannot and should not be misread as ‘unfortunate, and undeserving’ or ‘most uncharitable’, as was erroneously averred by the NBA-NEAC.”

The Campaign Team stated that “Considering that the notice of the constitution of the National Elections Appeal Committee for the NBA National Election was released on May 21, 2022, every member of the NBA-NEAC had ample notice to recuse themselves, especially where such member(s) has/have a preference as to candidate(s) in the national elections and have manifestly or tacitly, either by their actions and/or inactions, exhibited such.

“We are ultimately charitable to the truth and our convictions for a better bar. It is in itself most uncharitable to refer to such conviction as uncharitable.”

Below is the full text of the statement.

PRESS RELEASE

RE: RESIGNATION OF MEMBERS OF THE NBA NATIONAL ELECTIONS APPEAL COMMITTEE

The letter dated July 30, 2022, from the NBA-National Elections Appeal Committee (NBA- NEAC) to the President of the NBA refers.

In the aforementioned letter, all 9 members of the NBA- NEAC have resigned their membership due to a letter of July 26, 2022, addressed to the NBA President, which the Committee has alleged was purportedly written and circulated on social media by Chief J-K Gadzama, SAN.

The NBA-NEAC also declared that the alleged “mischaracterization” ascribed to some members of the Committee is most “unfortunate, and undeserving”. It further alleged that the comments made by the learned silk in what it called the “globally circulated letter” was “most uncharitable” and thus that its “mass resignation” was due to their “indignation and principled opposition to the uncharitable comments and accusations of Chief J-K Gadzama, SAN”.

To put a method to this, we will be chronological:

1) Firstly, it is well within anyone’s rights to circulate whatever publication of substance they deem fit, in the present instance and for clarity, the referenced letter of July 26, 2022, was even neither signed nor circulated by Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN on social media as alleged by the NBA-NEAC. The referenced letter of July 26, 2022, was ably signed by Chief C.P Oli, the Director General, J-K Gadzama Campaign Team, and co-signed by Mr. O.E Oluwabiyi, the Admin Officer of the J-K Gadzama Campaign Team, and further addressed to the President of the NBA, with the NBA-NEAC in copy. Words and actions should not be arrogated without recourse to factual stream of events. Posterity is always kind to the truthful.

2) Secondly, as legal practitioners and conscionable persons, we understand the virtue of being temperate in language and making variable assertions; and therefore make bold to say that expressing reservations about a process, especially in view of the manifest likelihood of bias, cannot and should not be misread as “unfortunate, and undeserving” or “most uncharitable”, as was erroneously averred by the NBA-NEAC. We are ultimately charitable to the truth and our convictions for a better bar. It is in itself most uncharitable to refer to such conviction as uncharitable.

3) Considering that the notice of the constitution of the National Elections Appeal Committee for the NBA National Election was released on May 21, 2022, every member of the NBA-NEAC had ample notice to recuse themselves, especially where such member(s) has/have a preference as to candidate(s) in the national elections and have manifestly or tacitly, either by their actions and/or inactions, exhibited such.

4) The NBA-NEAC instant resignation is now of no moment and whatever bias this belated attempt aims at curing is long spent and overtaken by event since it is well outside 10 days from the announcement of the election results by the ECNBA within which petitions are to be filed before it. If anything, the instant resignation buttresses premeditated and predetermined objectives; for how best can it be explained that the instant resignation is coming well outside of the time limit the NBA-NEAC had itself stipulated in para 3.2 of its “GUIDELINES FOR HEARING AND DETERMINING COMPLAINT(S) FROM CANDIDATES IN THE 2022 NBA NATIONAL ELECTIONS.”

5) Furthermore, under S.14 (1) (l) of the NBA Constitution 2015 (as Amended in 2021), the NBA National Election Appeal Committee is listed as a Standing Committee. By S.14 (3) (i) of the said Constitution, the NBA-NEAC, as with all Standing Committees, is constituted by the President of the NBA, subject to ratification by the National Executive Council. Therefore, a reconstituted NBA-NEAC will no doubt still require the ratification of NEC to lawfully function.

6) It is against these serious and all-important backgrounds that we restate our commitment to a better bar is as unwavering as the rock of Gibraltar. It is a job that must be done and rightly so.

Long live the Nigerian Bar Association!

Signed:

Chief C. P. Oli
Director-General
J-K Campaign Team
01/08/2022

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VOX POPULI FOUNDATION LIFTS KEFFI PRISON WITH GIFTS

Director-General, Vox Populi Foundation Leads Members of the Foundation to Donate Towards the Improvement of the Keffi Correctional Centre, Nasarawa State

On Wednesday, July 27, 2022, Chief C.P Oli, the Director-General of Vox Populi Foundation, in the company of other distinguished members and representatives of the President of the Vox Populi Foundation, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN, visited the Keffi Correctional Centre, Nasarawa State.

The Vox Populi Foundation is primarily geared towards advocating for good governance and making a positive impact on society and by way of contributing their quota to society, the DG and other members present at the correctional center interacted with the Officer in Charge and the Welfare Officer of the correctional centre.

The Director General of the foundation commended the laudable efforts of the officers of the correctional center who have been working ceaselessly to ensure that inmates are able to access education. He noted the essence of public-private partnership in the society and stated further that the primary aim of the visit was to render assistance to the correctional center by sponsoring those inmates who are set to take the upcoming examinations of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB). In addition, Chief Oli stated that the foundation shall also offset the fines of two inmates who are unable to afford their freedom.

The Officer in Charge of the Correctional Center, Mr. Simon Raphael Kaigama pronounced encomiums on the DG and the other members of the foundation, including Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, for their support and contribution to the correctional center. He informed all present that education is a form of rehabilitation and as a firm believer in this, efforts have been taken to ensure that several inmates are currently enrolled in the National Open University to pursue their first degree, Masters and even, Ph.D in their various areas of interest. The inmates whose fines were paid were presented to the DG and other members of the foundation. Both of them expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the foundation.

Thereafter, the Director-General of the foundation presented the token for the inmates and the correctional center from the foundation to the Officer in Charge of the facility. He also assured the facility that steps are presently in motion to render pro-bono services to inmates in order to decongest the facility. Members who were present include: Love Chukwumerije, Hillary A. Ojeke, Nafisat Abisola Ibrahim, Hajara Sorondinki, Precious Ulasi, Magai Magaji, Farida Lanre-Ipinmisho, Ebube Okpogu, Promise Godwin, Elizabeth Ibrahim Auta, Cynthia Igwedibia, and a host of other eminent personalities, who collectively represented the President, Vox Populi Foundation, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN.

Indeed, it was an excellent outing as service to mankind is service to life.

Signed:

Hassan Sherif
Publicity Secretary
Vox Populi Foundation

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EXCLUSIVE: NBA ELECTION APPEAL C’TE MEMBERS RESIGN EN MASSE, BLAST GADZAMA

All members of the Nigerian Bar Association Election Appeals Committee (NBA-NEAC) have resigned their appointment, citing a petition “circulated on social media by Chief J. K. Gadzama SAN, one of the presidential candidates in the recently-concluded National Elections of the Nigerian Bar Association.”

In a letter obtained by CITY LAWYER and dated 30th July, 2022, the erstwhile Appeals Committee members wrote: “Regrettably, we the members of the NBA-NEAC have taken the collective decision to resign our appointment in order to pave the way for you to constitute a new National Election Appeals Committee in which Chief J. K. Gadzama SAN would have enough confidence to ventilate his grievances against the conduct of the recently-concluded elections.”

Addressed to NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, the signatories are Mrs. Funmi Roberts (Chairperson), Huwaila Mohammed Ibrahim, Dr. Rosemary Chinelo Chikwendu, Hubert Nwoye, Austin Ajineh (Secretary), Stephen Obajaja, Okey Ohagba, Grace Selre Mamswa and Mathew Egbadon.

The former NBA-NEAC members described as “most unfortunate and underserving (sic)” the “mischaracterization ascribed to some members of the Committee.”

They stated that many NBA-NEAC members refrained from voting during the election “all in an effort to ensure that the process would not in any way be tainted by accusation of bias,” adding however that Gadzama “has decided to take the innocuous act of liking a post that celebrates Children’s Day globally on 27th May, 2022, by Mrs Funmi Roberts, and ascribed bias into it.”

Perhaps admitting the culpability of one of its members, the signatories stated that “In the case of Ms Huwaila Muhammed Ibrahim, if Chief J. K. Gadzama SAN had filed an appeal before us and objected to her participating whilst same is being considered, she would have had to recuse herself,” adding that “this accords with best international practice.”

The NBA-NEAC members also stated that their findings revealed that Mr. Okey Ohagba “was never at any time the co-ordinator of the opposing aspirant (sic),” adding that “had Chief J. K. Gadzama SAN filed an appeal before the Committee and objected to his participation, he would also have recused himself.”

Saying that the “comments by learned silk in the globally circulated letter is therefore, most uncharitable,” the former Appeals Committee members however stated that “we hold the very strong view that the Nigerian Bar Association is greater than the sum total of all the members of the Committee, and it is the duty of all members of our Association to strive at all times to shield her from anything that would taint, not only her image, but also that of any process put in place by the Association.”

The former members stated that though the mass resignation would “cause great inconvenience” to Akpata and members of the NBA Executive Committee, “this is a time when our indignation and principled opposition to the uncharitable comments and accusations of Chief J. K. Gadzama SAN must give way to the greater good of our Association.

CITY LAWYER recalls that Gadzama’s close aides had in a letter to Akpata informed him that the former presidential candidate would not approach the NBA-NEAC for redress over the recent NBA Elections due to concerns on its neutrality.

In a letter made available to CITY LAWYER and signed by Messrs Chukwudi Oli and O. E. Oluwabiyi, the Director-General and Admin Officer respectively of Team J-K Gadzama SAN, the organization stated that “we wish to bring to your attention that our candidate, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN will not be exploring the option of approaching the Committee on the following grounds…”

Titled “RESERVATIONS ABOUT THE NBA NATIONAL ELECTIONS APPEALS COMMITTEE (NBA-NEAC),” Team J-K Gadzama SAN alleged that the Chairperson of the Committee, Mrs. Funmi Roberts is “more of a supporter of Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN by liking posts on LinkedIn.”

The organization also doubted the neutrality of former NBA National Officer and Appeals Committee member, Mr. Okey Ohagba, saying that he “was an active Coordinator in Port Harcourt for Y. C. Maikyau, SAN.”

Team J-K Gadzama SAN again alleged that another member of the Appeals Committee, Mrs. Huwaila Muhammed Ibrahim “actively and openly posted contents on her Facebook platform projecting Y. C. Maikyau, SAN.”

The organization stated that the “non-neutrality” of these members of the Appeals Committee “poses elements of bias by virtue of their active participation in the campaign activities of Y. C. Maikyau, SAN in the recently concluded National Elections which held on Saturday, 16th July, 2022.

“We sincerely believe that the aforementioned persons will not be able to discharge the duties of the Committee devoid of sentiments and biases and hence, present no guarantee of credibility and fairness in administering unbiased decisions and findings. We have attached some screen pictures of displays by these persons in support of Y. C. Maikyau, SAN during the period of campaign activities. Please see Annexure NBA1 and Annexure
NBA2;

“The refusal of the ECNBA to allow an election audit which would examine the Election/Result Logs and the platform for the election as requested by our candidate’s Agent, Andrew Agbo-Madaki in his letter dated Saturday, 16th July, 2022 further renders our cause a herculean task if not an impossible one before the Committee, whose duty is essentially factfinding.

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GADZAMA SHUNS NBA APPEALS C’TE OVER BIAS CONCERNS, DG WRITES AKPATA

Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN will not approach the NBA NBA National Elections Appeals Committee (NBA-NEAC) for redress over the recent NBA Elections due to concerns on the neutrality of the committee, CITY LAWYER can authoritatively report.

In a letter made available to CITY LAWYER and addressed to NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, Team J-K Gadzama SAN stated that “we wish to bring to your attention that our candidate, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN will not be exploring the option of approaching the Committee on the following grounds…”

Signed by Messrs Chukwudi Oli and O. E. Oluwabiyi, the Director-General and Admin Officer respectively of and titled “RESERVATIONS ABOUT THE NBA NATIONAL ELECTIONS APPEALS COMMITTEE (NBA-NEAC),” Team J-K Gadzama SAN alleged that the Chairperson of the Committee, Mrs. Funmi Roberts is “more of a supporter of Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN by liking posts on LinkedIn.”

“As a result of the aforementioned grounds and circumstances, personal reasons of Chief Gadzama, SAN have also arisen.

“In precis, we firmly believe that the leadership of the NBA has a duty to maintain a level playing ground for all stakeholders and parties, and to guarantee the integrity of the post-election process.”

The NBA is yet to respond to the allegations. Maikyau was declared winner of the election conducted on July 16, 2022 via electronic voting.

To view the full letter, click here

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‘NBA ELECTION 2022 MOST SUSCEPTIBLE TO RIGGING,’ SAYS GADZAMA

One of the leading candidates in the just concluded Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Elections, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has alleged that ElectionBuddy, the electronic voting platform deployed for the elections, “was highly vulnerable and most susceptible to electronic fraud, rigging and pre-programming of votes.”

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, Gadzama also stated that a report by his ICT consultant dated Monday, July 18, 2022 “also shows that there is a high likelihood that the system could be hacked and manipulated.”

He stated that “A follow-up report by my agent dated Wednesday, July 20, 2022 confirms that this occurrence was more than likely,” adding that “I have been advised that this is why the percentage score among all the three Presidential candidates remained within the same range from the commencement of voting till the end. This, as I have been advised, is not human behavior but mechanical.”

Gadzama stated that though one Mr. Mohammed Mustapha, an ICT specialist, had applied to act as the Technical Support Consultant (TSC) to the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA), “the ECNBA did not list his company as one that had applied; rather only two companies were listed before one was selected to provide the consultancy.”

The full text of the statement is below.

PRESS RELEASE ON THE JUST-CONCLUDED NBA NATIONAL ELECTION

Introduction
As you may recall, the National Election of the Nigerian Bar Association (‘NBA’) was concluded on Saturday, July 16, 2022.

My utmost appreciation goes to the members of the Electoral Committee of the NBA (‘ECNBA’) who conducted our election. I respect each of them and commend their efforts. I equally salute all the contestants who vied for various positions.

Pre-Election
It is pertinent to state that before the conduct of the election, my agent – Mr Andrew Madaki tested the vulnerability of the website to conduct the election – electionbuddy.com. The report, which is attached to this release, shows that the website was susceptible to manipulation.

Thereafter, my agent and other agents present raised some of these concerns during the press briefing conducted by the ECNBA on the eve of the election.

Voting
During the conduct of the election, my agent discovered numerous irregularities and expressed same by a letter sent via email to the ECNBA at 2:00 pm. The same is attached to this release. In the email, he reported the frequent timeouts experienced by the site, lack of access to the backend of the server, lack of graphical representation of the results and ultimately requested to audit the election, which the ECNBA promised to provide immediately.

Post-Election
After the conduct of the election, my agent sent a reminder to the ECNBA on Sunday, July 17, 2022 to audit the election and discover if there were more irregularities but same has not been provided by the ECNBA.

After the conduct of the election, my agent engaged another IT specialist to test the server. The report of the specialist which was dated Monday, July 18, 2022 also shows that there is a high likelihood that the system could be hacked and manipulated. A follow-up report by my agent dated Wednesday, July 20, 2022 confirms that this occurrence was more than likely. I have been advised that this is why the percentage score among all the three Presidential candidates remained within the same range from the commencement of voting till the end. This, as I have been advised, is not human behavior but mechanical.

It is important to re-iterate that auditing the election will permit independent parties and agents to discover if there were any technical interferences to usurp the will of the electorate. This access is expected to have been provided immediately after the conclusion of the poll to prevent any party from tampering with the system.

Pre-Qualification of Technical Consultant to ECNBA
On Friday, June 24, 2022, I invited numerous IT specialists to advise me. One of them was Mr Mohammed Mustapha who I asked to provide information security and communication strategy in the just-concluded NBA Election; however, on Monday, June 27, 2022, Mr Mustapha declined my offer as a result of conflict of interest because he had earlier applied to the ECNBA to act as a consultant. After declining my request, Mr Mustapha informed me that although he had applied to be a consultant to the ECNBA before the deadline, the ECNBA did not list his company as one that had applied; rather only two companies were listed before one was selected to provide the consultancy. The two referenced letters are attached.

Also attached to this release are: (i) the notice released by the ECNBA asking for proposals for a technical consultant titled ‘Request for Proposal for Technical Support Consultant to the ECNBA – Submission Reminder Notice’, (ii) acknowledged copy of the bid by Mr Mustapha titled ‘Re: Request for Proposal for Technical Support Consultant to the ECNBA’ received by the ECNBA at 3:35 pm on 22/4/22, and (iii) the notice displaying companies that applied titled ‘Respondents to Request for Proposal for Technical Support Consultant’.

Conclusion
On the whole, and in view of the above facts and attached documents, it is clear that the technology adopted was highly vulnerable and most susceptible to electronic fraud, rigging and pre-programming of votes. I hereby call upon the ECNBA to allow an immediate audit of the election and server.

Dated this Wednesday, the 20th day of July, 2022

____________________________¬¬_
Joe-Kyari Gadzama OFR, MFR, SAN
Presidential Candidate

ENCLS:
1. Vulnerability report dated Sunday, July 10, 2022;
2. Complaint letter dated Saturday, July 16, 2022;
3. Email reminder to the ECNBA on Sunday, July 17, 2022;
4. Vulnerability report dated Monday, July 18, 2022;
5. NBA National Elections 2022: Report dated Wednesday, July 20, 2022;
6. Provision of information security and communication strategy for the forthcoming NBA election dated Friday, June 24, 2022;
7. Re: Provision of information security and communication strategy for the forthcoming NBA National Elections dated Monday, June 27, 2022;
8. Request for proposal for technical support consultant to the ECNBA – Submission Reminder Notice dated April 21, 2022;
9. Re: Request for Proposal for Technical Support Consultant to the ECNBA dated April 22, 2022; and
10. Respondents to Request for Proposal for Technical Support Consultant dated April 25, 2022.

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NBA ELECTION: ‘WE ARE ALL WINNERS,’ SAYS GADZAMA’S DG

The campaign organisation for Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidential candidate in the just concluded NBA National Elections, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has declared that all stakeholders who participated in the election are winners.

The full text of the press release issued by the Director-General of the J-K Campaign Team, Chief C. P. Oli, reads:

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GADZAMA PETITIONS ECNBA, WANTS NBA ELECTION AUDITED

The controversies that trailed three past NBA National Elections conducted through electronic voting may not abate as Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has petitioned the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) for an audit of the ongoing election. The election ends by midnight today.

In a petition to the Electoral Committee Chairman made available to CITY LAWYER and titled “Complaints Against Fundamental National Election lrregularities and Non-Compliance in the NBA National Election,” the presidential candidate demanded “a forensic audit of the election and the result logs.”

ECNBA Chairman, Mr. Ayodele Akintunde SAN confirmed receipt of the petition. He told CITY LAWYER that “We have the letter,” adding that “We will review it and take appropriate action.”

Dated July 16, 2022 and signed by an ICT expert and his sole Agent in the ECNBA Situation Room, Mr. Andrew Agbo-Madaki, Gadzama outlined several complaints against the election, saying that at yesterday’s ECNBA stakeholders’ briefing, “several agents complained about the last-minute briefing which did not avail ample time for the agents and IT experts of the candidates to test the voting system and portal.”

He noted that while the electoral umpire had earlier promised that access to live results would be made available to voters, “Only agents in the situation room had access to the live results.”

According to the petition, agents requested backend access to review the voting portal “as required under international best practices, this request was rejected.”

Gadzama stated that “lt is also important to state that despite assurances of the ECNBA and the technology provider INITS limited on the suitability of the voting site www.electionbuddy.com, between the hours of 1am to 3am there were repeated error messages while viewing the live results (error: 502 bad gateway): The HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) 502 Bad Gateway server error response code indicates that the server, while acting as a gateway or proxy, received an invalid response from the upstream Server.”

Alluding that this may have compromised the voting portal, the letter stated that “this makes us question the credibility and efficiency of the portal which promised to handle a 100,000 voter capacity.”

The petition also stated that “Agents and stakeholders were (sic) also requested graphical representation of the results which would show details according to branches. This was not made available during the election period.”

A source at the Gadzama Campaign Directorate told CITY LAWYER that their demand is for an audit that must be conducted before announcement of the election results.

CITY LAWYER gathered that there were occasional outages on the viewing screen at the ECNBA Situation Room which got some agents agitated.

But an ECNBA source told CITY LAWYER that the outages had no impact on the server or the election results, saying: “The idea that 1 LED screen in the NBA annexe somehow controls the balloting is preposterous.

“The system as you may imagine has to do recomputation of displays periodically. I suspect the issue is that whenever the system needs to recompute, the display retreats momentarily while that happens. That is not entirely unpredictable? But, to many of our people, that is ECNBA manufacturing another hike in numbers.”

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‘WHY WE’RE BACKING GADZAMA,’ BY BAR LEADERS, OTHERS

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MUSICIAN, COMEDIANS THRILL AS GADZAMA GROOVES PORT HARCOURT LAWYERS

IT WAS ALL FUN AS MEMBERS OF THE NBA PORT-HARCOURT BRANCH (TEAM RIVERS FOR J-K) ROARED SUPPORT FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANT JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, OFR, MFR, SAN

The Saturday night groove held in honour of J-K on the 9th of July at the ARENA was graced by the Learned Silk Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN with his entourage: Mela Audu Nunghe SAN, Prof. S. C. Dike (Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Rivers State University), Chukwudi Prince Oli Esq. (Director General of Vox Populi Foundation), Dr. Kayode Ajulo, Esq., Junaidu Abubakar Esq. (Chairman of NBA Gusau branch) Kekemeke Tobi Esq. (Past chairman of NBA Jos branch), Monday Adjeh Esq. (Chairman of NBA Bwari branch), Ogunjide Emmanuel Tayo Esq. (Chairman of NBA Gwagwalada branch), Luka Haruna Esq. (Past Chairman of NBA Gombe branch), Funso Odebode Esq. (Vice chairman of NBA Abuja Branch), Mr. Victor Nwugo Esq. (Past National Legal Adviser of NBA), Darlington Onyekwere Esq. (Partner, J-K Gadzama LLP), Madu Joe-Kyari Gadzama Esq. (Partner, J-K Gadzama LLP), Oluniyi Adediji Esq. (Partner, J-K Gadzama LLP), Jerry Ombugadu Musa Esq.(Former Financial Secretary NBA Abuja Branch and Junior Partner at J-K Gadzama LLP), Marvin Ibem Esq. (Publicity Secretary, NBA Ikeja Branch), Chidi Eke Esq.(Former Vice Chairman Port-Harcourt branch), Selena Alamina Esq. (Vice Chairman Eastern Bar Forum), Lamar Joe-Kyari Gadzama Esq., Onyekachi Eluwa Esq., Dafenone Akpomudiare Esq., Okpogu Esq., Hillary Ojeke Esq. and Love Chukwumerije Esq.

The current executive members of the NBA Port-Harcourt Branch who were also present at the event include: Victor Benebo Esq. (Chairman NBA Port-Harcourt Branch), Emmanuel Okpala Esq. (Vice Chairman NBA Port-Harcourt Branch), Chinwo Omodu Esq. (Secretary NBA Port-Harcourt Branch), Barbara Abayomi Esq. (Assistant Secretary NBA Port-Harcourt Branch), Iwari Goodhead Esq. (Treasurer NBA Port-Harcourt Branch), Ogechi Agbai Esq. (Financial Secretary NBA Port-Harcourt Branch), Ogom Goodluck Esq. (Social Secretary NBA Port-Harcourt Branch), Godwin Odimabo, Esq. (Welfare Secretary NBA Port-Harcourt Branch), Daminobo Livingstone Esq. (Provost NBA Port-Harcourt Branch), Datom Alambo Esq. (Publicity Secretary NBA Port-Harcourt Branch).

In his opening remarks, the Master of Ceremony, Mr Bright Otobo, reiterated the need for lawyers to unwind as a prelude to vacation, share camaraderie and friendship outside of the pugilistic ambience of the courtroom. He further introduced the eminent silk J-K Gadzama, SAN as the “primus inter pares”, an astute legal practitioner whose pedigree stand him out as the best candidate for the NBA Presidency, owing to his qualifications, work experience, appointments, affiliations/associations, mentorship programs among others.

Prof. S. C. Dike (Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Rivers State University) alluded to the fact that J-K Gadzama, SAN has set the standard in legal practice and has broken unfathomable records as a guide and mentor to many. He lauded the immense impact J-K Gadzama has made in the Association of Environmental Lawyers of Nigeria (AELN) as the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Association and urged the audience to massively support J-K Gadzama, SAN who is an exemplification of greatness.

To say that the event was fun-filled is an understatement! The entertainment was top notch as trendy comedians like Prince Hezekiah, Warri Bros and Danny Spry got the audience laughing to their rib-cracking jokes and stories. The famous musical artist and king of freestyle entertainment, “Dan Dizzy”, also thrilled the audience with his sensational freestyle rap.

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‘BEST GIFT TO YOUNG LAWYERS IS MENTORING,’ SAYS GADZAMA

JOE-KYARI GADZAMA SAN ATTENDS THE EMERGENCY GENERAL MEETING OF THE NBA GWAGWALADA BRANCH

The NBA Gwagwalada Branch (Eagle Bar) on the 6th July, 2022 held an emergency general meeting at the high court complex, Gwagwalada.

Excos, Elders and Members of the Eagle Bar warmly welcomed Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and his entourage comprising of Audu Mela Nunge, SAN Former Gombe State commissioner for special duties, former Chairman NBA Abuja Branch, Paul Eshemomo Esq, Janaidu Abubakar Esq, Chairman NBA Gusau Branch, Francis Oronsaye, Managing Partner, J-K Gadzama LLP, Jerry Ombugadu Musa, Junior Partner, J-K Gadzama LLP, Mark Chidi Agbo, Junior Partner J-K Gadzama LLP, Rashidat Banke Obamijure, Sarah Jeta Atumga, Hassan Sherif, Onyekachi Eluwa, Hilary Ojeke, Promise Godwin, Magai Magaji, Nafisat Ibrahim, Kenneth Udemba, Roseline Ogwuche, Theresa Okwuefuna, Lawyers in the law firm of J-K Gadzama LLP to the branch meeting.

A former Chairman of the Gwagwalada branch while making his remarks informed members of the branch the important role J-K Gadzama, SAN played in the creation of the Gwagwalada branch. He stated that the history of how the branch came to be and those who played important roles in it’s creation has to be told and written.

While introducing the learned silk, the Chairman of the branch Ogunjide Emmanuel Tayo noted that J-K Gadzama, SAN has been a godsent and a helper of the branch. He thanked the Learned silk for not abandoning them.

Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN while congratulating the new Excos said that Biblically and even Islamically, there are the Moses’ who lay foundations and then the Joshuas’ who build on those foundations. He stated that he is the Moses who laid the foundation of the branch.

He further stated that it is the prayers of fathers for their sons to do better than them. Having been a former Chairman of the Branch, he is proud of how far the branch has come and that he would never hold back from helping them. He promised his continuous support as he said that he had planned to be in Lagos on Wednesday but had changed his mind and will be in their program to honor their 10th year anniversary.

According to Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN “the greatest you can do for young lawyers is mentorship and that is what I have been doing over the years for young lawyers”.

He urged members of the branch to track the records of the Presidential aspirants and make informed decision in the forthcoming NBA general elections.

In his remarks, Mela Nunge, SAN former Chairman NBA Abuja branch stated that he is grateful to JK Gadzama SAN for giving him the opportunity to visit Gwagwalada Branch which he called home. He stated that he believes in the genuineness of purpose of the learned silk and urged members to trust J-K Gadzama SAN with their votes in the forthcoming NBA election.

Paul Eshemomo Esq, stated that J-K Gadzama, SAN is his mentor who has over the years done what no other lawyer, old and young have been able to do for young lawyers.

He stated that J-K Gadzama, SAN has through his mentorship programme which has been on for the past 8 years impacted the lives of young lawyers.

He urged young lawyers to take advantage of the forthcoming NBA election to secure their future.

While thanking the learned silk and his entourage for visiting the branch, an elder of the branch wished the learned silk success in the forthcoming election and a safe journey back to his destination.

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‘GAADI VS GADZAMA: A CAMPAIGN OF CALUMNY,’ BY CHUKWUDI OLI

RESPONSE TO ALLEGATION OF BRIEF SNATCHING IN JACOB GAADI & 13 ORS V J-K GADZAMA, SAN & ORS (FHC/ABJ/CS/321/2015) AND APPEAL NO. CA/E/410/2008

1. Recently, my attention was drawn to allegations of brief snatching in certain renowned matters which Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN handled as lead counsel.

2. The said allegations are replete with falsehood and largely untrue.

3. Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN has never and will never conduct himself in such a manner that is detrimental to the status of the legal profession and Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

4. I maintain that the Learned Silk was solely acting in accordance with the wishes of his clients in the aforementioned matter with suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/321/2015.

5. It will interest you to know that on various court proceedings in respect of the referenced matter at the FHC, the Judgment Creditors were present in court and confirmed the Learned Silk on record as their counsel.

6. I know for a fact that by a letter dated May 22, 2015, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN was instructed to initiate proceedings to set aside the consent judgment at the Court of Appeal in Appeal No: CA/E/410/2008.

7. I am also aware that Mr. Ocha Ulegede had been debriefed by the clients from handling the said matter on their behalf via various letters.

8. Several attempts were made by the Learned Silk and other persons to incorporate Mr. Ocha Ulegede into the team handling the matter. However, Mr. Ulegede declined despite repeated assurances that all outstanding fees will be paid to him.

9. On the Court of Appeal issue, a former counsel in the Learned Silk’s chambers had filed a Notice of Change of Counsel but this was unknown to the Learned Justice because the Notice was not part of the records that were before the Court of Appeal in that matter.

10. I know for a fact that the Learned Silk never signed any process or appeared during the pendency of the matter at the Court of Appeal. The finding of the Court of Appeal was reached without hearing both sides on the issue of change of Counsel.

11. The Learned Silk commenced an appeal at the Supreme Court on February 14, 2017 in relation to the referenced matter based on a letter dated January 2017 wherein the clients engaged the firm of J-K Gadzama LLP to appeal against the ruling of the Court of Appeal delivered in respect of an application to set aside the consent judgment of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/E/410/2008.

12. Upon institution of the appeal at the Supreme Court, Mr. Ocha Ulegede took steps to induce some of the parties to withdraw the appeal.

13. The attempts made by Mr. Ocha Ulegede were largely unsuccessful. Despite his unsuccessful attempts, he has continued to taint the image and reputation of the Learned Silk.

14. Some of the Judgment Creditors in the referenced matter before the FHC whom the Learned Silk represented in the appeal were also desirous of pursuing the appeal and as such, he was instructed to prosecute the appeal on their behalf.

15. Although, some of the Judgment Creditors were induced to make a petition against the Learned Silk to the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC), they have since withdrawn these petitions submitted.

16. Also, in confirmation of the Learned Silk’s capacity as counsel of choice of the Judgment Creditors, he was made a signatory to endorse the sharing formula of the Garnishee Order Absolute made on August 19, 2019 by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja in satisfying the judgment sum of the Court of Appeal, Enugu.

17. I restate that the Learned Silk’s involvement at every stage of this matter has been at the directive of the Judgment Creditors in the matter and in pursuit of their best interests.

18. This clarification has become necessary for record purposes and to set the records straight in the face of politically motivated campaign of calumny against the Learned Silk.

19. Thankfully, as lawyers, we all have the ability to discern truth from fallacy. God bless us all.

SIGNED:

Chukwudi Prince Oli, Esq.
DG Vox Populi Foundation

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NBA PRESIDENCY: ENDORSEMENT WAR RAGES, AS BAR LEADERS BACK GADZAMA, MAIKYAU

An endorsement battle seems to be raging among the leading presidential candidates, CITY LAWYER can authoritatively report.

Bar Leaders among others are currently lining behind their preferred candidates in the hope that this will sway eligible voters to tag along.

Each endorsement is celebrated by the campaign organisations with flashy flyers highlighting the testimonial about the candidate.

CITY LAWYER observes that the endorsements are not limited to the presidential candidates, as some candidates especially for national offices have also been receiving testimonials from close aides and associates.

Among those who have thrown their weight behind the presidential aspiration of Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN are incumbent Ondo State Governor and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu SAN; former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief George Uwechue SAN; foremost human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana SAN, and former Deputy Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Ernest Ojukwu SAN.

Others are leading chartered arbitrator, Prof. Paul Obo Idornigie SAN; Messrs Zik Obi and Chuks Ikokwu, both former Presidents of Otu Oka Iwu (Law Society), the umbrella body of lawyers of Igbo extraction; Chief Martin Ogunleye, former Chairman of NBA Lagos Branch; Mr. Sylvester Udemezue, a Lecturer at the Nigerian Law School, and Hadiza Nasir Ahmad, former member of NBA Electoral Reform and Audit Committee.

On his part, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau SAN has garnered endorsements from equally eminent Bar Leaders including Mrs. Hairat Ade-Balogun OON, a Life Bencher; foremost arbitrator and former NBA Treasurer, Mrs. Funke Adekoya SAN; former Chairman of NBA Legal Profession Regulation Review Committee, Dr. Anthony Idigbe SAN, and Mallam Yusuf Ali SAN, pioneer Chairman, NBA Section on Legal Practice (SLP).

Others are Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Chief Adebayo Adelodun SAN; Mr. K. K. Eleja SAN; Prof. Wahab Egbewole SAN; former NBA General Secretary, Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN and Mr. Abdul Mohammed SAN

An aide of Taidi told CITY LAWYER that “We need to take our time to compile the list. I have asked our team members to work on it.” He was yet to revert at press time.

The NBA Election is scheduled to hold via electronic voting on Saturday, July 16, 2022. The election will be conducted on ElectionBuddy voting platform in collaboration with Finesse Technology Limited.

The presidential candidates will tomorrow go head-to-head in a hybrid Presidential Debate organized by the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA).

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‘WHY WE DID NOT ADOPT GADZAMA, MAIKYAU, OTHERS,’ – BY EGBE AMOFIN

The resurgent umbrella association of lawyers of Yoruba extraction, Egbe Amofin O’odua has thrown its weight behind some candidates in the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Elections, even as it shunned adoption of any of the presidential candidates.

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Sokoya, the Egbe “adopted” some of the candidates but was silent on all the presidential candidates among others.

The forum also shunned some candidates who are of Yoruba extraction but who failed to approach the association for endorsement. These include Messrs Oladapo Olalekan Idowu and Oyeyiola Durodoluwa Emmanuel who are gunning for the position of NBA Representative at the General Council of the Bar (GCB).

CITY LAWYER gathered that the Egbe failed to adopt any of the presidential candidates, including Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau SAN and Mr. Jonathan Gunu Taidi, because the Arewa Lawyers Forum did not adopt any of them as its candidate.

The tradition, which is based on reciprocity, is for the regional forums to adopt candidates proposed to them by the forum whose turn it is to present a candidate for certain positions. The position of NBA President is allotted to the Northern Zone by the NBA Constitution (as amended), shutting out aspirants from both Eastern and Western zones.

According to the statement signed by Messrs Isiaka Abiola Olagunju SAN and Adetunji Oso, Egbe Amofin’s Chairman and Secretary General respectively, the resolutions arose from the hybrid Egbe Amofin 1st Quarterly Meeting held on 2nd July, 2022 at the Aare Afe Babalola SAN NBA Ibadan Bar Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

It stated that some Egbe members contesting the NBA Elections “were presented to the meeting for adoption and were so adopted.”

These include former NBA Welfare Secretary, Mr. Adesina Adegbite who aspires for the mantle of NBA General Secretary; Mr. Gbemiga Adaramola (Welfare Secretary), Funmi Adeogun (National Treasurer), Mr. Habib Akorede Lawal (Publicity Secretary), Mr. Charles Ajiboye (Assistant Publicity Secretary) and Prof. Oluwole Akintayo, GCB Representative. It also “adopted” Messrs Dhikirullah Adewale Balogun and Seun Aka who are poised for a face-off to clinch the position of Assistant General Secretary.

The meeting was attended by Chief Adeniyi Akintola SAN, Dr. Babatunde Ajibade SAN, Aare Muyiwa Akinboro SAN, Chief Ranti Ajeleti, and Mr. Olasupo Ojo among others while Mr. Oluseun Abimbola SAN and Prof. Ademola Olawuyi SAN joined virtually.

Aside from resolving to “greatly de-emphasise the relevance and activities of Egbe during NBA National Election and engage in other rewarding activities in order to re-position Egbe,” the regional forum also “condemned the terrorists attack on a Catholic Church in Owo on 5th June 2022 as it was highly unacceptable and sent condolences to all families who lost their loved ones in unfortunate incident.”

The NBA Elections hold on Saturday, July 16, 2022 with about 60,000 eligible voters expected to cast their ballots.

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GADZAMA, MAIKYAU, TAIDI TO CLASH, AS ECNBA HOLDS DEBATE JULY 7

The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) will on Thursday, July 7, 2022 hold a “MANIFESTO DAY AND PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE” to herald the 2022 NBA Elections for National Officers and NBA Representatives at the General Council of the Bar.

In an Information Release made available to CITY LAWYER, the Committee stated that “As part of the electoral process, the ECNBA invites members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to the Manifesto Day and Presidential Debate fixed for 10 am, Thursday, 7 July 2022 at the Auditorium NBA House, Plot 1101 Cadastral Zone Central
Business District, Abuja FCT.

“Ahead of the event, members are enjoined to send their question(s) to info@ecnba.ng. Please note that the link for virtual participation will be circulated in due course.”

A further release urged lawyers who plan to attend the debate in-person to register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTUuNEOSFZwix5qRCqpfrELg0K5Nbrg17k__3co1-Kq_wp9g/viewform.

The NBA Election is scheduled to hold via electronic voting on Saturday, July 16, 2022.

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NBA EKET LAW WEEK: GADZAMA GIVES KEYNOTE SPEECH, DECRIES INSECURITY, POVERTY

FEATURED

JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 2022 LAW WEEK OF NBA, EKET BRANCH, AKWA IBOM STATE

On Wednesday, June 29, 2022, the NBA, Eket branch held the opening ceremony of its law week with the theme, “Nigerian State and the Crisis of Governance: What Hope for 2023 and Beyond” at Royalty Hotels & Recreation, Eket, Akwa Ibom State.

Devout Bar man, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN was recognized as the keynote speaker of the ceremony. The Chairman of the branch’s 2022 Bar week gave the welcome address and thanked the Learned Silk and other eminent guests present for attending the event. The chairman of of the occasion, Hon. Justice Ifiok Ukana (Rtd) noted that the theme of the event is very apt considering the current situation of things in the country. He also stated that the Learned Silk, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama is best suited to deliver the keynote address on the theme.

Hon. Justice Edem Akpan who represented the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Ekaette F. Obot declared the law week of the branch open. Prior to that, he commended the leadership of the Bar and keyed into the perspective shared by the chairman of the occasion. He further stated that corruption has eaten deep into the fabrics of our society and therefore, impeded the growth of our nation.

“I am here to claim my birthright” the Learned Silk jokingly stated while informing all that he is also a son of Eket. In his usual manner, he rendered justice to the theme. During his keynote address, he enumerated the indices of both good and bad governance. He expressed his displeasure over the level of poverty and insecurity in the country. One major highlight from his keynote address was the fact that he stated that all stakeholders need to discuss on the roadblocks preventing the growth of the nation and the steps to take to advance our nation. This fact was also reiterated by Mr. Uko Essien Udom, SAN, the Attorney-General of the State while addressing the audience.

The opening ceremony of the branch’s law week was indeed indelible as it witnessed the launching of the branch’s Bar journal and an inflow of highly distinguished personalities in the legal profession ranging from present and past Justices of the High Court of the State to Learned Senior Advocates of Nigeria and then to leaders of the Bar and NBA branches in Akwa Ibom State. Some of these personalities include: Hon. Justice Theresa Obot; Hon. Justice Effiong Effiong; Rt. Hon. Chief Nduese Essien; Hon. Justice B.F Etuk; Hon. Justice Pius Idion; Hon. Obong Goddy Umoh; Rt. Hon. Bassey Essien; Hon. Nimi Walson Jack, past Secretary General of NBA; Mr. Kunle Ogunba, SAN; Snr. Magistrate Esther Etuk Udo; Dr. Amanim Akpabio; Mojisola Tijani, chairperson of FIDA, Eket branch; Nsima Nsima,Esq., past chairman of NBA, Eket branch; Essien Essien, Esq., past chairman of NBA, Uyo branch; Mrs. Gloria Etim, Esq., incumbent chairman of NBA, Eket branch; Aniefiok Ekwere, chairman elect, NBA, Eket branch; Ememobong Nicholas, Esq., chairman of NBA, Uyo branch; Mr. Akpadiaha Ebitu, Esq., chairman of the planning committee of the 2022 Bar week of the branch; Mrs. Ekaette Ukpong, Director in the State’s Ministry of Justice and a host of others.

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AKWA IBOM AG ENDORSES GADZAMA, AKPABIO FETES HIM

FEATURED

ATTORNEY-GENERAL, AKWA IBOM STATE ENDORSES JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN AS THE BEST CHOICE FOR THE NBA

During his stay in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN; Hon. Nimi Walson Jack, past general secretary of the NBA; Kunle Ogunba, SAN; Raphael Udoh; Hillary Ojeke and Blessing Eyibio joined members of the NBA, Uyo branch for a sit out. Mr. Uko Essien Udom, SAN (Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Akwa Ibom State) was also present at the sit out which was organized by members of the branch for the Learned Silk.

The leadership and other members of the branch who were at the event welcomed and thanked the Learned Silk for gracing their town with his presence. Past chairmen of the NBA, Uyo branch, Aniekan Akpan and Ekanem Ekanem noted that the Learned Silk is a consummate Bar man who has diligently served the NBA in various capacities. Furthermore, the incumbent chairman of the branch, Ememobong Nicholas remarked that the Bar is in need of a leader who is ready and willing to take the Bar to its final destination. He informed all present that the Learned Silk is the change needed to redeem the Bar and he assured the Learned Silk of his support towards his presidential ambition.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Akwa Ibom State who was also at the sit out noted that the Learned Silk is the most qualified candidate in terms of capacity and experience. He emphasized on the fact that the Learned Silk is presently the best choice for the Bar. Mr. Ndifreke Peter, YLF chairman of NBA, Uyo branch; Mrs. Maria Edet, Treasurer of NBA, Uyo branch and other members of the branch were also on ground to receive the Learned Silk.

The Learned Silk lauded the efforts of the branch towards his presidential ambition. He informed all that his presidential ambition was born out of his need to serve the Bar as he owes his success in life to God and the NBA. Also, he noted that in his capacity as the Chairman of the Mentorship Committee of the Body of Benchers, he will keep driving the need for adequate mentorship of young lawyers as it plays a significant role in the advancement of the legal profession.

Hon. Nimi Walson Jack and Kunle Ogunba, SAN urged all present to promote the presidential ambition of the Learned Silk and deliver the NBA presidency to him. They both noted that the Learned has played a great role in championing the affairs of the NBA and as such, it is only necessary that members of the Bar support his presidential ambition.

It was indeed an exciting evening as members were seen with radiant smiles on their faces while interacting amongst themselves and with the Learned Silk.

ANIEDI AKPABIO, ESQ. TREATS CHIEF JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN AND HIS ENTOURAGE TO A FEAST

On Tuesday, June 28, 2022, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN arrived the beautiful city of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State with his entourage comprising of Hon. Nimi Walson Jack, past Secretary General of NBA; Kunle Ogunba, SAN; Raphael Udoh; Blessing Eyibio and Hillary Ayebaifie Ojeke.

Upon his arrival, the renowned Aniedi Akpabio, Esq. and his lovely wife, Mrs. Emem Akpabio heartily welcomed the Learned Silk and his guests to his private residence in Essien Udim LGA. Mr. David Ekpo, chairman of the NBA, Ikot Ekpene branch; Dame Helen Egube; Hon. Akan Udo; Mr. Nkereuwen Akpabio; Mr. Nsikan Ukpong; Ubong Atang, Publicity secretary of the branch and Albert Umoh, YLF secretary of the branch were also present to welcome the Learned Silk at the residence of Aniedi Akpabio, Esq.

The Learned Silk utilized this opportunity to reconnect with his friend and also, express his gratitude to other members of the Bar who have been the foot soldiers piloting and projecting his NBA presidential ambition. Mr. David Ekpo, the chairman of the NBA, Ikot Ekpene branch assured the Learned Silk of his undying support and noted that action plans have been drawn out to ensure that the Bar is delivered to the Learned Silk. While commenting on the good deeds of the Learned Silk, Hon. Akan Udo expressed his allegiance to the Learned Silk.

The Chief Host, Aniedi Akpabio, Esq. noted that the Learned Silk is a credible and detribalized Bar man with a proven track record of excellence. He urged all present to make the right decision by supporting the Learned Silk. Also, Hon. Nimi Walson Jack and Kunle Ogunba, SAN spoke to the integrity and dedication of the Learned Silk. They implored all present to make a smart choice by supporting the Learned Silk as he has been and is still a solid pillar behind activities of the Bar.

In the course of the evening, there were loud chants of “JKNOWNOW” initiated by Kunle Ogunba, SAN and chorused by others present. It was indeed a beautiful evening which came to an end with the Learned Silk and his guests being treated to both local and continental dishes prepared specially by Mrs. Emem Akpabio.

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GADZAMA DELIVERS PSN LECTURE, LAWYERS LAUD HIM AT SIT-OUT

FEATURED

LEGAL LUMINARY, JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN DELIVERS A LECTURE AT THE 2022 MID YEAR MEETING/PUBLIC LECTURE AND PLENARY SESSION OF THE BOARD OF FELLOWS, PHARMACEUTICALS SOCIETY OF NIGERIA

The Board of Fellows of the PCN held their 4th Public Lecture themed “HARNESSING THE POTENTIALS OF FELLOWS OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES IN NIGERIA FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: PHARMACISTS’ PERSPECTIVE” on 28th June, 2022.

The Lecture, which was chaired by the Hon. Minister of State for Budget & National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, featured a distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama as the Guest Speaker.

The Learned Silk, ably represented by a Partner in the law firm of J-K Gadzama LLP, Madu Joe-Kyari Gadzama delivered a rich and insightful paper which was well received by the Fellows who paid rapt attention.

The Chairman, organizing committee Pharm. Ibrahim Tanko Ayuba Fpsn spoke highly of Chief Gadzama and expressed gratitude to him for honouring the Board’s invitation.

In the same vein, the Chairman, Body of Fellows, PSN, Pharm. Dr. Joel E. B. Adagadzu, FPSN, FPCPharm commended the Learned Silk.

The Learned Silk received a standing ovation from members of the high table at the end of the interesting lecture.

The Chairman, Body of fellows Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Dr. Joel E.B. Adagadzu FPSN FPCPharm in his vote of thanks, appreciated Chief Gadzama while stating that the body is grateful that the Learned Silk could find time in his busy schedule to honour their invitation. He prayed for the Learned Silk and wished him well in his aspiration.

A President aspirant in the just concluded PDP presidential primaries, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, while presenting an award on behalf of Board, commended the Learned Silk and his representative for an insightful lecture.

FRIENDS OF CHIEF JOE-KYARI GADZAMA SPEAK ON HIS CREDIBILITY AT A SIT-OUT SESSION WITH NBA BRANCHES OF KOGI STATE

On Sunday, June 26, 2022, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and his friends including His Excellency, Alhaji M.A. Abubakar, (Former Governor of Bauchi State), Mr. Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN, (Former Chairman, NBA Unity Bar), Mr. Mohammed Monguno, (Former Attorney-General of Borno State, Former Chairman, NBA Maiduguri Branch), Chief C.P. Oli (Director-General Vox Populi Foundation for Leadership), Mr. Rex Uzoegbu, Miss Blessing Eyibio, Mr. Martin Kalu, Mr. Hassan Sheriff, (Counsel, J-K Gadzama LLP and Member Young Lawyers’ Group of J-K Gadzama LLP), Mr. Victor Onyekachukwu Ehiosun, (Counsel, J-K Gadzama LLP and Member Young Lawyers’ Group of J-K Gadzama LLP), Miss Farida Lanre-Ipinmisho (Counsel, J-K Gadzama LLP and Member, Women’s Group of J-K Gadzama LLP) and Miss Roseline Ogwuche (Counsel, J-K Gadzama LLP and Member, Women’s Group of J-K Gadzama LLP) were hosted to a sit-out session with members and executives of the NBA Okene, Kabba and Lokoja Branches of Kogi State.

The session kick-started officially with opening remarks being led by Mr. I.O AlHassan (Chairman, NBA Lokoja Branch) who stated that the Bar Patriot, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN was someone who had made laudable contributions to the NBA. “Your contributions precede you. Even before becoming a lawyer, I had always heard of your name and have come to realize and admit that you’re a great man by all standards”, he said, speaking to the Learned Silk. He welcomed all the attendees and members of the Learned Silk’s entourage, reassuring that NBA Kogi State would support the candidacy of the Learned Silk and continue to make efforts towards spreading the news of the Learned Silk’s good aspirations for the Nigerian Bar.

Mr. C.O. Daniel, (Chairman, NBA Kabba Branch) also addressed the attendees saying he was impressed with the contributions of the Learned Silk, Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN to the Nigerian Bar. He referred to the Learned Silk as a renowned Patriot of the Nigerian Bar whose commitments spoke volumes.

Mr. Simon Musa welcomed the Learned Silk and addressed attendees on the importance of supporting him. According to him, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN had been a household name and his contributions to the Nigerian Bar; especially the positive inputs made towards improving manner in which the NBA National Executive Council conducts it’s affairs were remarkable.

Mr. Siaka Odege, (Former Chairman, NBA Okene) speaking on behalf of the Okene Branch, thanked the attendees for taking time out to listen to the good aspirations of the Learned Silk for the NBA. He promised to support the cause of Learned Silk and urged everyone to do the same because the Learned Silk was one of them.

Thereafter, His Excellency, Former Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji M.A Abubakar addressed the attendees. Speaking to them, His Excellency gave an excerpt of his profile saying. He explained that having been called to the Nigerian Bar in 1979 he had not seen anyone who’d given selflessly to the Nigerian Bar like Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN. He said, “…because of this, we fondly call him Mr. Mentorship. The office of J-K is like a mini Nigeria. He is a man who believes in capacity-building and gives everyone equal opportunities”.

Speaking on the credibility of the Learned Silk’s character, a Judge from the High Court of Kogi State refered to him as a colossus; a man of integrity, competence and high professional acumen and discipline.

Mr. Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN speaking on liberating the Nigerian Bar, stated that J-K Gadzama, SAN was a man whose will cannot be bent by political influence or monetary gains. He urged attendees to support the aspirations of J-K Gadzama, SAN because he was the best man for the job.

Mr. Mohammed Monguno, buttressed further on the character of Learned Silk, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN. He said, “…having known J-K for about 40 years, attended the same primary school, university, and then being called to the Nigerian Bar together, I can attest to his impeccable character. J-K. In his office, 65% of lawyers are women and 70% are young lawyers. He is one who has passion to serve, I implore you to please give him the opportunity”.

Chief C.P Oli addressing the gathering asked the young lawyers to vote for someone who had their best interest at heart and had proven himself through impactful contributions overtime. He said, “I worked in the office of J-K as a young man from the South-East, he gave me an opportunity regardless I wasn’t from the North. I grew under his office and today I have my own office with about 20 lawyers working for me. Let us give quality leadership a chance”.

Mr. John Adele, SAN speaking to his colleagues and fellow members of the Lokoja Branch of the NBA explained that being a member of the committee which registered the NBA Lokoja Branch he could attest to the contributions of J-K Gadzama, SAN to NBA Lokoja. He urged the attendees to support him and then ceded the floor to Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN.

Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN thanked all the attendees for coming. He recounted his relationship with the NBA Branches in Kogi State and Kogi State generally; explaining how he started his my primary school education in Kainji, New Busa now in Niger State but Formerly in old Kwara State including Kogi and how his cousin Late Col. Bzigu Lassa Afakirya was became their Military Administrator. According to him, he was back home to ask for the blessings and support of all the members and executives of the NBA Branches. He promised to serve passionate without fear or favour and give equal access to opportunity, participation and continue the good works of Mr. Olumide Akpata.

Closing remarks were given by Mr. Sanusi Liman and closing prayers by Mr. Hassan Sheriff.

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AKEREDOLU ENDORSES GADZAMA FOR NBA PRESIDENCY

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Past President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and incumbent Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN drums support for the man of the people, J-K Gadzama SAN to become the next NBA President.

#JKNOW
#ANALLINCLUSIVEBAR
gadzama.com

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GADZAMA HOSTS NEW NBA ABUJA EXCO

THE MAN OF THE PEOPLE, J-K GADZAMA SAN HOSTS THE NEWLY ELECTED EXCOS OF THE NBA-ABUJA BRANCH

On Tuesday, June 21, 2022, the amiable J-K Gadzama SAN hosted the members of the newly elected executive committee of the NBA-Abuja branch. The Excos were led by the indefatigable Afam Okeke Esq who previously worked and cut his teeth under Chief Gadzama’s tutelage.

The hosting was not a surprise as the Learned Silk had continually hosted all elected Excos of the NBA-Abuja branch since 2005.

At the event which took place at the Learned Silk’s Asokoro residence, the past Chairman of the branch, Chief Gadzama stated that it had become a tradition for him to host all Excos of the NBA-Abuja branch. According to him, it was important to continually interact with colleagues and provide motivation for the executives of the branch who he humbly described as his ‘bosses’.

After the remarks by the Learned Silk, senior members of the Bar such as Chief Patrick Okolo SAN – Past Chairman of the NBA-Abuja branch, Chief Ikechukwu Ezechukwu SAN – Past Chairman of the NBA-Abuja branch, Mela Audu Nunghe SAN – Past Chairman of the NBA-Abuja branch and Mohammed Monguno, Esq. – Past Attorney-General of Borno & Chairman of NBA-Maiduguri branch gave short speeches wherein they narrated the history and unity of the branch. They also hailed Chief Gadzama for his magnanimity and constant availability to respond to the needs of the branch.

In response, the Chairman of the branch, Afam Okeke, Esq. thanked Chief Gadzama who he described as a key supporter of the bar for always assisting the branch in all its endeavours. He recounted how the Learned Silk hosted the branch executives while he was the Secretary under the leadership of Desmond Yamah, Esq. He also stated that Chief Gadzama loved the branch and appreciated him for the kind gesture shown towards the newly elected Excos.

It is interesting to note that the newly elected and immediate past chairmen of the branch had worked under Chief Gadzama and enjoyed his revered mentorship at different points in their careers.

As the event went on, the guests ate, dined and relaxed at the event. Incidentally, it was the birthday of Funso Odebode, Esq., the vice-chairman of the branch who was celebrated by the Learned Silk.

Present at the event were the following officers of the NBA-Abuja branch: Funso Odebode, Esq. – Vice Chairman, Isiaka Musa, Esq. – Secretary, Oluwatosin F. Emmanuel, Esq. – Assistant Secretary, Adamma Isamade, Esq. – Welfare Secretary, Michael Awo Ejeh, Esq. – Publicity Secretary, Chinelo Audrey Ofoegbunam, Esq. – Treasurer, Farida Usman, Esq. – Financial Secretary, Simon Kanshio, Esq. – Social Secretary and Emmanuel Utomi, Esq. – Provost. Also present were Francis Oronsaye, Esq. – Managing Partner of J-K Gadzama LLP, Darlington Onyekwere, Esq., Madu Gadzama, Esq., Jerry Musa, Esq., Mark Chidi Agbo, Esq. and Lamar Gadzama, Esq., amongst others.

Other Past Chairmen like Chief Karinya Tunya SAN, Chief Ola Olanipekun SAN, Mr Patrick Ediale, High Chief Muyiwa Akinboro, SAN, and Abimbola Kayode, Esq. sent their apologies.

‘WE WILL MAKE YOU NBA PRESIDENT,’ FALANA TELLS GADZAMA

Leading human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana SAN has endorsed Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN for the position of NBA President in the run-up to the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association Elections.

In a viral video seen by CITY LAWYER, the fiery senior lawyer is seen extolling the virtues of Gadzama, adding that he remains unblemished.

Countdown to July 16, 2022
#JKNOW
#ANALLINCLUSIVEBAR
www.gadzama.com

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‘YOU ARE ONE OF US,’ NBA MINNA CHAIR EXTOLS GADZAMA

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JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN HOSTED TO LUNCH TREAT BY THE NBA MINNA BRANCH

On Monday, June 20, 2022 the Learned Silk Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and his entourage including Mr. Mohammed Monguno, (Former Attorney-General, Borno State, Former Chairman NBA Maiduguri), Rt. Hon. Adamu Usman, (Former Attorney-General, Niger State and Former Speaker Niger State House of Assembly), Chief Oluwale, Mr. Sunusi Musa, Mr. Nasiru Usman (Chairman, NBA YLF), Mr. A.H Mohammed, Mr. Mark Chidi Agbo, (Junior Partner, J-K Gadzama, LLP), Rashidat Obamojure, Esq. (Senior Associate, J-K Gadzama, LLP, Chairperson, J-K Gadzama LLP Women’s Group), Mr. Hassan Sheriff (Associate J-K Gadzama, LLP) Miss Farida Lanre-Ipinmisho (Counsel, J-K Gadzama LLP), Miss Magai Magaji Aji (Counsel, J-K Gadzama LLP), Miss Rachel Jonathan and Mr. Anthony Ibe paid a courtesy visit to the NBA Minna Branch and had a sit-out session with Young Lawyers, Members and Executives, and FIDA Members at the NBA Minna Branch.

The opening remarks were rendered by Mr. Mohammed Waziri, (Chairman Elect of NBA Minna Branch). In his address the Chairman Elect welcomed the Learned Silk, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and his entourage. He commended the impeccable personality of the Learned Silk, saying that the Learned Silk has remained a true Patriot of the Nigerian Bar and had come not just as a visitor but as one of them to share his ideas with the NBA Minna Branch.

Thereafter, he ceded the floor to the anchor who introduced Mr. Mohammed Monguno to address the attendees. Mr. Mohammed Monguno speaking passionately about the Learned Silk Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN said he had known the Learned Silk for a long time; since they were students. He said, “I have known Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and I still know him. He is someone who is resolute hardworking and God-fearing. I believe he can take the NBA to greater heights because I have watched him through the help of God advance his career from the lowest point without the advantage of a silver spoon to the peak of professional achievements. That is why I can speak on his behalf. I urge you all to give him your utmost support”.

Addressing the attendees, Mr. Mark referred to the Learned Silk as one who was not just interested in the professional growth of lawyers under his employment but was also concerned about personal development. He said, the Learned Silk had overtime ensured that his Counsel in the office were sponsored from time to time to take several certifications. He also referred to the Learned Silk as a quintessential Bar Patriot and a father not just to his biological children but his professional children.

Rashidat Obamojure, Esq. buttressed the Learned Silk’s ingenuity and fairness in handling issues in the office, (J-K Gadzama LLP). She described the Learned Silk as one who was fair to all regardless of religion, tribe or gender. According to her, about 65% of the Counsel in his office were female lawyers and the office had a women’s group known as Women’s Group of J-K Gadzama LLP. She urged the members of FIDA to support the Learned Silk in charting the course of the NBA.

Rt. Hon. Adamu Usman addressing the attendees, referred to J-K Gadzama, SAN as a true friend who always provided assistance when beckoned on. He recounted how he had been assisted several times by the Learned Silk. In his words, “J-K Gadzama, SAN is someone you all can trust and I believe he is most qualified for the job”.

Finally, the Learned addressed the attendees thanking them for their patience and kind gesture in hosting and accepting him as one of them. He said the meeting was not one for many speeches and as such he would adopt his manifesto and curriculum vitae as uploaded and shared on the website gadzama.com whilst mentioning a few things. He explained that there were no constraints on his ability to serve having amassed several achievements and gained experience through relentless service to the Nigerian Bar. In his words, “…the Nigerian Bar made me, I want reciprocate by serving the Bar in the highest possible capacity, give back to my colleagues and take the Nigerian Bar to higher heights by implementing new initiatives while continuing the good work of Mr. Olumide Akpata”. He thanked the audience for their rapt attention and prayed for God’s blessings for the Nigerian Bar.

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GADZAMA FRIENDSHIP CENTRE OPENS IN LAGOS

FRIENDS OF J-K GADZAMA SAN SET UP FRIENDSHIP CENTER FOR LAWYERS IN LAGOS

Friends of J-K Gadzama SAN have set up a friendship center for lawyers in Lagos which will be in place daily from Mondays to Fridays effective from Thursday, 23rd June, 2022 from 6pm – 8:00pm at the J-K GADZAMA LLP Lagos office located at No. 2 Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi. A similar friendship center was recently set up at the Hon Justice SMA Belgore Hall, J-K Gadzama Court, Abuja.

The Friendship Centre is free and open to all lawyers. It is designed to create a daily avenue for lawyers to network, relax, unwind and enjoy themselves in a convivial atmosphere as there promises to be light music,, finger foods, drinks etc to aid relaxation and ease stress for the day’s job.

The initiators have also confirmed that there will be free body/health checks like blood pressure, blood sugar level, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), temperature etc. for lawyers.

Lawyers in Lagos are enjoined to indulge, network and socialize maximally as the Friendship Centre kicks off by 6:30pm on Thursday, 23rd June, 2022 at J-K GADZAMA LLP Lagos office located at No. 2 Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi. It promises to be fun all the way.

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GADZAMA HAILS NBA BARNAWA FOR ACCEPTING HIM

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JOE-KYARI GADZAMA SAN ALONGSIDE EMINENT ENTOURAGE ATTENDS NBA BARNAWA 2022 LAW WEEK, DELIVERS GOODWILL MESSAGE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY

On Monday, June 20, 2022, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN attended the Opening Ceremony of the NBA Barnawa Branch (Model Branch) 2022 Annual Law Week, themed: Understanding the Electoral Act, 2022, held at the Jay Hiltin Hotel, 37 Libya Street, Barnawa, Kaduna State.

The Chairman of the Opening Ceremony was Muhammad Tukur Muazu Aliyu, the Acting Chief Judge of Kaduna State. Chief Gadzama delivered a Goodwill Message immediately after the Welcome Address by the Chairman of the Branch, Mr. Abdullahi Yahaya SAN.

Chief Gadzama appreciated the Branch for accepting him, and further commended the theme for the Law Week “Understanding the Electoral Act, 2022” as being very apt and relevant, considering the electioneering period the country is presently in and the attendant intrigues that come with it.

Accompanying Chief Gadzama to the NBA Barnawa Branch 2022 Law Week were Mr Mohammed Mongonu, the former Attorney-General of Borno State and Former Chairman Maiduguri Branch, Senior Lawyer Sunusi Musa of NBA Kano Branch, Hassan Sherif Esq of the NBA Abuja Branch, and an active member of the NBA SPIDEL and majority leader of the Democracy Africa Youth Parliament, Mr. Nasir Saidu Esq.

From the NBA Suleja Branch were Mr. Muhammad Hassan Adamu Esq, Mr Nasiru Usman Esq (YLF Chairman NBA Suleja Branch), Sagir Salisu Esq, and Abraham Favour Esq from the NBA Minna Branch. There was also Jummai Musa Esq of the NBA Kaduna Branch amongst a host of others.

Present at the event were the Hon. Justice A. M Talba JCA of the Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division. Hon Justice Abdulrahman Umar Abubakar, the Grand Khadi Kaduna State Sharia Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Danlami Garba, the President, Customary Court of Appeal, Kaduna State. And the representative of the Keynote Speaker, Mr. Elisah Kurah, SAN amongst a host of other eminent personalities.

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NBA ELECTIONS: EBONYI LAWYERS ENDORSE GADZAMA

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GADZAMA, SAN CAMPAIGN RECEIVES A BOOST AS ASSOCIATION OF EBONYI STATE LAWYERS IN LAGOS ENDORSED HIS CANDIDACY, PROMISED TO WORK FOR HIM

The campaign trail of Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN received an impetus on Saturday, June 19, 2022 when the Association of Ebonyi State Lawyers in Lagos State endorsed Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN as the best and preferred presidential candidate for the forthcoming NBA election. This decision was arrived at when members of the Association present at the meeting took turn to apprise the pedigree and records of Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN.

It was said that many young lawyers have benefitted from the professional training and mentorship programmes which Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN has been relentlessly carrying on over the years, this records clearly show that J-K Gadzama is passionate about the growth and development of young lawyers in Nigeria. There is therefore no doubt that Joe-Kyari Gadzama is pro young lawyers and has the competence and capability to continue from where Mr. Akpata led Administration stops.

Sharing the antecedents of the Association, the Chairman of the Association, Mr. Agbafo Ogbonnaya narrated how the Association endorsed the candidacy of the present President of the NBA Mr. Olumide Akpata in 2020 and Mr. Akpata has not disappointed them. He said having assessed the all the candidates vying for the NBA presidency, Chief Gadzama, SAN stands tall and above others and it is clear that he is the only one with competence and capability to lead the Bar at this critical moment.

After deliberations, it was unanimously agreed and resolved that every member of the Association will not only vote for Chief Gadzama, SAN but will also work for his victory in the forthcoming election.

In confirmation of the resolution, members present at the meeting sang a special song which Mr. Kunle Ogunba, SAN crafted for Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN.

J-K Now, J-K Now Now!!!

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KADUNA BAR QUAKES OVER GRAND DINNER FOR GADZAMA

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THE PRIMUS INTER PARES AMONGST CONTESTANTS FOR THE NBA PRESIDENCY, JOE-KYARI GADZAMA SAN, HIS EMINENT ENTOURAGE, DINE AND PARTY WITH THE KADUNA BAR IN GRAND STYLE

On Sunday, June 19, 2022, the Friends of Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN organized a Dinner Party which hosted the members of the Kaduna Bar, alongside the amiable Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN, and the teeming members of his eminent entourage some of whom are from the NBA Abuja Branch, the NBA Kano Branch, the NBA Kafanchan Branch, the NBA Zaria Branch, the NBA Funtua Branch, the NBA Katsina Branch and the NBA Suleja Branch, amongst others.

Also in attendance were eminent members and Bar leaders from the Kaduna Bar such as Ustaz Yunus Usman, SAN, Mr. Sani Katu SAN and Mr Tajudeen Oladoja SAN. Others were Mr. M.T Muhammed (the Chairman NBA Kaduna Branch), Ms Julie Ariahu Esq, Ms. Juliet Agada Esq, Mr. Musa Kakaki Esq, Mr. Maxwell Kyon (Secretary, Kaduna Branch), Mr. Ahmed Abdulrazaq Idowu Esq, Mr. Mustapha Haruna (the PRO NBA Kaduna Branch).

The entourage from the NBA Kano Branch included the amiable Mr. Sunusi Musa Esq, Mr. A.A. Sani Esq. Miss Hadiza Nasir Ahmed Esq. Mr. Adamu Ishaq Esq, Mr. Nura Yusuf Garba, amongst others. Mr. Hassan Sherif Esq, a young lawyer from the NBA Abuja Branch was also a part of the Chief Gadzama’s entourage.

Some of the Members of the Chief Gadzama ’s entourage from the NBA Zaria Branch, include Ms. Aisha Ismail Damisa Esq, A.Y Mohammed Esq, Sani Musa Esq, Abigail Daniel Esq, Umma Sani Salihu Esq, Hajara Adamu Esq.

The entourage from the NBA Funtua Branch included: Lawal Amah Esq, B.F Abdullahi Esq, Tijanni Magagi Esq (the Secretary NBA Funtua Branch), Anas Aminu Esq, Zainab Abdulrahim, Mahadi Abdul Salam, Umar Hassan, Nazir Suleiman, Isah Haruna, Ibrahim Saidu, Ahmed Abubakar, Abubakar Abdul Salam.

From the NBA Katsina Branch, was Mr. S.Y Wurma (the Past Secretary). From the NBA Suleja Branch were Mr. Muhammad Hassan Adamu Esq, Mr Nasiru Usman Esq (YLF Chairman NBA Suleja Branch), Sagir Salisu, Abraham Favour Esq and Nasiru Saidu.

Some of the Members of the NBA Barnawa Branch were: Mr. Alhassan Aliyu Esq. (Provost), Halima Sadiya Shabi Esq, Jane Dike, Cynthia C. Cypriot Esq., D.I Audu Esq., Emmanuel Ejim Esq, Lawrence Otaha, Esq.

Members of the NBA Kafanchan Branch present include Mr. W.D. Kadina (a Bar Leader), Adams Nathan, C. Abba Esq, Luka Maza Junior, Audu Bobra, N. R. Yam, Ankuma Yem.

Speaking at the Events was Uztaz Yunuz Usman SAN who noted that Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama is “totally qualified” and that “Kaduna is known for always choosing the best” and that if Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama becomes the next President, he “should continue to be a Leader and not a Ruler”. Mr. Mohammed Sani Katu SAN gave a remark welcoming the Chief Gadzama and his entourage to Kaduna State and its branch of the NBA. Mr. Tajudeen Oladoja SAN also extended his felicitations and was ever happy to offer words of advice and encouragement to especially the younger members of the Bar present, thereafter welcoming Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN. The Chairman NBA Kaduna Branch, Mr. M.T Muhammed also gave his remark, welcoming the Chief Gadzama amiably to the Kaduna Bar.

Members of the Chief Gadzama’s entourage also gave their remark. Mr. Mohammed Monguno, the Former Attorney-General Borno State and former Chairman of NBA Maiduguri Branch emphasized that J-K has a track record of consistent service to the Bar, having served in numerous capacities, including as Pioneer Chairman, NBA-SPIDEL (2006-2010), Pioneer Vice-Chairman NBA SLP, Pioneer Council Member, NBA-SBL, Former Chairman, NBA- Abuja [Unity Bar] (2002-2004), Pioneer Chairman and the NBA- Security Agencies Relations Committee amongst several others.

Senior lawyer Mr. Sanusi Musa noted that Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN is a prepared candidate. Mr Sunusi advised in his ever-charismatic manner that members of the Branches present should “follow person wey sabi road” that of all candidates, “na J-K sabi road pass” and that his antecedents speak for him. Mr. Sunusi further urged that at such a critical time as this, the NBA cannot afford to have leaders that do not know what Bar leadership is all about.

Mr. A. A. Sani, Esq. a senior lawyer from the NBA Kano Branch enumerated the numerous selfless contributions of Chief Gadzama to the development of the legal profession in Nigeria. He cited that Chief Gadzama had over the years been consistent in his quest at improving the capacity of lawyers through continuing legal education, especially for the young lawyers through his Annual Lectures currently in its 13th Edition and Mentoring Programs currently in its 7th edition.

Mr. Samson Audu, the immediate Past Chairman of the NBA Kaduna Branch was especially emphatic in his remarks about Chief Gadzama. He noted that the Chief Gadzama had paid his dues and was especially a friend of the NBA – Kaduna Branch having actively participated consistently in the Branch’s previous activities over the years.

Ms. Julie Ariahu Esq, the Vice-Chairperson, Kaduna Branch, International Federation of Women Lawyer (FIDA), also appreciated Chief Gadzama, and thereafter welcomed him and his entourage.

Just before addressing the gathering, Chief Gadzama took a bow, felicitated and appreciated everyone for such a warm reception and thereafter gave a remark which earned him several ovations, cheers and applauses from the members of the NBA Branches present. Chief Gadzama particularly noted that though other candidates for the position of the NBA- Presidency may be qualified, he was the prime candidate for the job and the candidate to beat being the primus inter pares amongst his other fellow contestants.

Chief Gadzama thereafter treated everyone present to prime vintage dance steps much to the amazement of all. “Young at heart”, he called himself. He dance for hours tirelessly and far into the night with everyone and anyone, male and female, old and young, entrenching further, even on a lighter note, the mantra he preaches: “An All-Inclusive Bar”.

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‘SULEJA FRIENDS OF JK’ HOST GADZAMA TO LUNCH

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SULEJA FRIENDS OF GADZAMA HOST CHIEF JOE-KYARI GADZAMA SAN AND ENTOURAGE TO AN INTERACTIVE LUNCH SIT-OUT

On June 19, 2022, Suleja Friends of Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN hosted Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN and members of his entourage to lunch at Yankee’s Hotel, Suleja, Niger State. This afforded an interactive platform between members of the NBA-Suleja Branch, the Young Lawyer Forum (YLF) of the NBA Suleja Branch and the Niger Chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) all on the one hand, and the ever amiable Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN and members of his entourage,m on the other hand, at the Yankee’s Hotel, Suleja, Niger State.

The Learned Silk had amongst his entourage, Mr. Muhammad Mongonu, the former Chairman NBA Maiduguri Branch and Former Attorney-General of Borno State, Mr. Sanusi Musa Esq, the Senior Lawyer, Mr, Nasir Saidu and Mr Hassan Sherif, Esq, amongst a host of others.

Speaking at the event organised in honour of Chief Gadzama, Mr Mohammed Tanko Zakari, a Bar leader of the NBA Suleja Branch welcomed the Learned Silk. Mr. E U Iorna, a former NEC Member for the NBA Suleja Branch, offered the opening prayer.

Speaking further during his welcome remarks, Mr. Mohammed Tanko Zakari noted that the Learned Silk is well represented in the Branch and that there was no doubt that “J-K is a household name and the right candidate to lead the Bar”. He emphasized that the Learned Silk was not at the Branch for the campaign but for an interactive session. He concluded that “With J-K, NBA Suleja is in safer hand”.

Thereafter the Learned Silk introduced the members of his entourage which included the Former Chairman NBA Maiduguri Branch and Attorney-General of Borno State, Mr. Muhammed Monguno Esq, Senior Lawyer and Lead Coordinator, Northwest, Vox Populi Foundation, Mr Sanusi Musa Esq and Mr. Hassan Sherif, Esq amongst others.

Speaking to the members of the NBA- Suleja Branch, Mr. Mohammed Mongonu, Esq, the Former Attorney General of Borno State narrated that the Learned Silk’s several selfless instances of service to the bar. He stated that Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN is a man who stands for fairness, and professional excellence and was supremely ready to serve the Bar. He further stated that the Learned Silk is recognized and honoured in all parts of Nigeria; in the Western part as the Bobajiro of Akure Kingdom, in his hometown as the Sardauna of Uba, And more recently as the Shettima of Borno, and in the Eastern region as the Okwuluora of Ukpo. He further stated that the Learned Silk has been recognized even by the Federal Republic of Nigeria having been honoured with the title of OFR and MFR and that the Learned Silk’s accomplishments and qualifications are unquestionable, same as his unwavering commitment to the development of the legal profession.

Mr. Sanusi Musa urged the members of the NBA Suleja Branch to “follow person wey sabi road” that of all candidates, “na J-K sabi road pass” and that his antecedents speak for him. Mr. Sanusi noted that at such a critical time as this, the NBA cannot afford to have leaders that do not know what Bar leadership is all about.

Also addressing the gathering, Mr. A. M Idris, the former Chairman of NBA Suleja Branch noted that “the best man for the job now …is J-K “. E.U Iorna, described the Learned Silk as an “Abraham Lincoln” and “John Cena”, due to his never-say-die attitude, doggedness and tireless nature.

Mr. Ibrahim Bako, a chairmanship candidate for the NBA Suleja, noted that people should not catapult themselves into positions of authority without adequate and necessary preparations. He stated that Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN’s antecedents show that he is indeed a prepared candidate. He passionately noted that “we must look at pedigree, in 2016, when I was the NBA Suleja Branch Secretary, J-K requested that the NBA Suleja Branch send 10 lawyers for mentorship ” this according to Mr. Bawa shows that Chief Gadzama is a mentor, adequately prepared to take up the role of leadership. “If you want a Bar you will be proud of, vote for a prepared candidate, J-K Gadzama is a prepared candidate” he concluded.

A representative of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Niger Branch, Sadiya Muhammed spoke, praising the Learned Silk for his efforts and strides. Mrs Fatimah Muhammed, a member of the NBA Suleja Branch and FIDA stated that she was privileged to read the Learned Silk’s manifesto, especially the part that pertains to the remuneration for young lawyers, she appreciated the learned silk for making the young lawyers a priority,

Mr. Buhari Saidu Adamu, also of the NBA Suleja Branch noted that “J-K is not only ready to lead the Bar, but lead the Bar successfully and competently”. And that the members of the NBA- Suleja Branch will kowtow and vote for the Learned Silk.

The Vote of Thanks was given by an active member of the NBA SPIDEL and majority leader of Democracy Africa Youth Parliament, Mr. Nasir Saidu, who appreciated M. T Zakari And the NBA Suleja Branch, the YLF NBA Suleja Branch, for finding J-K worthy. Mr Muhammed Auwal thereafter offered the closing prayer.

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GADZAMA SHINES AT ELLAN PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

FEATURED

JOE-KYARI GADZAMA SAN SHOWS THAT HE IS INDEED THE PRIMUS INTER PARES AT THE ELLAN PRESIDENTIAL EXCHANGE

On Friday, June 17, 2022, the Learned Silk, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN was privileged to participate in the ELLAN (Employment and labour Lawyers Association of Nigeria) Presidential exchange.

The Learned Silk passionately answered the questions thrown to him during the debate which were tailored towards the wellbeing of lawyers – an area he remains passionate about.

On sexual harassment, he stated that young lawyers should always speak up and have adequate evidence backing up any allegation. Thereafter, he assured young lawyers that adequate protection will be given to them. Furthermore, he stated that strict punishment such as disbarment will be imposed on the culprits as such an act tarnishes the image of our noble profession. The Learned Silk re-emphasized that he will make sure that such acts are unheard of in the legal profession.

The Learned Silk, during the debate, stated that he believes that in the making of silk, what should be highlighted is whether the applicant has met all the requirements. If the applicant has met all the requirements, he should thus be made Silk. He concluded by advocating that all who have met the criteria should be made Silk, no matter the number.

The Learned Silk when asked a question on the amendment of the RPC stated that he is of the view that the rules should be amended as there were many challenges which were not addressed by the RPC such as the empowerment of lawyers to enable them earn a living outside the normal confinement of the legal profession. He opined that this is inconsistent with the mandate of the NBA which allows the NBA to create wealth and empower members within the parameters of the law.

The Learned Silk during the debate reiterated the well-known fact that the protection of lawyers from the abuse of law enforcement agencies is his priority.

On the question of how the renumeration of lawyers can be improved, the learned Silk stated that the young lawyers do a lot of work in law firms and are talented but they are not adequately appreciated. He stated that the time has come for them to be adequately appreciated by sufficient remuneration.

Furthermore he stated that a minimum pay should be stipulated for the profession.

In his closing remarks, Learned Silk stated that the other two candidates and presidential aspirants are qualified to be the next NBA President but he is the first among equals – the primus inter pares, the right person to lead the bar. He mentioned that this is due to the fact that the bar needs a person who is courageous, fearless and who will adequately fight for the independence of the Bar and the Judiciary.

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