LAW WEEK

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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‘WHY EXTRA-JUDICIAL KILLINGS PERSIST IN NIGERIA,’ BY ISAAC OGBAH

PAPER PRESENTED BY ISAAC OMUTA OGBAH, FICMC, CANDIDATE FOR THE 3rd VICE PRESIDENT OF NBA AT THE JUST CONCLUDED NBA BADAGRY LAW WEEK

TOPIC: “Extra Judicial killings in Nigeria; any justification”?

Presented by: Isaac Omuta Ogbah, Esq.

Introduction

There is an upsurge in the rate of extra judicial killings in Nigeria. Thus there is a need to look into this. The authorities have either turned deaf ears to these happenings and by necessary implications promoted the breakdown of law and order in Nigeria.

Definition of Extra-judicial killing

Extra-judicial killings is said to be a killing done by government officials without judicial or legal process.

This happens when someone in an official position deliberately kills a person without any legal process.

Its a violation to right to life, designating killing of an individual by State agent without a judicial process.

This is because the law sees every human life to be a precious thing that needs to be cherished, even though the law gives exceptions to right to life, there’s still no justification for extra judicial killings.

There are several instances where extra judicial killings has taken place in Nigeria. For example police brutality on peaceful protesters.

The noxious trend recurred at Ota-Efun, Osogbo, the Osun State capital, early in December when a police sergeant, Moses Samuel, killed a rig operator, Kabiru Babai, during an altercation. The same officer, who is reportedly undergoing orderly room trial, also injured a truck driver, Harisu Musa. The real tragedy of that story is that Babai was protesting the shooting of Musa when he was killed by the officer.

Early in November 2021 a police officer that has yet to be named, killed a tricycle operator in Meiran, Lagos State, triggering the mayhem that eventually claimed three lives. That incident was sparked by a demand for a measly N100 bribe. In September, another officer reportedly shot dead a 29-year-old father of one identified only as Gift, who was marking his birthday in Obinomba, in the Ukwani Local Government Area of Delta State.

While engaged in extortion, power-drunk police officers kill innocent civilians with reckless abandon during disagreements over paltry sums. Rogue officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, especially under its current Comptroller-General, Hameed Ali, also kill recklessly. In July 2021, Customs officers invaded Igangan, Igboora, Ayete, and Tapa communities in the Ibarapa LGA of Oyo State. When the dust settled, three people lay dead. The NCS spokesman, Theophilus Duniya, alleged that the deceased were smugglers. This tenuous claim was dismissed by a federal lawmaker representing Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency, Oyo State, Muraina Ajibola, who argued that the communities were over 200 kilometres away from the nearest border post. In May, Customs officers had killed five people at Iseyin, in the same state. No law authorises the summary killing of smuggling suspects.

Killings that should qualify as crimes against humanity have also been perpetrated by the military. The massacre of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria by the Nigerian Army in December 2015, where no fewer than 347 persons were killed, is unforgettable. Not only were the Shiites killed, but they were also buried in mass graves. The recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Garba-led panel that those responsible for the killings should be prosecuted have been ignored. Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, other NGOs and nations have continued to call for justice to no avail.

In the South-East, the military has been reportedly killing citizens on the pretext of waging war against the Indigenous People of Biafra separatists. Many residents have reportedly been murdered by bloodthirsty soldiers without any consequence. AI reported in August that 115 people were killed in four months by security forces across Imo, Anambra, and Abia states. Another gory report in The PUNCH detailed how corpses of victims of extrajudicial killings were piled on each other at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State.

From January 2021, gunmen suspected to be ESN militants launched a series of attacks on government infrastructure, including prisons and public buildings, killing several police officers. Amnesty International, in their report, condemned these attacks and called on authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Amnesty International in its report in 2021 stated that Nigerian security forces launched security operations in June, 2021, primarily targeting ESN militants or those perceived as such to decimate the group.

Amnesty International documented at least 115 persons killed by security forces between March and June 2021. Many relatives of the victims told Amnesty International that they were not part of the militants that were attacking security agents.

Many of the victims were deposited at government hospitals in Imo and Abia state. According to several hospital sources all the victims deposited by the police had bullet injuries.

For instance, in two of the cases documented by Amnesty international, the victims were targeted with no apparent justification:

Uguchi Unachukwu, a German-based businessman was killed by soldiers on 31 May 2021, at a checkpoint near Owerri airport on his way out of the country. The police are yet to investigate the crime.

Mathew Opara, a 45-year-old businessman, was shot by soldiers on 25 May 2021 in Orji, near Owerri. Witnesses told Amnesty International that he was returning from work when he ran into a team of soldiers in armoured vehicle and Hilux vans shooting at residents. He was shot in the chest and could not receive immediate medical help because of the violence. His family said the military acknowledged the killing but did not launch an investigation or offer any apology.

Certainly extra judicial killings are unlawful and should be condemned in all ramifications

Under the law there are exceptions to when an individual life can be taken and it won’t amount to unlawful killing.

According to Section 33 of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria , these are the exceptions to right to life; self defence, execution of a court sentence, to effect a lawful arrest, to suppress a riot, mutiny and insurrection.

However, it should be noted that under the law there is no justification for extra-judicial killing.

Unfortunately, it seems the political and security leadership in Nigeria think nothing of the high rate of killings by state actors.

It is on record that 99% of these unlawful killings go largely unpunished, thanks in part to Nigeria’s Force Order 237, which allows officers to use lethal force in ways that contravenes international law, and because of government corruption and a prevailing culture of impunity.”

Ordinarily Force Order 237 ought only to be applied when the life of a Police officer is in danger

Section 3 states as follows: A Police officer may use firearms under the following circumstances:
A. When attacked and his life is in danger and there is no other way of saving his life;

B. Where defending a person who is attacked and he believes on reasonable grounds, that he cannot otherwise protect that person attacked from death

C. Where necessary to disperse rioters to prevent them from committing serious offense

D. If he cannot by any other means arrest a person WHO BEING IN LAWFUL CUSTODY ESCAPES AND TAKES TO FLIGHT IN ORDER TO AVOID REARREST.

It partly explains the #EndSARS protest of 2020.

In Nigeria, security agents compete with blood tasty non-state actors like Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist, bandits, and Fulani Herdsmen in massacring Nigerians.

Lawmakers have a crucial role to play. Where there are killings, the House of Representatives members and senators from the affected constituencies should take the heads of the concerned security units to task.

NBA AT BOTH NATIONAL, STATE AND BRA CH LEVELS SHOULD RISE TO THE DEFENSE OF HUMAN RIGHTS.

By regularly interrogating service chiefs and the police hierarchy, and ensuring proper accountability, sanity might return to the system. UNFORTUNATELY IN TODAYS NIGERIA THE LAW MAKERS WOULD INVITE THE SERVICE CHIEFS AND THEY WOULD REFUSE TO HONOR SUCH INVITATIONS AND NOTHING IS DONE AS A DETERRENT ON SUCH OBVIOUS MALADMINISTRATION.

The state governors have been negligent and uncaring. They rarely follow up when security agents kill people extra judicially in their domain.

This must change. In their utterances and interactions, governors must demonstrate that they value the lives of citizens.

A governor could demand the removal of a commissioner of police under whose watch there are extrajudicial killings.

For instance, the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, should lead protests against the high rate of killings by Customs officers in Ogun.

Nigerians must also stand for their rights. Peaceful protest is a constitutional right of every Nigerian and must be responsibly deployed to decry the highhandedness of security agencies. Civil societies and rights groups should mobilize the citizenry to demand punishment for killer security personnel.

Aside from the dismissal and prosecution of the culprits, their supervising and commanding officers must not be spared.

The United States of America 🇺🇸, United Kingdom and European countries’ citizens stage civil protests, sit-ins, petitions, and lawsuits to press for justice.

Liberty must be defended to be enjoyed.

The participation of the military in civil security in Nigeria is doing more harm than good. Therefore, the President, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), should restrict the military to its primary constitutional role of fighting external aggression and reform the Customs.

Extrajudicial killings persist because there is little deterrence or consequence.

For a start, Nigerians must demand the implementation of the recommendations of the judicial panels of inquiries set up in the wake of the #EndSARS protest.

The security agents recommended for trial must be prosecuted.

Affected communities, individuals and families of victims should also seek justice through litigation.

An international Human Right non-governmental organization, has disclosed that not fewer than 122 cases of extra judicial killings were recorded in Nigeria between January and October 4, 2020.

We have international laws which kick against extra-judicial killings includes;

A. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

B. African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR)

C. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

D. Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firms by Law Enforcement Officials (BPUFF).

E. United Nations Code of Conducts for Law Enforcement Officials (CLEO)

F. Principles on the Effective Prevention and Investigation of Extra-Legal, Arbitrary and Summary Executions, UN Model Protocol for a Legal Investigation of Extra -Legal, Arbitrary and summary execution.

In Nigeria we also have laws that kick against extra-judicial killings and they are;

1. The 1999 Constitution

2. Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Act (both applicable in th Southern States in Nigeria),

3. Penal code and Criminal Procedure Code (both applicable in the Northern States in Nigeria),

4. Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 (ACJA) and

5. Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL),

6. Nigeria Police Act and

7. Police Force and

8. Police Order 237.

Curbing extra judicial killing would be made easier if the revised force order 237 is effectively implemented.

The 2009 Amnesty report “killing at will: Extra-Judicial executions and other unlawful killings by the Nigerian Police” has given different areas that needs to be looked into when curbing extra-judicial.

A. The weak oversight mechanisms of the Nigeria Police force and

B. chronic lack of resources are some of the areas the 2009 Amnesty report.

General Legal Framework for Human Rights Protection The Chapter IV of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which Is a supreme law, sets out the fundamental human rights of the citizens of the Nigeria. The provisions of the Constitution are clearly against torture and killing and promote the right to life.

The Federal Government also established the National Human Rights Commission which is charged to deal with matters relating to the protection of human rights as guaranteed by the Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and other International Treaties on human rights to which Nigeria is a signatory.

Although Nigeria has ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in 1993, the Convention against Torture (CAT) in 2001 and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) in 2009 they have not been integrated into the local laws.

Nigeria is also, yet to recognize the competence of the Committee against Torture to receive communications from individuals under article 22 of CAT.

Nigeria has established a National Committee on Torture as its National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) for the prevention of torture at the domestic level in accordance with the obligations of OPCAT.

The committee is charged with the duty to receive and consider complaints on torture; conduct visits to places of detention and examine allegations of torture, prevent torture by reviewing the treatment of persons.

Section 5 (a) National Human Rights Commissions Act put in place, a national anti-torture policy.

Nigeria is also a State Party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR).

Though there are presently no legal provisions criminalizing torture or providing compensation to victims of torture in accordance with the UN Convention against Torture and extra judicial killings, it is believed that Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution is encompassing, a notion that has been disproved by the prevalence of torture.

In March 2011, PRAWA carried out a research and monitoring exercise on cases of torture, cruel and inhuman and degrading punishment committed by law enforcement agents in Enugu state, Eastern part of Nigeria. This was done with a team of lawyers, psychologists and medical practitioners trained under the Torture Documentation and Redress Scheme (TDRS) Project.

The findings are as follows:

1. Statistics of the research indicated that out of the 176 victims interviewed, victims of torture ranged between the ages of 13 to 54 years, with young people between the ages of 26- 30 as the most frequent victims of torture in the state.

2. Out of 176 victims interviewed only 1 female was identified and interviewed. This was because the other female victims were not willing to reveal their ordeal in police custody.

3. Method of torture on the victims include prolonged detention in police custody, gunshot wounds 24.71%, severe beatings with police baton and other dangerous objects 36.21%, burning with hot objects 8.05%, squeezing of testicles and inserting objects into the penis, insertion of nails on feet 1.72%, electric shock, suspension on the tree in different positions 13.22%, cutting with cutlass 12.64% and other forms of torture. •

4. The Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) have police officers who are specially designated to torture crime suspects. Such police officers have an unofficial designation like “OC Torture” (Officer In Charge of Torture), and they have special skills in infringing various methods of torture on their victims.

The reason they were tortured was to obtain information or confessional statement from them before their trial.

Extrajudicial executions, other unlawful killings and enforced disappearances in Nigeria are not random.

In a country where bribes guarantee safety, those who cannot afford to pay are at risk of being shot or tortured to death by the police. The family of the victims often cannot afford to seek justice or redress, because they cannot pay for a lawyer or the court charges. In many cases, they cannot even afford to retrieve the body. In many cases, detainees wait for weeks or months in police custody to be charged and brought before a court.

Amnesty International recorded 29 cases of victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions who had never appeared before a judge.

Key issues of concern

a) Systematic torture in police and other centre of detention.

(b) Lack of adequate documentation and tracking of all tortured suspects upon reception in prison (from the police).

c) Lack of institutionalization mechanism for compulsory autopsy of all deaths in custody.

d) Lack of comprehensive database of all places of detention, their locations, addresses and the total number of persons in detention.

(e) Lack of adequate institutional process of internal and external monitoring and oversight of all detention facilities in Nigeria

(f) Torture and inhumane treatment of Mentally disabled person within the criminal justice delivery system including the detention and lack of psychiatric/medical treatment and review of the mentally disabled prisoners (including the ‘civil lunatics’ who have committed no crime and are only detained because of their mental state rather than being taken to mental health institutions).

g) Lack of provision of adequate rehabilitation services, care and treatment for torture victims by the State.

(h) Lack of reporting and documentation of all cases of Torture and Extra Judicial Killings.

There is no mechanism in place in the constitution or any other law to check and monitor the law enforcement agencies.

The absence of CCTV in the ‘questioning room’ has afforded the law enforcement agencies the luxury to get away with extra judicial killings and torture.

i) External Oversight of the Nigeria Police Force The NPF’s myriad failings—to prevent crime, to solve crime, to punish police.

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‘IMPUNITY, MY EFCC TRAVAILS AND ROLE AS NBA SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR,’ BY UBANI

KEY NOTE ADDRESS PRESENTED BY CHAIRMAN, NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION SECTION ON PUBLIC INTEREST AND DEVELOPMENT LAW (NBA-SPIDEL) AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF NBA BADAGRY BRANCH LAW WEEK HELD ON 22ND JUNE, 2022.

LAWLESSNESS AND QUEST FOR NATIONHOOD: WHITHER NIGERIA? – My EFCC experience and my task of investigating the invasion of the home of Hon. Justice Mary Odili JSC (Rtd.)

Protocols!

Having suffered military rulership for great number of years after independence, Nigeria under civilian regime is yet to imbibe the basic principles of democracy. Despite returning to democratic governance, rule of law and rights of citizens are still being breached at will and often with impunity.

If the military regimes before our nascent democracy were regarded as bad, our experience under our present democracy is worse than what was obtainable under the military regime.

The signs for such brazen disregard to the rule of law and rights of the citizens were quite early under this present regime of President Muhammadu Buhari. As lawyers we could recall the first NBA conference that took place in Abuja after President Buhari became president in 2015. He came in person with his Attorney General Mr Abubakar Malami SAN and when given the opportunity to speak did not hide his feelings in letting the whole world know the direction of his government whenever the rule of law clashes with an alleged national security.

According to him the rule of law and the rights of the citizens will be subsumed to the notorious national security whose description and meaning are known only to those at the helm of affairs of the State.

To the amazement of some of us in that Hall in Abuja, we were shocked to see some lawyers in the hall gave the President a standing ovation for such a dangerous statement that eventually became the fulcrum of his governance.

Rule of law took a terrible back seat under this present democracy.

It is very painful for me as a person because I was one of those who marketed the candidacy of President Buhari for solid 3 years under several platforms including a well known radio station in Lagos before he was chosen as a candidate of APC in 2014.

The present lack of observance of rule of law and the trampling of the citizens’ rights have taken us several years backwards for a nation that is in quest of nationhood.

We have advanced to nowhere, and even the little progress made by the judiciary during the military regime have been wiped away by the reign of pervasive lawlessness all over the place.

My experience with EFCC under Mr. Ibrahim Magu, then Chairman of the Agency is apposite here.

My patriotic zeal to see that an accused person is given a fair hearing having being accused of taking so much out of the system landed me into efcc cell for 23 days without any trial or conviction. What happened is like those fairy tales you watch in Nollywood. A certain lady who was part of President’s Jonathan’s regime was accused of taken 69 billion and later reduced to 1 billion from the Nigerian Social InvestmentTrust Fund NSITF while she was the Chairman of the Agency. She screamed that she was innocent but was abroad while claiming innocence. She was introduced to me as one seeking for a human rights lawyer for her defence. I convinced her to come back from abroad and she did and I presented her to efcc for inestigation and prosecution. Instead of investigation and prosecution, efcc was interested in intimidation, detention and harassment. Having detained her for 14 days without any charge, I proceeded to court to enforce her fundamental human rights against unlawful detention without a charge. They reluctantly agreed to grant her administrative bail on the grounds that since i was the person that brought her back I was in a better position to stand surety for her temporarily pending her formal arraignment.

I felt obliged to her, having been the one that convinced her to come back to face her trial in Nigeria. Secondly since she was to to be arraigned shortly, my suretyship will be discharged and she will get her reliable surety while I will defend her during the trial.

All these permutations did not materialise as Efcc and Magu had a different sinister agenda. Instead of arraigning her as agreed, the agency was interested in tormenting and engaging in psychological warfare. From December to May no charge until one day I learnt that efcc invaded her home, searched the whole house for a period of 12 hours, harassing and intimidating the woman to confess to a crime that was purely a civil issue and which was not the reason why she came back. The new matter which arose from Enugu was that she borrowed money from a fellow politician who felt that he has long legs with efcc and used them to intimidate the poor lady. When she got a reprieve from the invasion she bolted out of the country back to her base abroad citing the fact that the agency was no longer interested in investigation but to eliminate her. I have no reason to doubt such assertion as their search for 12 hours corrobated that fact.

Having driven her back abroad, Efcc suddenly woke up one day that they were ready to charge her. They demanded her from me as her surety. I made them realise that (1) they were the one that drove her back to abroad without letting me know the reason why they did that (2) the matter for which they came for her was a purely civil case for which they had no reason to meddle into and (3) they had over 5 months to have charged her but was foolishly delaying the charge purely out of malice and sheer intimidation to satisfy their overbloated ego and evil machinations.

Despite what I consider EFCC stupidity, I still went after the woman through INTERPOL and got the woman to be placed on Red Alert, meaning that she can be arrested anywhere she is seen in any of the countries that have mutual covenant on INTERPOL matters with Nigeria.

Having discharged my obligation as a surety to show cause why I cannot be held liable for her disappearance, efcc in their lawlessness and brigandage felt otherwise. I was hurled into their cell for clear 23 days despite a court order obtained on my behalf by my lawyer Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN that I should be charged for offence, if any, or be released from detention.

Notorious with disobedience to lawful court orders, Mr Ibrahim Magu refused to accept the order let alone obey it. Magu in his glory felt that he was above the law especially when he knew that he was kept as Acting Chairman for years despite non-confirmation by the Senate as required by the constitution and Efcc Act. He felt untouchable as he knew his master, the President does not believe in the rule of law and has no respect to the rights of the citizens.

To cut a long story short. After my release I went back to court and sued the Agency for violating my right as a patriotic citizen who did no wrong. Recently the judgement was delivered in which I was awarded the sum of 12 million for the wrongful detention. Up till now the said sum has not been paid but I am believing that the last has not been heard about that case. The day of reckoning is coming especially when a government that respects the rule of law is enthroned.

My second experience with this government which I am asked to share is my investigation of the invasion of the home of Hon Justice Mary Odili, the just Retired Justice of the Supreme Court.
Recall that NBA appointed me as the Sole Special Investigator of that invasion that got the entire nation infuriated because of the brazen manner of the said invasion by alleged security agents of the present government. On October 30, 2021, security operatives made up of soldiers and police officers had stormed the Abuja residence of the Supreme Court Justice over an allegation that illegal activities were going on there.

Hon Justice Mary Odili, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court and a wife of former Rivers State governor had her Abuja residence raided by a team of security agents headed by one Lawrence Ajodo, a fake police officer.
Amid the outrage triggered by the raid on Mrs Odili’s abode in the upscale Maitama area of Abuja , the Supreme Court condemned the incident which it said “depicted a gory picture of war”, *appearing like a mission to kill or maim the jurist”

NBA condemned the brazen raid and appointed me as the SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR to unravel the circumstances that led to the incident and which government officials authorised it.

Even though my report exonerated the government officials for lack of verifiable evidence linking them directly to the invasion, there is an aspect of my findings that were not emphasized and brought to the attention of the members of the public. In that report I said this and I quote ” Persons in the Federal Ministry of Justice have an inkling of the illegal activities of Mr Lawrence Ajodo(the fake policeman) and his collaborators and perhaps they have one way or the other consented or collaborated with him in some of his illegal activities”. I revealed further ” Some persons in the Federal Ministry of Justice may have benefited directly or indirectly from the illegal activities of this syndicate that hangs around the Ministry while using its name to create an official toga in their nefarious activities. The Federal Ministry of Justice officials cannot completely deny that they do not know some members of the syndicate”. However the absence of any shred of documentary or oral evidence linking the culprits exculpated the initial suspects like Abubakar Malami SAN and the Efcc officials. Even if Abubakar Malami SAN was exonerated, the officials of the Ministry were not exculpated. They were implicated by implied evidence generated from my findings.

RECOMMENDATIONS

My Recommendation therein were emphasized. Having interfaced with several persons and institutions in the cause of the elaborate investigation, I came up with some of the recommendations which if applied or enacted into law will go a long way in the administration of criminal justice system in Nigeria.

1. I suggested that substantive and procedural laws with elaborate processes and procedures for the issuance of search warrants, arrest warrants, detention orders, extension of detention orders amongst others be enacted into law for the States and the Federal Government.

2. The independence of the Judiciary should not be a matter for negotiation. It is either we have an independent judiciary or we choose not to have it. The advantages of an independent judiciary cannot be over emphasized. The independence of the Judiciary should not be only on paper but should be practicalised. The administrative, operational and financial autonomy of the judiciary should be total and exhaustive. The Federal and State Government should not be allowed to pay lip service to the independence of the Judiciary and the welfare of the members of the Bench.

3. Government Agencies or Security Agencies that tolerate or harbour criminal gangs, touts, or law-breakers in and around their offices should be made to answer to their illegal activities by being summoned by the various committees that superintend over them in the legislature.

4. Ensuring obedience to Court Orders and respect for the rule of law should remain the eternal pursuit of NBA and other professional bodies until these become principles by which every government in Nigeria should abide.

For me the last recommendation makes the day for me. Obedience to court orders and rule of law should be a directive principle of state policy.
Absence of law is anarchy and no meaningful development will ever take place in Nigeria if the government derives pleasure in encouraging lawlessness and wanton disregard to the rule of law and rights of the citizens.

CONCLUSION

NIGERIA quest for nationhood must be one based on respect to rule of law and enthronement of democratic principles in the polity. As we approach the 2023 General Election, Citizens are urged to participate in the civic responsibility of choosing their leaders who they know will pursue the primary purpose of government which is the protection of lives and property and the provision of welfare services to the entire citizenry. Observance of rule of law and respect to rights of citizens come with good governance. Good governance is a product of good and quality leadership and quality leadership can only be given by leaders carefully chosen by the people who know the antecedent of these leaders before voting them in.

It is a foundational issue. Except the foundation is right, we will continue to doubt the soundness of the building. If the foundation be destroyed what can the righteous do? I am afraid not much!

I want to thank the Chairman, the Executives and the entire members of the Badagry Branch for this great opportunity to share this brief thought on this topical issue in our nation today. I am grateful.

Dr. M. O. Ubani
Chairman, NBA-SPIDEL

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GADZAMA HAILS NBA BARNAWA FOR ACCEPTING HIM

FEATURED

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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‘YOUR LAW WEEK WAS A GREAT SUCCESS,’ ISAAC OGBAH TELLS NBA BARNAWA

ISAAC OMUTA OGBAH CONGRATULATES NBA BARNAWA (THE MODEL BRANCH ON THE SUCCESS OF 2022 LAW WEEK

Mr. Isaac Omuta Ogbah, the Editor-In-Chief of Erudite Judgments of the Supreme Court have sent congratulatory messages to the Chairman, the leadership and the entire members of the NBA Barnawa (The Model Branch) on the success of its 2022 Law Week events.

Mr. Isaac Ogbah, who is equally a candidate for 3rd Vice President of NBA in the July 16th 2022 elections, informed the MODEL BRANCH of Kaduna state that successive editions of their Law Week activities shall attract dignitaries from far and wide to join them to celebrate the various achievements of the leadership and members of the Branch.

He stated further thus: ”Now that this year’s Law Week has been a great success we have no doubt that subsequent events shall surely be greater than ever imagined, with us all from far and wide coming to celebrate with you all. We celebrate you all now and always”.

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CLEMENT CHUKWUEMEKA LAUDS EKET BAR ON LAW WEEK

FEATURED

2022 LAW WEEK: CLEMENT UGO CHUKWUEMEKA, A CLEARED CANDIDATE FOR THE OFFICE OF 2ND VICE PRESIDENT IN JULY 16, 2022 NBA NATIONAL ELECTION, FELICITATES WITH EKET BAR

A frontline bar leader and cleared candidate for the position of 2nd National Vice President in the forthcoming NBA general elections, Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka, Esq has felicitated with the leadership and members of the Eket Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association on the occasion of her 2022 Law Week.

Mr. Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka is greatly delighted to reckon with the monumental achievements of the Gloria Etim led Eket Bar Branch that has continued to be a shining star in the legal circles.

Clement Chukwuemeka notes with exhilaration that the theme of the 2022 Law Week “NIGERIAN STATE AND THE CRISIS OF GOVERNANCE: WHAT HOPE FOR 2023 AND BEYOND” is properly etched and adequately timely, considering the electioneering at hand and the need to advance competent leadership for the nation at all levels.

I urge the leadership of the branch to translate the theme of the law week towards NBA election hence the need for branches to eschew dignity and leadership, not to arrogantly and disgraceful adopting two candidates of same position with a primary aim of extorting money. Branches of NBA must look beyond 2022 – 2024 and elect competent and selfless leaders that will serve and not those that will want to recover their expenses before serving us .

Wishing the branch a blissful law week.

Mr. Chukwuemeka wishes the Eket Bar a fruitful week of inspiring activities that will leave indelible marks on the hearts of participants.

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LAW WEEK: ISAAC OGBAH HAILS FIDA LAGOS

ISAAC OMUTA OGBAH SENDS GOODWILL MESSAGE TO THE LAGOS BRANCH OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN LAWYERS

For decades FIDA has been on the forefront for the rights and welfare of women and the girl child. In thick and thorns you have navigated and done all it takes to ensure that their rights are enforced, protected and their interests are protected.

Though you have done more than one could have ever asked and or demanded for yet you never relent in continuing your good hearted and selfless services to the voiceless, the vulnerable and less privileged ones in the society.

I have no doubt that both in heaven and herein on earth God will richly reward you all for your labor of love you have been showing and would still continue to show to the women fold.

You are worth being celebrated and we celebrate you all now and always. The host of heaven and all of us herein on earth celebrate you and will forever celebrate you.

Once again congratulations to FIDA Lagos state on your 2022 Law Week events.

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‘YOU’RE A BULWARK FOR LESS PRIVILEGED,’ SAFIYA BALARABE TELLS FIDA LAGOS

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you.

Signed:

Safiya Balarabe

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

‘I WILL PARTNER WITH YOU ON ACTIVISM,’ CLEMENT CHUKWUEMEKA TELLS NBA IKEJA

‘WHEN THE TIGER ROARS, IT CAN ONLY BE FROM THE FORESTCITY OF IKEJA’

The Sui Generis Bar leader, the Ikeja Voice in Bwari Branch of Abuja, the immediate Past chairman of NBA Bwari Branch, Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka felicitate the Ikeja Branch of NBA (Tiger Bar) over well thought out theme of the law week.

The NBA always get their voice as a pressure group from the manner and credence the Ikeja Branch gives to topical issues affecting the nation. Ikeja branch over the years have demonstrated capacity as a voice for the entire country , if they are not doing it as a branch, you must at all time see a member from the branch standing out amongst colleagues to demand for what all of us are enjoying today .

We must appreciate The chairman and his excos for their resilience in keeping to the road map led by the predecessors. Ikeja Bar having the likes of FEMI FALANA (SAN) AND Dr. MONDAY ONYEKACHI UBANI (SAM) and others, you will agree with me that The Tiger Bar remain the leading light amongst branches in area of human rights advocacy and holding government accountable to the ills of the society.

As a candidate to the office of the 2nd Vice President of NBA in the forthcoming national Election, I shall work with the branch towards speaking truth to power .

As the law week winds down, may we continue to wish the branch only the best as we form a coalition towards a better society come 2023 and beyond .

The Sui Generis Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka, is coming in Democratic New order for the BAR.

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‘SUSTAIN YOUR VISIONARY IDEAS,’ CLEMENT CHUKWUEMEKA TELLS NBA BENIN

THE BIG LION LAW WEEK: CLEMENT CHUKWUEMEKA ( AKA. DEMOCRAT) FELICITATES BENIN BAR

A sui generis BAR MAN and cleared Candidate for the post of 2nd Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka heartily felicitates the Executive Council and Members of Benin Bar on the auspicious occasion of the 2022 Law Week.

Mr. Chukwuemeka wishes to identify with the immeasurable achievements recorded by the leadership of the Benin Bar and similarly urges members to uphold and sustain the visionary ideas that stand the Benin Bar out.

As the Benin Bar winds up activities marking its law week, Mr. Chukwuemeka wishes them a successful year ahead and looks forward to greater exploits of the Benin Bar and the Democratic minds that the New leadership promises to offer in the National Body of NBA in July.

Be rest assured Mr. Pius Idemudia Oiwoh led Exco and the entire membership of lion Bar that your sacrifices towards the growth of the Bar shall always be remembered in the history of NBA .

Sui Generis Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka, a cleared candidate for the office of 2nd Vice President , NBA National Election 2022.

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SAFIYA BALARABE ACCLAIMS NBA BENIN ON LAW WEEK

NBA BENIN 2022 ANNUAL LAW WEEK CELEBRATION: SAFIYA BALARABE, CANDIDATE FOR NBA TREASURER HAILS THE LION BAR

The ongoing 2022 Annual Law Week of the NBA, Benin branch (Lion Bar) has been greeted by a goodwill message from Safiya Balarabe. The Treasurer, NBA Women Forum lauded the branch for putting together a power-packed event which complements its apposite theme.

The statement reads:

“‘Security: Panacea for National Growth’ is the chosen theme for this year’s Law Week celebration of the NBA Benin branch (“Lion Bar”). No one can argue otherwise, to the effect that nowhere in the world has development ever been recorded in the midst of turmoil.

With a theme this apposite, I looked forward to a Law Week that matches same and I was not disappointed, as a matter of fact, I am greatly impressed by the organizational prowess of the Lion Bar. The Law Week so far has run smoothly with attendant intellectualism and glamour. One could mistake same for the NBA AGC itself.

I commend the leadership of the Lion Bar, its members and very importantly, the planning committee.

Thank you and God bless”.

Signed:

Safiya Balarabe

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

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‘LOOKING BACK ENABLES BETTER DECISIONS,’ SAFIYA BALARABE LAUDS NBA IKEJA

SAFIYA BALARABE, CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF THE NBA TREASURER SENDS GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NBA IKEJA AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR 2022 ANNUAL LAW WEEK

Safiya Balarabe, candidate for NBA Treasurer, has penned a goodwill message to the Ikeja Branch of the NBA on the occasion of their 2022 Annual Law celebration tagged: “2023, looking backward to move forward” holding between 10th and 17th of June, 2022.

The statement reads”

“The distinguished leadership and members of the NBA Ikeja branch (“Tiger Bar”),

I am delighted to extend my thoughts to your great branch as you celebrate your 2022 Annual Law Week. The theme ‘2023, looking backward to move forward’ reminds us of the importance of looking back in time order to make better decisions with a view to making desired progress. We cannot as a nation afford to get it wrong in 2023, hence, we must let ourselves be guided by antecedents while making our choices.

This theme could not have been more apt. As a matter of fact, it is one of the best I have come across thus far. I commend the Tiger Bar for this timely reminder.

I wish you a successful Law Week celebration.

Thank you and God bless”

Signed:

Safiya Balarabe

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

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GADZAMA AT FIDA LAW WEEK, LAUDS EFFORTS ON CHILD RIGHTS

FEATURED

JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN ATTENDS OPENING SESSION OF FIDA LAGOS LAW WEEK 2022.

Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, a well-known supporter and advocate for women’s rights, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Candidate for the Office of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, in his continuing support of women and women Lawyers was in attendance at the opening ceremony of FIDA (International Federation of Women Lawyers) Lagos Branch, held at the Institute of International Affairs, VI, Lagos, today 14/6/22

The Learned silk in his goodwill message to the group of women Lawyers, beamed with pride at the progress of branch in tackling issues against women and children in Lagos state and congratulated the members of FIDA Lagos branch on the choice of theme for the Law Week: “EDUCATION as a catalyst for boosting the self-image of the African Child”.

In his opinion, the very need to secure the rights of an African Child cannot be overemphasized as Africa has been challenged with the lack of good leadership, poverty, and degradation of persons majorly women and children who are pushed into trafficking. Sensitization of the African Child is a strong tool which can enlighten the African Child most especially the Girl Child to their endless world of possibilities in developing and securing their self-image as well as an enviable future profitable to the African continent and the world.

Chief J-K Gadzama,SAN went further to commend the Chairman, executives and members of the branch for taking him as one of theirs and for their numerous sacrifices and constructive efforts in moving the branch forward and assured the branch of his continuing support always.

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‘YOUR LAW WEEK THEME IS APT,’ TAIDI TELLS NBA IKEJA BRANCH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I wish you all a memorable and beneficial law week.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq.
Candidate for NBA President

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GADZAMA STORMS NBA BWARI DINNER, MAKURDI, BENIN BRANCH

FEATURED 

J-K WE KNOW! – JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN JOLLIES WITH THE NBA BWARI BRANCH (CRADLE BAR), RECEIVES AWARD OF HONOUR AT HER 2022 LAW WEEK DINNER

It is often said that the fondest memories are made around the table, and what makes a table feel like home is when it is shared with those you consider family. Perhaps, taking a cue from the aphorism, the jovial Bar Patriot, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN on Wednesday, June 9, 2022 joined the members of the NBA Bwari Branch at their Annual Law Week Dinner.

The event which was attended by many members and executives of the Branch, Elders of the Bar, former executives, Young Lawyers’ Group, J-K Gadzama LLP and Women’s Group of J-K Gadzama LLP, came alive with the opening remarks of the NBA Bwari Branch Chairman, Mr. Monday Adjeh who amongst many other things thanked the attendees for deeming it necessary to take out the time to wine, dine and dance with their colleagues at the Nigerian Bar. He recognized the presence of Past Branch Chairmen, Elders and the Director-General of the Nigerian Law school ably represented, reiterated his thanks and appreciation and urged everyone to feel free and have a good time.

The master of ceremony, thrilled the audience to a good laugh and hearty cheers with a comedy performance and an interactive game session. Highlight of the event was the opening of the dance floor by the Chairman of Branch. Other members and executives then joined him on the dancefloor in the euphoria of merriment. The jovial Learned Silk, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN then stepped in with his friends including, Mr. Mohammed Monguno, (Former Attorney-General, Borno State, Former Chairman NBA Maiduguri Branch), Mr. Darligton Onyekwere, (Partner, J-K Gadzama LLP). As the Learned Silk’s presence was announced, members of the Cradle Bar welcomed him with hearty cheers of “J-K we know!”.

The Learned Silk and Bar Patriot in his usual gleeful demeanor took to the dancefloor with his vintage moves and more lawyers joined in the thrill of the moment with more chants of “J-K we know!”. Mr. Chukwuemeka Clement, fondly called Democrat (Former Chairman, NBA Bwari Branch) welcomed the Learned Silk and led him to his table.

The dinner which had been scheduled as a closing ceremony for their 2022 Law Week which began on June 3, 2022, coincidentally marked the one year anniversary since the Learned Silk, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN christened the Branch as the Cradle Bar.

Attendees were treated to a sumptuous delicacies after which awards were presented to some members of the Branch for their outstanding service and contributions to the growth of the Nigerian Bar, Bwari Branch. Amongst many others, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN was also presented with an award of honour. Receiving the award from Mr. B.O Nafagha, (Former Chairman, Bwari Branch), the Learned Silk thanked the leadership and membership of the NBA Bwari Branch and urged them to continue to make laudable feats towards achieving the Nigerian Bar of their dream.

The dinner came to a close with concluding remarks from Mr. Paul B. Daudu (Chairman, 2022 Law Week Planning Committee) who thanked everyone for their time and support.

J-K GADZAMA SAN JOINS THE BENIN BRANCH (LION BAR) FOR THEIR MONTHLY MEETING

Learned Silk, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN on Sunday, June 12, 2022 alongside his friends including Prof. Paul Idornigie, SAN, (Board Member, Janada International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation) Prof. G.L Umoru (Head of Business Law, Igbinedion University, Okada), Mr. Patrick Ediale, (Former Branch Chairman, Unity Bar) Mr. Godswill Iyoke, Mr. Francis Oronsaye (Managing Partner, J-K Gadzama LLP) and Mr. Victor Ehiosun (Counsel, J-K Gadzama LLP and Member, Young Lawyers’Group, J-K Gadzama LLP) joined the members of the NBA Benin Branch, (Lion Bar) at NBA Bar House, for their branch meeting.

The Chairman of the Branch, Mr. Pius Oiwoh, welcoming the Learned Silk, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and his entourage charged members of the Lion Bar to cede the floor to the Learned Silk who wanted to make a formal address.

The Learned Silk, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, thanked the members and executives of the Benin Branch for giving him the opportunity to be part of the august occasion. He recognized all the executives of the Lion Bar reiterating his gratitude to them for always allowing him to be a part of the Branch. He then spoke to the crowd on the reason for his visit.

Addressing the attendees, the seasoned Bar Patriot explained that the Lion Bar was dear to his heart because they had always shown unwavering commitment to the course of the Nigerian Bar and produced some of the finest lawyers he had worked with. He said, “Edo State has produced Managing Partners in our office overtime. Our former managing partner, Mr. Henry Oseriemen Michael-Ihunde is from here and even the current managing partner is also from here. So, I am more or less back home, and I am very happy to be here with you. The Nigerian Bar Association is one that is dear to our hearts and we will continue to uphold its course as lawyers, democrats and God-fearing citizens of Nigeria. I have the requisite experience and I know what ideas to implement to take the Nigerian Bar to higher heights. Your brother, Mr. Olumide Akpata has done fantastically well. This is even the more reason why you need someone to continue to build on the legacy. I do my best in my individual capacity to proffer solutions to the challenges of the Bar. I believe in mentorship and empowerment of Young Lawyers. I also believe in gender equality. As a matter of fact, female lawyers form about 65% of the workforce in my office. All I ask is for a platform to do this at a National level and serve the interest of the Bar. My loyalty is only to the Constitution of the NBA, the Nigerian Constitution and God the Almighty. Thank you”.

The attendees gave the Learned Silk a resounding ovation with cheers of “J-K is okay”.

J-K GADZAMA, SAN JOINS THE SPEAKER BENUE STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, CHIEF JUDGE OF BENUE STATE, PRESIDENT, BENUE STATE CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, CHAIRMAN NBA MAKURDI BRANCH AND MEMBERS OF THE NBA MAKURDI BRANCH AT THE THANKSGIVING SERVICE OF THE NBA MAKURDI BRANCH 2022 LAW WEEK

On Sunday, June 5, 2022, Learned Silk, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and his entourage including Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN(Former. Chairman Abuja Branch), Steve Abar ( Former. Vice President NBA, Former. National Assistant Secretary), Ganny Ajape (Former. National welfare Secretary of the NBA), Samson Samson Gotom (NBA Jos Branch Secretary), Jerry Ombugadu Musa ( Financial Secretary Unity bar, Abuja and Junior Partner, J-K Gadzama LLP), Victor Ehiosun (Counsel J-K Gadzama LLP), Love Chukwumerije (Counsel J-K Gadzama LLP), Esther Oduh (Counsel J-K Gadzama LLP), and Ogwuche Roseline (Counsel J-K Gadzama LLP), joined the thanksgiving church service of the NBA Makurdi Branch 2022 Annual Law Week at St. Dominics Catholic Church, Sachi presided over by Very Reverend Father Michael Murphy CSSP.

The occasion which was graced by several dignitaries including Hon. Justice Aondover Kaka’an( Chief Judge Benue State), Hon. Justice Cosmos A. Idye (President, Benue State Customary Court of Appeal), Rt. Hon. Titus Uba (Speaker Benue State House of Assembly) and Justin Gbagir, Esq ( Chairman NBA Makurdi branch) received a robust attendance as many members of the NBA Makurdi Branch were in attendance fully robed.

The Priest in delivering his sermon admonished everyone on the importance of thanksgiving to God Almighty for the many seen and unseen gifts he bestows on everyone. The Priest, speaking to the lawyers asked them to keep the hope of the lower social class alive by ensuring that they always lend their voice to justice.

After the sermon, the thanksgiving procession began, followed by prayers were made for the members of the NBA Makurdi Branch and benediction.

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LAW WEEK: ISAAC OGBAH LAUDS NBA IKEJA

Isaac Omuta Ogbah, FICMC, Candidate for the 3rd Vice President of NBA wishes the Tiger Bar, ably led by Sir Batholomew Aguegbodo and his executive success in their 2022 Law Week.

Your sessions on Democratic Nigeria; has our lives really changed; Arbitration clauses and the role of our courts: The need for judicial intervention as well as the session on the Bar and Bench: a relationship that should never die, promises to contribute to the legal jurisprudence of today’s legal practice.

I have no doubt that everyone attending this year’s Law Week would be highly fulfilled and glad they attended same.

We celebrate you all now and always. Shalom shalom

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ISAAC OGBAH COMMENDS NBA BARNAWA ON LAW WEEK

Isaac Omuta Ogbah, FICMC, a Candidate for the 3rd Vice President in the forthcoming NBA National elections sends goodwill messages to NBA Barnawa Branch as it holds its 2022 Law Week with the theme: “Understanding the Electoral Act 2022”.

Now that Nigeria is preparing for its 2022 general elections, the theme for your Law Week is timely as it would enable legal luminaries unveil every aspect of this 2022 Electoral Act in preparations for the various litigations that would follow the electoral processes.

I wish the Chairman and his executive members and the entire members of the Barnawa Branch of NBA a very successful Law Week event and I pray for journey mercies for all that would grace the Law Week event from other parts of Nigeria.

I celebrate you all now and always.

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LAW WEEK: ‘SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER ON INSECURITY,’ ISAAC OGBAH URGES NBA BENIN

ISAAC OMUTA OGBAH, FICMC, 3RD VICE PRESIDENT CANDIDATE OF THE NBA WISHES THE ENTIRE MEMBERSHIP AND PIUS OIWOH, ESQ. LED EXECUTIVE OF THE NBA BENIN BRANCH, POPULARLY REFERRED TO AS THE LION BAR SUCCESS IN THEIR 2022 LAW WEEK.

Your choice of theme is very much commendable, considering the insecurity challenges that has bedeviled this nation for over a decade.

There is no doubt the fact that SECURITY IS REALLY A PANACEA TO NATIONAL GROWTH, not only in Nigeria but globally.

Hence the lack of political will and body language by the governments of the past and most especially the present federal and state administrations has made one to begin to wonder whether or not they really know the very essence of their being in office, which is basically the protection of lives and properties and the provision of basic amenities and polices that would make life meaningful in Nigeria unlike the present day realities which has made Nigeria to be a hellish place to live in on earth.

I implore the leadership of the Lion Bar and all the panelist and participants to be bold enough to speak the truth to everyone saddled with providing security for the nation and ensure that they come alive to their responsibilities. Your voices must be heard loud and clear.

I celebrate you all now and always. Shalom shalom.

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TAIDI TASKS NBA BENIN ON INSECURITY AS LAW WEEK THEME

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

The Lion Bar chose a great theme: “Security: Panacea for National Growth” and I congratulate the organisers, leaders and members of the branch on this auspicious occasion of the 2022 Bar Week.

Security is a condition precedent to every human endeavour and its absence, known as insecurity, is the albatross of our society. This critical discourse, on this occasion, affords us a unique opportunity to re-examine the existential threats to security of lives and property which is the primary purpose of governance.

It is expected that the legal community and the nation will discover the solution we seek from the outcome of this law week which promises to be like no other.

We eagerly await the resolutions which we hope will signal a new beginning for peaceful and purposeful co-existence and, like the roar of a lion, clear all the obstacles along its path.

I wish all participants a memorable and beneficial law week

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq.
Candidate for NBA President

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

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

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

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

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

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

Forward Ever!

Amanda Demechi-Asagba

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TAIDI LAUDS NBA ABUJA FOR LAW WEEK

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

I congratulate the Chairman, Executive Committee and Members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abuja Branch on her 2022 Law Week. 

The theme: “Credible Electoral Process, Rule of Law, Leadership and Good Governance: The Way Forward,” is both timely, and well thought out given our negative experience on all fronts and the renewed opportunity presented by the upcoming 2023 general elections. 

The way forward is to identify the reasons why unlike other nations which attained political independence with Nigeria, we have become a symbol of retrogression.

I therefore challenge all participants to contribute meaningfully to the discussions on this very important area so that our nation will find that elusive path to greatness. 

Happy deliberations as I wish you a fruitful outcome. 

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq 

Candidate for NBA President

‘INTERROGATE ISSUES THAT BESET US,’ TAIDI URGES NBA BAUCHI ON LAW WEEK

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

I felicitate with the Chairman, Executive and Planning Committee as well as entire members of the Nigerian Bar Association Bauchi Branch on her 2022 Law Week holding between 3rd – 10th June, 2022.

As has become the tradition, each year our colleagues congregate during a chosen period which has been earmarked for interaction, stock taking and unwinding.

This year’s law week is not particularly different except that the theme requires that we use the platform to discuss issues that have held our nation back while also interrogating the problems militating against the administration of justice.

I urge all participants to actively engage in the events during this law week and come up with recommendations that will take us out of the woods.

Wishing you all a fulfilling and memorable week. 

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq 

Candidate for NBA President

‘YOUR THEME SPEAKS TO OUR POWER AS LAWYERS,’ SAFIYA BALARABE TELLS NBA BWARI

SAFIYA BALARABE EXTENDS GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NBA, BWARI BRANCH AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR 2022 ANNUAL LAW WEEK

Goodwill message to the NBA, Bwari branch (“Cradle Bar”) on account of their 2022 Annual Law Week, themed “State of the Nation: Where are the Lawyers”.

“I heartily extend my best wishes to the leadership and members of the NBA Bwari branch (“Cradle Bar”) as they celebrate their 2022 Annual Law Week with the theme “State of the Nation: Where are the Lawyers?”

This theme indeed hits differently. It is more or less a reminder that we as lawyers have a hand in every single thing that happens in this country, good or bad. It emphasizes the power we wield over the fortunes of this country and reminds us to act right, to uphold the rule of law at all times so as to ensure a bright future for our children.

We cannot overemphasize our important role as lawyers in the affairs of our country. To this end I urge us all to do better. Thank you Cradle Bar for this timely reminder.

God bless”

Signed:

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

‘X-RAY ISSUES THAT HINDER LAW AND DEMOCRACY,’ TAIDI TELLS NBA MINNA LAW WEEK

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

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

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

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

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

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

I wish you all a memorable and beneficial law week.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq
Candidate for NBA President

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  • EMEKA NWADIOKE
  • Jun 03, 2022
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TAIDI URGES NBA MAKURDI TO TACKLE ELECTORAL CHALLENGES AT LAW WEEK

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

I felicitate with the Chairman and Members of the Nigerian Bar Association Makurdi Branch on her 2022 Law Week on the theme: “Democracy, Electoral Process and Paradigm of Change in Nigeria”.

The choice of the theme for this year’s programme is apt given that the bane of our development revolves around the democratic process and the need to find a workable and less expensive model.

It is hoped that participants will take advantage of the opportunity presented by this platform to interrogate the challenges of our electoral process and fashion ways of designing an adaptive model.

I therefore challenge the organisers to endeavour to publish the outcome of this discourse for the benefit of legal practitioners in particular and Nigerians in general.

Happy and rewarding deliberations.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq.
Candidate for NBA President

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

‘WE NEED LAWYERS TO SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER,’ CLEMENT CHUKWUEMEKA TELLS NBA BWARI

Special Goodwill Message To My Branch, NBA Bwari Branch (Cradle Bar) On The Occasion of her Annual Law Week, 2022

There is always joy when you look back and discover that , your foundational Branch remains a key player in the Bar community.

The topic and the keynote speaker must have been chosen by the wisest men in this legal profession. I, Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka am not surprised to see the quality and caliber of discussants.

Bwari Branch, in the last Ten years has demonstrated capacity of standing amongst the oldest branches of NBA, chilling comfortably with the big boys branches in area of advocacy.

The above is demonstrated in the novel and epoch Theme chosen for this year’s law week. While lawyers are running away from condemnation , responsibility and blames, the leadership under the captainship of the pilot, Monday Adjeh refused to exonerate lawyers in the problem bedeviling the Nigeria space, hence the choice of the law week topic across the NBA community: THE STATE OF THE NATION, Where are the lawyers?

Lawyers in Nigeria have disappointed the Nigerian society; I can attribute all these to the lackadaisical approach of lawyers towards human rights abuses, exoneration of being the chief pressure group in the land and above all, reluctance in holding leaders accountable to their disrespect to rule of law and protection of life and property, not leaving out the religiosity monster amongst colleagues.

You can not be a judge of a court without firstly, being a lawyer! The Bench and the Bar must agree that lawyers have failed this nation and begin to thinker very quickly the solution and mechanisms as the way forward for Nigeria .

The sub-theme of the event can be seen as catalyst towards achieving a state of the nation where all amenities for survival abound. Can the lawyers perform optimally without first imbibing the ethics of the profession? Can we actualize a good state of the nation without proper administration of justice founded on the principle of rule of law? The absence of the above can never guarantee us the Dinner topic which is Unity In diversity ! We must act now.

The topic no doubt will keep all Nigerians, especially lawyers in a state of reclaiming our nation . We lawyers are responsible to the woes of this nation and it is high time we began in earnest to tell ourselves the truth about our responsibility as the soul of the nation. If we rise up today to say bad governance shall be over , it shall be so.

It is so because , the leaders of the nation submits to us to adjudicate on their existence . We owe the society a duty to do justice and when we begin to deliver meritorious judgement and lawyers that appear before the Judex maintains a high moral standard for the good of the nation , be rest assured the bad state of the nation shall be eroded and the new order of goodness shall be our portion moving forward .

In conclusion, I must thank the organizers and I sincerely felicitate with the NBA Bwari Branch as it holds her Law week. I appreciate the leadership for choosing a Democrat like me, Senator SHEHU SANI to be the keynote speaker. I cannot thank the Chairman enough for this wonderful topic, coming at a time where ethical value of a lawyer before the society is eroding by the day.

Lawyers must lead this discussion and reclaim our lost glory. In the next one month, lawyers shall be electing their leaders; we owe ourselves the duty to look inward and vote for the right candidates that could look the government of day in the face and speak truth to power as well as activate the pressure group mantra to salvage our nation.

May I wish the Chairman, Branch Executives and members of the Branch a successful Law Week.

Finally, I wish the members and participants a fun filled day .

God bless NBA Bwari Branch

God bless the Nigerian Bar Association

God bless Nigeria.

Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka, Esq.

Immediate Past Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Bwari Branch, Abuja

(A cleared Aspirant for the office of the 2nd Vice President Of NBA )

‘YOUR LAW WEEK THEME IS APT,’ CLEMENT CHUKWUEMEKA TELLS MAKURDI BAR

Goodwill Message To The NBA Markurdi Branch On The Occasion of her Annual Law Week, 2022

I, Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka felicitate the NBA Makurdi Branch as it holds her Law Week themed “Democracy, Electoral Process & The Paradigm Of Change In Nigeria”, from the 3rd to 5th of June, 2022.

The choice of topic is apt , coming at a time we are presently. Democratic tenets must be enshrined in our whole life circle and the umpire of our electoral system must as a matter of urgency democratize their policies for us to attain a clear paradigm shift from the usual. 

Lawyers must lead this discussion and Markurdi Branch by taking the lead in this area, deserves commendation and accolades . The branch and the topic shall be fresh in our memory as we approach a new normal election come 2023 where the paradigm change shall be applauded by all.

I wish the Chairman, Branch Executives and members of the Branch a successful Law Week. 

Finally, I wish the members and participants at the Law Week fruitful and epoch deliberations.

God bless NBA Makurdi Branch

God bless the Nigerian Bar Association

God bless Nigeria.

Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka, Esq.

Past Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Bwari Branch, Abuja

  • EMEKA NWADIOKE
  • May 31, 2022
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‘YOUR LAW WEEK THEME VERY APT,’ SAFIYA BALARABE TELLS NBA ILE-IFE

GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM SAFIYA BALARABE TO THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION, ILE-IFE BRANCH ON HER 2022 LAW WEEK

“The highly respected Chairman, Executives and Members of the great Ile-Ife branch, I extend my unalloyed regards to you on the occasion of your annual law week taking place between 30th of May to 1st of June,2022.

The chosen theme: ‘Exploring the Law as a Catalyst towards a truly Federal State’ is very apt, especially as a country that practices a federal system of government.

We have however noticed overtime that the federal system has been bastardized by politicians; turning same on its head with the resultant effect being mismanagement and embezzlement of resources across the different levels of government, lack of accountability from political leaders amongst others.

Flowing from the above, I strongly believe that with the great personalities who will be speaking on the theme, like the revered Chairman of the Body of Benchers cum a respected leader, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN as the Guest Speaker and Prof. Abiola Sanni SAN as a keynote speaker, the theme and all topics on your Law Week program shall be well discussed and possible solutions proffered.

Once again, I wish you a wonderful Law Week celebration.

God bless you”.

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

  • EMEKA NWADIOKE
  • May 31, 2022
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ISAAC OGBAH EXTOLS NBA KADUNA ON LAW WEEK

ISAAC OMUTA OGBAH felicitates with the Chairman, leadership and members of NBA Kaduna Branch on their 2022 Law Week activities.

The theme ” Expanding The Frontiers of Legal Practice” of the Kaduna Branch Law Week is a topic of the season as most lawyers are still recovering from the pandemic, and there need to be a way out for lawyers to get back on their feet.

The Legal profession over the years has grown so wide into different aspects of Law and we as Lawyers shouldn’t just stereotype ourselves to Litigation, drafting of Deeds alone. There are so many untapped resources in this business of law which legal practitioners should be averting their eyes to and which can be a gold mine if properly utilized.  

As Napoleon Hill said in one of his famous quotes, “The way of success is the way of continuous pursuit of Knowledge.” 

I celebrate the leadership and members of NBA Kaduna Branch in the occassion of their Law week. I wish each members a fruitful deliberations even as I pray for peace and security within and outside Kaduna State.

I celebrate you all now and always.

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

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

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

Below are photos from the event.

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