CHRISTIAN LAWYERS WARN INEC, JUDICIARY ON 2023 ELECTIONS

Lawyers under the aegis of Christian Lawyers Association of Nigeria (CLASFON) have warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the 2023 General Elections are free, fair and credible.

The group also called on the judiciary to ensure that it is not used to scuttle the nation’s democratic experience, urging it to shun frivolous lawsuits aimed to derail the elections.

Rising from its President-in-Council Meeting held at Bible Guest House, Ilupeju, Lagos, CLASFON, in a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, said: “As the 2023 elections draw closer, CLASFON calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies to take every step to ensure a free, fair and credible election in line with the provisions of the extant Electoral Act. CLASFON enjoins INEC to display the highest level of fidelity to the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act and reject every attempt by political actors to hijack or derail the election process.”

Continuing, it called on the judiciary “to live up to its expectation as a bold, just and independent institution and as the last hope of the common man by acting as a watchdog of Nigerian Constitution and electoral law in ensuring that the will of the people is not thwarted. The Judiciary should be resolute and should not hesitate to dismiss frivolous suits with no value other than to scuttle the electoral process to avoid a repeat of the sad and unfortunate experience of 1993 when the courts were used to prepare the ground for the infamous annulment of the June 12 Election.”

Signed by Prof. John Akintayo and Precious Nwadimuya, CLASFON’s President and National Secretary respectively, the statement also decried the insecurity ravaging the country, saying: “CLASFON is worried about the increasingly alarming and pervasive incidence of insecurity in Nigeria. While commending the efforts of security personnel saddled with the duty of securing Nigeria, CLASFON joins other well-meaning Nigerians and groups to call on the Federal Government to restructure its security architecture.”

It stated that “the Nigerian Government should not merely declare that Nigeria is safe and criticise the travel advisories released by the diplomatic missions of some countries in Nigeria, including the United Kingdom and the United States, but it must ensure that all tiers of government act with caution and take concrete and measurable steps to adequately protect the citizens and other residents of Nigeria. CLASFON calls on all relevant security agencies to brace up and discharge their constitutional and legal mandates since no country can thrive or develop amid insecurity.”

Below is the full text of the communique.

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AFAM OSIGWE LEADS MAIKYAU’S TRANSITION COMMITTEE

Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary, Mazi Afam Osigwe has become one of the first appointees of NBA President-elect, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN.

Osigwe is among the 17-member Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) unveiled today by Maikyau in preparation for his assumption of office as substantive NBA President.

A statement signed by Maikyau noted that the committee is in “furtherance of the forthcoming inauguration of the newly elected National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the need for a seamless handover.”

CITY LAWYER gathered from unimpeachable sources that Maikyau held his first meeting with members of the incoming National Executive Committee on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 on the eve of the Annual NBA-SPIDEL Conference. He had promised to run an all-inclusive administration, even as he urged the incoming National Officers to proffer ideas towards success of the regime.

Another meeting held afterwards, with First Vice President Linda Bala presiding, as Maikyau was away to Kano for the burial of deceased senior lawyer, Nassir Abdu Dangiri SAN.

Below is the full text of the statement issued by NBA Publicity Secretary-elect, Mr. Habeeb Lawal.

NOTICE OF CONSTITUTION OF TRANSITION IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE BY THE NBA PRESIDENT-ELECT

In furtherance of the forthcoming inauguration of the newly elected National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the need for a seamless handover, I have constituted a Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) to assist in the transition process.

Members of the Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) include:
1) Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
2) Yemi Akangbe
3) Abdul Mohammed, SAN
4) Alhaji Salman Salman
5) Aminu Sani Gadanya
6) Augustine Nwabueze Eseagu
7) Abdulwasiu Alfa
8) Laura Alakija
9) Folarin Aluko
10) Barbara Omosun
11) Aisha M. Hassan
12) Chinaecherem Nwaubani
13) Paul Daudu
14) Isah Abubakar Aliyu
15) Olabamiji Adeyeye
16) Mohammed Adelodun
17) Kola Omotinugbon

I thank these distinguished ladies and gentlemen for accepting to serve on this Committee. I have absolute confidence in their capacity to discharge this task with the requisite dedication and excellence.

Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN, FCIArb, FICMC
President-elect, NBA

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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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EDE ASENOGUAN LAUDS NBAWF BAYELSA ON INAUGURAL MEETING

ASENOGUAN OSAMUEDE ISOBOMUWA, CANDIDATE FOR NBA GENERAL SECRETARY GREETS THE NBA WOMEN FORUM, BAYELSA STATE AS THEY CONDUCT THEIR MAIDEN MEETING

Mr. Asenoguan has delivered a goodwill message to the NBA Women Forum, Bayelsa as they conduct their maiden meeting today, 1st July, 2022.

His words:

“The distinguished Chairperson, Executives and Members of the NBA Women Forum, Bayelsa State Chapter,

It gives me great pleasure to have the opportunity of felicitating you on your maiden meeting as a body. Because I know that your chapter houses enormous capacity to achieve greatness beyond comprehension, I am honoured to record my name with you, so that I can boldly beat my chest and say ‘I communed with them when it all started’.

As you conduct today’s meeting, it is my sincere prayer that the blessings and positive energies that come with the new month will abide with your Forum.

I wish you all a resoundingly successful meeting. Happy New Month.

Thank you and God bless.”

Asenoguan Osamuede Isobomuwa
Candidate for the position of General Secretary of the NBA 2022-2024

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EDE ASENOGUAN HAILS NBA EKPOMA, EFFURUN, OTUKPO ON PARLEY

GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM ASENOGUAN ISOBOMUWA OSAMUEDE, CANDIDATE FOR NBA GENERAL SECRETARY TO THE NBA, OTUKPO BRANCH AS THEY CONDUCT MONTHLY MEETING.

Mr. Asenoguan’s message to the NBA, Otukpo branch as they conduct their monthly meeting today, 26th June, 2022 reads:

“It is with great regards that I convey my thoughts to the distinguished leadership and members of the NBA, Otukpo branch on account of their monthly meeting holding today, 26th June, 2022.

It is my wish that as you conduct your monthly meeting today, your great branch will record greater heights even as you swear in the newly elected members of your branch executive committee, on whose shoulders lie this responsibility and whose capacity is undoubtedly profound.

I wish you the very best as a branch.

Thank you and God bless.”

Asenoguan Osamuede Isobomuwa
Candidate for the position of General Secretary of the NBA 2022-2024

EFFURUN BRANCH MEETING: ASENOGUAN ISOBOMUWA OSAMUEDE, CANDIDATE FOR NBA GENERAL SECRETARY SENDS GOODWILL MESSAGE

The goodwill message from Mr Asenoguan to the NBA, Effurun branch on account of their monthly meeting today 26th June, 2022 reads as follows:

“Profound greetings to the leadership and members of the NBA, Effurun branch.

I am delighted to commune with you as you conduct your monthly meeting today. Your branch is notable for everything progressive that the NBA stands for. You have a long history of excellence and avenues such as this afford us the opportunity to extol you.

I must not forget to once again acknowledge the hospitality you have always accorded me each time I have cause to visit. May your meeting today and every of your endeavour as a bar be ever fruitful.

Thank you and God bless”

Asenoguan Osamuede Isobomuwa
Candidate for the position of General Secretary of the NBA 2022-2024

ASENOGUAN ISOBOMUWA OSAMUEDE, CANDIDATE FOR NBA GENERAL SECRETARY LAUDS NBA, EKPOMA BRANCH AS THEY CONDUCT THEIR MONTHLY MEETING

Below is Mr. Asenoguan’s message to NBA, Ekpoma branch on the occasion of their monthly meeting holding today, 26th June, 2022.

“The distinguished Chairman, Executives and Members of the NBA, Ekpoma branch,

Permit me to most humbly convey my regards to your great branch on the occasion of your monthly meeting holding today, 26th June, 2022. Being one of the five branches that make up the NBA in Edo state, you have exhibited robust capacity in championing the cause of your branch and that of the larger NBA.

As you conduct your monthly meeting today, I remain confident that same will further strengthen the foundations of that capacity for even greater heights.

I wish you a successful meeting.
Thank you and God bless.”

Asenoguan Osamuede Isobomuwa
Candidate for the position of General Secretary of the NBA 2022-2024

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‘YOUR BRANCH IS HOME TO INNOVATIVE IDEAS,’ EDE ASENOGUAN TELLS NBA LAGOS

MONTHLY MEETING: ASENOGUAN OSAMUEDE ISOBOMUWA, A CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF NBA GENERAL SECRETARY SENDS GOODWILL MESSAGE TO THE LAGOS BRANCH AS THEY CONDUCT THEIR MONTHLY MEETING

The Lagos Branch of the NBA holds its monthly Meeting today, 20th June, 2022 and Asenoguan Osamuede Isobomuwa who is in attendance sends a goodwill message.

His message reads:

“Dear Chairman, Executives and members of the Lagos Branch,

I am delighted to send you this message as you hold your monthly meeting today.

Your branch is known to be among the pioneers of development and brainstorming of innovative ideas and these are achieved in meetings like this.

To this end, I am positive that the outcome of today’s meeting will as usual lead to the advancement of your dear branch and our association at large.

I wish you a successful meeting even as I participate in same.

Thank you”

Signed:
Asenoguan Osamuede Isobomuwa
Candidate for the position of NBA General Secretary. 2022-2024.

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COURT RULES BAN: AKPATA IN TALKS WITH ABIA CHIEF JUDGE

• SIT-AT-HOME ORDER DISRUPTS NBA/CJ PARLEY

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Olumide Akpata has waded into the brewing crisis in the Abia State Judiciary following a directive by the Abia State Chief Judge, Justice Onuoha Ogwe to bar lawyers from its courts.

Justice Ogwe had in a letter to NBA branches in the state informed them of his directive to judges to deny audience to lawyers without original copies of the controversial Abia State High Court (Practice and Procedure) Rules, 2021.

CITY LAWYER gathered from impeccable sources that NBA branches in the state are bracing for a battle with the state chief judge over the directive which a senior lawyer described as “insulting and degrading.”

But apparently to stave off a full-blown face-off with lawyers which may cause total shutdown of the court system, Akpata told CITY LAWYER that he has waded into the matter with a view to reaching a resolution.

Aside from engaging the embattled chief judge on the matter, the NBA President has also directed the chairmen of NBA Umuahia and Aba branches to meet with Justice Ogwe in order to hammer out a win-win solution to the debacle.

Akpata told CITY LAWYER that “I have reached out to the CJ and I have also asked the Chairmen of our Umuahia and Aba Branches to see him today.”

On the position of the NBA on the controversial directive, Akpata said: “This directive really is not tenable and I have told the CJ that much. Firstly, right of audience before a Court cannot be circumscribed except by virtue of clear statutory provisions in this regard. Secondly, in this day and age it is a bit strange to insist that every lawyer must possess a hard copy of the Rules when technology provides us with other alternatives.”

The NBA President was however confident that an amicable resolution would be reached on the face-off, saying: “I am hopeful that the matter will be resolved today after the meeting between the CJ and our Chairmen.”

However, there are strong indications that today’s meeting may not hold due to the weekly sit-at-home in the South East originally ordered by the pro-independence group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

When CITY LAWYER contacted the chairman of NBA Umuahia Branch on whether the meeting was underway, he said: “The time of our meeting with the CJ is not yet settled. Today is sit-at-home in the East.”

CITY LAWYER recalls that the chief judge had in the letter observed that “lawyers have refused to purchase the new High Court Rules, while some photocopied the Rules for use in court.”

Dated June 16 and signed by the Chief Registrar of Abia State High Court, Mr. V. C. Okey-Nwokeukwu, the letter warned: “The Hon. Chief Judge directs that as from the date of this letter, any lawyer that appears in our High Court without his copy of the High Court Rules shall not be granted audience.”

But a senior lawyer who practices in the state told CITY LAWYER that many lawyers in the state are “agitated” by the directive, adding that they view it as “insulting and degrading.”

He said that while it is inappropriate for lawyers to photocopy the Rules as this may infringe copyright laws, “I can tell you that the directive will be ignored by most lawyers. Also, no judge can enforce that directive. On what basis will they do so? It is not compulsory for any lawyer to go to court with any Rules of court. It is optional. More importantly, it is payment of Bar Practising Fee that accords a lawyer audience in court, not possession of any court rules.”

Apart from Umuahia and Aba, the other NBA branches in Abia State are Isiala Ngwa, Ohafia, and Ukwa.

CITY LAWYER investigation shows that at least one jurist, Justice C. U. Okoroafor has refused to recognize the new Rules given that it bears the name of the former chief judge of the state as the signatory.

It was gathered that though the current chief judge had ‘corrected’ the defect through a Practice Direction, Justice Okoroafor does not permit the use of the Rules in his court, leading to a face-off with NBA Aba Branch which directed its members to boycott Justice Okoroafor’s court, citing “particularly his blatant refusal to use and or allow lawyers to rely on and or use the Abia State (Practice & procedure) Rules, 2021 in his court on the erroneous premise that there was no High Court Civil Procedure Rules in existence in Abia State.”

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EDE ASENOGUAN APPLAUDS NBA GBOKO ON PARLEY

ASENOGUAN OSAMUEDE ISOBOMUWA, CANDIDATE FOR NBA GENERAL SECRETARY GREETS THE NBA, GBOKO BRANCH AS THEY CONDUCT THEIR MONTHLY MEETING

Read below Mr Asenoguan’s goodwill message to the Gboko branch of the NBA as they conduct their monthly general meeting today, 19th June, 2022.

“I am delighted to convey my greetings to the distinguished leadership and members of the NBA, Gboko branch on account of their general monthly meeting holding today, 19th June, 2022, many of whom are my very close friends and associates.

Branch meetings are the avenue through which the branch is steered towards greater heights. The Gboko branch has a history of making judicious use of its meetings for strictly progressive ventures. Hence I am certain that this meeting will be even better in this regard.

I wish you all a resoundingly successful meeting.

Thanks you and God bless”

Signed:

Asenoguan Osamuede Isobomuwa, Esq.

Past Chairman NBA Benin,

Candidate for NBA General Secretary

‘LET BENIN’S POSITIVE ENERGY ENVELOP YOU,’ EDE ASENOGUAN TELLS MIDWEST BAR DELEGATES

FEATURED

ASENOGUAN OSAMUEDE ISOBOMUWA, CANDIDATE FOR NBA GENERAL SECRETARY WELCOMES MEMBERS OF MIDWEST BAR FORUM TO BENIN FOR THEIR GENERAL MEETING

Asenoguan Osamuede Isobomuwa, a leading candidate for the position of NBA Secretary has sent out a message to all members of the Midwest Bar Forum, welcoming them to the Forum’s general meeting holding in Benin today, 18th June, 2022.

The statement reads:

“It is with great delight that I welcome the distinguished leadership and members of the Midwest Bar Forum to our general meeting holding today, 18th June 2022 in the ancient city of Benin.

“Benin has always been a home to our great Forum and we are always glad to host its events. As we prepare to rub minds today, it is my prayer that all the positive energy associated with our peace loving city will abide with us and we shall reach resolutions that would further consolidate on our achievements.

“I wish us all a resoundingly successful meeting today.”

Signed:
Asenoguan Osamuede Isobomuwa, Esq.,
Past Chairman NBA Benin
Candidate for NBA General Secretary

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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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CLASFON DECRIES OWO KILLINGS, ‘WEAK’ CHARGE ON DEBORAH’S CASE

The Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON) has condemned the recent killing of worshippers at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State. 

In a communique made available to CITY LAWYER after its President-in-Council meeting in Calabar, the body also decried the filing of “weak charge” filed against suspects in the murder of Deborah Yakubu in Sokoto.

Below is the full text of the communique.

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CLEMENT CHUKWUEMEKA BIDS NBA-NEC DELEGATES FAREWELL FROM ILORIN

Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka (AKA DEMOCRAT) a cleared candidate for the office of 2nd Vice President of NBA warmly wish the President of NBA and all NBA NEC delegates safe journey back to their respective states from Ilorin Kwara State.

The harmony State and her gods will bear witness of far reaching decisions that took place in the serene atmosphere of Ilorin. Decisions of solace and harmonious co existence of members in branches, Various Committee reports of hope for the future survival of the Bar and the Nigerian project and many more.

The administration of Olumide Akpata no doubt have demonstrated capacity and delivered on core promises . The road map has been laid and I appreciate the NBA leadership for that. 

As we appreciate this current leadership for their meritorious service to the Bar , let all qualified voters take a deep breath and think deeply before choosing the next leadership. The choice we make shall define us before the society we are meant to stand in gab for. NBA as I know , is a Presure Group . It shall be activated in full gear to consolidate the gains of Akpata led regime . 

More than Ten thought provoking decisions were reached at this NEC held in Ilorin, the creation of additional branches in FCT , Abuja to solve the lingering problem manufactured by the enemies of the Bar, instituting about 8 disciplinary cases against senior lawyers of the bar, and above all institutionalizing of compulsory written contract between counsel and law-firms etc. It was indeed a good way to end a tenure . I hereby urge NEC members especially the Branch chairmen and their Excos to institutionalize peace and harmony in their branches . We can not be hosted by a state of harmony without imbibing it as a culture in our daily lives . Safe journey NEC members .

I am Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka (Democrat). It is a Democratic New Order 2022. Join the Movement.

ISAAC OGBAH HAILS NBA IKORODU ON SMOOTH TRANSITION

Isaac Omuta Ogbah, FICMC, candidate for the 3rd Vice President of the NBA heartily congratulates NBA Ikorodu Branch on its successful transition from one administration to another and as it holds its AGM

It is time we appreciate the immense contribution of the outgoing executives of the NBA Ikorodu Branch.

Of a truth NBA Ikorodu Branch has contributed immensely to the development of the bar in Nigeria and not just Lagos state alone as it is really one of the foremost branches in Lagos and beyond. History will never forget the contributions of past and present leaders of Ikorodu Branch as the Branch has produced great leaders of national repute even as my dearly beloved friend and colleague, a former chairman of the branch, *Bayo Akinlade* was at the forefront of, and instrumental in the setting up of the PDSS scheme which some police stations around the country have benefitted immensely from. I am the current chairman of PDSS Onipanu Divisional Headquarters, Ota Ogun State.

This shows the calibre of practice and legal practitioners in this branch.

I hereby congratulate the incoming members of the new executive and I wish you all a successful reign as j have no doubt you all will build on the achievements of all the past administrations of your Branch.

I celebrate you all now and always.

ISAAC OGBAH ACCLAIMS EBF FOR PROMOTING RULE OF LAW

FEATURED

Isaac Omuta Ogbah felicitates with the Governor, Governing Counsel and members of the Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) and congratulated them on the success of their Calabar June Quarterly Meeting.

He admonished the entire members of the EBF and NBA at large to be great advocates of the Rule of Law, which NBA stands for, bearing in mind the times and seasons that this great nation, Nigeria 🇳🇬 presently is in.

He further admonished lawyers nationwide to ensure that both the current and incoming Bar leadership, both at the Branch and national levels keep alive the momentum that the present Olumide Akpata led leadership of NBA has taken the bar to, for with great and fearless leadership at the Bar we will have a better nation.

‘COMING FROM NORTH, I FELT AT HOME,’ SAFIYA BALARABE EULOGIZES EBF

SAFIYA BALARABE, TREASURER, NBA WOMEN FORUM HAILS THE EASTERN BAR FORUM ON THE SUCCESSFUL CONDUCT OF THEIR QUARTERLY MEETING; SENDS FAREWELL MESSAGE TO MEMBERS AND VISITORS WHO PARTICIPATED

The Eastern Bar Forum’s quarterly meeting which held on the 3rd and 4th of June, 2022 in Calabar, Cross River State ended in a resounding success. Ms. Safiya Balarabe who was in attendance has hailed the Governor, Executives and Members of the Forum, while sending a farewell message to all visitors and participants.

Her message reads:

“The distinguished Governor, Executives and Members of the Eastern Bar Forum,

Permit me use this medium in commending and congratulating you for the success of your just concluded quarterly meeting.

Your Forum is a great one consisting of graceful personalities, same being a solid pillar to rely on.

The discussions at the meeting were thoroughly insightful. Coming all way from the North, I felt at home and at ease in your midst. Your reception was topnotch and I totally enjoyed being with you.

I wish all members, participants and visitors at the meeting safe journeys back to their respective destinations.

I look forward to more opportunities in the near future to rub minds with you.

God bless you all.

Thank you”

Signed:

Safiya Balarabe

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

CLEMENT CHUKWUEMEKA HAILS EBF ON SUCCESSFUL MEETING

Goodbye and Safe journey from Calabar

A well attended meeting is worth celebrating.

May I use this opportunity to appreciate the Governing Council of Eastern Bar Forum for a successful and well attended quarterly meeting.

We must always note that the society place great PREMIUM on Lawyers for a better tomorrow. Let us be their voice going forward. It is possible and workable. Leadership role is not for occupation, for selfless service for the betterment of the society . 

Are you for paradym shift?

Join the movement.

Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka 

(An aspirant cleared by ECNBA for the office of 2nd Vice President )

‘THANK YOU FOR ACCEPTING ME AS ONE OF YOU,’ GADZAMA TELLS EASTERN BAR FORUM

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ISAAC OGBAH WISHES EASTERN BAR FORUM FRUITFUL MEETING

  • Isaac OMUTA Ogbah arrives the City of Calabar.

  • To attend EBF activities slated for 3rd and 3th June, 2022.

  • Wishes the Governor and entire leadership and members of EBF a joyous and fruitful quarterly meeting.

  • Isaac OMUTA Ogbah, FICMC welcomes the Governing Council, ably led by Sir. Uba ANENE, JP, Members and Friends of the Eastern Bar Forum to Calabar for the June 2022 Quaterly General Meeting of the EBF.

 

I wish all participants journey mercies to and fro even as I pray for a fruitful deliberations at this Calabar summit of the EBF.

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‘YOUR MEETING WILL BOOST BROTHERHOOD,’ ISAAC OGBAH TELLS OTU OKA IWU KADUNA

FEATURED

It’s a great feeling when brothers and sisters come together to have a heart to heart discussion on the development of their community and NBA as a whole.

There is no doubt that the meeting will yield a fruitful result and strengthen brotherliness.

I felicitate with you and wish you all a happy deliberation.

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TAIDI SALUTES EASTERN BAR FORUM ON MONTHLY PARLEY

I felicitate with the Governing Council and Members of the Eastern Bar Forum on her Quarterly General Meeting holding in Calabar, Cross River State between 3 – 5 June, 2022.

The quarterly meeting of this Forum serves the quite useful purpose of bringing together like minds united by geographical location within Nigeria to discuss issues of common interest for the advancement of its members.

There is no doubt that a common challenge confronting the region today, as it is in other parts of Nigeria, is insecurity. Therefore, discussions at this meeting ought to deliberately interrogate the remote causes of this menace with a view to proffering solutions, something which has so far eluded our leaders.

I enjoin members while enjoying the hospitality of the tourist hub not to lose sight of the other numerous issues confronting the legal profession within the region in particular and Nigeria in general.

I wish all attendees journey mercies.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq.
Candidate for NBA President

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GADZAMA VISITS KANO, DUTSE, UNGONGO BRANCHES, STORMS LAGOS TODAY

The Chairman of the Body of Benchers Mentorship Committee for Young Lawyers, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has visited Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) branches in Kano, Ungongo and Dutse to felicitate with the members.

While Gadzama, who is also the Chairman of the NBA Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC), hosted the members of the NBA Kano and Ungogo branches in celebration of Eid at the Central Hotel Kano, he held an interactive session with members of the NBA Dutse Branch at Tahir Guest Palace Jigawa. The chairman of the Dutse occasion was Tijjani Imam, a Life Bencher and former Attorney General of Jigawa State.

Meanwhile, Gadzama is expected in Lagos today at the monthly general meeting of NBA Lagos Branch. The meeting is being hosted by some friends of the leading litigator, including the African Bar Association (ABA) President, Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo and two former chairmen of the branch, Mr. Chijioke Okoli SAN and Chief Martin Ogunleye.

Below are the statements made available to CITY LAWYER.

NBA LAGOS BRANCH MEETING: FRIENDS OF CHIEF JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN SET TO HONOUR HIM.

The monthly General Meeting of the NBA Lagos Branch for the month of May, 2022 is set to be lightened up as some of the friends of the eminent Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN are prepared to host this month’s Branch meeting in honour of their friend. The notice of the meeting released by the Branch indicated that the trio of Messrs Hannibal Uwaifo, Chief Chijioke Okoli, SAN and Otunba Martins Ogunleye will jointly host this month’s meeting in honour of Chief J-K Gadzama, SAN.

Looking at the eminent personalities of the sponsors; Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo, is an active member of the Branch, a Bar leader and the current President of the African Bar Association, is an accomplished legal practitioner recognized across the globe. On the other hand, Chief Chijioke Okoli, SAN was Chairman of the Branch between 2009 – 2011 and a renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria whilst Otunba Martins Ogunleye, who is also an active member of the Branch, had in the past piloted the affairs of the Branch as a Chairman between 2015 – 2017.

It would be recalled that Kunle Ogunba & Associates sponsored the meeting of the Branch held on December 13, 2021 in collaboration with J-K Gadzama LLP whilst Chief Bolaji Ayorinde of BA Law extended same honour to Chief Gadzama by sponsoring the general meeting of the Branch held on March 14, 2022. This month’s meeting is set to be eventful as members of the Branch are encouraged to attend to enable them participate in various deliberations are listed in the agenda issued by the Branch.

It should be noted that Chief Gadzama, SAN submitted his Nomination Form at the ECNBA Secretariat on April 14, 2022 indicating his interest to contest for the position of NBA President in the forthcoming NBA national election.

The NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, appointed Chief Gadzama, SAN as the Chairman of the NBA Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC) last year December and the Committee was inaugurated early this year. Prior to his appointment, Chief Gadzama, SAN had served the NBA in various capacities including but not limited to the following

– Chairman, Body of Benchers Mentorship Committee for Young Lawyers
– Pioneer Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL)
– Pioneer Vice Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Legal Practice
– Pioneer Council Member, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Business Law
Pioneer NBA Golf Captain
– Former Chairman, Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association
– Former Chairman, NBA Conference Planning Committee, Jos, 2005
-Former Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch.

CHIEF JOE KYARI GADZAMA, SAN, AND HIS DISTINGUISHED ENTOURAGE, HANG OUT WITH MEMBERS OF THE NBA KANO AND UNGOGO BRANCHES FOR SALLAH CELEBRATION.

On Friday, May 6, 2022, the Friends of Eminent Silk Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama hosted the members of the NBA Kano and Ungogo branches in celebration of Eid at the Central Hotel Kano.

Among the dignitaries that graced the high table in honour of Chief J-K Gadzama, SAN were M.A Abubakar (Former Governor of Bauchi State), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN (Former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs), Abdullahi Yola (Former Solicitor General of the Federation) Mohammed Monguno (Former Attorney General of Borno State and Senior Partner at J-K Gadzama LLP), Ibrahim Shafi, Esq. (AVM Rtd), Laminu Bala, Esq. (Chairman, NBA Ungogo), Mukhtar L. Usman, Esq. (Deputy Director Legal Aid Counsel Kano Office), Murtala Musa, Esq. (NBA Kano Branch), Aisha Ahmad Moh’d, Esq. (NBA Zaria Branch) and John Ambi, Esq. (NBA Kafan Chan).

The celebration commenced with an opening remark from Adamu Abubakar, who graciously welcomed the Learned Silk and his dignified entourage to Kano. Subsequently, His Excellency M.A Abubakar (Former Governor of Bauchi State) in his remarks to the members of the branch accurately described the Learned Silk as “a son of the soil” given that he served the Country under the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in Kano State with the Ministry of Justice and A. Usman Gadzama & Co. and also commenced the practice of law with his office being established in Kano State. He commended the warm felicitations of the Kano and Ungogo branches as they honoured one of their own. To attest to the hard work and dedication the Learned Silk has put into the development of the bar, His excellency further stated that “J-K is not only a bar man but a quintessential bar man”. M.A Abubakar also stated that the fact that the Body of Benchers recognized the Learned Silk’s dedication and passion for empowering and educating Young Lawyers by honoring him as the Chairman, Mentoring Committee of the Body of Benchers for Young Lawyers speaks volume. His Excellency concluded by stating that Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN is a friend to young lawyers as the Learned Silk has made himself approachable and accessible to young lawyers to discuss their challenges with the aim of reaching a solution.

In agreement with His Excellency M.A Abubakar, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN stated indeed since J-K Gadzama SAN completed his NYSC service year in Kano he has been connected to the state and has taken more than a passive interest in the matters involving the branch. According to Learned Silk, J-K Gadzama, SAN has mentored a vast number of Lawyers in Nigeria who have become very successful in their respective areas of practice. He stated categorically that Chief J-K Gadzama, SAN is the first amongst very few Lawyers in Nigeria to initiate and sustain an annual lecture series for a good number of years. He stated that Nigeria is in need of good leadership, leaders who are bold, with capacity and who will be selfless, committed and will not compromise. Thus, he urged members of the branch to choose a quintessential bar man, a person who has given everything he has to the bar. He concluded by stating that in the legal profession, there is no substitute for experience and the experience of J-K Gadzama SAN in matters concerning the bar is second to none as he has been everything a lawyer can be, from a Senior Advocate Nigeria, a Life Bencher and also a Bar Chairman.

The former Solicitor-General of the Federation, Abdullahi Yola, stated while making his remarks, that he believes J-K Gadzama, SAN will be the best thing that will happen to the Nigerian Bar Association. Furthermore, according to the classmate and friend of Chief J-K Gadzama SAN, for over forty years, Mohammed Monguno stated that J-K Gadzama, SAN is the son of a police man with a calling to serve, who rose to this position from sheer hard work and diligence. He stated that the Learned Silk’s dedication towards the welfare of young lawyers is unrivalled.

The man of the moment Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama, SAN in his speech expressed his gratitude to the distinguished members of the high table and members of the NBA Kano and Ungogo Branches for honoring him in such a grand style despite the Eid festivities and their busy schedule. He praised the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association under Mr. Olumide Akpata who saw the public-interest background of the Learned Silk as a pioneer Chairman of NBA-SPIDEL and honoured him with the appointment as the Chairman of the NBA-SARC, a committee charged with the responsibility of engaging the various security agencies in Nigeria to ensure that the harassment of lawyers by these agencies becomes a thing of the past. He concluded by promising to abide by the NBA Constitution and the Nigerian Constitution by the grace of Almighty God.

The celebration ended with a cultural dance presentation and music while members of the branch interacted with the Learned Silk and posed for photographs. Indeed from the words of the dignitaries and over 3 decades of service to the bar, it is accurate to state that the Learned Silk has shown extraordinary commitment to the promotion of the Nigerian bar.

CHIEF JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN AND HIS EMINENT ENTOURAGE, HOLD INTERACTIVE SESSION WITH MEMBERS OF THE NBA DUTSE BRANCH IN JIGAWA

On Friday, May 6, 2022, the Learned Silk Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN in company of his esteemed entourage comprising of M.A Abubakar (Former Governor of Bauchi State), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN (Former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs), Mohammed Monguno (Former Attorney General of Borno State and Senior Partner at J-K Gadzama LLP), Ibrahim Shafi, Esq. (AVM Rtd) Abdullahi Faskari, Esq., (Immediate Past Chairman of NBA Funtua Branch), Hadiza Nasir Ahmed, Esq., (Young Lawyers Exco and Member Electoral Reform and Audit Committee), A.K Paki, Esq.,A.S Bawa, Esq. Salisu Abubakar, Esq., A.S Gidan-Wankey, Esq., Ahmad Abubakar Rabiu, Esq., Adam Zuhair Kaura, Esq., Shamsu M. Abdullahi, Esq., Hassan Sherif, Esq (Secretary, Corporate Department J-K Gadzama LLP). Dafenone Akpomudiare, Esq., Hajara Mohammed Sani Sorondinki (Secretary Women’s Group of J-K Gadzama LLP), and other members of the NBA Kano and Ungogo Branches held an interactive session with members of the NBA Dutse Branch at Tahir Guest Palace Jigawa, with the chairman of the occasion being Tijjani Imam (Life Bencher, Former Attorney General of Jigawa State and Madakin Dutse).

The session witnessed the attendance of Bar Leaders from the NBA Dutse Branch such as: Garba Abubakar, Dr. Yahaya Abdullahi, the Chief Law Officer of Jigawa State, ably represented by the Director of Legal Drafting, Usman Adamu, Esq and the Chairperson of FIDA Dutse Branch, Madaki Salamat, Esq. to mention but a few. The session rightly commenced by an opening prayer which was given by G.H Umar. To kick off the session, Dr. Yahaya Abdullahi gave a welcoming address and expressed gratitude to the Learned Silk for visiting the NBA Dutse Branch despite his busy schedule. He further acknowledged the presence of the Learned Silk’s “heavy entourage” comprising of Attorney Generals, Governors, Ministers and Senior Advocates of Nigeria. Dr. Yahaya Abdullahi concluded by assuring the Learned Silk of the unwavering support of the entire NBA Dutse Branch. Furthermore, Yakubu A. H Ruba, SAN described the Learned Silk as a leader in the bar and the right person to work for the resolution of the issues faced by members of the NBA Dutse Branch.

At the conclusion of the session, Kabiru Adamu, Esq. who anchored the program stated that the Learned Silk is an all rounder in the profession given that he has immense experience in litigation, commercial practice and arbitration, thus it came as no surprise that he was selected as one of the 500 best lawyers in the world. Hence, the Learned Silk is indeed the bridge between Commercial Practice and Litigation, MULAN and CLASSFON and the Legal Profession and Nigerian Society.

The Learned Silk in his remarks expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the branch for such a royal and dignified welcome. He stated that being in Jigawa is a homecoming for him as he is no stranger to the state. The Learned Silk reassured the members that the welfare of Young Lawyers will always be his priority. This comes as no surprise given that the Learned Silk passionately and successfully advocated for Young Lawyers to be referred to as “Young Lawyers” rather than “Junior Lawyers.” The Learned Silk also assured the members of the NBA Dutse Branch that he would not forget the amount of love and support shown to him by members of the branch and would work tirelessly in ensuring that the issues faced by members of the branch is resolved. He concluded by thanking the dignitaries for their kind words and stated that his loyalty shall always be to the Constitution of the Nigerian Bar Association, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and God.

The session ended on a happy tone with laughter, photographs and food.

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NBA, ASF FRANCE OFFER FREE LEGAL SERVICES TO 120 VICTIMS

Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France) and the Nigerian Bar Association have provided free legal services to 120 victims of human rights violations relating to torture, arbitrary detention and extra-judicial killings.

This was disclosed during a meeting organized by ASF FRANCE under the European Union and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) funded, “Strengthening the National Actors Capacities and Advocation for Ending Severe Human Rights Violations in Nigeria project” (SAFE) project. The project is targeted at addressing human rights violations in relation to torture, extra-judicial killings and arbitrary detention.

The one-day legal aid coordination meeting is the third Legal Aid Coordination Meeting organized in collaboration with NBA to foster ASF France mandate of promoting the enjoyment of human rights in Nigeria. It provided an opportunity for the project support lawyers to provide updates on the status of legal aid delivery in their respective states as regards the third year of the project. It also provided the opportunity for them to share experiences and exchange learning based on the cases being handled. The cases bother on provision of free legal assistance on the SAFE project to victims of torture and family members of victims of extra-judicial killings and arbitrary detentions.

The Country Director of ASF France, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu highlighted the importance of the engagement, saying “the legal aid coordination meeting is a very important avenue for us to re-evaluate our pro-bono legal aid processes and learn from each other towards improving the effectiveness of the legal aid component of the SAFE project”.

According to a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, the support lawyers delivered presentations on legal aid delivery under the SAFE project while recommendations were made to tackle the challenges highlighted by the support lawyers during their presentations.

The forum rounded off with deliberations aimed at improving results of the legal aid delivery component of the project. During the deliberations, Aïssatou Kumagangue, Project Officer at the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) commended the support lawyers, saying: “I am immensely proud of the pro-bono legal aid delivery of this project. Thank you for the silent but impactful work of you lawyers; please keep it up”. Esmé Stuart, Programme Manager, Human Rights and Gender, European Union (EU) also highlighted the importance of the legal aid component of the project, saying: “The legal aid component of this project helps to consolidate the outcomes of the entire project; we have to keep up the good work to ensure that we bring justice to where it is underserved.”

The SAFE project is implemented by Avocats Sans Frontières France in partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association and the Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organization. ASF France aims to sustain the impact of the Situation Room by virtually convening more frequently to monitor and review the implementation of the adopted strategies.

In attendance at the meeting were the SAFE project support lawyers, nominated NBA pro-bono lawyers, the NBA SAFE project focal person, and representative of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.

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RPC: MALAMI ASKS COURT TO DISMISS NBA’S SUIT

• SAYS BAR COUNCIL RATIFIED RPC

Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami SAN has asked the Federal High Court to dismiss a suit brought by the Nigerian Bar Association to annul the amended Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners (RPC).

Malami has also told the court that the Bar Council held a meeting to ratify the controversial RPC, CITY LAWYER can exclusively report.

CITY LAWYER recalls that the Nigerian Bar Association had through the Chief Ferdinand Orbih SAN-led NBA Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP), dragged the Attorney General to court via an originating summons dated 17th January, 2022 and filed on 24th January, 2022 alleging that Malami unilaterally amended the RPC without due process of law.

The Attorney-General argued that the NBA lacked the locus standi to institute the action, urging the court to dismiss the plaintiff’s claim “for failure to comply with the Evidence act and lacks (sic) locus standi to institute it.”

In a counter-affidavit obtained by CITY LAWYER and deposed by one Oni Michael, a Litigation Officer in the Civil Litigation and Public Law Department, Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, he stated “That members of the General Council of the Bar were invited for the meeting which was held.”

Restating this point in the written address, the defendant said: “My Lord, we submit that an invitation has (sic) been sent to all members of the General Council of the Bar and some have (sic) attended the meeting. Subsequently any decision arrived at the meeting where a member is voluntarily absent is binding on all members as the quorum was provided in subsection 4 of section 1 of the LPA. We urge my lord to so hold.”

Continuing, the deponent stated that Malami “did that which he is statutorily empowered to do strictly within the confines of the Law as the Chief Law Officer of the Federation and the President of the General Council of the Bar.”

He restated that “a meeting (of the Bar Council) was called and members of the Council were duly notified and present in same.”

Malami argued that he is “statutorily empowered to improve the professionalism of legal practice in Nigeria,” adding that “The Plaintiff is bringing this action based on mere speculation and hearsay as he (NBA) is not a member of the General Council of the Bar.”

In the written address in opposition to the plaintiff’s originating summons, Malami argued that “The plaintiff commences this suit without averting his mind to the fact that he is not a member of the General Council of the Bar and as such cannot challenge what they deliberate on in their meetings and whatsoever he said amounts to hearsay and the Plaintiff has no Locus to institute this action.”

The matter, INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF THE NBA VS ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION has also been assigned Suit Number FHC/ABJ/CS/77/2022 and slated for March 24 by Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

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‘PLAY CRUCIAL ROLES IN NBA, BRANCHES,’ GADZAMA URGES LAWYERS

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Security Agencies Relations Committee, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has urged lawyers to play crucial roles in the growth of the legal profession.

Speaking as a Special Guest of Honour at the February monthly meeting of the Surulere Lawyers’ Forum (SLF), Gadzama who is also the Chairman of the Mentoring Committee of the Body of Benchers for Young Lawyers, urged the members to encourage unity among lawyers.

Below is the statement made available to CITY LAWYER.

Surulere Lawyers’ Forum Elder, Chief J-K GADZAMA, SAN presides over 2022 annual cutting of Valentine Cake.

It was a joyous homecoming for Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN when he attended the February monthly meeting of the Surulere Lawyers’ Forum (SLF) on February 16, 2022 as an elder and oldest member of the Forum. Recall that Chief Gadzama, SAN was formerly admitted as a member of SLF last year after the Forum welcomed him with open arms.

It is important to state that SLF whose membership cuts across tribes and tongues in Nigeria was founded in 2006 by its pioneer Chairman, Hon. (Chief) V. U. K. Iyanam (former Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Akwa-Ibom State) and consists of legal practitioners who live and or practice within Surulere. SLF is one of the well-coordinated and organised lawyers’ fora in Nigeria and has been growing in leaps and bounds since its establishment.

In his remarks at the meeting, Chief Gadzama, SAN encouraged members to be united in the pursuit of the goals and objectives of SLF as the Forum can achieve a lot when in unity. He also implored them not to relent in playing their critical roles in the affairs of the Nigerian Bar Association both in Lagos State and at National level. The elder statesman was thereafter invited to coordinate the cutting of cake in celebration of members whose birthdays fall within the month of love.

In attendance with Chief J-K Gadzama, SAN was Mr. Mela Nunghe, SAN, Messrs John Unachukwu Austin Esq, former publicity Secretary of the NBA and Oluniyi Adediji Esq, Partner, J-K Gadzama LLP, Lagos Office.

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BOSAN HOLDS DINNER, TO REVIEW SAN RANK, LPA BILL REPORTS TOMORROW

The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) will tomorrow hold its 2021 Annual Dinner and meeting to review the report of its committee on award of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Among the reports also scheduled to be presented to the influential body are the report on review of the harmonized Legal Practitioners Bill and Legal Profession Regulatory Bill as well as a report on the public hearing on amendment of the Legal Practitioners Act (LPA) held on 15th November, 2021. The reports will be presented by BOSAN’s longstanding Secretary, Mr. Seyi Sowemimo SAN and Chief Anthony Idigbe SAN.

Scheduled for 11 am at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus, Victoria Island, the meeting will also receive another report from its Committee on the Reform of the Supreme Court alongside a paper presented by former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Chief Thompson Okpoko SAN.

According to a notice of meeting obtained by CITY LAWYER, the body will again receive an update on the implementation of the BOSAN Leadership Committee including arrangements for its Annual Lecture, Annual Dinner, presentation of the BOSAN Law Practice Journal, Induction Programme and Scholarship Awards.

Meanwhile, the association will tomorrow at the Grand African Ball Room of Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island hold its 2021 Annual Dinner & Scholarship Awards.

The Special Guest of Honour is Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN while the Chairman of the occasion is Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad. The Guest Speaker is former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.

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NBA CHIEF LIED AGAINST OUR CHAIRMAN, SAYS EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has debunked an allegation by the embattled Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Makurdi Branch, Mr. Justin Gbagir that EFCC Chairman, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa boasted that he would use his purported leverage with the judiciary to torpedo any lawsuit by the NBA chieftain.

According to a statement by the commission, “At no time during the encounter was there reference to judges and their soft spot or the lack of it, for the EFCC boss and the Commission.”

It is recalled that CITY LAWYER had reported that Bawa met recently with Gbagir to explore an amicable resolution of the furore that arose after the NBA chieftain was allegedly battered by EFCC operatives at their Makurdi Office.

Giving an update on the meeting, Gbagir, in a statement he made available to CITY LAWYER, stated that Bawa said “That the operatives have also written their statement denying my allegations that I was assaulted and even if we decide to go to court, it will be our words against theirs. In any case, he has good working relationship with judges.” The allegation was highlighted by a news blog (not CITY LAWYER).

The full statement by the EFCC is below.

Judges: Makurdi NBA Chairman’s Statement Against EFCC, Not True
The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to a report captioned: Even If you Go to Court… I have a Good Working relationship with Judges, attributed to the Benue Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Justin Gbagir and which was published in the online media on Monday August 9, 2021.

The Commission wishes to state that the comment ascribed to the Executive Chairman, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, is patently false and should be discountenanced.

It is regrettable that a compassionate gesture by the Executive Chairman in meeting with Gbagir over an alleged incident involving him and some officers of the Makurdi Zonal Command of the Commission has degenerated into a weapon of blackmail.

As a responsible leader, one with a disdain for injustice of any kind, Mr. Bawa met Gbagir to give him fair hearing and explore avenues to address his complaints, where they were meritorious. At no time during the encounter was there reference to judges and their soft spot or the lack of it, for the EFCC boss and the Commission.

As a law enforcement officer with over 16 years cognate experience before assuming the office of the Executive Chairman, Mr. Bawa is conversant with the impartiality and independence of the judiciary and could not have made the flippant statement ascribed to him.

To have invented such a remark and ascribed it to the EFCC chair is not only disingenuous but grossly irresponsible.

Media & Publicity
13 August, 2021

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JUSUN STRIKE: ANXIETY, AS NBA IKEJA BOYCOTTS LAGOS BRANCHES’ PARLEY WITH SANWO-OLU TOMORROW

  • LAGOS, BADAGRY, EPE AND IKORODU BRANCHES TO ATTEND

  • CONFUSION OVER PARTICIPATION OF BRANCH MEMBERS

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch has vowed to boycott a meeting of all Lagos branches with Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu scheduled for “Lagos House,” Marina tomorrow.

In a telephone interview with CITY LAWYER, NBA Ikeja Branch Chairman, Mr. Batholomew Aguegbodo said: “I can tell you for free that I will not be there. We complied with the NBA President’s directive by embarking on our protest march today in line with our tradition as Tiger Branch. I tried to move the other branches to join us today but they gave sundry reasons on why it is impossible for them to do so. I respect their position. We shall return to the streets on Monday if by then the State Governors had not complied with JUSUN’s demand.”

However, the four other branches comprising Lagos, Badagry, Epe and Ikorodu will meet with the Governor tomorrow by 10:30 am. CITY LAWYER gathered that the branch chairmen may have agreed to converge on “Lagos House” by 10 am prior to the meeting with the Sanwo-Olu. The meeting is being facilitated by former Bar Leader and Lagos State Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN.

While it was gathered that only three members from each branch would be permitted to go into the meeting with the Governor, it was unclear at press time whether branch members would be allowed to mass around the premises. This comes against the backdrop of conflicting signals from the branches regarding the level of participation of their members.

While Lagos Branch may have restricted participation to the official three-man delegation and very senior lawyers who may insist on attending, Epe and Ikorodu branch chairmen told CITY LAWYER that all their members who wish to attend have been fully mobilized to storm “Lagos House” in their numbers.

According to Mr. Ademola Koko, NBA Epe Branch Chairman, “Everybody is coming. We have mobilized all our members. We are coming in three buses which we have hired.”

This was echoed by NBA Ikorodu Branch Chairman, Mr. Abimbola Ojedokun who told CITY LAWYER that “We are going with our members. All those who are available will accompany us on the visit.”

The branches may have however conceded to shun display of placards so as not to “embarrass” the Governor. A source told CITY LAWYER that while Epe Branch has agreed to display its banners at the Epe High Court, Badagry Branch may have directed its members to display their banners at the Lagos High Court, Igbosere.

In a press statement personally signed by the NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, the association had at the weekend asked all NBA branches “to effectively mobilize their members and pay visits to their respective State Governors at the Government Houses on Monday, 19th April 2021 to press home the demand for implementation of financial autonomy for the Judiciary. At the visit, NBA Branches in each State are to present a joint written demand to their State Governor requesting full compliance with existing legislative instruments and court judgments on the financial autonomy of the Judiciary.”

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‘OUR STAND ON JUSUN STRIKE,’ BY 5 LAGOS BRANCH CHAIRMEN

The five branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Lagos State held a virtual meeting yesterday to deliberate on the ongoing strike by Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and the directive by NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata relating to the strike.

Below is the text of the communique made available to CITY LAWYER as issued by the Committee of Chairmen after the meeting.

COMMUNIQUE ON THE DIRECTIVE OF THE PRESIDENT BY THE FIVE CHAIRMEN OF NBA BRANCHES IN LAGOS STATE ON THE ONGOING JUSUN STRIKE:

AGENDA:
1. The Chairmen of NBA Lagos, Ikeja, Epe, Ikorodu and Badagry held a meeting today 18th April, 2021 to fine tune the modalities to be jointly adopted by the Branches in effectively executing the mandate of Mr. President. The following issues were discussed:

A) Execution of the joint mandate for maximum impact in line with the mandate. After the submission of the Chairman, Ikeja Branch that all arrangements have been put in place against tomorrow by the Branch for their peaceful protest. Other Chairmen pleaded for Branches to jointly carry out the mandate as dictated in the president’s directive. The Chairman of Ikeja promised to try and convince his members against Tuesday now granted by the president for Lagos State Branches.

B) The directive dated 16th April, 2021 and personally signed by the president chronicled efforts made by our National Body and the negative effects on our members, hence, our involvement as critical Stakeholders.

C) The president’s directive enjoins NBA Branches”” to visit their state governors and demand compliance with the provisions of 1999 constitution…”

D) page 2 paragraph 1 of the directive enjoins Chairmen to effectively mobilize their members “and pay visits” to their respective state government houses on Monday 19th April, 2021 to press home the demand…”
“..at the visit, NBA Branches in each state are to present a joint written demand to their state governors”

E) At page 2 paragraph 2 of the directive which states ” The Chairmen of the NBA Branches are further requested to ensure that these visits are embarked upon every subsequent Monday until..”

The above premises formed the following resolutions:
A) That consequent upon the president’s approval for the visit on Tuesday and with the hope of Ikeja Branch joining, the Branches shall proceed with the visit to the Governor with Branches mobilising their members who shall be dressed in their official black and white.

B) Members shall converge at the Government house between 11 am and 12 pm with placards showing solidarity pursuant to our mandate. No abusive placards please.

C) Visits on subsequent Mondays shall follow the same pattern

Signed by the Chairmen of NBA, Lagos, Ikeja, Epe, Ikorodu and Badagry Branches.

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BREAKING: BODY OF BENCHERS OKAYS NOUN GRADUATES FOR LAW SCHOOL

BY EMEKA NWADIOKE

Nigeria’s Body of Benchers has approved admission of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) graduates into the Nigerian Law School, CITY LAWYER can authoritatively report.

The decision by the apex regulator of the legal profession in Nigeria was taken at its meeting held today.

There has been a cat-and-mouse tussle between the Benchers and the NOUN graduates, as the body had insisted that NOUN graduates did not meet the requirements for admission to the Law School.

Before now, all pleas to the Body of Benchers to resolve the impasse met a brickwall until today’s breakthrough.

More details shortly.

#ENDSARS: AKPATA STORMS PROBE PANEL, VOWS CLOSE MONITORING

  • PROMISES FREE LEGAL HELP FOR VICTIMS

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Olumide Akpata yesterday stormed the inaugural sitting of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry for Restitution for victims of #EndSARS-related abuses and the October 20 Lekki Tollgate shootings.

Briefing NBA Lagos Branch members after the visit, Akpata vowed that NBA will closely monitor the activities of the panel to ensure that justice is done to all victims of the crisis.

Akpata, who was addressing the lawyers during their monthly general meeting, said that NBA would also set up free legal assistance teams to help victims pursue their cases before the panel, even as he called for “sober reflection and positive action.”

He stated that he visited the Lagos State panel of enquiry to represent the association, adding: “My Lord Justice (Doris) Okuwobi gave me the opportunity to let the panel know that the NBA intends to be actively involved in this panel in Lagos and similar panels set up all over the country.”

Speaking specifically on NBA’s roadmap for the enquiry panels, Akpata said: “And just to latch on to the point made by my brother Emeka Nwadioke, our intervention will be two-pronged: firstly, as we have already indicated, we want to provide through our members pro bono service to victims – so that we can help them at all these panels, the 36 States and the National Human Rights Commission Panel set up in Abuja, help these victims articulate their petitions and also present their petitions.

“We are going to set up teams. We already have the Public Interest Team that we are putting together and a database of lawyers who have already indicated that they would like to be part of this process. He stated that the process is ongoing and urged the branch leadership to seek out more volunteers for the pro bono project.

Continuing, Akpata said: “The second leg of our intervention would be serving as independent observers in all of these panels, serving as friends of the court – or friends of the panel, as it were – to ensure that the panels are proceeding unimpeded.”

He stated that the Lagos State Panel of Inquiry leadership was “very delighted that the NBA is ready to play these roles, and has assured me that we would be given due recognition, and that our members who come in to play the independent observer role would be duly accorded recognition and audience as at when necessary.

“For Lagos, for example, by my calculation there would be 72 days of sitting for the next 6 months. So it will be important for us to set up committees. The volunteers can take turns to participate in the proceedings of the panel so that we can be the watchdog, play the watchdog role that is ours to play. We intend to be very involved.”

Turning to the protests, the NBA president noted that many lawyers bore the brunt of the destruction of properties. Noting that standing aloof is not an option, Akpata stated that there are “wider issues” involved. He said that beyond the #ENDSARS protests and the Lekki Toll Plaza killings, “there are root causes that we must address.”

He noted that “the masses are protesting,” adding that “we must attack the root issues, we must intervene in this process as the NBA, we must mediate in this process.”

On the efforts earlier made by the NBA, Akpata stated that in the days leading to October 20 when the crisis peaked with the killing of some protesters at Lekki Toll Plaza, NBA led efforts along with its branches and States Attorneys-General to free all detained protesters, adding that he is “very proud of the work our members did facilitating the release of members of the public who were arrested around the country.

“Beyond that, we very quickly collaborated with the National Human Rights Commission. As you know, we are working closely with the NHRC on the independent panel of enquiry that has been set up by the commission to look into the SARS protest. Our First Vice President is a member of that panel which is led by the Honourable Justice Suleiman Galadima.

“We are also working closely with the National Assembly. Working closely with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, we set up a 7-man Committee on tweaking the Police Service Commission Act to ensure that the new iteration of that law will cater for a transparency and accountability framework that will deal with erring police officers.

“As soon as the unfortunate event of 20th of October happened, we issued a statement where we made it categorically clear on behalf of the association that the event of that night was totally unacceptable – shooting at unarmed harmless protesters – totally unacceptable, and would not be entertained by the Nigerian Bar Association; that we would rise up in defence of any Nigerian so assaulted, which is what we are doing.

“Immediately, we called for a meeting of the NBA and at that meeting we discussed the issue extensively and came out with a communiqué which had since been issued. Essentially, the association has given us the mandate not only to do that which we are already doing – which is to support Nigerians who have come under attack from the security forces – but also to intervene in what has become an impasse, to intervene in a situation that is degenerating by the day because the society is looking up to us as the NBA to intervene in this process.

“Of course, you know that it has come close to home – uncomfortably so. We inspected the High Court at Igbosere and what we saw left us speechless. It is one thing to hear about the destruction, but to see it first-hand leaves you numb as it did to us yesterday (Sunday).”

He urged NBA Lagos Branch to “lead the way” in working with the judiciary “to see how we can come back to where we were before the unfortunate incident, and taking the opportunity to improve on the facilities that existed previously.”

Akpata also commiserated with members of the branch whose offices were vandalized during the carnage at City Hall.

In his response, NBA Lagos Branch Chairman, Mr. Yemi Akangbe applauded Akpata intiitives taken by his administration to tackle the crisis, saying: “You have stepped in an.d taken leadership. We are proud of you as an esteemed member of this branch.”

Among many senior lawyers who attended the virtual meeting are former NBA presidential candidates, Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN and Dr. Babatunde Ajibade, SAN; Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN; Mr. Tunde Busari, SAN; Mrs. Olufunke Agbor, SAN; Mr. George Etomi, NPOM; NBA General Secretary, Mrs. Joyce Oduah and fiery Nigerian Law School teacher, Mr. Sylvester Udemezue.

The panel is made up of the retired Justice Okuwobi as chairman; Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN; Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police and a founding member of SARS; Mrs. Oluwatoyin Odusanya, Director, Lagos State Directorate of Citizens Rights; Ms. Patience Udoh, Mr. Segun Awosanya (segalink) and two representatives of the youth.

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

NBA LAGOS ELECTIONS: COMMITTEE DISPELS FEARS

  • SUMMONS STAKEHOLDERSMEETING
  • RELEASES GUIDELINES ON E-VOTING PROCEDURE

The leadership of the Election Committee for the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch Elections has dispelled concerns over the elections, saying there is no cause for worry.

In a notice seen by CITY LAWYER, the Committee Chairman, Mr. Richard Akintunde SAN noted that it had always kept stakeholders in the picture as regards its activities, adding that nothing would be done to imperil the elections.

In a separate post by Akintunde, a longstanding chairman of the committee, the electoral body also summoned a meeting of all candidates in the election. The meeting is scheduled to hold tomorrow 12 noon at the NBA Conference Room. Candidates were directed to come along with not more than two agents each.

The committee has also released an elaborate 12-step voting manual titled “Electronic voting procedure: From start to finish.”

Below are the notices:

RE: NBA LAGOS ELECTIONS CONCERNS MOUNT ON E-VOTING SYSTEM

*The NBA Election Committee’s response to the concerns raised in the publication by CITY LAWYER.

Postponement of the Manifesto Day:

The Committee in its notice postponing the Manifesto Day to Tuesday, 25th June, 2019 explained the reason for the postponement. The schedule of the event in honour of the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Opeyemi Oke (Rtd) was not brought to the attention of the Election Committee when the relevant arrangements were made for the Manifesto Day. The postponement is regrettable but could not be helped in the circumstances.

Explanation of the e-voting process:

The Committee at the Branch meeting held on Monday, 10th June, 2019 went through step by step the e-voting process and thereafter conducted a demo of the e-voting process for the forthcoming elections. All questions asked by the lawyers in attendance were addressed by the Chairman of the Election Committee, Mr. Ayodele Akintunde, SAN.

In addition, the Committee has constantly published online materials on the step by step process for the e-voting. Members should please take time to read the materials to familiarise themselves with the process.

Please note that the Committee has complied with all publications required under the Uniform bye laws to the letter. In addition the Committee has published several online materials to explain the e-voting process.

The Committee appreciates the need to give the candidates, stakeholders and their agents an opportunity to raise any queries in respect of the elections. A meeting between the candidates and members of the Election Committee has been scheduled at which the candidates are required to attend along with their agents. The Committee intends to further explain the e-voting process to them and address any queries and concerns raised at the meeting.

List of eligible voters:

We are attending to all complaints by members whose names did not appear on the list of eligible voters published by the Committee. A supplementary list will soon be published of the names of members whose complaints were successful. The complaint process allows the Committee to address any omissions or mistakes. This has been the practice in the past.

We want to assure all candidates and branch members that the Election Committee is working tirelessly to ensure a free, fair and credible election. All concerns will be addressed as best as possible

We continue to solicit your support and cooperation and enjoin all eligible voters to contact the secretariat to ensure that there e-mails and phone numbers on record are correct.

Thank you.

Dear Sirs, NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE CANDIDATES AND MEMBERS OF THE NBA LAGOS BRANCH ELECTION COMMITTEE

Notice is hereby given that there will be a meeting of all candidates participating in the 2019 NBA Lagos Branch elections and members of the NBA Lagos Branch Election Committee as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 25th 2019
Venue: NBA Conference Room
Time: 12.00 pm

Candidates are to come along with their agents (not more than 2 each).

Agenda:

  1. To provide a further explanation of the e-voting election process.
  2. To address any queries/concerns.
  3. Any other business.

Signed: NBA Lagos Branch Election Committee

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