NBA Archives - Page 4 of 5 - CITY LAWYER MAGAZINE

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Mar 13, 2022
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ASF FRANCE, PARTNERS HOST POLICE/CSO SITUATION ROOM

Avocats Sans Frontières France (Lawyers without Borders France), in collaboration with its partners, the Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organization (CAPIO) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has hosted the second convening of the Police and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Situation Room in Abuja. The event is in accordance with its mission of promoting human rights in Nigeria.

The programme served as a follow-up to the first convening of the situation room established exactly a year ago. The situation room was established under the auspices of the European Union (EU) and the Agence Française de Développement funded “Strengthening the National Actors Capacities and Advocating for an End to Severe Human Rights Violations in Nigeria Project” (SAFE), targeted at addressing issues of torture, ill treatment, extra-judicial killings and arbitrary detention in Nigeria.

In attendance at the second convening of the Police – CSOs situation room were 38 participants representing the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, key CSOs working on justice sector reform in Nigeria like: Human Rights Watch, Avocats Sans Frontières France, RULAAC, NOPRIN, CAPIO, CIRDDOC, WACOL, EWEI and NACTAL. Relevant government institutions like; the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON), and the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ) were also in attendance.

The objective of the meeting was to review the level of implementation of the collaboration set up between the Police and CSOs to drive reforms aimed at improving the status of human rights in the country, and accountability within the Police for human rights violation by its officers.

The representative of the European Union, Mr. Clément Boutillier, Head of Governance, Peace and Migration at the EU delegation to Nigeria & ECOWAS reinstated the commitment of EU to the SAFE project and for peace and security in Nigeria saying ‘Peace and Security are at the core of the EU’s partnership with Nigeria. Therefore, the EU is very interested in this situation room and its deliberations, as it creates a platform for CSOs and the Police to share their problems surrounding human rights, and jointly develop recommendations for implementation’. The Country Director of Avocats Sans Frontieres France, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, in one of her contributions said “the police and the CSOs are working for the same cause, which is to promote and protect human rights, thus it is really important for us to continue working together to achieve success. This platform also ensures accountability in the work to improve the level of human rights enjoyment in the country”.

The Head of the Police-Complaints and Response Unit (P-CRU), ACP Markus Ishaku Basiran said at the meeting that the complaints received by the unit went down by 60% because of the twitter ban. The P-CRU explored other tools for receiving complaints from the public, such as phone calls and Instagram. However, they were not as effective as Twitter. With the lifting of the ban, it is anticipated that the complaints and response component of the unit will be reinvigorated.

The deliberations at the second convening of the Police-CSOs meeting produced key recommendations which were adopted for further action. The recommendations include:

Improved sensitization of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force on human rights standards and the Anti-torture Act (2017) for better implementation.

The need for the Police to also sensitize members of the public on their fundamental human rights and techniques to identify and escalate human rights abuses by police officers and other security agencies.

The need for the P-CRU to establish physical presence in other states of the country for improved access, response and coordination.

The need for the P-CRU to invest in initiatives that widely sensitize the public on its availability and mandates, such as radio campaigns and tours, adverts, and dissemination of other key media visibility materials.

The need for the current police app for reporting crimes and human rights abuse to be tweaked to support other features that improve evidence-based real-time reporting such as live streaming. The app should also be widely publicized for improved usage.

The need for CSOs to prioritize the strengthening of the police force and the P-CRU through fundraising and visibility-based initiatives.

Coalition of CSOs must amplify voices for the demand of accountability in the work of protecting and promoting human rights.

Investigation rooms of the police force needs to be equipped with recent cutting-edge technology that makes influences the officers to rely on international standards of investigation and interrogation.

The mainstreaming of the Anti-torture Act (2017) and human rights principles in the curriculum of the Police Training Colleges.

According to Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, Country Director, ASF France Nigeria, “ASF France aims to sustain the impact of the situation room by virtually convening more frequently to monitor and review the implementation of the strategies adopted.”

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EDITOR'S CHOICE
Mar 13, 2022
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ADEKOYA RETIRES FROM AELEX, NGIGE HAILS LEGAL ICON

BY EMEKA NWADIOKE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Mar 11, 2022
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BREAKING: CAC APPROVES NBA AMENDED CONSTITUTION

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) amended Constitution has been approved by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), CITY LAWYER can authoritatively report.

CITY LAWYER had yesterday reported serious disquiet within legal circles regarding the delay in registration of the amended constitution with the CAC.

NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata had however told CITY LAWYER that there was no cause for concern, assuring that the amended constitution would be approved in a matter of days.

Asked by CITY LAWYER to confirm feelers from unimpeachable sources that the amended constitution has now been approved by the CAC, Akpata said: “Confirmed.”

A copy of the approved constitution sighted by CITY LAWYER showed that it was adjusted to reflect the petition by former Secretary to the NBA Constitution Review Committee, Mr. Olasupo Ojo who urged the CAC to refuse registration of the amended constitution.

The 92-page approved amended constitution is now titled, “The Constitution of the Nigerian Bar Association 2015 (as amended in 2021.”

NBA political watchers believe that the CAC approval now gives the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) a clear roadmap to go full blast with its preparations for the forthcoming National Officers Election, thus clearing the haze over the legal regime for the all-important election.

CITY LAWYER recalls that Ojo had petitioned the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), urging it to decline registration of the amended NBA Constitution. In the letter titled “NOTICE OF OBJECTION TO REPEAL OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION, 2015 (AS AMENDED IN 2019), Ojo argued that the NBA “duly adopted and passed the resolution to amend the Extant Constitution at the 2021 Annual General Meeting,” adding that “Contrary to the foregoing state of fact and resolutions of the AGM, it now appears that the NBA had inadvertently inserted the following into the proposed NBA Constitution 2021 which purports to now repeal the extant Constitution:

i. Insertion of Sections 28 and 29 which purports to Repeal the Extant Constitution.

ii. Insertion of a Cover which reads: Nigeria Bar Association Constitution 2021.”

Ojo could not be reached at press time for comments.

NBA Constitution as Amended

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Mar 08, 2022
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IWD: AKPATA VOWS TO DEFEND WOMEN’S RIGHTS

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Olumide Akpata has assured that the association will deploy both legislative advocacy and public interest litigation to secure the rights of women and children.

In a Press Statement he personally signed to mark this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), Akpata said that “NBA will continue to play its role through focused legislative advocacy and, where necessary, public interest litigation with a view to achieving an egalitarian society that accommodates all and sundry, particularly women and girls.”

He decried the plight of women and girls as a “akin to a global pandemic,” adding that “All over the world, women are at the receiving end of policies, oftentimes conveniently anchored on culture and religion, which leave them short-changed. Also, in various theatres of conflict, women have continued to bear the heavier brunt of crises that are literally man-made. The recent events in Afghanistan and Ukraine are an eloquent albeit harrowing testament to this fact.”

Though he acknowledged “that we have in recent times recorded some measure of success in our efforts at fixing this anomaly,” he noted that “it is also true that there is still a lot of work to be done. In this regard, let me commend all women in civil society, the professions, academia and other segments of society who continue to sustain the tempo of this noble cause.”

Below is the full text of the statement made available to CITY LAWYER.

On our part, the NBA will continue to play its role through focused legislative advocacy and, where necessary, public interest litigation with a view to achieving an egalitarian society that accommodates all and sundry, particularly women and girls.

STATEMENT OF THE NBA PRESIDENT OLUMIDE AKPATA ON THE OCCASION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2022

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), I join the global community in commemorating the International Women’s Day (IWD), 2022. The IWD is a day set aside by the United Nations to draw global attention to the plight of women and girls and to strive towards the attainment of an egalitarian society where circumstances of birth such as gender, will play no role in the socio-political relations of society.

The theme of this year’s IWD: Break The Bias, is very apt as it speaks to the need to dismantle the limiting barriers of patriarchy and other biases that have kept girls and women at the back seat of our national life. The recent events at the National Assembly, where syndicated Bills targeted at a more inclusive representation of women in politics and governance was opposed by a male dominated parliament, speaks volumes of the structural ramifications of this social menace.

With women and girls comprising almost half of our national population, ideas and policies that tend to limit their inclusion in our national life tantamounts to shooting ourselves in the foot, as a nation is only as good as the wealth of human resources it can leverage from its population irrespective of gender. Indeed, it is not for nothing that the framers of our Constitution have guarded against discrimination on grounds of gender, amongst other considerations, in Section 42(2) thereof. I daresay that this Section provides the moral and legal justifications for a gender balanced and inclusive society.

Whilst I have spoken to the plight of women and girls in the context of Nigeria, it is a fact of our existence that the situation we are confronted with is akin to a global pandemic. All over the world, women are at the receiving end of policies, oftentimes conveniently anchored on culture and religion, which leave them short-changed. Also, in various theatres of conflict, women have continued to bear the heavier brunt of crises that are literally man-made. The recent events in Afghanistan and Ukraine are an eloquent albeit harrowing testament to this fact.

Even as I acknowledge that we have in recent times recorded some measure of success in our efforts at fixing this anomaly, it is also true that there is still a lot of work to be done. In this regard, let me commend all women in civil society, the professions, academia and other segments of society who continue to sustain the tempo of this noble cause.

Finally, I congratulate all women and girls on this momentous occasion even as we continue in our struggle to dismantle the walls and prejudices of patriarchy and other biases that limit and short-change them.

Happy International Women’s Day!

OLUMIDE AKPATA
President
8th March, 2022

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Mar 07, 2022
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SOWORE: GADZAMA COMMITTEE VOWS TO FREE DETAINED LAWYER

The Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN-led Nigerian Bar Association Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC) has vowed to take urgent steps to ensure release of Mr. Abubakar Marshal, a lawyer remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre for allegedly standing as surety for firebrand human rights activist, Mr. Omoyele Sowore.

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, the committee frowned at the arrest and prosecution of the embattled lawyer, saying “that the Area Courts in the FCT cannot assume criminal jurisdiction” over a matter dealing with whether a suspect has jumped bail.

The committee assured that it is “presently taking urgent steps to ensure the immediate release of Mr. Marshal and that any defaulting party, be it the bench, the bar or any security agency alike, is appropriately sanctioned.”

It said that the arrest and remand of Mr. Marshal at the Kuje Correctional Centre “is a manifestation of gross impunity and conspicuous disdain for rule of law and the due process of law. Further to which we presently encourage anyone with useful information and/or evidence as regards all the facts and circumstances surrounding Mr. Marshal’s incarceration to urgently reach out to the NBA-SARC, to aid in the attainment of justice.”

Below is the full text of the statement.

STATEMENT OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION – SECURITY AGENCIES RELATIONS COMMITTEE (NBA-SARC) ON THE ARREST OF MR ABUBAKAR MARSHAL

Dear Colleagues,

1. In keeping with the mandates of the NBA-SARC, the Committee has taken cognizance of online media reports which inter-alia suggest that an Area Court sitting in Kabusa in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja has ordered that a legal practitioner, Mr. Abubakar Marshal, be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre till Tuesday, March 8, 2022, on the premise of filing a lawsuit on behalf of one Mr. Omoyele Sowore against one Mr. Ned Munir Nwoko.

2. Conversely, the NBA-SARC is further aware of contrary reports in some quarters that the police only arrested Mr. Marshal, who stood as Mr. Sowore’s surety for bail, when Mr. Sowore jumped bail. These contrary reports further claim that after Mr. Marshal on February 24, 2022, assured the Police of producing Mr. Sowore on the next date, being February 25, 2022, slated for continuation of investigation, neither Mr. Sowore nor Mr. Marshal was in attendance at the Police Station on the said date.

3. Assuming without conceding that Mr. Marshal stood surety for Mr. Sowore who allegedly jumped bail, the FCT High Court in the case of Gladys Chukwu v. Hon Gambo Garba FCT/HC/M/4499/19 and Barr. Anugo Ifeanyi Chuwu v. The Grand Khadi Sharia Court of Appeal & 2 Ors, FCT/HC/CV/2107/14 have held that the Area Courts in the FCT cannot assume criminal jurisdiction, and the instant circumstance is not any different.

4. We, therefore, unreservedly condemn this present illegality and are presently taking urgent steps to ensure the immediate release of Mr. Marshal and that any defaulting party, be it the bench, the bar or any security agency alike, is appropriately sanctioned. Indeed, the arrest and subsequent remand of Mr. Marshal at the Kuje Correctional Centre is a manifestation of gross impunity and conspicuous disdain for rule of law and the due process of law. Further to which we presently encourage anyone with useful information and/or evidence as regards all the facts and circumstances surrounding Mr. Marshal’s incarceration to urgently reach out to the NBA-SARC, to aid in the attainment of justice.

5. While we continue to call for collective support, please be reassured that all efforts are in top gear towards ensuring that justice prevails and that necessary sanctions are meted out to anyone found wanting in the present circumstances. It cannot be business as usual for injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere.

Long live the Nigerian Bar Association.

Thank you.

DATED THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022

Signed:
Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR, MFR, SAN
Chairman, NBA-SARC

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Feb 26, 2022
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TAIDI MOURNS, AS GUY IKOKWU GOES HOME TODAY

Immediate past Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary, Mr. Jonathan Gunu Taidi has described deceased senior lawyer, Chief Guy Ikokwu as “a prominent legal practitioner, past President of Otu Oka-Iwu Lagos, Bar Leader and member of Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association,” saying that he lived an impactful life.

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, Taidi who is believed to be eyeing the post of NBA Presidency at the forthcoming NBA National Officers Elections, said that he received with “shock” the news of the passing of Ikokwu and recalled “the passion with which he followed up on issues affecting the well-being of Members of Otu Oka-Iwu in particular and those who sought his intervention generally.

“His death is a painful loss to his immediate family, Otu Oka-Iwu community and the Lagos Branch of the NBA.

“We all must be comforted by the fact that he lived an impactful and fulfilling life, and may God comfort his family, colleagues and friends while granting his soul eternal rest.”

Ikokwu will be buried today in his home town Oba in Anambra State.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Feb 23, 2022
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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.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Feb 12, 2022
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GADZAMA LAUDS EASTERN BAR, LAW TEACHERS; RECEIVES NBA ABUJA AWARD

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Security Agencies Relations Committee, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has commended the Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) for its “tremendous impacts to the welfare and mandate of the Nigerian Bar Association within and outside the Eastern Region of Nigeria.”

Gadzama, who is also the Chairman of the Mentoring Committee of the Body of Benchers for Young Lawyers, also lauded the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT) on her 53rd Annual Conference for being “a citadel of scholarship and learning in diverse areas of legal jurisprudence and the development of moral and civic character of all persons who pass through her portals.”

Turning to Anaocha Branch of the NBA, the chartered arbitrator and pioneer Chairman of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) said: “I applaud the executives and the distinguished members of the Anaocha branch of the Nigerian Bar Association for their dexterity in leadership and usual cooperation with the Bar.”

A similar goodwill message was issued to NBA Owerri Branch.

Meanwhile, NBA Abuja Branch (Unity Bar) has given an award to Gadzama for his philanthropy and “meritorious contributions to the NBA Abuja Branch.” The award was received on his behalf by Mr. Madu Joe-Kyari Gadzama, a Partner at J-K Gadzama LLP.

Responding, Gadzama promised to give the Branch 10 slots for lawyers between 1-7 years post-call to intern with his law firm for 6 months. He added that the best intern will receive automatic employment with the firm.

He disclosed that Mr. Jerry Ombugado Musa, the Branch Financial Secretary and a Junior Partner at J-K Gadzama LLP will anchor the process.

Below are full texts of the goodwill messages.

GOODWILL MESSAGE TO (NBA) EASTERN BAR FORUM
With great joy and profound regards, I applaud the executives and the distinguished members of the Eastern Bar Forum of the Nigerian Bar Association for their sterling qualities, unwavering solidarity and usual cooperation with the Bar. The NBA – Eastern Bar Forum has continuously made tremendous impacts to the welfare and mandate of the Nigerian Bar Association within and outside the Eastern Region of Nigeria. I admire your courage, resilience in and unreserved dedication to the NBA. Hence, I urge you to please continue in your spirit of togetherness and commitment to the development of the Eastern Bar and the entire Nigerian Bar at large. As you all gather to deliberate in yet another meeting, I wish you fruitful deliberations and pray that impactful and curative resolutions stem out of your discussions. Please be assured of my loyalty and support. Thank you and God bless.

GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NBA OWERRI BRANCH
Fellow Colleagues, Members, Executives of the NBA-Owerri Branch, I wholeheartedly felicitate with you on the occasion of the commissioning of H.R.H. EZE B.S.C. Nzenwa Exco Chambers in the Bar Centre, the launching of the NBA-Owerri New Website and unveiling of the photo gallery of all past Chairmen of NBA-Owerri scheduled to hold on Thursday, 10th February, 2022. I profusely appreciate the membership of NBA-Owerri for accepting me as one of you. I am truly honoured. The NBA-Owerri Branch has always heralded insightful contributions to the Eastern Bar Forum, Nigerian Bar and legal profession through her offering of selfless support. This dedication to duty has positively influenced the personal lives and career of all members. I commend your professionalism and steadfast support and urge you to continue making laudable landmarks in the Nigerian Bar, legal profession and society at large.

I wish you an enjoyable evening as you convene to celebrate the great accomplishments of the branch and commemorate the good leadership of the Past Chairmen of the Branch. I pray that God continues to bring the aspirations of this noble association to fruition. Please be assured of my continual commitment and support.

GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NIGERIAN ASSOCIATION OF LAW TEACHERS
I felicitate with the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers on this glorious occasion of her 53rd Annual Conference tentatively scheduled to hold from Tuesday, 8th February, 2022 to Thursday, 10th February, 2022. The Nigerian Association of Law Teachers has always been a citadel of scholarship and learning in diverse areas of legal jurisprudence and the development of moral and civic character of all persons who pass through her portals. Undoubtedly, the institution has contributed immensely to the development of the legal profession Nigeria. I must also commend the thematic subjects you have chosen for this years’ annual conference. I consider them topical issues which touch us all, as Lawyers, Academicians and members of the society. It is an honour for me to be part of this epoch-making event as the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers marks her 53rd Annual Conference. I believe this occasion will elicit aspirations towards making laudable landmarks in the legal profession and Nigeria at large. I commend your professionalism and steadfast support and urge you to continue making laudable landmarks in the Nigerian Bar, legal profession and society at large. Please be assured of my continual support and loyalty.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jan 29, 2022
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‘WE’RE READY TO HOST NBA-SPIDEL ANNUAL CONFAB,’ SAYS TAMBUWAL

Sokoto State Governor, Mr. Waziri Tambuwal has assured the Nigerian Bar Association of his readiness to host this year’s NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) Annual Conference scheduled to hold in May in Sokoto.

Receiving a delegation led by NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, Tambuwal thanked the association for choosing Sokoto State as the venue for this year’s SPIDEL Conference and “promised to support the NBA in any way possible with a view to ensuring that the SPIDEL Conference is an outstanding success,” a statement by NBA Publicity Secretary, Dr. Rapulu Nduka said.

Also throwing his weight behind the conference, the Chief Judge of Sokoto State, Hon. Justice Muhammad Sa’idu Sifawa “assured the NBA of the support of the Judiciary for the upcoming SPIDEL Conference, and promised that the Judiciary will work together with the NBA to organize the best conference in the annals of SPIDEL.”

The delegation also visited the State’s Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Suleiman Usman (SAN) and interacted with legal practitioners in the State during the three-day visit.

Below is the full text of the statement made available to CITY LAWYER.

NBA PRESIDENT HOLDS INTERACTIVE SESSION WITH LEGAL PRACTITIONERS IN SOKOTO STATE; PAYS COURTESY VISIT ON THE CHIEF JUDGE OF SOKOTO STATE AND SECURES SUPPORT OF SOKOTO STATE GOVERNMENT TOWARDS UPCOMING SPIDEL CONFERENCE .

Dear Colleagues,

As part of ongoing efforts by the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (“NBA”) to deepen its engagement with the legal community and to ensure that the NBA indeed works for its members, the President of the NBA recently led some members of his team on a 3-day working visit to Sokoto, Sokoto State.

Upon arrival on the 26th day of January 2022, the NBA delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Attorney-General of Sokoto State – Suleiman Usman (SAN), who thereafter led the delegation on a tour of the recently renovated High Court Complex which has been totally upgraded and fitted with modern technological equipment, properly incorporated into the court’s architecture, to deliver better, quicker and easier dispensation of justice.

Thereafter, the NBA President held an interactive session with Legal Practitioners in the State, at the NBA Sokoto Branch Bar Centre. At this Session, the NBA President reassured legal practitioners in Sokoto of the focus of the National Executive Committee of the NBA on running an all-inclusive Bar with particular emphasis on the professional well being and general welfare of its members. He reminded the members that the Branches of the NBA are the very critical constituent parts that make up the Association and stated that the various Branches must rise up to take their place, within each jurisdiction, for the promotion of the rule of law and improving the welfare of the members within their domain.

The NBA President further outlined some of the steps already taken by the National Executive Committee to improve the welfare of the members, especially in the area of comprehensive insurance cover for all legal practitioners in Nigeria and access to finance for lawyers etc.

A number of other Bar-related issues were discussed during the interactive session including, but not limited to, the administration of justice system in Sokoto State, continuing legal education peculiar to the jurisdiction, expansion of the existing legal space and provision of more opportunities for lawyers within the State, specialization and diversification of legal practice, harassment of legal practitioners by security operatives and the ongoing BPF online payment. The NBA President pledged to continue engaging with members of the Association in various Branches in order to ensure that the NBA is brought closer to its members and the myriad of challenges faced by legal practitioners in the course of practising the profession are effectively tackled.

Earlier on, the NBA President – Mr. Olumide Akpata, in the company of the NBA Publicity Secretary – Dr. Rapulu Nduka, NBA Assistant General Secretary – Uche Nwadialo Esq. and the Chairman of SPIDEL – Dr Monday Ubani paid a visit to the Governor of Sokoto State – H.E Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to secure the support of the Executive Arm of Government, towards the upcoming SPIDEL Conference. The Governor of Sokoto State, upon warmly receiving the NBA delegation, thanked the NBA for choosing Sokoto State as the venue for the SPIDEL Conference billed to take place in May 2022. The Governor promised to support the NBA in any way possible with a view to ensuring that the SPIDEL Conference is an outstanding success.

The NBA delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Judge of Sokoto State, Hon. Justice Muhammad Sa’idu Sifawa. The visit provided the NBA President and his team with an opportunity to engage extensively with the Chief Judge on strategies for further strengthening of the existing partnership between the Bar and Bench in the State. The Chief Judge also assured the NBA of the support of the Judiciary for the upcoming SPIDEL Conference, and promised that the Judiciary will work together with the NBA to organize the best conference in the annals of SPIDEL.

Dr. Rapulu Nduka
Publicity Secretary,
Nigerian Bar Association

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jan 26, 2022
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RPC: ‘WHY WE SUED MALAMI,’ BY ORBIH, NBA-SLP CHAIR

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP), Chief Ferdinand Orbih (SAN) has said that the lawsuit filed against the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami SAN was a fallout of a directive by the association.

It is recalled that Orbih had in an exclusive interview last December told CITY LAWYER that NBA would sue Malami unless he formally reversed amendment of the RPC. The association has now made good its threat by filing a lawsuit at the Federal High Court challenging the amendment of the Rules.

Orbih told CITY LAWYER yesterday that “The suit is now firmly in court,” an indication that efforts towards amicable resolution of the debacle have hit a brick wall.

Giving further insight into the matter, Orbih said: “The Section on Legal Practice under my leadership was mandated by the National President of the NBA to drive the process. Upon receipt of the mandate I (in my capacity as the Chairman of the SLP) constituted the Legal team led by S. I. Ameh, SAN to commence the action.”

According to the fiery senior lawyer, other members of the legal team are Messrs Elisha Kurah, SAN, Oluwaseun Abimbola, SAN and M. E. Ukweni, SAN.

Orbih had in an earlier interview with CITY LAWYER said: “The Attorney-General of the Federation was on television to disclaim the controversial Rules of Professional Conduct.

“However, we are aware that the RPC has been gazetted under his name. We have therefore informed the Honourable Attorney-General that a viva voce disclaimer of the RPC will not suffice in the circumstances.

“The NBA Legal Committee has decided to engage the AGF and afford him an opportunity to issue a proper disclaimer through a written instrument published in the gazette. We expect this to be done by next week.

“If at the end of the day this is not done, we will have no option than to carry out the mandate of the NBA to litigate the matter. Let me assure that this will not take long any more, as we have been on this matter for almost two years.”

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jan 21, 2022
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NBA ELECTION: AKPATA TO INAUGURATE COMMITTEE ON MONDAY

Barring any last-minute hitch, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Olumide Akpata will on Monday inaugurate the newly appointed Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA).

An impeccable source who is familiar with the matter told CITY LAWYER that the inauguration which was originally scheduled to hold at NBA House by 12 noon will now hold same day at 3:30 pm.

The inauguration will set the stage for frenzied politicking towards the eagerly awaited 2022 NBA National Elections. The presidential election will see only candidates from the Northern Zone slugging it out for the coveted seat, going by the zoning arrangement built into the NBA Constitution (as amended).

Akpata had at the last NBA National Executive Committee (NBA-NEC) quarterly meeting in Abeokuta announced the appointment of members of the Electoral Committee to conduct the 2022 National Officers election.

Many political pundits have hailed Akpata on the appointment of Akintunde to spearhead the election, saying it signposts a commitment towards a free and transparent election. Akintunde was a longstanding Chairman of several NBA Lagos Branch electoral committees which conducted rancour-free elections to the admiration of members. A source told CITY LAWYER that he was in the running to conduct the last controversial NBA National Elections but was side-stepped at the last minute.

Other members of the Committee are Mabel Ekeke, Secretary; firebrand human rights activist, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu; former NBA Treasurer, Aisha Ado-Abdulahi and leading ICT expert, Mr. Basil Udotai.

It is recalled that especially since 2012, NBA National Election have limped from one controversy to another, thereby compromising NBA’s standing towards combating electoral misfeasance in Nigeria.

Akpata had in his inaugural address said: “It is for this reason that I immediately constituted an Electoral Audit and Reforms Committee headed by Ayo Akintunde SAN to audit our 2016, 2018 and 2020 elections and to recommend reforms for our electoral systems and processes.

“For me, two things stand out. The first is the need to audit the election that led to our emergence, but which was also characterised by certain glitches that should not be associated with a foremost professional association like ours.”

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jan 21, 2022
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GADZAMA C’TE URGES LAWYERS TO REPORT HARASSMENT BY SECURITY OPERATIVES

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Securities Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC) has urged lawyers to report cases of harassment and intimidation to the committee for immediate redress.

In a press statement made available to CITY LAWYER, the committee urged lawyers “who have or are been unjustly intimidated, harassed, humiliated or subjected to unwarranted hardship in the course of interaction with any security agency” to report to the committee.

The committee also called on security operatives and the general public “to give the needed moral support and lend their voices and resources where needed, to this noble cause of public interest.”

Speaking on the determination of the committee to stem the malaise of incessant harassment of lawyers by security operatives, the Chairman of the committee, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN said: “We neither have guns, machetes nor sticks, but we have the power of persuasion as this Committee is tasked with building bridges and not walls between legal practitioners and the various security agencies….”

Below is the full text of the statement.

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION – SECURITY AGENCIES RELATIONS COMMITTEE (NBA-SARC) ON ITS MANDATE

The NBA – Securities Agencies Relations Committee (the Committee) constituted by the NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata at the National Executive Council meeting of Thursday, December 16, 2021 was inaugurated on Friday, January 7, 2022, with the following underlisted distinguished legal practitioners as executives and members thereof:
1. Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, MFR, OFR. (Chairman) – 08022231999
2. Alex Muoka (Alternate Chairman) – 08033009242
3. Marian Jones (Secretary) – 08033479752
4. Taiwo Lakanu (DIG Rtd.) (Member) – 08037160989
5. Mohammad I. Tsav (Member) – 07035653513
6. Valentine Odili (Member) – 08035047498
7. Adanna Lynda Uba (Member) – 08032925119
8. Chief M. A. O. Iyamanbhor (Member) – 08037204923
9. Julie Ariahu (Member) – 08023411581
10. Salman Alhaji Salman (Member) – 08037252757
11. Nnaemeka Emmanuel Otagburuagu (Member) – 08039566682
12. Peter Chukwunyelu Ikebuaso (Member) – 08033133739
13. John Aikpokpo-Martins (Member) – 08023063841
14. Rabiah A. Hassan (Committee Liaison Officer) – 08063579840

Following the recent surge in cases of maltreatment of legal practitioners by security operatives whilst discharging official duties and obligations to clients, the Olumide-led administration of the NBA, saw the urgent need for an interface comprised of legal practitioners with a rich background and prime networking within security agencies, to work in close liaison with all security agencies across the country. This urgency and relevance, necessitated the establishment of the Committee.

The security agencies which the Committee shall interface with shall include but not limited to the following: the Nigerian Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, National Intelligence Agency, State Security Service, Defence Intelligence Agency, etc.

The Committee, which was inaugurated with the following underlisted terms of reference, will regularly meet virtually, and physically as exigencies may demand, to share ideas, brainstorm and implement feasible action-plans towards achieving its mandate:

1. Formulate policies to be implemented by the NBA (whether alone or in collaboration with other stakeholders) that will deal holistically with the risk posed to Nigerian lawyers by security agencies.

2. Collaborate with the relevant security agencies to promote and advance a mutually beneficial relationship between the said agencies and lawyers in Nigerian.

3. Develop and promote proper protocols for engagement with security agencies by lawyers, in the course of carrying out their professional duties.

4. Work with the various branches of the NBA to achieve, at the branch level, objectives that are similar to those set out in these terms of reference.

5. Promptly intervene in cases of harassment, unlawful detention, intimidation, etc. of lawyers (in the course of carrying out their professional duties) by security agencies.

6. Carry out any other function that may be assigned to the Committee by the President or the National Executive Council; and

7. Make recommendations to the NBA President as appropriate and carry out such other functions that are consistent with the foregoing or which are necessary to achieve the mandate of the Committee.

The Chairman, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN speaking on behalf of the Committee at the inaugural meeting, assured the NBA, that in piloting the affairs of the Committee, he would ensure that the Committee deploys resources in persuading security outfits to work together harmoniously towards achieving a free and fair society. In his exact words: “…We neither have guns, machetes nor sticks, but we have the power of persuasion as this Committee is tasked with building bridges and not walls between legal practitioners and the various security agencies…”.

The Committee has begun setting modalities, and thus, open to receiving recommendations towards ensuring a more harmonious and improved working relationship between members of the Nigerian Bar and the Security Agencies in the country. The Committee wishes to inform all Members of the NBA, security personnel and other stakeholders of proposed courtesy visits to the various aforementioned security agencies to establish strong ties and educate as well as train members of these agencies in dealing with issues which concern or involve members of the legal profession.

The Committee therefore calls on legal practitioners, security operatives and the general public to give the needed moral support and lend their voices and resources where needed, to this noble cause of public interest.
Members of the Nigerian Bar who have or are been unjustly intimidated, harassed, humiliated or subjected to unwarranted hardship in the course of interaction with any security agency, are enjoined to report same to the Committee via the telephone numbers of the Committee members highlighted above.
The official communication channels shall include helplines, Whatsapp numbers, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram which will be published in due course.

Dated this Thursday, January 20, 2022.

__________________________ _________________________________________
Marian Jones, Esq. Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR, MFR, SAN
Secretary Chairman

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jan 10, 2022
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NBA KADUNA UNVEILS PAYMENT PORTAL FOR DUES

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kaduna Branch has joined the league of digital branches with the introduction of online payment system for its Branch and Welfare Dues. Following in the footsteps of the national body, the branch has deployed the Paystack payment portal for payment of its dues.

In a press release signed by the Branch Financial Secretary, Diane Odey, it was stated that Branch members can now pay for their Branch Dues using the web link, www.nbakaduna.org/branch-dues while the Welfare Dues can be paid via www.nbakaduna.org/welfare-dues.

While the Branch would adopt the hybrid method by also receiving payment via the Branch Bank Account, Odey further explained that by 2023, payment for the Branch & Welfare Dues will be done only via the online platform.

Speaking on the development, the Branch Chairman, Mr. M. T. Mohammed stated that “NBA Kaduna is one of the few Branches of the NBA that has fully deployed online payment services for its members. We have used it to collect payments for our Law Week and Bar Dinner in the past few years. We are encouraged to continue to use the platform provided by Paystack to ease the payment of Branch and Welfare Dues for our Members.”

According to a statement by the Branch Publicity Secretary, Oguguo Anoruo-Enujekwu, the Chairman noted that online payment also enables the branch to keep proper and accurate records of its financial members. He urged members to take advantage of the online payment method.

It is recalled that the NBA National Executive Committee (NBA-NEC) had at its latest quarterly meeting approved exclusive payment of Bar Practising Fee (BPF) through the Paystack portal.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jan 07, 2022
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BPF: NBA REVERSES SELF, CANCELS TRANSACTION CHARGES

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has cancelled the transaction charges payable by lawyers for the annual Bar Practising Fee (BPF).

A statement personally signed by NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, noted that “the leadership of the NBA has resolved that the Association will, as was the case with AGC 2021, bear the transaction charges associated with the payment of 2022 BPF.”

It stated that the controversy generated by the high transaction charges by PAYSTACK was due to a communication gap between the NBA leadership and the service provider, adding that “while the NBA team expected that the 2021 AGC reduced fee and pass-through arrangement would hold sway, the Paystack team, having not received any clear directive in this regard, reverted to the default position which is to debit transaction charges from the purchaser, in this case, members of the Association.”

Akpata reiterated that there was no revenue sharing arrangement between the association and PAYSTACK, adding that “no portion of the transaction fees charged by Paystack is shared with or remitted to the NBA, or any of its officers or members of staff.”

The NBA leadership also said that while alternative payment platforms could be desirable, “this new arrangement of moving BPF payments online only would help the NBA improve its service offering to members, restore confidence in our electoral process and enhance accurate data gathering. The NBA will therefore continue with the online only payment policy.”

It is recalled that former NBA Lagos Branch Treasurer and erstwhile Financial Secretary, Mr. Phillip Njeteneh had in an article in CITY LAWYER chided NBA for the high charges, wondering whether the association retains a portion of the charges.

Below is the full text of Akpata’s statement.

My Dear Colleagues,

Compliments of the season and best wishes for 2022.

Since 1st January 2022 when we fully transitioned to paying our annual Bar Practising Fees (“BPF”) online, there have been numerous complaints and commentaries by some of our colleagues on a number of points. This is certainly not unexpected because transitioning to a new process, no matter how laudable or desirable, typically comes with some challenges, analyses, pushback, and initial resistance. However, as mentioned in one of our most recent notices to you, the NBA is, as it should be, open to considering all views aimed at improving our processes, and generally advancing the interests of our members and the profession. To this end, our publicity team has been responding to many of the issues raised so far and I have thought it appropriate to add to our existing responses as follows:

1. Engagement of Paystack – Paystack has been the NBA Service Provider since 2019, before this administration came on board in August 2020. A fair and transparent process for engaging them was concluded at the relevant time and this administration has continued to utilise their services, which have been quite satisfactory. We utilised Paystack’s services for processing 2021 BPF (online) payments under a hybrid arrangement and also for the 2021 Annual General Conference (AGC) registration.

2. Fees charged by Paystack – with regard to payments to Paystack for their services, in 2020, those who paid their BPF online also paid a transaction fee to Paystack which amounted to circa 2% of the transaction amount. For example, BPF of N25,000 attracted about N482.24 as transaction fee. Similarly, in 2021 (under this administration), those who opted to pay their BPF online paid the same transaction fee to Paystack. This is consistent with the contract signed with Paystack when they were engaged.

3. Bearing Paystack fees for members – with respect to the 2021 AGC for which registration was online only, the NBA was able to work out an arrangement whereby the Paystack transaction fee was not only reduced but was borne entirely by the NBA. As such, all those who registered for the 2021 AGC did not have to bear any direct transaction cost for paying online. Coming now to BPF 2022, which is to be paid online only, while the NBA team expected that the 2021 AGC reduced fee and pass-through arrangement would hold sway, the Paystack team, having not received any clear directive in this regard, reverted to the default position which is to debit transaction charges from the purchaser, in this case, members of the Association.

4. Transaction charges for BPF 2022 – the NBA has been able to negotiate a revised fee of 1.3% with Paystack for their services relating to the 2022 BPF payments. Considering that this year would be the first time when members will be required to pay their BPF online only, the leadership of the NBA has resolved that the Association will, as was the case with AGC 2021, bear the transaction charges associated with the payment of 2022 BPF.

5. Who pays the transaction charges in the future? – Going forward, it will be necessary for our Association to come to terms with the fact that online payment for goods and services has now become the norm, and those who provide the platforms through which we are able to make these payments, do so for a fee. Therefore, at the earliest opportunity, I will table a request before the NBA-NEC to take a view or make a determination on whether such future payments should continue to be borne by the Association or by the members directly.

6. Revenue Sharing with Paystack – the NBA reiterates that no portion of the transaction fees charged by Paystack is shared with or remitted to the NBA, or any of its officers or members of staff. All fees charged by them for the service(s) that they render go directly and solely to them, and the BPF paid by members is channeled by Paystack directly into the Supreme Court of Nigeria BPF Account No: 0000976716 which is held with Access Bank. The insinuations, and indeed allegations, in some quarters, to the effect that there are underhanded payments and kickbacks with respect to the transaction fees are most unfortunate.

7. Increase in BPF – to be sure, payment of transaction charges is incidental to making online payments (whether they be BPF, taxes, statutory payments, bank transfers, etc.). Such payment is not an increase in BPF as has been suggested by some of our members.

8. A dual payment system – there have been suggestions that the NBA should allow members the option of either paying their BPF online or making cash deposits at the bank. Interestingly, such hybrid system of BPF payment has existed at the NBA for at least two years, but it has proven to be inefficient to a large extent. Experience has shown that this arrangement has affected our record keeping and the integrity of some of our processes including accurate database of lawyers, NBA voters register, easy processing of stamp and seal, etc. and we are committed to eliminating these inefficiencies. So, besides the convenience for our members and the fact that electronic payment is desirable and consistent with global trends, this new arrangement of moving BPF payments online only would help the NBA improve its service offering to members, restore confidence in our electoral process and enhance accurate data gathering. The NBA will therefore continue with the online only payment policy.

9. Alternative service providers – there have been requests for the NBA to engage alternative or multiple service providers so as to allow our members choose the platform on which to make payments. While we remain satisfied with the current service offering, we will certainly consider this request in due course. The first quarter of each year is the peak period for payment of BPF by our members and we have been advised by our technical team that any consideration of alternatives to the existing platform will be best done when the high traffic abates in order not to disrupt the smooth operation of the system.

I thank you for your attention.

Sincerely,

OLUMIDE AKPATA
President
Nigerian Bar Association

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jan 07, 2022
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‘MY FATHER LIVED A FULFILLED LIFE,’ SAYS UBANI

Former Nigerian Bar Association 1st Vice President and Chairman of NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law, (NBA-SPIDEL), Dr. Monday Ubani has said that his deceased father “lived a fulfilled life.”

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, the fiery human rights activist said that his father died last Monday, adding that “he will be greatly missed by relations, friends, neighbours, grand-children and his entire community.”

Pa Ubani Egbedubi Nwokocha, popularly known as “Egoro” among peers and friends, died on January 3, 2022 in Lagos. He was aged 101 years.

Confirming the passing of his father, Dr. Ubani, who is also his only son, said that his remains had been taken to Abia, his home state.

Burial arrangements will be announced later by the family.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jan 04, 2022
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NBA ADMITS BPF CHARGES ARE HIGH, SAYS LAWYERS WILL GET REFUND

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has admitted that the charges being levied by Paystack for its services on the dedicated BPF Online Payment Platform “are relatively on the high side.”

The Olumide Akpata-led NBA has also vowed to engage the service provider for a downward review of the charges which currently range between N177 to a maximum of N863 for SANs and Benchers, adding that lawyers who already paid the high charges would be refunded.

In a statement by the NBA National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Rapulu Nduka, the bar association indicated that Paystack may have hiked the charges without its consent, noting that “It was our understanding that the fees chargeable on the payment of 2022 BPF would not be different from what was paid last year.”

The association stated that it has started engaging Paystack for a downward review of the charges and that once a resolution is reached, “the charges will be reduced and those lawyers who already paid the higher sum will receive a pro rata refund of the charges paid.”

Below is the full text of the statement made available to CITY LAWYER.

BAR PRACTISING FEES – NBA’S POSITION AND NEXT STEPS ON TRANSACTION COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH ONLINE PAYMENTS

Dear Colleagues,

The leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has read several commentaries, and also received numerous calls, regarding the costs charged by NBA’s long-standing service provider (Paystack) for settling transactions on the BPF Online Payment Platform.

To be sure, the common theme of the complaints is that the transaction costs are exorbitant and need to be reviewed downwards. We have taken on board all the complaints and now respond as follows:

1. The leadership of the NBA is open to all criticisms aimed at advancing our common cause, improving our processes/systems, protecting the interests of our members and overall, moving our profession forward. The NBA therefore welcomes and appreciates the concerns that have, so far, been expressed on this issue.

2. For the avoidance of doubt, there has been no increase in the amount payable as BPF. The transaction costs (ranging from a floor of N177 to a maximum of N863 for SANs and Benchers) that members are charged when they pay their BPF online are wholly and exclusively due to Paystack for its services. No portion of those costs are shared with, or remitted to, the NBA.

3. Indeed, upon our review of the fees charged by Paystack for similar transactions in the past, such as payment of 2021 BPF and payment of fees for the 2021 NBA-AGC, the leadership of the NBA agrees that the current charges are relatively on the high side. It was our understanding that the fees chargeable on the payment of 2022 BPF would not be different from what was paid last year.

4. On the basis of the above, the NBA has started engaging with Paystack to review the charges downwards. This engagement has however been impacted by the public holidays albeit we expect that the issue will be resolved shortly.

5. Once this happens, the charges will be reduced and those lawyers who already paid the higher sum will receive a pro rata refund of the charges paid.

We thank you for your understanding.

Dr. Rapulu Nduka
Publicity Secretary,
Nigerian Bar Association

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jan 03, 2022
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BPF: EX TREASURER CARPETS NBA OVER ‘HIGH’ SERVICE CHARGE, URGES REVERSAL

Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch Treasurer, MR. PHILLIP NJETENEH has queried the “high” service charge for online payment of Bar Practice Fee (BPF).

In an article addressed to the NBA leadership, Njeteneh also decried the retention of Access Bank Plc as the sole agent-bank for payment of BPF, arguing that the present framework does not foster the welfarist agenda of the Olumide Akpata-led NBA.

NBA ONLINE PAYMENT CHANNEL & MONOPOLY – A REACTION TO DR. RAPULU NDUKA’s LETTER TO MEMBERS

Dear Dr. Rapulu Nduka
Nigerian Bar Association.

Re: MATTERS ARISING FROM THE RECENTLY LAUNCHED NBA PORTAL FOR PAYMENT OF 2022 BPF & OTHER RELATED ISSUES

Thank you for the letter above to members and thank you for the wonderful job your team under the leadership of our able President have been doing.

However, much as we praise you when you hit the bull’s eyes on our affairs we must at least let you know (even if we choose not to apply the knocks) when you hit us below the belt.

Just as you have brought out the bullet points of the benefits of this monopoly of channel of payment, let me equally echo some observations about this channel of payment which I was hoping to read from your letter above but which I did not see.

For starters, are you aware that there are complaints about the additional charges to payment under this channel?

For many, paying almost #500 additional as charges when there are better and less exorbitant charges available is something they don’t consider welfarist.

These high charges, are they an error like the error of the Senior Advocates/Benchers payment or these are charges that have come to stay?

These exorbitant charges, are they another form of revenue to the NBA to take care of its welfare packages for its members or this is a revenue solely going into the pocket of the service provider?

If this is a case of the former shouldn’t members be informed so they know they are contributing towards their welfare and if this is a case of the latter is that the best welfarist deal for the members & why must members be forced to to go the way of the most expensive?

Monopoly has never been a welfarist tool, instead it’s the opposite. We know you inherited a monopolistic tool in the name of only Access Bank as the sole Bank for payment of BPF after other Banks were dislodged, but continuing with that monopolistic route does not at the end different your welfarist agenda from the monopolistic rule of the past.

Yes it’s good to move with the tide but in moving with the tide your goal is taking your people safely to the shore and not your people floating ashore.

On this BPF collection it’s my humble opinion that your body language and welfarist agenda is that of an open system which allows for competition where service providers outdo themselves to serve us and not we locking ourselves from competition so a single service provider can feed fat on us.

Please let there be several service providers and channels, NBA is to big to be run as a monopoly when it comes to BPF. Let there be more Banks than a single Bank and let each come with its payment system and let members decide which Bank suites them best based on their payment system and ease of doing business. In 2016 NBA Lagos Branch introduced online payment along with direct payment in the bank. At that period the charges about #250 and there was complaint from members but the direct payment was still open.

Another advantage of having a welfarist leadership is that the leadership listens hence I believe you are reading and listening to the complaints members are making just a few hours into the new year, these complaints are not about to fade away, it’s only going to grow louder and larger and you can either prove your welfarist nature and have them resolved within your tenure or you can choose to manage the situation with rhetorics until your tenure comes to an end & it becomes the headache of next team.

Once again, I say well done to your team for how far you have come, there’s more to be done.

Good morning.

I remain

Philips Njeteneh
Just minding my business.

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EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jan 03, 2022
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BPF: OJUKWU COUNTERS OKUTEPA, SAYS NBA IS ‘CASHIER’ TO SUPREME COURT

The controversy generated by the query raised by former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lead Prosecutor, Mr. Jibrin Okutepa SAN on the legality of paying Bar Practice Fees via NBA portal may not go away very soon.

Okutepa had in a post he made on a CITY LAWYER WhatsAPP platform argued that there is no legal basis for NBA to receive BPF from lawyers, saying: “where does NBA derive its powers to collect practising from lawyers and direct that payment shall be online through portal created by NBA.”

In this piece made available to CITY LAWYER, former NBA presidential candidate and erstwhile Deputy Director-General at the Nigerian Law School, PROF. ERNEST OJUKWU SAN aligns with the NBA leadership, arguing that the association merely acts as a “cashier” for the Supreme Court in receiving BPF.

Below is the full text of his opinion.

THERE IS NO LEGAL IMPEDIMENT OR DETRIMENT TO NBA ONLINE PRACTICE FEE PAYMENTS
I read the explanation of the Nigerian Bar Association on the payment of Bar Practicing Fee through a mandatory online portal. The NBA explanation was a response to the controversial discussions generated by the issues raised by distinguished member, JS. Okutepa SAN.

There is no legal impediment from the Legal Practitioners Act or any law to the use of NBA online portal for the payment of our practice fee. There is also no detriment except maybe the charge of nearly N500 by paystack for the service which the leadership of NBA should renegotiate urgently to not more than N100.

The legal basis for this position is that no law, including the LPA provides “how” to pay the practice fee. LPA only states “who” to pay to. And that “who” to pay to is not violated by the use of NBA online portal. The NBA explanation on this clearly states that “All BPF payments made through the Online Portal are,… paid directly to an already existing Supreme Court Bar Practicing Fee Account. The NBA, through the Online Payment Portal, only provides a gateway or platform for a seamless payment…” (emphasis mine).

That Supreme Court Bar Practice fee account is managed by the Registrar Supreme Court (and since about 2011 in conjunction with NBA). The NBA online portal does not “receive” money and keep it. The portal is only the CASHIER like the cashier-teller at the bank, who takes the money and hands over to the bank who now keeps the money. In the online system, the portal (cashier) does not even touch or see money. It only receives instructions that requests it to request the movement of money from one bank account to another account- in this case to the Supreme Court Bar Practice fee account.

Many years ago, payment of Bar Practice fee was to Cashiers at the Supreme Court. The Registrar was not given the money in his hand. The payment to cashiers was not provided in the LPA. It was solely based on the fact that the Registrar had delegated the collection of the fee to his staff- cashiers. Later the Registrar now asked banks to provide the cashiers at the Supreme Court. So, we moved from paying Registrar staff who were the cashiers to paying cashiers who worked directly with banks but had their kiosks at the Supreme Court premises. The delegation to bank cashiers was also not provided in the LPA. Then we moved to the next stage of allowing members to go to designated bank and pay directly into the bank account of the Registrar’s Supreme Court Bar Practicing fee account. So instead of travelling to Abuja and to the Supreme Court, members could pay to bank cashiers at the designated bank in any part of Nigeria. That mode of paying directly to the banks is also not in the LPA. In 2019/2020 the last NBA administration achieved the outcome of getting a hybrid payment mode- either by members going to the banks or making online transfer of our bar practice fee. Now we have conquered this low hanging fruit by making it one mode- pay online.

For an online payment to work, the signatory to the account must authorize it. It is therefore clear that the Registrar of the Supreme Court who is the signatory to the Supreme Court Bar Practice Fee account authorized this mode of receiving money by the bank where he keeps our money. Nobody can operate an online payment portal without authorizing it. No bank will operate it unless the signatories authorized it.

NBA does not primarily receive the bar practice fee paid by members except when accounts are reconciled, and the Registrar authorizes the percentage pay over to the Bar as stated in the LPA. That has not changed with the online payment mode.

Over the years the Registrar Supreme Court only prescribed who his cashiers were (are). The Registrar has just decided to make the online portal his cashier. Nothing spoil as we say.

We must commend the Registrar Supreme Court for implementing this best practice and the Nigerian Bar Association leadership and NEC for the bold step on providing a digital payment platform for the profession. This is one of the strongest measures for accountability! I hear that SPIDEL members can only now pay their membership dues online. I hear that NBA Lagos members can only pay their branch dues online. I was at the meeting of NBA Aba branch in September 2021 when they launched their POS for payment. Kudos, but they still need to move to online payment completely. What is happening with the other branches? Please take our branches out of the list of our profession’s weakest link!!!

2nd January 2022
Ernest Ojukwu

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jan 01, 2022
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OKUTEPA QUERIES PAYMENT OF PRACTISING FEE VIA NBA PORTAL

Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lead Prosecutor at the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), Mr. Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) has challenged the legality of lawyers paying the annual Bar Practice Fee (BPF) through an NBA portal.

In a post he made today on a CITY LAWYER WhatsAPP platform while tagging an NBA Notice on payment of BPF, the fiery senior lawyer argued that there is no legal basis for NBA to receive the fee from lawyers, saying: “where does NBA derive its powers to collect practising from lawyers and direct that payment shall be online through portal created by NBA.”

He stated that the Legal Practitioners Act mandates only the “Registrar” to collect BPF, saying: “How did we come to the practice of paying our bar practising fees through the portal of NBA? Can somebody guide me? As lawyers, we must not follow the rules without the backing of the law.”

It is recalled that NBA had issued a notice to members thus: “As you may already be aware, the National Executive Council (“NEC”) of the Nigerian Bar Association (“NBA”), at its last NEC meeting held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on the 16th day of December 2021, resolved that manual Bar Practicing Fee (“BPF”) payments be jettisoned. Consequently, BPF payments can only be made through the NBA Online Payment Portal, with effect from the 1st day of January 2022. Members can now make individual or group payments through the Portal.”

The full text of Okutepa’s post made on his verified handle is below:

In the light of the provisions of the legal practitioner Act, particularly section 7 thereof which is yet to be amended,where does NBA derive its powers to collect practising from lawyers and direct that payment shall be online through portal created by NBA. For added measures, this is what LPA says in section 7 thereof: No legal practitioner (other than such a person as is mentioned in subsection (3) of section 2 of this Act) shall be accorded the right of audience in any court in Nigeria in any year, unless he has paid to the Registrar in respect of that year, a practising fee as is from time to time prescribed by the Attorney‐General of the Federation after consultation with the association.

[1999 No. 31.]

(3) The Registrar shall‐

(a) issue to every person by whom a practising fee is paid in respect of any year a receipt for the fee in the prescribed form; and

(b) as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of January in each year and thereafter from time to time during the year as he considers appropriate cause to be printed in the prescribed form and put on sale a list or supplementary list of the legal practitioners by whom practising fees have been paid in respect of that year; and

(c) pay over to the Association as soon as may be after the end of each year a sum equal to nine tenths of the aggregate amount of the practising fees received by him in pursuance of this section during the year,

and a receipt purporting to be issued and list purporting to be printed in pursuance of this subsection in respect of any year shall be evidence that the person named in the receipt or, as the case may be, that any person named in the list has paid to the Registrar the practising fee in respect of that year.

As lawyers, we must do things according to law. The payment of practising fees is a statutory duty and a creation of law. The law sets/ directs how the payments are to be made by lawyers and who is to issue receipts. It also sets out how NBA should benefit from the payments made by lawyers. How did we come to the practice of paying our bar practising fees through the portal of NBA? Can somebody guide me? As lawyers, we must not follow the rules without the backing of the law.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Dec 23, 2021
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RPC: ‘WE WILL SUE MALAMI IF BY NEXT WEEK ….,’ SAYS NBA

The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) has said that it would sue the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami SAN if by next week he has not formally reversed the controversial amendment of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2007.

This position was confirmed to CITY LAWYER by the Chairman of the section, Chief Ferdinand Orbih SAN who noted that its legal team is engaging Malami to resolve the impasse.

SLP’s immediate past Chairman, Mr. Oluseun Abimbola SAN also told CITY LAWYER that a lot of meetings were held during his tenure regarding the matter, adding that the new leadership is progressing the matter.

Orbih said that while Malami had denied authorship of the controversial RPC, SLP has demanded a formal retraction to be published in the federal gazette to stave off litigation on the matter.

His words: “The Attorney-General of the Federation was on television to disclaim the controversial Rules of Professional Conduct.

CITY LAWYER had reported that Malami told a key justice sector stakeholder that the entire RPC saga was orchestrated by a director in his ministry, adding that a disciplinary panel had been set up to investigate the matter.

The NBA National Executive Committee had in a communiqué following its latest meeting in Abeokuta “expressed deep concern” at Malami’s disclaimer during the television interview, adding that “the statement of the AGF is rather curious considering that the purported amendment, which bears his signature, is contained in a Federal Gazzette which has been in circulation and in the public domain for over one year.”

The NBA Legal team is led by leading litigator, Mr. Sunday Ameh SAN. CITY LAWYER recalls that Ameh had mid last year written to the Inspector General of Police on behalf of Malami, urging the police chief to arrest SaharaReporters Publisher, Omoyele Sowore, over the newspaper’s reports exposing Malami’s alleged corruption-fuelled lifestyle.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Dec 22, 2021
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COURT RESERVES JUDGMENT, AS GADZAMA ARGUES NBA’S CASE AGAINST POLICE

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has reserved judgment in the matter on unlawful dismissal brought against the Attorney General of the Federation, the Nigerian Police Force and the Police Service Commission (PSC) by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). After a series of proceedings, the court has slated judgment for February 21, 2022.

It is recalled that one Omotola Olajide was on 26th January, 2021 dismissed from the Nigerian Police Force for being pregnant while unmarried.

The Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Security Agencies Intervention Committee, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN had volunteered to represent NBA in the strategic litigation to press for respect for the fundamental rights of the dismissed officer.

Gadzama, who is also the pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest Litigation Committee, volunteered to take up the matter “to champion the cause of not only Omotola Olajide but all unmarried women in service against the discriminatory practices which infringed on their rights.”

Meanwhile, the law firm of J-K Gadzama LLP has held its End of the Year Party and 7th Christmas Carol to draw the curtains on the year. The event was an opportunity for the staff, family, friends and well-wishers of the firm to express their gratitude to God for a successful year.

Held on Monday, December 20, 2021, the firm’s Founding Partner, Gadzama welcomed guests to the occasion and wished them an amazing time. Also speaking, Mr. Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN noted that “this tradition is very dear to Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN as the Learned Silk is always on the look-out for an opportunity to appreciate God and his employees.”

Miss Sarah Atumga and Mr. Lamar Joe-Gadzama, both Associates at the firm, made a recap of the joyous moments and successes the firm recorded during the year, noting that Gadzama “is fixated on capacity building and in line with this, he sponsored all counsel in chambers to the recently concluded Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association which held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.”

As a performance-driven firm targeted towards rewarding talent and distinction, the event also witnessed presentation of awards to members of staff who had excelled in different areas throughout the year. The awards cut across various categories including Longest Serving Support Staff, Best Tennis Player (Male and Female Categories), Longest Serving Counsel in Chambers.

The chairman of the occasion, Justice Emmanuel Agim of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, in his brief remarks urged the Bar and Bench to step up to their duty of ensuring the independence of the Judiciary. Fade Sax serenaded the guests with melodious rendition of Christmas hymns. The event came to an end with a vote of thanks by Mr. Madu Joe-Gadzama, a Senior Partner in the firm.

Other guests were Prof. Oluyole Akintayo, National President of Christian Lawyers’ Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON); Rev. Caleb S. Dakwak, Resident Pastor of the Church of the Brethren (EYN Church) Utako, Abuja; Justice Anwuli Chikere who was represented by Mrs. Amaruche Onyedum Anya; Prof. Paul Idornigie, SAN; Mr. and Mrs. Karagama; Mr. Keffas Gadzama, members of the Unity Bar and other friends of the firm.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Dec 16, 2021
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GADZAMA VISITS OKPOKO, HAILS NEW NBA ABUJA CHAIR

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Thompson Okpoko SAN has played host to leading litigator, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN.

The event, witnessed by other Bar leaders in his Warri Office, was held on the sidelines of the 2021 NBA Warri Branch Dinner. The duo discussed ways to raise standards at the Nigerian Bar, propagate its tenets and foster the welfare of young lawyers.

At the branch dinner where Gadzama was the Special Guest of Honour, highlights included goodwill messages, sit-out with young lawyers, cutting of the cake and launch of the branch Bar Directory by Gadzama.

Meanwhile, the former NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) chairman has congratulated the former Head of his Maiduguri Office, Mr. Moses Alfred Ebute SAN on his election as the new Chairman of NBA-Unity Bar, Abuja.

Gadzama said that his election as unopposed candidate “was an attestation by all members of your acceptability and credible character.” He urged Ebute to keep up with his “good spirit of commitment” and utilize his “leadership prowess” to ensure the growth and improvement of the branch during his tenure.

On the other hand, J-K Gadzama LLP has released its 4th Quarter Newsletter, Vol. 33. According to a statement by the law firm, “The latest edition includes the Keynote Address by the Founding Principal Partner of J-K Gadzama LLP, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN, on the theme, Nigeria and Challenges of Insecurity: the Law and Lawyers as a Panacea, delivered at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owo Branch 2021, Law Week on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, in celebration of the 65th Birthday Anniversary of His Excellency, Arakurin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, the Governor of Ondo State

“The newsletter also features sights and scenes from the J-K Gadzama LLP 6th Hon. Justice Chukwudifu Oputa JSC (Rtd) Professional Training and Mentoring Program for Young Lawyers, which had in attendance the likes of Chief Godwin Kanu Agabi, SAN, Hon. Justice Husseni Baba-Yusuf, Prof. Tahir Mamman SAN, Mr. Oyetola Atoyebi, SAN.”

The newsletter is available for download at: https://j-kgadzamallp.com/publications/newsletters/48-vol-33-oct-dec-2021

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Dec 09, 2021
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NBA LAGOS, CIARB NIGERIA, GADZAMA HAIL NEW SENIOR ADVOCATES

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, has congratulated 14 members of the branch who were yesterday conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

A similar message by Mrs. Josephine Akinwunmi (FCIArb), the Branch Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Nigeria Branch noted that 20 members of the global body were also conferred with the coveted rank.

Meanwhile, the pioneer Chairman of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN) has congratulated the former Head of Chambers of J-K Gadzama LLP, Mr. Fred Itula SAN and other awardees on their elevation to the new rank.

Below are the statements:

14 MEMBERS OF THE NBA LAGOS BRANCH CONFERRED WITH THE RANK OF SENIOR ADVOCATE OF NIGERIA

The Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, on behalf of all Executive Committee members and all members of the Branch, congratulates the 14 members of the Branch conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria today, 8th December, 2021. They include:

Prof Bankole Akintoye Sodipo SAN
Prof Abiola Olaitan Sanni SAN
Ayo Abraham Olorunfemi SAN
Mathew Gwar Bukka SAN
Philip Ndubuisi Umeh SAN
Ikenna Okoli SAN
Chijioke Ogugua Precious Emeka SAN
Charles Dumbiri Mekwunye SAN
Mark Okebuinor Mordi SAN
Olaotan Olusegun Ajose-Adeogun SAN
Olukayode Oluwole Adeluola SAN
Afolabi Fatai Kuti SAN
Adeleke Olaniyi Agboola SAN
James Akingbola Akinola SAN

Their elevation is a testament to their hardwork, leadership and contributions to the development of legal practice in Nigeria. We wish them well in all their future endeavors.

Signed:
Ikechukwu Uwanna
Chairman

TWENTY-ONE MEMBERS OF THE CIARB NIGERIA BRANCH SWORN-IN AS SENIOR ADVOCATES OF NIGERIA

Dear Member,

The Executive Committee, Staff and entire members of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, (CIArb) Nigeria Branch congratulate our Branch Chairman, Chief J. Akingbola Akinola, SAN, C.Arb and twenty (20) of our members on their elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN). They are Ikenna Okoli, SAN, FCIArb, Emeka Jude-Philip Obegolu, SAN, FCIArb, Mark Okebuinor Mordi, SAN, FCIArb, Marcellous Eguvwe Oru, SAN, FCIArb, Charles Dumbiri Mekwunye, SAN, FCIArb, Kazeem Adekunle Gbadamosi, SAN, MCIArb, Bolarinwa Olotu, SAN, MCIArb, Olaotan Olusegun Ajose-Adeogun, SAN, MCIArb, Rotimi Sheriff Seriki, SAN, MCIArb, Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, MCIArb and Eko Ejembi Eko, SAN, MCIArb. Others include Eyitayo Ayokunle Fatogun, SAN, MCIArb and Mohammed Ndayako, SAN, MCIArb, Chijioke Ogugua Precious Emeka, SAN, MCIArb, Charles Udoka Ihua-Maduenyi, SAN, ACIArb, Sammie Abiye Somiari, SAN, ACIArb, Ogaga Ovrawah, SAN, ACIArb, Ikeazor Ajovi Akaraiwe, SAN, ACIArb, Muritala Oladimeji Abdul-Rasheed, SAN, ACIArb and Dr. Josephine Aladi Achor Agbonika, SAN, ACIArb.

We believe that their elevation is a result of their hard work and dedication.

Once again, we congratulate them on their elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Kind regards

Mrs. Josephine Akinwunmi, FCIArb
Branch Secretary

FORMER HEAD OF CHAMBERS, MAIDUGURI OFFICE OF J-K GADZAMA LLP, FRED ITULA AND OTHER DISTINGUISHED LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ASCEND THE RANK OF SENIOR ADVOCATE OF NIGERIA

The apex court on Wednesday, 8th of December, 2021 conferred the revered status of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on seventy-two candidates who emerged successful from the screening exercise. Amongst these, ten were from the academics whilst sixty-two were advocates.

Fred Itula, SAN who was formerly the Head of Chambers in the Maiduguri Office of J-K Gadzama LLP where he worked assiduously and handled a plethora of high profile cases on behalf of the firm, was one of the advocate conferees.

In view of this, the Principal Founding Partner of J-K Gadzama LLP, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR, MFR, SAN on Wednesday, 8th of December, 2021 extended warm congratulations to his former Head of Chambers, Maiduguri Office, Fred Itula, SAN and other distinguished Learned Silks upon their elevation into the coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Learned Silk, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, heartily welcomed the new Silks to the Inner Bar and wished them a fruitful and purposeful experience in their respective career pursuits whilst urging them to continue to elicit aspirations towards maintaining the nobility and eminence of the exalted rank. He further wished them higher heights and greater accomplishments in their future professional and personal endeavors.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Nov 24, 2021
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‘WE SHALL MEET IN COURT,’ EFCC DARES NBA ON MAKURDI CHAIR ASSAULT

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared its readiness to meet the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in court over alleged assault on its Makurdi Branch Chairman, Mr. Justin Gbagir by EFCC operatives.

Following a Pre-Action Notice by Mr. T. D. Pepe SAN on behalf of Gbagir, the EFCC stated that there were “absolute misrepresentation of facts” in the Pre-Action Notice, adding: “We shall however for now reserve the correct and accurate articulation and presentation of the facts of what transpired till the appropriate time, that is when we meet in Court as threatened in your said Letter.”

Below is the full text of the update made available to CITY LAWYER.

UPDATE ON ASSAULT ON ME BY EFCC ON THE 8/6/2021.

I was brutally assaulted by the operatives of the EFCC in their Makurdi Office on the 8/6/2021.

I usually give updates monthly on things that transpired during the months.

This month, my update will be in the following:

1. Interface with the EFCC
2. My Health Condition
3. Legal Actions

1. INTERFACE WITH EFCC.
The interface with EFCC has not yielded any positive result. It is obvious that when the NBA President reached out to the EFCC Chairman, the later promised to carry out investigation into what happened and bring the perpetrators to book as a bargaining chip and to cook up a defence.

EFCC Letter dated 9/9/2021 with Reference No. EFCC/LEGAL/DOLD/VOL.6/027 which is a reply to a Letter written by T.D Pepe, SAN as a preaction notice in my behalf and other lawyers Who were defamed by Reference to them as thugs, EFCC has this to say:
“Please be informed that there was absolute misrepresentation of facts in your said Letter regarding what transpired between your clients and officers of the Commission on the said 8th June, 2021. We shall however for now reserve the correct and accurate articulation and presentation of the facts of what transpired till the appropriate time, that is when we meet in Court as threatened in your said Letter”.

The question is whether the said ‘accurate’ facts are different from the statement issued by the Commission on the 9/6/2021 barely 24 hours after the incidence.

2. MY HEALTH CONDITION
I attended check up at the hospital where I had surgery on the 20 and 21 October, 2021. I was given eye drops to use for 3 months and to go back for check up in April, 2022. New Eye Glasses were also recommended for me. I can see clearly with the eye except that tears occasionally formed in the eye, especially when I over stress it.

3. LEGAL ACTIONS
I have collected all the Medical Reports from the hospitals I attended and other documents necessary for filing the suits.
I hope to turn in the documents to the lawyers this week and the suits will be filed in the nearest future.

Thank you all and God bless.

Justin Gbagir, Esq.
NBA Chairman, Makurdi Branch

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Nov 17, 2021
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SENATORS, NBA, NGIGE, FALANA DISAGREE ON NEW LAW SCHOOL CAMPUSES

The Council for Legal Education, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Body of Benchers and some Senators have rejected a proposal by the Senate to create additional six Nigerian Law School campuses in the country.

They made their views known during a public hearing on a bill that seeks to establish one campus of the school in each geopolitical zone of the country organised by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, in Abuja.

The Bill titled: “Legal Education (Consolidated etc, Amendment) Bill 2021,” was sponsored by Senator Smart Adeyemi, representing Kogi West.

The Senators that opposed the Bill were Ike Ekweremadu (Enugu West) and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West).

However, Senators that supported the Bill include Smart Adeyemi, Abiodun Olujimi (Ekiti South) and Kashim Shettima (Borno Central).

They argued that the establishment of the proposed six law schools will greatly enhance access to legal education in the country.

While Ekweremadu warned against any attempt to politicise the establishment of Law School campuses in Nigeria, Dickson urged his colleagues to tread cautiously.

Ekweremadu said: “The establishment of new campuses or Law Schools should be left at the discretion of the Council for Legal Education that is empowered by the Act that established it in 1962”.

On his part, NBA President Olumide Akpata (SAN) said the move was unnecessary as the existing six campuses of the school were grossly underfunded before the intervention of the Rivers State Government that built a well-equipped campus in Port Harcourt.

“With required infrastructure, the existing law schools across the country are enough to accommodate thousands of law students graduating from the various universities.

The Chairman of the Council for Legal Education, Emeka Ngige SAN, said the council is 100 per cent opposed to the move to create the six additional law schools.

Ngige said the position of the Council was informed by the deplorable condition of most of the existing ones due to gross underfunding.

“For instance, the deplorable condition in which students at the Yenagoa law campus are studying is worse than what prisoners in Ikoyi Prison are experiencing,” Ngige said.

He told the lawmakers that they will shed tears if they visit some of the existing campuses and see the deplorable conditions in which students and lecturers are living.

“The move by the Senate through this bill is more or less subtle usurpation of the functions of the Council for Legal Education.

“Any need for establishment of a new law school campus, is by law, to be routed through the Council for Legal Education as exemplified by the Rivers Model,” he stressed.

But activist-lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, supported the establishment of additional six law school campuses in all the geopolitical zones.

THE NATION reports Falana as saying: “It is important to clarify certain facts: the Council for Legal Education Act, was enacted in 1962 for the creation of one law school.

“Nowhere in the Act was it provided that we are going to have a multi-campus institution; it is important for our colleagues to realise that in 1999, we had six batches of students who had no place to go, they contacted me and I had to go to court.

“The law building of the law school in Lagos had already been sold to a businessman who wanted to turn it into a hotel when the school moved to Abuja.

“It was only one campus not until I went to court and we got an injunction restraining the government from selling the law school in Lagos.”

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Nov 17, 2021
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ODILI HOUSE RAID: ‘AKPATA DIDN’T DISPARAGE MALAMI,’ SAYS NBA

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has washed its hands off an online post in which its President, Mr. Olumide Akpata allegedly blasted the Attorney-General & Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami SAN for his purported role in the controversial raid on the house of Supreme Court jurist, Justice Mary Odili.

In a Press Statement made available to CITY LAWYER, the NBA said that it is focused on its investigation of the infamous raid, adding that “The NBA remains resolute in its determination to fish out and bring to book those who raided and/or authorised the raid on Hon. Justice Mary Odili’s house, in line with its mandate of promoting the rule of law and defending the independence of the judiciary.”

Below is the full text of the press statement.

INVASION OF JUSTICE ODILI’S HOME: NBA DISSOCIATES SELF FROM DISPARAGING REMARKS AGAINST THE PERSON OF THE HONORABLE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE- ABUBAKAR MALAMI, SAN.

Dear Colleagues,

The attention of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has been drawn to some comments on social media credited to the President of the NBA regarding the investigations into the raid of Hon. Justice Mary Odili’s house.

In the highly mischievous statement now making the rounds on social media, the President of the NBA was credited with the following remarks:

“Abubakar Malami is the most incompetent Attorney General of the Federation Nigeria ever had. A Lawyer with no respect nor regard for rule of law.”

“Malami cannot deny being involved in the raid of the house of Hon. Justice Mary Odili. He’s the principal suspect here and the earlier he admits the fact, the better for him.”

“No Attorney General of the Federation has divided this country like the way Malami did. Malami is not only tribalistic in nature but equally lacks moral principles and character.”

“We urge him to eschew pride and respect the office he’s occupying presently by bringing out those involved in such criminal act or be ready to loose his Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) honour because from all indications, he doesn’t deserve it. He has proven to be exceptionally incompetent, undeserving of such position, lack of character and integrity.”

For the avoidance of doubt, the NBA wishes to set the records straight and state that the leadership of the NBA has since set up a machinery to investigate the matter of the invasion of the home of Justice Odili. The aim of the said investigation is to provide the NBA with credible information based on empirical data regarding the raid on the home of Hon. Justice Mary Odili (JSC), and will not make comments that risks jeopardizing the process.

What is more, the NBA has its official and dedicated communication channels and does not make statements through proxies or fifth columnists.

The NBA sees this fake and mischievously motivated circulation as the handiwork of mischief makers who clearly are not interested in good order or maintenance of peace in an already overheated polity.

The NBA remains resolute in its determination to fish out and bring to book those who raided and/or authorised the raid on Hon. Justice Mary Odili’s house, in line with its mandate of promoting the rule of law and defending the independence of the judiciary.

Dr. Rapulu Nduka
Publicity Secretary
Nigerian Bar Association

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Nov 02, 2021
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JUSTICE ODILI RAID: GADZAMA WANTS CULPRITS PUNISHED, HAILS NBA

The pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN) has urged the Federal Government to fish out and punish all those found culpable in the controversial raid on the residence of Justice Mary Odili of the Supreme Court.

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, Gadzama condemned “in very strong terms, the raid on the residence of Honourable Justice Mary Peter Odili, JSC, and make bold to aver that it is a siege on the sanctity of our nation’s judiciary, rule of law and the doctrine of judicial independence. This must not be left to go unpunished. I further call for an urgent investigation to help fish-out the perpetrators.”

The chartered arbitrator commended the NBA leadership “for issuing a statement, and with the speed of light too, therein condemning such act of rascality and taking further steps to convene an emergency meeting of the NBA National Executive Committee solely to discuss this issue and take a definitive stand on behalf of the NBA.”

He also praised the Olumide Akpata-led NBA on the successful conduct of the recently concluded Annual General Conference (AGC) in Port Harcourt,

Below are the statements by Gadzama.

STATEMENT OF CHIEF JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN ON THE RAID OF JUSTICE MARY ODILI’S RESIDENCE BY UNIDENTIFIED SECURITY OPERATIVES

1. On Friday, the 29th day of October, 2021, while in Port Harcourt for the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, I received with much disappointment the news of the raid on Honourable Justice Mary Peter Odili’s residence. I have waited patiently to read further on the possible justifiable rationale for such gestapo show of might, but all to no avail. It is now more than 48 hours after the said raid and information is still scarce and far in-between as to the rationale for the raid on the residence of the second most senior judicial officer in Nigeria. It is a case of loud deafening silence and a game of blame-game. No one, seems to be claiming responsibility and no one seems to be offering further explanations on who is/was responsible for such dastardly act of rascality and impunity aimed at soiling the garment of our judiciary.

2. These trends of habitual unjustified raids on the residences of Judicial Officers, the concomitant unexplained reasons and continuous rape of due process, spell imminent doom and anarchy if not urgently arrested. Lest our collective silence be misinterpreted as our collective approval, this is a further call that the tenets upon which our society was founded be restored: rule of law. We must take heed to the words of Martin Luther King Jnr, when he said that the “the ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people”. The danger of our silence in the face of apparent injustice and anarchy cannot be overemphasized; it is the utmost form of betrayal.

3. I must therefore commend the Nigerian Bar Association, under the leadership of Olumide Akpata, for issuing a statement, and with the speed of light too, therein condemning such act of rascality and taking further steps to convene an emergency meeting of the NBA National Executive Committee solely to discuss this issue and take a definitive stand on behalf of the NBA. While I commend this initiative, I must emphasize that all must be emphatic that it is gravely unpardonable to assault, trample upon, attempt to intimidate and/ or harass the judiciary which is the last hope of the common man. Indeed, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

4. It is even more abhorrent that the rationale for the present raid on Hon Justice Mary Peter Odili’s residence has not been explained or justified, the incident could therefore only be interpreted as an attack on the Judiciary, possibly designed to intimidate and ridicule the Judiciary.

5. We must remember that Nigeria’s democracy is not made up of only the executive, but the legislature and the judiciary. Borrowing from the words of Caroline Kennedy, which now reflect the needs and realities of our space, “the very bedrock of our democracy is the rule of law and that means we have to have an independent judiciary, judges who can make decisions independent of the political winds that are blowing.” An independent judiciary is indeed the crown jewel of any democracy and Nigeria is no different.

6. As the Pioneer Chairman of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) whose commitment is towards maintenance of public law and order, the very fulcrum upon which the society stands and thrives, I condemn, in very strong terms, the raid on the residence of Honourable Justice Mary Peter Odili, JSC, and make bold to aver that it is a siege on the sanctity of our nation’s judiciary, rule of law and the doctrine of judicial independence. This must not be left to go unpunished. I further call for an urgent investigation to help fish-out the perpetrators.

God Bless the NBA,
God Bless the Judiciary,
God Bless Nigeria.

I wish to congratulate us all on the successful conduct of the 61st Annual General Conference of our dear Association, the Nigerian Bar Association.

I must specifically thank the National Officers of our dear Association under the able leadership of our indefatigable President, Mr Olumide Akpata, the TCCP ably led by Mr. Omubo V. Frank-Briggs and the Local Organizing Committee for the exceptional leadership exhibited in ensuring the success of this conference.

This year’s conference is undoubtedly exceptional as it is embedded with so many takeaways that are beneficial to us as members of this profession in our personal and professional lives and as citizens of our dear Country, Nigeria to which we have a duty to serve with all our strength.

It is my wish and prayer that we will all make use of what we have learned at this auspicious conference and help in implementing all the panaceas proffered towards repositioning our great profession and by extension, the Country at large. There is no better time than now to do this.

As we travel to our various destinations to continue taking the lead, I wish us all a pleasant and safe trip back home.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Oct 08, 2021
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USE TECHNOLOGY TO TACKLE COURT DELAYS – TAIDI

Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary, Mr. Jonathan Taidi has advised stakeholders in the justice sector to deploy technological tools to combat delay in the hearing of cases.

Speaking at the recent Law Week of NBA Ota Branch with the theme, “Technology & Administration of Justice: Present Day Realities,” Taidi noted that the coronavirus pandemic has wrought a new way of doing things especially in the administration of justice.

His words: “Sadly, the poor state of infrastructure, such as the deplorable state of our roads, epileptic electricity supply, and the inhuman sanitary condition across the country has imposed upon us the urgent need to embrace technology in order to enhance the administration of justice.

“Our political leaders use scarce resources as excuse to justify their inability to provide the much needed infrastructure. This is unacceptable in the face of the huge recurrent expenditure expended on the political class to the detriment of the vast population.

“Before the Covid-19 pandemic we were all witnesses to how long it took to conclude cases in our courts. Timeliness has been imposed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) as part of the culture of dispensation of justice. Let us fashion out a way to commence and conclude cases speedily not through constitutional amendments, but by deploying technology.

“While the pandemic has brought great challenges to our practice, the Ota Law Week is proof that as a body we are determined to rise to these challenges.”

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. To ADVERTISE in CITY LAWYER, please email citylawyermag@gmail.com or call 08138380083. All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Oct 08, 2021
1
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NBA TO SUE EFCC FOR ASSAULT ON LAWYER

Barring any last-minute agreement, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has resolved to file at least two lawsuits against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the alleged assault on its Makurdi Branch Chairman, Mr. Justin Gbagir.

Fiery human rights lawyer and Chairman of the NBA Human Rights Committee, Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN has been directed by NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata to file the main lawsuit seeking redress for the alleged assault on Gbagir by EFCC operatives at their Makurdi Office.

According to a statement made available to CITY LAWYER by the victim, “The first suit is for the assault. The NBA has briefed Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN who is the Chairman of NBA Human Rights Committee to file the suit. I have had two interviews with Chief Ozekhome SAN and lawyers in his office and I am currently putting together my documents including medical records to enable them proceed.”

Gbagir also said that he had undergone eye surgery to correct the injury inflicted on him by the EFCC operatives, adding that “I can now see clearly with the eye except the occasional pains I experience.”

Below is the full text of the statement.

UPDATE ON ASSAULT ON ME BY OPERATIVES OF THE EFCC ON THE 8/6/2021.

On the 8/6/2021, the operatives of the EFCC assaulted me in their Makurdi Zonal office in the presence of the Benue State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Director of Public Prosecution and other lawyers.

On the 8/7/2021, 8/8/2021 respectively, I gave updates of what transpired during the intervening periods. On the 8/9/2021 however, I was preparing for an Eye Surgery and there was also not much to update on.

Today been 4 months since the assault, I wish to give an update regarding the following:
1. Engagement with the EFCC
2. Legal Actions
3. My Health Condition

1. ENGAGEMENT WITH THE EFCC

The NBA President has been engaging with the EFCC Chairman on the issue with a view to finding an amicable settlement. The EFCC Chairman has consistently maintained that since the operatives in Makurdi have denied assaulting me, there is nothing he can do.

At one of the meeting with the NBA President, the EFCC Chairman suggested that they will have to subject me, the AG, and other lawyers who were present when the assault took place to a polygraph test to determine who is telling the truth.

When the NBA President related this to me, I consulted with the AG and other lawyers who were present when the assault took place and we vehemently refused to submit to the said polygraph test.

Our reasons for the refusal were:
a) The said polygraph test is to be conducted by the same EFCC who carried the assault.

b) The same EFCC had issued a press statement on the 9/6/2021 denying that I was assaulted and alleging that I hired thugs to release suspects in their custody.

c) EFCC sent the Director of Internal Affairs who came to Makurdi to allegedly investigate the matter and took my written statement. Result of that investigation is not made available to us.

d) The EFCC Chairman who visited Makurdi on the 15/7/2021 and had interface with me and the AG clearly adopted the position of the Commission as contained in the EFCC press statement of 9/6/2021.

Our conclusion there is that the EFCC has not given us any reason to trust them but to feel that consistently, they are doing everything to support the position they took in their press statement of 9/6/2021.

We have decided therefore to approach the courts to seek redress.

THE COURT ACTIONS.

We have decided in the meantime to file two suits against the EFCC with a possibility of more.

The first suit is for the assault. The NBA has briefed Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN who is the Chairman of NBA Human Rights Committee to file the suit. I have had two interviews with Chief Ozekhome SAN and lawyers in his office and I am currently putting together my documents including medical records to enable them proceed.

The second suit is for defamation of myself and the other lawyers EFCC referred to as thugs in their press statement of 9/6/2021 and the defamation contained in their press statement of 15/8/2021. The suit is been handled by a Legal Team put together by NBA Makurdi Branch headed by T.D Pepe, SAN. A letter of Demand has already been served on the EFCC. They have not responded till date. Paperwork is currently ongoing and the suit will be filled soon.

CONDITION OF MY HEALTH

On the 15/9/2021, I had a successful Eye Surgery in Abuja and I am currently recuperating in Makurdi. I am scheduled for a check up on the 13/10/2021.

I can now see clearly with the eye except the occasional pains I experience.

CONCLUSION

I wish to thank the NBA President and the entire Bar for standing by me in this travail, Chief Ozekhome SAN, T.D Pepe SAN and all the lawyers working on the cases. I also thank those who have supported me financially to foot the bills and take care of my needs during this trying period I am not productive

Thank you and God bless us all.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Oct 06, 2021
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AUDACITY OF AKPATA’S WELFARIST STRIDES, BY OGAGA

In this article, OGAGA EMOGHWANRE, Secretary to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Welfare Committee x-rays the interventions of NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata in the area of lawyers’ welfare and argues that the reforms are evident for most lawyers to see

In a little over one year since the Olumide Akpata-led National Executives of the Nigeria Bar Association was inaugurated, there’s a sense of unanimity within the Bar, of the Administration’s various interventions aimed at repositioning the Bar, to its full stature. For a man whose audacity to aspire to lead the Bar was questioned by too many a critic, in the period leading to the historic election, it is gratifying that Olumide Akpata has arguably exceeded the expectations of members, and have restored hope and confidence, where doubt and disillusionment once thrived.

While some Lawyers; obviously in the minority, still beg to be proved beyond reasonable doubt of the giant strides of the Administration though, suffice it, to articulate, brevi manu some of these unprecedented interventions which is borne out of Olumide Akpata’s promise to leave the Bar much better than he met it on the night of his inauguration. I’m particularly concerned here with the aspects of his program relating to the welfare of members.

In my capacity as the Secretary of the Welfare Committee of the Association, ably led by the indefatigable Y.C Maikyau, SAN, I have had the privilege of being involved in the very tedious and arduous processes that have crystalised into a basket of welfaristic program, and should know.

Apparently guided by his “Making the Bar Work for All” vision, it is safe to say that Olumide Akpata has been burning both ends of the proverbial candle in delivering the popular mandate of Nigerian lawyers so much so that Nigerian Lawyers can now boast that the Association is alas, working for them.

From the fulfillment of his promise of two free pack of stamps to every financial member; to the health insurance package with Leadway Assurance which saw an increment of One Million to Two Million Naira to beneficiaries of deceased colleagues; to the ground breaking partnership with the National Health Insurance Scheme; the rejigging of the institute of continuing Legal Education to keep the list short, Olumide Akpata’s implicit commitment in the welfare of all category of lawyers within the Bar, is unassailable.

As laudable as these initiatives are, however, there’s a great concern around how many Lawyers have availed themselves of the opportunities inherent in some of them. A rather disturbing case of such apathy is the Law Pavilion-NBA partnership that is geared at providing legal resources to members in one suite, at incredibly affordable rates. This much, came to the fore, at the recently held Young Lawyers Summit in Ogun State, where yours Truly, had the privilege of addressing the audience on the diverse welfare program of the Olumide Akpata-led NBA.

It is indeed imperative I state that the recently concluded Young Lawyers Summit can be ranked as one of the most successful summit in recent times.

It may be recalled that the NBA recently entered into a highly negotiated partnership with Law Pavilion; the leading tech-driven legal solutions company to provide access to legal resources to various categories of legal practitioners in Nigeria through its Primsol app. The Primsol app, is a web-based legal archive which aggregates all Law Pavilion Legal contents and also gives access to external contents in the form of texts and journals that allows for a robust research experience within the legal system in Nigeria.

Courtesy of that partnership, all members of the Association who are between 1 to 7 years post-call (“Young Lawyers”) who had paid their bar practicing fees on or before 31st March 2021, will enjoy free access to primsol Law Pavilion Legal Search engine for one year while members of the Association from 8 years post-call and above who paid their Bar practicing fees on or before 31st of March 2021 will enjoy highly discounted subscription for one year.

There is however indications that the full benefit of this partnership have not been explored by members. This revelation came to light during the technical session on the Law Pavilion/Primsol partnership during the just concluded Young Lawyers Summit.

A situation where only about 7,942 Lawyers is said to have on-boarded as at 4th of October, 2021 certainly leaves much to be desired.
For a partnership billed to lapse on the 6th of October, 2022 the collective need to latch onto the opportunities provided by same, cannot be overemphasized. The place of research and learning in the work of any lawyer cannot be overstated. Indeed, a lawyer is as good as how much he is able to find the Law and deploy it in the interest of his/her client.

While we can expect even more value-adding welferistic programs from the Olumide Akpata-led NBA, within the remainder of its term, Lawyers; particularly young Lawyers cannot afford to isolate themselves from the huge benefits inherent in the various welfare undertakings made by the Administration. It does not only encourage it to explore more options of membership-reward, it drives the Association closer to Its commitment to its members and society at large.

Regards,

Ogaga Emoghwanre, Esq
Secretary, NBA National Welfare Committee.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Sep 28, 2021
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4,500 LAWYERS ATTEND NBA ENERGY PROGRAMME

No less than 4,500 lawyers registered for the recently concluded “Introductory Training on Energy Law and Policy for Lawyers” course organized by the Energy Faculty of the Nigerian Bar Association Institute of Continuing of Legal Education (NBA-ICLE).

Disclosing this in a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, NBA Publicity Secretary, Dr. Rapulu Nduka thanked the delegates for participating in the 16-day long programme, saying: “The NBA-ICLE is equally grateful to the over 4,500 delegates who registered for the training, and to the Continuing Professional Development Committee of the NBA Lagos Branch for its support.”

Below is the full text of the statement.

NBA-ICLE 16 DAY INTRODUCTORY TRAINING ON ENERGY LAW AND POLICY FOR LAWYERS: COURSE MATERIALS AND GRATITUDE

Dear Colleague,

Following the 16-Day Introductory Training on Energy Law and Policy, organized by the Energy Faculty of the NBA Institute of Continuing of Legal Education (NBA-ICLE), please find attached course materials from the presentations made by the various facilitators.

The NBA-ICLE is grateful to the members of the Energy Faculty, for the roles that they played in making the training a possibility.

The NBA-ICLE is equally grateful to the over 4,500 delegates who registered for the training, and to the Continuing Professional Development Committee of the NBA Lagos Branch for its support.

The Course materials are attached as follows:

Acquisition of Oil and Gas Asset in Nigeria by Dr. Ayodele Oni

Legal and Regulatory Regime in the Oil and Gas Sector by Mr. Akindeji Oyebode

Nigerian Gas Policy and Domestic Supply Regime by Dr. Ayodele Oni

An Overview of The Petroleum Industry Bill, 2020 by Jumoke Fajemirokun Day 1 (Governance)

An Overview of The Petroleum Industry Bill, 2020 by Jumoke Fajemirokun Day 2 (Administration)

Fiscal Tool Box by Oyeyemi Oke

Fiscal Issues in The Nigerian Gas Sector by Sesan Sulaiman

Renewable Energy, Off-grid Solutions and Mini-grids in Nigeria by Dolapo Kukoyi

Overview of the Nigerian Power Sector by Mr. Sola Arifayan

Financing of Power Projects by Desmond Ogba Esq

The Nigerian Power Sector: Market Structure and Post Privatization Developments by Dolapo Kukoyi

Financing Asset Acquisition and Development by Yemisi Awonuga

Please note that there are more capacity building and career development sessions scheduled for the benefit of members in the coming weeks.

NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE)

Dr. Rapulu Nduka
Publicity Secretary,
Nigerian Bar Association

To download the course materials, please click here

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Sep 27, 2021
1
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HAUWA: ‘NBA HAS LOST A GREAT LEADER, BRIDGE BUILDER’ – GADZAMA

The Chairman of the Body of Benchers (BoB) Mentoring Committee for Young Lawyers, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has described the death of factional Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch Chairman, Dr. Hauwa Shekarau as a huge loss to the legal profession.

In a moving tribute by the pioneer Chairman of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), he stated that by the demise of the leading gender activist, “the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch and even at the National level, has lost one of its great leaders, one who at the time of her death was justly considered a bridge-builder, a beacon of compassion and a leader extraordinaire.”

According to the statement made available to CITY LAWYER, “The passing of Dr. Hauwa is an incalculable loss to the legal family, the female gender advocacy network, the human rights’ society, Nigeria, and the international community in general.”

Below is the full text of the statement.

TRIBUTE TO DR. HAUWA EVELYN SHEKARAU, ESQ: A LEGAL COLOSSUS, ACTIVIST AND THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (NBA), ABUJA BRANCH (UNITY BAR).
The 15th September, 2021, was a black-letter day for us at J-K Gadzama LLP. It was the day Dr. Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau said goodbyes and bid forever to us mortals. To say the news of her demise was shocking, sudden and saddening is in the least an understatement. It is a news we bear with such heavy hearts for such is life, very fickle and fleeting in moments! We however take comfort that life is but the sum of choices. This is even truer as vividly illustrated in the style and manner the amiable Dr. Hauwa Shekarau chose to live her life. And indeed she lived. She chose her paths, and purposefully so. And left in her trails, giant strides. She walked the walk of greats. She was an amazon who dined amongst kings and queens and left enduring legacies, to outlive her in the race of time. She travelled down uncharted territories, discovered new discoveries, broke new bounds and conquered. And though stricken with grief, we are solemnly gladdening in the rainbow of sterling performances, capacity-building and ground breaking achievements which coloured the journey of our dearest Dr. Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau, here, in the land of mortal.

Our dearest Dr. Shekarau is a woman of big heart and I feel greatly blessed to have crossed paths with her. She was known in different capacity to different people. From her sojourn as a lawyer and women’s rights activist to being a Sexual & Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) specialist, Dr. Shekarau had exhibited uncommon dexterity, hardwork, and determination in living up to the demands of each office and position.

Very illustrious, is Dr. Shekarau, well over 25 years’ post-call experience in women and child rights advocacy. She was National President of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria) between 2012 and 2015, served as a board member of several NGOs, and was a nominated delegate to the Nigeria National Conference 2014 as a representative of FIDA, always championing the course of justice in the overall, always a mother, always the voice of the voiceless, always a ready shoulder upon which the rights of women found relevance and overall upliftment.

Until her death, Dr. Shekarau was a “Bar-Woman” through and through. The Nigerian Bar Association has benefitted from her background of rich educational qualification and pool of global experiences as a Chevening Alumnus, having won the British Government Chevening Scholarship in 2006 which prepared her for further educational pursuit to the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) of the University of London in 2007 where she obtained a post-graduate Law Degree in Law and Development.

Dr. Shekarau was Financial Secretary and Treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch from 1997 to 1999 before her election to the exalted position of a chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch in June 2020. Quite notable amongst her many strives is the commitment to fostering unity on the backdrop of the many turbulences in the Unity Bar Branch of Abuja prior to her reign as the NBA Chairperson of the Unity Bar in 2020/2021.

In the death of Dr. Hauwa Shekarau, the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch and even at the National level, has lost one of its great leaders, one who at the time of her death was justly considered a bridge-builder, a beacon of compassion and a leader extraordinaire. The passing of Dr. Hauwa is an incalculable loss to the legal family, the female gender advocacy network, the human rights’ society, Nigeria, and the international community in general.
It is indeed hard to find suitable words to pay tribute to this remarkable woman. It is however fortunate that during her remarkable life, she had the satisfaction of knowing the high esteem in which she was held by her colleagues, especially my humble self.
Rest on.
For your life was a blessing,
Your memory a treasure,
You are loved beyond words,
And missed beyond measure.

JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, OFR, MFR, SAN, FCIArb, C.Arb.
Chairman, Mentoring Committee of the Body of Benchers for Young Lawyers,
Pioneer Chairman, NBA-SPIDEL (2006-2010),
Chairman, NBA, Abuja Branch (2002-2004).

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Sep 14, 2021
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SPIDEL CONFAB ON CONFLICTING ORDERS HOLDS TODAY

UBANI EXPLAINS CHOICE OF TOP SPEAKERS

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA), Dr. Monday Ubani has given insights on why the section chose A-List speakers for its webinar on the recent spate of ex-parte orders by courts. The virtual conference holds tomorrow at 4 pm.

According to the fiery human rights activist, each speaker was chosen specifically because of their pedigree and previous roles in the legal and regulatory industry.

“The speakers are leading lights at the Bar and Bench,” said Ubani. “They were specifically handpicked for the conference having played crucial roles in the legal profession.

“Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour is widely respected as one of our finest jurists. Aside from his current role as Chairman of the Body of Benchers which is the regulator of the legal profession, Justice Rhodes-Vivour also has uncommon insights as a foremost member of the National Judicial Council (NJC) which oversights and disciplines erring judges. His eagerly awaited Keynote Address is expected to dissect the vital intersection between the Bench and the Bar in the entire debacle.”

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) was one-time President of the Nigerian Bar Association. Having been a compelling litigator and then a petitioner who has fought several electoral battles through all levels of our courts, he is uniquely placed to address the charge that politicians are in the habit of shopping for ex-part orders that put the judiciary in a quandary.”

According to Ubani, “Mr. J. B. Daudu (SAN) is a household name among lawyers, not least because of his role as former President of the Nigerian Bar Association. More importantly, Mr. Daudu was until recently a longstanding Chairman of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), the body charged with disciplining of errant lawyers. Faced with the challenge of some lawyers who are accused of filing frivolous matters, we could not have asked for a better authority on the way forward.”

Turning to Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and Chief Justina Offiah (SAN), Ubani described them as “highly respected senior advocates who are known for their integrity and intimidating litigation skills. Their insights as election petition and litigation lawyers will add a gripping perspective to the entire discourse.”

Moderated by former NBA-SPIDEL Chairman, Prof. Paul Ananaba (SAN), the topic of the virtual conference is “Contradictory ex-parte orders of courts over political cases: Implications and consequences.”

To register for the virtual conference, please click here https://www.bit.ly/nbaspidel21. You will receive a confirmation email after a successful registration.

It is recalled that the spate of conflicting ex-parte orders from the lower courts has taken a frenzied turn recently, leading to regulatory interventions by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Muhammad as well as the NBA.

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. To ADVERTISE in CITY LAWYER, please email citylawyermag@gmail.com or call 08138380083. All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Sep 10, 2021
0
0

SPIDEL PARLEY: SUPREME COURT JURIST, AKPATA, OTHERS X-RAY CONFLICTING JUDGEMENTS

Former Supreme Court jurist, Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour; Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Joseph Daudu (SAN) are among the cream of jurists that have confirmed attendance at the virtual conference by NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) on the spate of conflicting ex-parte orders by trial courts.

The webinar will hold on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 4 pm while the topic is “Contradictory ex-parte orders of courts over political cases: Implications and consequences.”

Other speakers who have confirmed attendance are leading election petitions lawyer, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and Chief Justina Offiah (SAN) while NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata is the Special Guest of Honour. Immediate past NBA-SPIDEL Chairman, Prof. Paul Ananaba (SAN) will moderate the eagerly awaited roundtable while leading human rights activist and fiery NBA-SPIDEL Chairman, Mr. Monday Ubani is the Chief Host.

Justice Rhodes-Vivour will spearhead the discussion by x-raying the entire concept of conflicting ex-parte orders. This tour de force will cover issues ranging from the resurgence of ex-parte orders, forum shopping, politico-legal and systemic implications of conflicting orders to issues relating to right of fair hearing, infringement of rules of professional conduct and possible sanctions for erring judges.

Coming on the heels of the Keynote Address by Justice Rhodes-Vivour, each Panelist will then address the sub-theme already assigned to them. Among the expected audience are members of the Bar and Bench, law teachers, law students, politicians and media practitioners.

To register for the virtual conference, please click here https://www.bit.ly/nbaspidel21. You will receive a confirmation email after a successful registration.

It is recalled that the spate of conflicting ex-parte orders from the lower courts has taken a frenzied turn recently, leading to interventions by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Muhammad as well as the NBA.

NBA-SPIDEL is adjudged as one of the foremost NBA sections. The section held a highly successful Annual Conference last May in the ancient city of Ibadan.

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. To ADVERTISE in CITY LAWYER, please email citylawyermag@gmail.com or call 08138380083. All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Aug 14, 2021
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GADZAMA VISITS SOLANKE, UNVEILS FIRM’S Q3 NEWSLETTER

Pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) has paid a courtesy visit to foremost lawyer and first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Olufolake Solanke (CON) at her residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Gadzama stated that it was “a rare privilege to have visited the matriarch and tapped from her enriching experiences and insights,” describing Solanke as “an icon even among learned silks – one who inspires many within and without the legal practice.”

According to Gadzama, “her infallible strides in politics and law are beyond excellence and her growth trajectory is perfect proof that it is possible to grow through the echelons in career, politics and social status even as an African woman.”

He stated that Solanke “should no longer be referred to as the Matriarch of the Bar but ‘Grand Matriarch’ of the Bar,” while appreciating the eminent and vocal senior lawyer for honouring the invitation to be the Guest Lecturer at the 10th J-K Gadzama LLP Public Lecture Series in 2017 “where she did justice to the topic, ‘Whistle Blowing Policy: People’s Power and Corruption in Nigeria.’ ”

Thanking Gadzama for the visit, Solanke presented him with a copy of her autobiography, “Reaching for the Stars.”

Meanwhile, J-K Gadzama LLP has released the 3rd Quarter Newsletter for the year 2021. According to the leading law firm, “This edition captures the erudite lecture delivered by former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, GCON at the 13th J-K Gadzama LLP Lecture Series on the crucial and all-important theme of Redefining Democracy: Yearnings of the Minority in a Democratic Setting.”

Also featured in this edition is a lecture delivered by Gadzama at the NBA Kaduna Branch Law Week “on the vital and high-priority topic of ‘Mentorship and Ethics: What Lawyers Need to Know.’

“Readers will be entertained with sights from several events the firm was involved in during the months covered. The contents of this edition are informative, entertaining and insightful.”

To access the publication, please click on https://j-kgadzamallp.com/publications/newsletters/45-vol-32-jul-sep-2021.

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. To ADVERTISE in CITY LAWYER, please email citylawyermag@gmail.com or call 08138380083. All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Aug 08, 2021
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NBA MAKURDI ASSAULT: AT LAST, EFCC CHAIR MEETS VICTIM, APOLOGIZES

• DEFLECTS DEMAND TO SACK CULPRITS
• AKPATA TO STORM MAKURDI TO PLOT NEXT STEPS
• GBAGIR SET FOR SURGERY TO SAVE SIGHT

The Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa has finally met with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Makurdi Branch Chairman, Mr. Justin Gbagir who was allegedly assaulted by EFCC operatives.

Gbagir was reportedly manhandled by EFCC operatives and bundled out of their Makurdi office when he went there to represent his client. NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata had in a strongly worded letter to the EFCC Chairman dated June 10, 2021 warned that “The NBA will be constantly following up with you in this respect, as we will no longer endure or tolerate the incessant harassment of our members by EFCC operatives while such lawyers are lawfully discharging their duties.”

In his latest update on his travails made available exclusively to CITY LAWYER, Gbagir said that he held a meeting with the EFCC Chairman on July 15, 2021 alongside the Benue State Attorney General, Mr. Michael Gusa.

His words: “At the meeting, the Chairman asked the AG what happened on the 8/6/2021. The AG recounted what happened that day and confirmed that I was assaulted in his presence.

“The Chairman who initially indicated there was no need for me to speak later allowed me to speak and I also recounted the events that led to the assault.

“The Chairman who did not call the Zonal Head of the Makurdi Office or any officer of the Zonal Office to the meeting proceeded to ask me what I wanted to be done.”

The NBA Chairman stated that Abdulrasheed deflected all the demands presented to him, saying that from their investigation, the operatives in Makurdi denied assaulting Gbagir.

On the demand that those found culpable in the assault saga should be dismissed by the commission, Gbagir said this was turned down by the EFCC Chairman who stated “That the Head of the Makurdi Office, Mr Kazeem Oseni and himself were recruited into the Commission the same day. That while he served in the Port Harcourt and Lagos offices of the Commission respectively, the said Kazeem Oseni was directly reporting to him. That we cannot expect him to dismiss Kazeem Oseni who has put in 17 years of service.”

According to Gbagir, the EFCC Chairman said “That he decided to come to Makurdi personally to meet with us in order to ensure cordial human relationship going forward. That his personal visit and apology should suffice.”

Abdulrasheed is yet to speak on what transpired during the meeting.

CITY LAWYER had reported that Abdulrasheed had shunned an earlier scheduled meeting with the victim in Makurdi.

Below is the full text of Gbagir’s update.

UPDATE ON THE ASSAULT ON JUSTIN GBAGIR, ESQ., CHAIRMAN, NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION, MAKURDI BRANCH BY OPERATIVES OF THE EFCC ON THE 8TH JUNE, 2021.

INTRODUCTION

On the 8/6/2021, operatives of the EFCC brutally assaulted me at the Makurdi Zonal Office of the Commission.

Today mark two months since the unfortunate incidence. On the 8/7/2021, I gave an update to mark one month anniversary of the assault. Today’s update is to mark two months anniversary of the assault.

The update shall be segmented into 3 sections, namely:

1. Meeting with the EFCC Chairman
2. The Position of the Bar
3. My Health Condition

MEETING WITH THE EFCC CHAIRMAN

On the 15/7/2021, the Benue State Attorney General, Michael Gusa, Esq and myself met with the EFCC Chairman at the Zonal Office of the Commission in Makurdi.

At the meeting, the Chairman asked the AG what happened on the 8/6/2021. The AG recounted what happened that day and confirmed that I was assaulted in his presence.

The Chairman who initially indicated there was no need for me to speak later allowed me to speak and I also recounted the events that led to the assault.

The Chairman who did not call the Zonal Head of the Makurdi Office or any officer of the Zonal Office to the meeting proceeded to ask me what I wanted to be done.

I told the Chairman that before coming to the meeting, I consulted with the Makurdi Branch legal team and other stakeholders and our demand were that:

1. The Zonal Head of the Commission’s Office in Makurdi be dismissed or voluntarily retired since he did not represent a good image of the Commission, and that all the operatives that took part in the assault should be identified and appropriate punitive measures served.

2. That the Commission shall take full responsibility of my medical bills and pay adequate compensation for the injury caused me especially my eye.

3. That the Commission shall retract their defamatory publication of 9/6/2021 wherein they alleged I was the one that went to their office with hired thugs to forcefully release someone in their custody, among other unsubstantiated allegations, and adequate compensation paid to me and the other lawyers who were referred to as thugs.

In his response, the EFCC Chairman stated as follows:

a) That from their investigation, the operative in Makurdi denied assaulting me.

b) That they have never had a case of EFCC operatives beating anybody in any of their offices.

c) That the Head of the Makurdi Office, Mr Kazeem Oseni and himself were recruited into the Commission the same day. That while he served in the Port Harcourt and Lagos offices of the Commission respectively, the said Kazeem Oseni was directly reporting to him. That we cannot expect him to dismiss Kazeem Oseni who has put in 17 years of service.

d) That my been in the hospital could have been for any other reason and the problem with my eye could also have been caused by any other thing.

e) 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.

f) That there is no evedence (sic) for him to take any punitive measures against Kazeem Oseni and the other operatives.

g) That he could have sat in Abuja and ordered us to go to Abuja, or better still acted on their investigative Report and closed the case that there was no assault on me.

h) That he decided to come to Makurdi personally to meet with us in order to ensure cordial human relationship going forward. That his personal visit and apology should suffice.

i) That he cannot raise any memo to raise funds for any compensation or damages.

j) That he can pay for my further medical attention in an eye clinic in Abuja and on a personal level he can find a token for me.

k) That he could choose to report me to NJC (sic) as the one causing trouble for disciplinary action.

From every indication, the Chairman adopted the position in their press release of 9/6/2021.

After the meeting, I did a brief to the President of NBA, Mr Olumide Akpata.

2. POSITION OF THE BAR

On Monday, 26/7/2021 and Friday, 30/7/2021, I held meetings with the NBA President in Abuja to further briefed him and the President indicated to visit Makurdi Branch with some National Officials of the Bar and together with the elders and members of the Makurdi Branch, they will agree on the next line of action.

The NBA President is currently making travel plans to Makurdi in this regard.

3. MY HEALTH CONDITION

From the last update to today, the condition of my left eye has continued to worsen.

On medical advice, I attended a specialized eye hospital in Abuja on the 27 and 28 July, 2021 and after a thorough and intensive examination for two days, a surgery was recommended as the best curative measure.

It was recommended that the lens of my left eye which is damaged will be replaced with an artificial lens.

The cumulative cost for the surgery, at least 35 days accommodation in Abuja, feeding, transportation and other sundry expenses is approximately put at about N2 Million Naira.

Considering that the condition of the eye is worsening each day that passes by and the need to get the surgery done so as to enable me use my sight for my daily activities, I am hoping that with resources available, I will perform the surgery within the month of August, 2021 so that I will use the period of the court vacation to recuperate.

CONCLUSION

I appreciate all those who have reached out to me to sympathize with me over this incidence. I count on your continued support to surmount all the challenges facing me during this trying moment.

Thank you all and God Bless.

Justin Gbagir, Esq.
Chairman
NBA Makurdi Branch
8/8/2021

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Aug 03, 2021
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GADZAMA VISITS NBA PH, MAIDUGURI, MOURNS RELATIVE

Bar Leaders and young lawyers of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt and Maiduguri branches regaled Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN during his visit to the branches.

The visit t to Port Harcourt held at Bougainville Hotel, Abacha Road, Port Harcourt. In attendance were the Head of Civil Service in Rivers State, Mr. R. N. Godwins; Audu Mela Nunghe, SAN; Former Chairman of NBA Port Harcourt Branch, Mr. Emeka Ichoku; Fmr. Secretary of the branch, Mrs. Cordelia Eke; Mr. Kingsley Nyesom Chinda; Fmr. Chairman of NBA Okrika branch, Mr. Golden O. Tamuno; A. F. Dalton; Maureen Samuel, Obinna N. Victor; James A. James and Randolph Boma Fiberesima amongst others.

It was gathered that it was indeed a beautiful evening where the attendees relaxed and had general discussions about the progress of the bar. The attendees showered praises on the Learned Silk who has proven to be a model for all to follow.

In another development, Gadzama last Monday paid a surprise visit to the leadership of NBA Maiduguri at the NBA Bar Center, Maiduguri, Borno State.

Gadzama who visited his home State for a condolence visit to the family of a close relative, Late Mr. Buba Wathanafa Gadzama, deemed it fit to visit and encourage the members of the branch.

At the bar center, he was warmly received by the Chairman NBA Maiduguri branch, Abba Mallam Umate; the Secretary, Mohammed Usman Alibe; some executives and members of the branch. He encouraged them to remain focused and united. He urged them to assist the younger members of the bar at all times and however possible.

The Chairman appreciated the Learned Silk for coming back home. He stated that the Learned Silk is indeed a trailblazer and an inspiration for all and that the branch is proud of him. He mentioned the noteworthy fact that the Learned Silk had started his legal practice and took Silk in Borno as the first Silk from the University of Maiduguri, Borno State and the North-Eastern Region of Nigeria. More so, that one of the offices at the bar center was named after the said learned silk for his laudable accomplishments in the profession of law.

He commended the Learned Silk for keeping his legacy alive in Borno by maintaining a functional office in the State.

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. To ADVERTISE in CITY LAWYER, please email citylawyermag@gmail.com or call 08138380083. All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jul 18, 2021
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ABUJA BASED SENIOR ADVOCATE DIES

An Abuja based senior lawyer, Mr. Johnnie Egwuonwu SAN is dead. Announcing his passing, factional Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch, Mr. Ikemefuna Onyeka said: “NBA Abuja Branch regrets to announce the demise of her esteemed member J. N. Egwuonwu, SAN who passed on Friday 16th July, 2021 after a brief illness.

“It is our prayer that God will grant him eternal rest; give his immediate family, associates and NBA in general the fortitude to bear this great loss.

“Burial arrangement will be communicated to us as soon as the family announces.”

Among the early mourners were leading arbitrator and Bar Leader, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN who wrote on a social media platform saying: “What a sad piece of news. What a sad day. The learned silk has gone back home. Johnny Egwuonwu SAN worked with us as our Head of Chambers and took silk afterwards. He was a complete gentleman and Bar Leader per excellence. We shall sorely miss him. May his gentle soul rest in the bosom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ until we meet at His feet to part no more. Amen.”

In a terse post on a WhatsApp forum monitored by CITY LAWYER, Mr. Kunle Ogunba SAN wrote: “May his beautiful soul rest in Perfect Peace, AMEN!”

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jul 14, 2021
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MAKURDI ASSAULT: EFCC CHAIR SHUNS PARLEY, NBA MAY SUE

GBAGIR BRIEFS AKPATA
NBA MAY SUE EFCC

The Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa has boycotted a meeting initiated by the commission to resolve the furore over alleged assault on Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Makurdi Branch Chairman, Mr. Justin Gbagir.

In an “update” on the assault made available to CITY LAWYER by Gbagir, he stated that though Benue State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Benue State, Mr. Michael Gusa had contacted him to intimate him of a plan by the EFCC helmsman to meet him and the Attorney-General in Makurdi, Bawa never showed up for the meeting as scheduled. His words: “As at the time of going to press around 10pm of 8th July, 2021, I am not aware that the EFCC Chairman has come to Makurdi as hitherto promised.”

Indicating that he has briefed NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata on the development, Gbagir called on “all those who were willing to offer one form of support for this course in one way or the other that the time is now. We cannot move with EFCC at their own space (sic) and convenience.”

CITY LAWYER gathered that barring last-minute rapprochement, Gbagir may in collaboration with the NBA soon press charges against the EFCC operatives.

The full text of the update is below.

UPDATE ON THE ASSAULTS ON THE NBA CHAIRMAN, MAKURDI BRANCH JUSTIN GBAGIR, ESQ. BY THE OPERATIVES OF THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION (EFCC) ON THE 8TH JUNE, 2021
On the 8th June, 2021, I was brutally assaulted by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at their Zonal Office in Makurdi, Benue State. In the early hours of 9th June, 2021, I made a report to the President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Olumide Akpata from my hospital bed at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi and made the said report available on some social media platforms.

The NBA President immediately reach out to the Chairman of EFCC who promised to send a special investigator from Abuja to Makurdi for an investigation with a further commitment to ensure that the perpetrators of the dastardly act are brought to book and adequately punished. While the President was awaiting the outcome of the investigation, EFCC through Wilson Uwujaren, Head, Media and Publicity issued a statement denying the assault on me and further alleged that I was the aggressor who “led a gang of thugs to breach the security of the Makurdi office of the EFCC in an attempt to forcibly set free a suspect under interrogation by the EFCC”. The statement further accused me of “resorting to social media blackmail, posing in hospital bed and concocting a fantastic story of an imaginary assault by the EFCC.” The statement also alleged that my action was “indecorous and unbecoming of the leader of the bar” and that I “demonstrated embarrassing insensitivity to the delicate security situation of the state, and should be remorseful for my misguided action and not spew untruths in pliable sections of the media.”

Sequel to the said press release by the spoke person of the EFCC, Dr. Rapulu Nduka, Publicity Secretary of NBA issued a statement on behalf of the NBA President and the entire Bar wherein he stated the resolve of the Nigerian Bar Association to get to the root of the matter and ensure that the officers behind such brazen acts of inhumanity are brought to justice and that abhorrent acts do not reoccur.

The President of NBA, Mr Olumide Akpata in a letter to the Chairman of the EFCC dated 10th June, 2021 and made available to the media on the 15th June, 2021 raised sundry issues regarding harassment of lawyers and the general high level of unprofessionalism, crass abuse of power and inhumane treatment which EFCC have exhibited, and continue to exhibit at different times when dealing with lawyers at various offices of the EFCC across the country. The said letter which was titled “Assault of Official(s) of the Nigerian Bar Association by the Operatives of the EFCC and Related Incidents of Unprofessionalism against Lawyers: Demand for Investigation, Immediate Action and Cessation” concluded that “while I look forward to an expeditious investigation of the unjust treatment of Mr. Gbagir and a general refocusing of the approach of the EFCC in its dealings with lawyers, please accept, Mr. Chairman, the assurances of my highest consideration”. At the time of going to press, the EFCC Chairman to the best of my knowledge has not responded to this letter.

Suffice to state that on the 11th June, 2021 the NBA Makurdi Branch also issued a press statement wherein they stated that “we take very serious exception to the denigration of the legal profession by the EFCC and further contend that, this is one attack too many by the commission on legal practitioners and we shall vehemently and strongly stem and resist their excesses using all civil and legal means at our disposal.” The statement concluded that “…this matter without doubt shall be followed to its rightful, proper and judicious conclusion. The maxim is Úbi jus, ubi remedium’, which means that ‘where law has established a right, there should be a corresponding remedy.”

Meanwhile, the Director of Internal Affairs at the headquarters of EFCC was in Makurdi on the 10th and 11th June, 2021 where he took my oral and written statement at the office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice at the Ministry of Justice Headquarters, Makurdi. The Director of Internal Affairs who earlier in the interaction denied knowledge of the press release by the Head of Media and Publicity however, assured that after his report to the Chairman of EFCC, appropriate measures would be taken to bring the perpetrators to justice.

At the end of the quarterly National Executive Committee meeting of the NBA which held in Abuja on the 24th June, 2021, NEC resolved amongst others that “NEC reviles the circumstances leading to the brutalization of the Chairman of the Makurdi Branch of the NBA by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 8th June, 2021.” NEC commended the efforts taken by the NBA President thus far, and further directed that the NBA President should take the opportunity of the unfortunate Makurdi incident to finally put an end to the epidemic of brutalization and harassment of legal practitioners by law enforcement agencies in the discharge of the lawyer’s professional duties.

Several other human rights organization also issued separate press statements in condemnation of the assault by the EFCC. One of such statement is from Legal Defence and Assistance Project, based in Lagos. They condemned the assault and urged “the EFCC to publish an apology to the victim, and demanded that the Attorney-General & Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN) should prosecute the errant officers and further urged the EFCC to henceforth treat all lawyers with respect in all legal dealings with them”.

On the 30th June, 2021, the learned Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Benue State, Mr Michael Gusa called to intimate me that the Director of Internal Affairs at the EFCC headquarters called him and indicated that the Chairman of the EFCC would like to meet with me and him this week, and Thursday, 8th June, 2021 was tentatively scheduled for the meeting. On Tuesday, 6th July, when I sought to know from the Attorney-General when specifically we were meeting with the EFCC Chairman, he promised to revert back to me after further consultation with the Director of Internal Affairs. The Attorney-General later in the evening of Tuesday, 6th July, 2021 called to intimate me that the Director of Internal Affairs told him that the Chairman of the EFCC preferred to visit Benue State to meet with us on the 8th July, 2021 instead of us going to Abuja. As at the time of going to press around 10pm of 8th July, 2021, I am not aware that the EFCC Chairman has come to Makurdi as hitherto promised.

Meanwhile, after my discharge from the Benue State University Teaching Hospital on the 9th June, 2021, I was booked to attend a check-up on the 5th July, 2021. As a result of the challenges I was having to see with my left eye and challenges to hear with my left ear, I decided to attend the Nigerian Air force Base Hospital, Makurdi also to seek further medical attention. On the 5th of July, 2021, I attended the BSUTH Makurdi as was requested to do and was examined but requested to come back for further check up on the 26th July, 2021. I am still having challenges with my left eye and left ear.

This evening, I sought leave from the NBA President to issue this press statement to provide an update and to mark one month Anniversary of the assault and brutalization by operatives of the EFCC, and Mr President graciously granted me leave.

I wish to use this opportunity to appreciate the NBA President and all members of the Bar and the general public for standing with me on this issue. The President has assured me and I am confident that this fight is not mine but that of the entire Bar. I am not the victim, it is the entire Bar that is the victim. Members of the Bar have demonstrated that an injury for one is actually an injury to all.

In the circumstances of the foregoing, I wish to request all those who were willing to offer one form of support for this course in one way or the other that the time is now. We cannot move with EFCC at their own space and convenience. In any case, they have serially exhibited conduct that they cannot be trusted. If after the assault, they have the audacity to deny and attempt to change the narrative to favour them, they are capable of doing anything.

In further consultation with the NBA President, we shall be coming up with our next line of action without further delay.

Thank you all and God bless.
Justin Gbagir, Esq.
Chairman, NBA Makurdi Branch

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. To ADVERTISE in CITY LAWYER, please email citylawyermag@gmail.com or call 08138380083. All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jun 28, 2021
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Comments Off on AGC FEES: NBA-NEC COMMUNIQUE CONFIRMS CITY LAWYER REPORT

AGC FEES: NBA-NEC COMMUNIQUE CONFIRMS CITY LAWYER REPORT

The controversy over the schedule of registration fees to be charged at this year’s Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference may have been laid to rest following release of the communique for the last quarterly meeting of NBA National Executive Committee.

Though CITY LAWYER had in an exclusive report stated that “young lawyers will pay N80,000 for in-person attendance at the conference should they fail to register via the early bird and regular windows,” NBA had issued a Press Release describing the report as “misinformation” and urging stakeholders to disregard it.

In the statement issued by the Publicity Secretary, Dr. Rapulu Nduka, NBA said: “The attention of the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association has been drawn to the misinformation making the rounds with regards to the Annual General Conference 2021 registration fees.

“We urge members to disregard the said publication as the Technical Committee on Conference Planning will release the appropriate registration fees in due time.”

But the communiqué issued today by the NBA has validated the CITY LAWYER report, stating that “NEC further adopts the proposal of the TCCP that the 2019 conference registration fees be retained for the 2021 conference notwithstanding inflation and increased costs of goods and services.”

It is recalled that the 2019 Technical Committee on Conference Planning (TCCP) had in a Press Release stated that lawyers who are 1-5 years post-call would pay N15,000 and N40,000 respectively during the Early Bird and Regular windows while late registration would attract N80,000.

The communiqué also confirmed that the annual conference would be held during the last week of October in Port Harcourt, saying: “Taking into consideration the uncertainties, delays and other challenges occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic and other matters, NEC ratifies the proposal of the Technical Committee on Conference Planning (TCCP) that the 2021 Annual General Conference be held in the last week of October 2021 in Port Harcourt, Rives State.

“NEC approves the proposal of the TCCP that the conference be held both physically and virtually. NEC urges NBA President and the TCCP to interface with Rivers State Government and other relevant authorities to ensure a Covid-19 compliant environment for the physical conference and to ensure that the access roads to the conference location, and other necessary logistics of hosting a stress-free conference in the State are created.”

The NBA-NEC also took other far-reaching decisions on the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria, the conduct of “certain lawyers serving in the FGN” who fail to advise the government appropriately, increasing spate of insecurity in the polity, attacks on public assets, reported extra-judicial killings of citizens alleged to be associated with secessionist movements, the “inordinate delay in the issuance of enrolment numbers to new lawyers by the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” and encroachment of non-lawyers into the legal space, among others.

Below is the full text of the communiqué.

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE QUARTERLY MEETING OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION HELD ON THURSDAY 24TH DAY OF JUNE 2021 AT THE NBA NATIONAL SECRETARIAT, ABUJA FCT

1.0. INTRODUCTION

1.1. The Nigerian Bar Association (“NBA”) held her 2nd National Executive Committee (“NEC”) meeting of 2021 on 24th June 2021 at the National Secretariat of the NBA.

1.2. Several issues were discussed including the recently suspended industrial action by Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (“JUSUN”); the shrinking of the civic space through recent actions and policies of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN); the State of the Nation including the deteriorating state of national security; the protracted crises within the Abuja Branch of the NBA; the welfare of lawyers; scale of charges and remuneration in the legal profession; the harassment of lawyers in the course of practicing their vocation; the incursion of the legal services space by non-lawyers; and other matters of interest to the NBA, in particular, and the society at large.

2.0. RESOLUTIONS

At the end of the extended deliberations, the following resolutions, among others, were reached:

STATE OF THE NATION

Judiciary and Administration of Justice

2.01 NEC observes the festering situation in the Gombe State Judiciary where the State Governor, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, continues the elongation of the tenure of the Acting Chief Judge against the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to the effect that Justice Beatrice Iliya should be appointed and sworn in as the substantive Chief Judge of the State.

2.02 NEC resolves that NBA must make a very strong case to the Governor of Gombe State on the unconstitutionality of his actions and of any further extension of the tenure of the Acting Chief Judge, with a demand for the Governor to desist from such constitutional breach forthwith.

2.03 NEC further urges the NJC to take decisive action on the flagrant flouting of its directives, else it could be viewed as being complicit in the Governor’s disrespect for the rule of law.

2.04 NEC observes with displeasure that of the over 24 months’ salary being owed some Magistrates in Cross River State, only one month’s salary has been paid since the NBA’s intervention. NEC resolves that the Chairman of NBA Calabar must, on behalf of NEC, further engage with the Chief Judge of Cross-River State and other stakeholders, with a view to bringing the impasse to an end.

2.05 NEC commends the leadership of the NBA for the various roles it played in seeing that the protracted JUSUN strike was suspended. NEC, however, urges the NBA President to ensure that the terms of the Memorandum of Action signed by JUSUN and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum are respected so that the strike will not be reactivated.

Constriction of civic space

2.06 NEC notes with grave concern (a) recent actions and policies of the FGN that appear to constrict the civic space and limit constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens in a democracy. In particular, NEC condemns the recent suspension of the micro blogging site, Twitter, by the FGN; and (b) the embargo placed by Nigerian Broadcasting Commission on broadcasters from using contents generated from Twitter. NEC considers both acts as veiled gagging of the media, and suppression of the civic space by the government.

2.07 NEC further notes that such actions by the FGN have the tendency of undermining Nigeria’s democracy and investment attractiveness especially as such acts and policies may, if not challenged, be extended to other platforms and avenues that are available to citizens to express their constitutionally guaranteed rights. Accordingly, NEC supports and ratifies the decision of the NBA President to challenge the constitutionality of the said policies and actions through the NBA Public Interest Litigation Committee.

2.08 NEC decries the conduct of certain lawyers serving in the FGN who fail to advise the government appropriately thereby leading to policies by the government which either flout the fundamental rights of citizens or have the tendency of bringing the profession to disrepute. To this end, NEC directs the NBA President to reach out to lawyers serving in the FGN on the need to properly advise and guide the government in accordance with the dictates of the Constitution and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms.

Increasing spate of insecurity

2.09 NEC strongly condemns the attacks on public assets such as INEC offices, police stations and military formations by the so-called unknown gunmen; the killing of law enforcement agencies and prominent citizens such as Ahmed Gulak and Justice Stanley Nnaji (Rtd.), amongst others. NEC further condemns the reported extra-judicial killings of citizens alleged to be associated with secessionist movements and demands that the government should deploy the carrot and stick approach in tackling the resurgent secessionist agitations so as not to exacerbate the crises.

2.10 NEC decries the worsening security situation in the Nigeria including the unabating insurgency, incessant abductions, unending crisis between herders and farmers, kidnappings and attacks on communities and individuals, and calls upon governments at all levels to take more proactive steps towards stemming this tide.

Lawsuit challenging elongation of IGP’s tenure

2.11 NEC rues the implications of the recent judgment of a Federal High Court which upheld the powers of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to elongate the tenure of the Inspector General of Police.

2.12 NEC notes the pendency of the lawsuit filed by the NBA through its Public Interest Litigation Committee on the same subject matter and urges the NBA to continue to conscientiously prosecute same through all levels of court in Nigeria as such is required to set a precedent for the future conducts and decisions of public office holders in similar circumstances.

STATE OF THE BAR

Enrollment Number for New Lawyers

2.13 NEC expresses deep concerns over the inordinate delay in the issuance of enrolment numbers to new lawyers by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. NEC accordingly urges the NBA President to continue to constantly liaise with the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria with a review to ensuring that the affected new wigs are issued their enrolment numbers.

Scale of Charges and Remuneration of Lawyers

2.14 NEC approves the work being done by the NBA Remuneration Committee in developing a realistic and enforceable scale of charges for lawyers and in addressing the issue of poor remuneration amongst lawyers, and directs the leadership of the various branches of the NBA with similar initiatives to work with the NBA Remuneration Committee in developing a central and robust framework that will be acceptable to lawyers.

Encroachment of Non-Lawyers into the Legal Space

2.15 NEC decries the continued encroachment of non-lawyers (including corporate bodies and other institutions) into areas that are considered to be the preserve of legal practitioners through the offering of legal services, in many cases with the connivance or support of some lawyers.

2.16 NEC also notes, with concern, the increasing trend of lawyers who offer their services in a manner that is inconsistent with the rules or practice of the legal profession.

2.17 NEC further directs that:

(a) the NBA Disciplinary Committee should promptly investigate any complaints against lawyers (including in-house counsel and heads of legal departments) who undertake, advise on, participate in, or supervise the establishment or operation of schemes that purport to, or have the tendency of, unlawfully encroaching into areas of practice of lawyers or who undertake other similar acts that are inconsistent with rules and practice; and (b) the leadership of the NBA Section on Legal Practice to take more proactive steps to address some of the known cases of infraction and possibly prompt the commencement of criminal prosecution of the offenders.

2.18 NEC notes that certain laws in Nigeria require that the services of Nigerian lawyers must be retained in relation to certain matters, and accordingly directs the NBA President to engage with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board and other relevant stakeholders with a view to ensuring that foreign and local investors retain indigenous legal practitioners and law firms for their legal services needs in the prescribed cases.

2.19 NEC charges the leadership of NBA Branches to be more pro-active and innovative in checking against sharp practices and other unethical practices by lawyers and court officials such as the use of affidavit to convey or transfer title over real property.

Harassment of Lawyers

2.20 NEC reviles the circumstances leading to the brutalization of the Chairman of the Makurdi Branch of the NBA by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 8th June 2021.

2.21 NEC commends all the efforts taken by the NBA President thus far, in seeing that the officers involved in the act are disciplined by the EFCC, and further directs the NBA President to take the opportunity of the unfortunate Makurdi incident to finally put an end to the epidemic of brutalization and harassment of legal practitioners by law enforcement agencies in the discharge of the lawyer’s professional duties.

Attitude, language, and conduct of lawyers in public

2.22 NEC observes the deplorable and heightened trend of lawyers commenting in public fora on sensitive matters which are pending before the courts, and urges all lawyers to desist from this practice. NEC further observes that intemperate language is spreading among members of the Bar, both in dealings amongst lawyers and in dealings with the Bench. NEC deprecates such behavior and urges that disciplinary action be taken against lawyers who indulge in such conducts and that reports for disciplinary action be made against members of the Bench who are also found wanting.

Annual General Conference

2.23 Taking into consideration the uncertainties, delays and other challenges occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic and other matters, NEC ratifies the proposal of the Technical Committee on Conference Planning (TCCP) that the 2021 Annual General Conference be held in the last week of October 2021 in Port Harcourt, Rives State.

2.24 NEC approves the proposal of the TCCP that the conference be held both physically and virtually. NEC urges NBA President and the TCCP to interface with Rivers State Government and other relevant authorities to ensure a Covid-19 compliant environment for the physical conference and to ensure that the access roads to the conference location, and other necessary logistics of hosting a stress-free conference in the State are created.

2.25 NEC further adopts the proposal of the TCCP that the 2019 conference registration fees be retained for the 2021 conference notwithstanding inflation and increased costs of goods and services.

Reports of Standing and Ad-Hoc Committees

2.26 NEC approves the interim report of the following Standing and Ad-hoc Committees: (i) Constitution Review Committee; (ii) Welfare Committee; (iii) Human Rights Committee;

(iv) Digital Committee; (v) Legal Education Committee and (vi) Remuneration Committee.

2.27 NEC ratifies the appointment of six (6) Zonal Coordinators for the NBA Human Rights Committee which is aimed at ensuring easier coordination and facilitating the achievement of the mandate of the Committee.

NBA Abuja Branch Crisis

2.28 NBA President informs NEC that pursuant to the mandate given to him at the NEC meeting held in Uyo on the 18th of March 2021 to conclusively deal with the crisis in NBA Abuja Branch in the most expedient manner, he has decided to take the option of splitting the branch and will proceed to implement immediately and report back to NEC upon completion.

OTHER MATTERS
Resuscitation of Military and Paramilitary Fora

2.29 NEC resolves that the forum for lawyers in the armed forces and paramilitary should be resuscitated to reignite the interest of such members and to drive the discussions on issues affecting the Bar and the military and paramilitary agencies. NEC further mandates the NBA President set up the Governing Council of the fora for approval by NEC.

Establishment of New Fora

2.30 NEC approves the establishment of three new fora namely: (i) the Corporate Counsel Forum; (ii) the Law Officers Forum; and (iii) the Lawyers with Disability Forum, each to deal with issues concerning, and cater to the peculiar interests of, members who fall within these special interest groups and to engender diversity and inclusion in the affairs of the NBA. NEC further approves the membership of the Governing Council of the new fora as announced by the NBA President.

Young Lawyers Permanent Observers at NEC

2.31 In order to further engender inclusion, NEC approves that the appointment of 10 young lawyers as announced by the NBA President as Permanent Observers at all NEC meetings during the term of the current administration of the NBA, pending such time that the NBA Constitution is amended to allow for young lawyers to be appointed into NEC as members.

Ratifications

2.32 NEC ratifies: (a) the participation of lawyers in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and approves the partnership between the NBA and NHIS which will see lawyers and members of their families enjoy primary, secondary and tertiary health services at a deeply discounted rate of N15,000 per annum. NEC further ratifies that in order to test-run the scheme, NBA should pay the health cover premium for 1,000 eligible lawyers selected from across all branches of the NBA; and (b) the setting up of an NBA Help Desk within the CAC to address the service level issues being faced by lawyers pending such time that the current challenges at the CAC are holistically or satisfactorily dealt with.

Further information

Further information on the above resolutions, including details of other matters discussed, and resolutions passed, at the said NEC meeting can be found in the minutes of the NEC meeting which will be circulated to NEC members, a copy of which will be available for inspection at the NBA Secretariat from 1st July 2021.

Dated this 25th day June 2021

……………………………

OLUMIDE AKPATA
NBA PRESIDENT

………………………………..

JOYCE ODUAH
GENERAL SECRETARY

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jun 26, 2021
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SPIDEL APPOINTS FALANA, AMADI TO HEAD KEY GROUPS

The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) has appointed fiery human rights lawyers, Messrs Femi Falana SAN and Sam Amadi to head its two key groups.

Speaking at the recent NBA National Executive Committee (NBA-NEC) Meeting in Abuja, the Chairman of SPIDEL Governing Council, Dr. Monday Ubani stated that the Section has two main objectives which are pursuit of public interest issues and development of legal framework for accelerated economic development in the country.

He informed NEC that the leadership has established two groups, namely The Public Interest Law Group and The Development Law Group for the Section, adding that there is a strong link between law and economic development. While The Public Interest Law Group will be chaired by Mr. Femi Falana SAN, The Development Law Group will be chaired by Dr. Sam Amadi. The membership of the two groups would be announced soon.

He stated that would soon “engage in aggressive membership drive across the entire branches of the Federation. Towards this end, we have laid out a plan to appoint Coordinators and Secretaries in all the branches of the NBA. The Coordinators and Secretaries will recruit and at the same maintain existing membership of the Section in their various branches. Their second task is to help SPIDEL realize its objectives at the grassroot level in the pursuit of citizens’ rights generally.”

According to Ubani, “Membership of the Section is critical to its activities and a fulfillment of our mapped out objectives. Already we have started with aggressive gospel that every lawyer with conscience must first and foremost be a registered member of SPIDEL.

“We therefore solicit that every lawyer of conscience should without any further prompting from us register and join all the suitable committees to help actualize our dream country and legal practice. We need you and the nation needs you more as a lawyer with conscience.”

He informed NEC that the Section has set up an operational office in Abuja and employed a Program Officer to man the office. This is to accelerate the institutionalization process of the Section. The Section has also established SPIDEL Young Lawyers’ Forum. This is part of the institutionalization process and mainstreaming of SPIDEL objectives in the consciousness of young lawyers. “We must consciously and strategically groom our young lawyers to take the legal profession to the next level,” he said.

The Chairman stated that SPIDEL would engage in strategic litigation to push the frontiers of public interest, adding that this would be in collaboration with other NBA Sections and Committees such as the Public Interest Litigation Committee. According to Ubani, the recent Practice Direction issued by the Federal High Court in favour of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), a prospective litigant, “requires timely intervention by NBA as the only body that stands as a bulwark against oppression by any government in power.”

On the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria, the SPIDEL Chairman said that the Section is collaborating with the Public Interest Litigation Committee to seek legal reliefs, even as Ubani had in his personal capacity filed a lawsuit against the action.

He listed other thematic areas for the new SPIDEL leadership to include Niger Delta Development Project, Promoting the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, Federalism Project, and 2023 General Election.

Ubani informed the meeting that NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata launched a human rights App at the just concluded NBA-SPIDEL Annual Conference in Ibadan code-named “SOROSOKE”. The App is to aid victims of human rights abuses in reporting and tracking such abuses. He said that SPIDEL members at the branch level “would be utilised effectively to seek reliefs on behalf of victims of human rights’ abuses throughout Nigeria.”

He stated that the Section held a successful election after its sold-out Annual Conference, commending members of the Conference Planning Committee which he led as well as the Local Organising Committee and NBA Ibadan Branch “for a job well done.” According to Ubani, the election “marked the end of the eventful tenure of Prof. Paul Ananaba SAN.”

The Council consists of Ubani as Chairman, Dr. Princess Chukwuani (Secretary), Mr. Steve Abah (Vice Chairman), and Ms. Funmi Adeogun (Treasurer). Other Council Members are Dr. Paul Ebiala, Mr. Emeka Nwadioke, Ms. Anne Agi, Chief Kunle Adegoke SAN, Mr. Kunle Edun, Mr. Abdullahi Karaye, Mrs. Igbeaku Evulukwu, Mr. Echo Godfrey, Mr. Kola Omotinugbon and Prof. Paul Ananaba SAN.

The report was received by Akpata. Meanwhile, some NEC members commended the new SPIDEL leadership for paying attention to the Development Law mandate of the Section as well as its resolve to appoint Coordinators at the branch level.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jun 26, 2021
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AGC REGISTRATION: YOUNG LAWYERS TO PAY 80K IF …

Barring any last-minute change of mind, young lawyers will cough out N80,000 to attend the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference (NBA-AGC) scheduled for Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to a schedule of fees obtained by CITY LAWYER, young lawyers will pay N80,000 for in-person attendance at the conference should they fail to register via the early bird and regular windows.

Lawyers of 6-10 years post-call will pay N120,000 as late registration while those of 11-15 years post-call will pay N140,000 late registration for in-person attendance.

There are strong indications that the conference will be a hybrid event, as the schedule contains options for in-person and hybrid attendance.

The Technical Committee on Conference Planning (TCCP) had at the recently concluded NBA-NEC Meeting in Abuja proposed the last of week of October as the date for the 2021 AGC. The committee is chaired by former NBA Port Harcourt Branch Chairman, Mr. Victor Frank-Briggs. It was unclear at press time whether the committee has put a seal of finality on the schedule.

The full schedule of fees is available at this link:

https://citylawyermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/NBA-AGC-2021-Conference-Fees.pdf

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jun 25, 2021
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NBA-NEC: SIGHTS & SIGHTS OF BARBEQUE DINNER, BREAKFAST

Life Bencher and Bar Leader, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN today hosted Nigerian Bar Association National Executive Committee (NBA-NEC) delegates to a Departure Sunrise Breakfast to mark the end of proceedings at the quarterly meeting. He had last Wednesday also hosted the delegates to a Welcome Barbeque Dinner & Dance at his state-of-the-art J-K Gadzama Court in central Abuja.

Below are faces at the events.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jun 25, 2021
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ANANABA HEADS LAW SCHOOL ‘CLASS OF 91’ 30TH ANNIVERSARY TEAM

Leading litigator and immediate past Chairman of Governing Council of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Prof. Paul Ananaba SAN has been appointed as Chairman of the Planning Committee for the 30th anniversary of his Nigerian Law School Class of 1991.

In a statement obtained by CITY LAWYER, the Leader of the Class and vocal senior lawyer, Mr. Jibrin Okutepa SAN said the appointment followed the “the power given to me to constitute a Planning Committee to plan and organise a befitting anniversary celebration.”

Reeling out the terms of reference for the committee, Okutepa said: “They (committee members) are to plan for our 30th anniversary celebrations. They have the mandate to plan and organise a befitting 30th anniversary of our call to Bar.”

CITY LAWYER recalls that Ananaba was instrumental to the resuscitation of then moribund NBA-SPIDEL. Increasingly viewed as the go-to lawyer on issues of strategy and organizational turn-around, Ananaba spearheaded two SPIDEL annual conferences within three years, taking the section from the back waters of NBA activities to its present status as one of the foremost and coveted NBA sections.

Aside from Ananaba, other members of the committee are
1) Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu SAN – Alternate Chairman
2) Aare Muyiwa Akinboro SAN
3) Dr. Soni Ajala SAN
4) Hon. Justice Muhammed Muhammed
5) Hon. Justice Emmanuel Ubua
6) Mrs. Joyce Oduah
7) Mrs. Bimbo Otahumele
8) Dr. Ezra Yakusak
9) Justin Chuwang – Alternate Secretary
10) Akeem Lawal
11) Supo Ati-John
12) Collins Boleigha
13) James Modupe Derby – Secretary
14) Sylvanus Tahir
15) Hon. Shaba Isah Ibrahim
16) Sam Kargbo.

Ex- officio members include Okutepa and former NBA Lagos Branch Chairman, Mr. Alex Muoka.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jun 25, 2021
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ROTATIONAL PRESIDENCY: ELECTORAL REFORM C’TE WANTS NBA CONSTITUTION AMENDED

The Nigerian Bar Association Electoral Audit and Reform Committee (NBA-EARC) has called for the amendment of the NBA Constitution to clearly provide for rotational presidency.

In a 44-page report obtained by CITY LAWYER, the committee poked holes in the NBA Constitution as it relates to rotational presidency and recommended that “The NBA Constitution should be amended to specifically state/identify the different groups and/or sections in a geographical zone since different groups and/or sections do not appear to mean a state within the geographical zone.”

The committee “identified the issues that plagued the 2016, 2018 and 2020 elections and classified them into three broad categories; namely: (i) Pre-election issues, (ii) Election Day issues and (iii) Post-Election issues.”

Specifically, it identified “Non-implementation of the rotational policy as it relates to the different groups and/or sections in a geographical zone as stated in the constitution” as a major stumbling block towards free and fair NBA elections.

Other challenges that hampered the elections were: Delay in appointment and appearance of lack of Independence of the ECNBA; Appearance of lack of transparency in the engagement of service providers; Negative impact of money driven campaigns on the election’s credibility; Involvement of the sitting NBA President in the electoral process; Non-implementation of the rotational policy as it relates to the different groups and/or sections in a geographical zone as stated in the constitution; Cumbersome verification process; Lack of integrity and late publication of the list of eligible voters; Lack of integrity of the NBA voting portal; Involvement of the NBA Secretariat in the electoral process; and Poor IT knowledge of some Lawyers.

Turning to the controversial issue of rotational presidency, the committee recommended that “The NBA Constitution should be amended to specifically state/identify the different groups and/or sections in a geographical zone.”

According to the committee which was chaired by respected senior lawyer and longstanding NBA Lagos Branch Electoral Committee Chairman, Mr. Ayodele Akintunde SAN, “The committee found that “Another area of concern is the interpretation of the constitutional provisions of zoning particularly with respect to the election to the office of the President.

“The rotational presidency of the NBA was initially an informal arrangement until it was formalized by its incorporation into the NBA Constitution. Sadly, what started out as an arrangement geared toward promoting an all-inclusive bar is now posing a threat to the unity of the Bar.

“The NBA is divided into three (3) geographical zones for the purpose of electing National Officers namely- Northern Zone, Eastern Zone and Western Zone. The list of states that make up the respective geographical zones are set out in Paragraph 1.2 (e) of the Second Schedule to the NBA Constitution.

“The Northern Zone is made up of the following states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara and Abuja. The Eastern Zone is made up of the following states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Enugu, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Cross River, Imo, and Rivers while the Western Zone is made up of the following states: Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo.

“Since the amendment of the NBA Constitution in 2015, the geographical rotation of the position of President of the NBA has been complied with. In 2016, Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud, SAN from the Northern Zone was elected as President while in 2018, Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN from the Eastern Zone was elected and more recently in 2020, Mr. Olumide Akpata from the Western Zone was elected as President.

“In past elections, members of the NBA have alleged that some ethnic associations within the NBA amass support for candidates from select states within a geographical zone thereby marginalizing candidates from other states despite the provisions of paragraph 2.2 (d) of the Second Schedule to the NBA Constitution which provides for the rotation of a position in turn by the different groups and/or sections in the geographical zone.”

The committee therefore recommended that “The provisions of Section 9 (d) and Paragraph 2.2 (d) of the Second Schedule to the NBA Constitution should be strictly adhered to in order to ensure that no group and/or section in a geographical zone is marginalized and the unity of the bar is preserved.”

It also urged that “The NBA Constitution should be amended to specifically state/identify the different groups and/or sections in a geographical zone since different groups and/or sections do not appear to mean a state within the geographical zone,” adding that “The ECNBA in its preliminary notice for the election of National Officers of the NBA should specify which group and/or section in a geographical zone the position is rotated to as a measure to ensure adherence to Section 9 (d) and Paragraph 2.2 (d) of the Second Schedule of the NBA Constitution.”

The Committee stated that it “is of the firm view that if the recommendations contained in this Final Report are implemented, future elections of National Officers of the NBA by electronic voting will be devoid of the controversies which have plagued past elections,” while urging the Olumide Akpata led association to “commit to making the required changes to its electoral processes and reference point for conducting credible, free and fair elections in Nigeria and rebuild confidence in the electoral process for the overall good of all. NBA must be true to its motto which is “promoting the rule of law”.

It is recalled that Akpata had during his inaugural address promised to reform NBA’s electoral system to ensure that it is devoid of the controversies that had trailed its elections especially since the advent of electronic voting. The committee was on September 30, 2020. CITY LAWYER gathered that the NBA-EARC Report was presented to the NBA-NEC Meeting at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The full report is available at this link.
https://citylawyermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/FINAL-REPORT-EARC.pdf

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jun 23, 2021
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GADZAMA HOSTS NBA-NEC DELEGATES TODAY, HAILS AKPATA

Life Bencher, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN has described the Nigerian Bar Association National Executive Committee (NBA-NEC) as the “engine room of the largest bar in Africa,” adding that it “bears on its members the burden of ensuring the legal profession in Nigeria progresses as expected.”

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, the leading litigator also commended NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata led Executive “for their tireless work at ensuring the Bar in Nigeria remains alive to its duties and obligation,” adding that “I believe a lot if not all lawyers share this sentiment with me.”

Meanwhile, Gadzama has invited the delegates to Welcome Barbeque Dinner/Dance and Departure Sunrise Breakfast. The notice reads:

Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abuja Branch has invited NBA-NEC Members arriving today Wednesday, 23 June, 2021 for the NBA-NEC Meeting to a Welcome Barbeque Dinner & Dance this evening by 8:00 pm at the Pent Floor Terrence, 4th Floor, J-K Gadzama Court, Plot 1805, Damaturu Crescent by Kabo Way, Off Ahmadu Bello Way, Garki 2, Abuja.

The learned silk also invites the NEC Members to a Departure Sunrise Breakfast by 7:30 am on Friday, 25 June, 2021 at the same venue before they depart for their respective branches.

Dress Code: Smart Casual

Below is the full text of the Goodwill Message.

GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN TO THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (NBA) NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (NEC) MEMBERS AS THEY HOLD THEIR ALL IMPORTANT NBA-NEC MEETING SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, 24 JUNE, 2021 AT THE NBA AUDITORIUM, NBA HOUSE IN ABUJA

It is with profound humility and utmost pleasure that I felicitate and welcome the distinguished and hallowed Members of NBA-NEC to another meeting of the body in Abuja, my own primary constituency.

The NBA-NEC being the engine room of the largest bar in Africa bears on its members the burden of ensuring the legal profession in Nigeria progresses as expected. Therefore, I commend every member of the NBA-NEC for your efforts and dedication in ensuring that the legal profession in Nigeria thrives and competes favorably with its counterparts around the world. Posterity will indeed recognize all of your sacrifices.

Furthermore, I must especially commend the leadership of the Olumide Akpata led Executive for their tireless work at ensuring the Bar in Nigeria remains alive to its duties and obligation. I believe a lot if not all lawyers share this sentiment with me.

Once more, I congratulate and welcome NBA-NEC Members and wish them journey mercies to Abuja, successful deliberations and safe travels back to your respective Branches.

God bless you all.

Thank you.

______________________________
JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, OFR, MFR, SAN
Fmr. Chairman, NBA Abuja Branch
Pioneer Chairman, NBA-SPIDEL
Fmr. Vice-Chairman, NBA-SLP

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jun 22, 2021
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LEDAP KNOCKS EFCC OVER ATTACK ON NBA BRANCH CHAIR

The Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) has berated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged attack by its operatives on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Makurdi Branch, Chairman, Mr. Justin Gbagir.

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER and signed by LEDAP National Coordinator, Mr. Chino Obiagwu (SAN), the group stated that the action of the operatives violates the fundamental rights of the Bar Leader as entrenched in Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution.

The group noted that from a series of events which occurred on June 8, 2021, it was apparent that Gbagir went to the EFCC Makurdi Branch Office to facilitate bail for Miss Aver Shima, a lawyer with the Benue Sate Ministry of Justice.

Said LEDAP: “From our understanding, Ms. Shima was remanded following an allegation of a legal advice she gave the Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board and as such is currently undergoing investigation.

“Following this incident, Mr. Gbagir, in the company of other members of the Ministry of Justice visited the EFCC office in Makurdi, but was refused entry into the premises and subjected to humiliation and degrading treatment by the security operatives at the gate; on the allegation that they are ‘agitators’ who have come to protest.

“It took the intervention of the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor, Attorney General of the state and Solicitor General of the state before the delegation was allowed entry into the building.

“Also, we understand that when Mr. Gbagir was introduced to the EFCC Chairman, as the Chairman of the NBA Makurdi branch, he was denied all courtesy. This infuriated Mr. Gbagir and as a result, sought to leave the premises. However, he was swarmed and assaulted by operatives of EFCC, the actions of which were approved by the silent conduct of the EFCC Chairman.”

LEDAP stated that the action of the EFCC operatives not only undermined the position of the NBA chairman, but also of all lawyers. It viewed the action as a mockery of lawyers’ constitutional role as members of the third arm of government.

LEDAP pointed out that the EFCC security operatives were ALSO in breach of Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution on the right to dignity and right to freedom from torture, inhuman or degrading treatment.

LEDAP urged the EFCC to publish an apology to the victim, and demanded that the Attorney General & Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) should prosecute the errant officers, adding: “Henceforth, the EFCC is demanded to treat all lawyers with respect in all legal dealings with them.”

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jun 19, 2021
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TAIDI HAILS NBA-SLP OVER ANNUAL CONFAB

Bencher and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary, Mr. Jonathan Taidi has felicitated with the NBA Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) over its recent Annual Conference held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, Taidi stated that the conference “could’nt have come at a better time given the challenges bedevilling the legal profession,” adding that “the speakers and panelists illuminated the pathway to give us a clear view of the future of the legal profession.”

Below is the full text of the statement.

I heartily congratulate the Chairman, Governing Council and Members of the NBA-SLP for a successful 2021 Annual Conference.

The conversation on “Law, Lawyers and the Next Generation” could’nt have come at a better time given the challenges bedevelling the legal profession occasioned by the extraordinary circumstances we live in.

As expected, the speakers and panelists illuminated the pathway to give us a clear view of the future of the legal profession.

It is my hope that the outcome of the deliberations at the Annual Conference will help fashion out policies that energize the practice of law in this country.

Congratulations again, as I wish all attendees and participants journey mercies.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi
Past General Secretary, NBA & Bencher

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jun 15, 2021
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HARASSMENT: AKPATA WRITES EFCC CHAIR, ISSUES ‘CEASE AND DESIST’ DEMAND

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Olumide Akpata has again risen in defence of Nigerian lawyers through a ‘cease and desist’ letter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In the searing letter obtained by CITY LAWYER and titled “ASSAULT OF OFFICIAL(S) OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION BY OPERATIVES OF THE EFCC AND RELATED INCIDENTS OF UNPROFESSIONALISM AGAINST LAWYERS: A DEMAND FOR INVESTIGATION, IMMEDIATE ACTION AND CESSATION,” Akpata stated that he was “constrained” to write the anti-graft Chairman over the alleged assault on NBA Makurdi Branch Chairman, Mr. Justin Gbagir and “the recurring unwholesome and unprofessional conducts by officers and operatives of the EFCC against members of the legal profession in Nigeria who are lawfully discharging their professional responsibilities.” The letter was copied to Attorney General of the Federation & Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami SAN.

In the 15-paragraph long letter dated June 10, 2021 but received by the EFCC on 15th June, 2021, the NBA President noted that he was “credibly informed that Mr. Gbagir visited the Makurdi office of the EFCC on 8th June 2021 to facilitate the release of one Ms. Aver Shima (“Ms. Shima”), who is a law officer in the employ of the Benue State Ministry of Justice. Ms. Shima had apparently been detained by the EFCC on an allegation that she gave legal advice to the Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board that allegedly culminated in the latter signing a document which is reportedly the subject of investigation by the EFCC. Since the merits of the detention of Ms. Shima for providing legal advice is now, as I understand it, already the subject of independent investigation, I shall refrain from commenting on Ms. Shima’s treatment.”

Turning to the alleged manhandling of Gbagir by EFCC operatives, Akpata said: “Infuriated by this turn of events, the Honorable Attorney-General, the Solicitor General and the Special Adviser to the Governor who had all come to intervene in the detention of Ms. Shima left the premises. Suffice to state that Mr. Gbagir who suffered severe hurt and sustained various degrees of injury had to be hospitalized at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.”

In a damning indictment of the EFCC operatives, the NBA President described their conduct as “uncultured,” saying: “I assume that you will agree, Mr. Chairman, that if this level of uncultured behaviour could be exhibited by EFCC operatives in the presence of the strong delegation accompanying Mr. Gbagir, who in his own right is a Bar Leader, then the potential fate of other lawyers and citizens who interface with the EFCC in that zone is better imagined than experienced.”

Also in a veiled displeasure over the conduct of the EFCC leadership and its controversial press statement over the assault, Akpata said: “When we both spoke about this incident on 9th June 2021, you understandably expressed shock at this development and promised to investigate same. I have no cause yet to believe that you would personally renege on that promise. However, I have seen certain reports in the media credited to the EFCC Media and Publicity team which denied and largely distorted the facts. In fidelity to honesty and good order, I trust that you and I can agree that the statement credited to the EFCC media head, to the extent that it represents the official position of the EFCC, is premature and antithetic to your pledge to investigate the issue.

“It is pertinent to add that both before and after reading the EFCC statement, I spoke to the Attorney-General of Benue State and other well-meaning senior lawyers who witnessed the incident, and their narrative is entirely consistent with the position of Mr. Gbagir. I have no reason to doubt or disbelieve their narrative and it now behooves on the EFCC to show that it can rise above board and properly investigate the excesses of its own staff.

Turning to the issue of harassment of lawyers by EFCC operatives, Akpata lampooned the operatives for “the high level of unprofessionalism, crass abuse of power and inhumane treatment” which they “have exhibited, and continue to exhibit, at different times when dealing with lawyers at various offices of the EFCC across the country.” According to him, “Verifiable instances abound of lawyers who have been, or are being, harassed, arrested, and detained for either providing legal advice to, or preparing transaction documents for, their clients. There are also other instances, where lawyers are simply denied access to their clients in custody or continuously maltreated, frustrated, intimidated and demeaned by EFCC operatives. The NBA is more than willing to make further representations to you and provide proof of such unsavory developments including recent instances where we have had to intervene on behalf of our members who were unjustly harassed or detained by the EFCC.”

Noting however that this state of affairs precedes the current EFCC leadership, Akpata warned that the situation “is totally unacceptable and, if not checked, will increasingly paint the Commission in a negative light, raise serious concerns about the modus operandi of the Commission and undermine her relationship with critical stakeholders.”

He noted that “the current state of the relationship between lawyers and the Commission, which ordinarily ought to be harmonious, collaborative and symbiotic, is unhealthy and continues to deteriorate. For inexplicable reasons, the relationship is characterised by the wanton harassment and assault of members of the legal profession who, by their calling, are mandated to provide legal advisory and support services to suspects in the custody of the Commission or those who are otherwise under investigation.” Akpata then warned that “This debasing treatment must cease forthwith.”

In a three-point demand, the NBA President wrote: “It is in view of the foregoing that I therefore formally request you to use your good offices to investigate this complaint expeditiously and thoroughly in the interest of justice and ensure that all operatives complicit in the very unfortunate incident are disciplined in line with extant service rules and applicable laws. The NBA will be constantly following up with you in this respect, as we will no longer endure or tolerate the incessant harassment of our members by EFCC operatives while such lawyers are lawfully discharging their duties.

“You may recall that one of the cardinal pillars of your mandate upon your assumption of office was to reposition the Commission and make it a reputable anti-corruption agency that boasts of the finest of personnel. I dare say that achieving this laudable objective would necessarily include weaning the Commission of officers and personnel whose conduct, taken individually or in the aggregate, are bound to undermine the image of the Commission.

“As you continue to settle into office, I urge you to look into these issues carefully with a view to resolving them holistically and avoiding a recurrence. We are indeed expectant that there will be no repeat of incidences such as those complained about in this letter. Lawyers dealing with the Commission must and should be accorded the respect and dignity that they deserve when acting on behalf of their clients. Under your leadership, you must intervene and take steps to ensure that this is the case at all offices of the Commission across the country.”

Below is the full text of the letter:

10th June 2021

The Executive Chairman
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
EFCC Headquarters
Plot 301/302, Institution and Research Cadastral District
Jabi, Abuja

Attention: Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa

Dear Sir,

ASSAULT OF OFFICIAL(S) OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION BY OPERATIVES OF THE EFCC AND RELATED INCIDENTS OF UNPROFESSIONALISM AGAINST LAWYERS: A DEMAND FOR INVESTIGATION, IMMEDIATE ACTION AND CESSATION

I am constrained to write to you over (a) an unfortunate incident which occurred on 8^th June 2021 involving some operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (the “EFCC” or the “Commission”) at its Makurdi Zonal office, and Mr. Justin Gbagir (“Mr. Gbagir”), a senior member of the Nigerian Bar Association (“NBA”) who is also the Chairman of the Makurdi Branch of NBA; and (b) the recuring unwholesome and unprofessional conducts by officers and operatives of the EFCC against members of the legal profession in Nigeria who are lawfully discharging their professional responsibilities.

The Unfortunate Makurdi Incident

I have been credibly informed that Mr. Gbagir visited the Makurdi office of the EFCC on 8^th June 2021 to facilitate the release of one Ms. Aver Shima (“ Shima”), who is a law officer in the employ of the Benue State Ministry of Justice. Ms. Shima had apparently been detained by the EFCC on an allegation that she gave legal advice to the Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board that allegedly culminated in the latter signing a document which is reportedly the subject of investigation by the EFCC. Since the merits of the detention of Ms. Shima for providing legal advice is now, as I understand it, already the subject of independent investigation, I shall refrain from commenting on Ms. Shima’s treatment.

As we understand from the sequence of events, when Mr. Gbagir arrived at the EFCC zonal office in the company of other senior members of the Benue State Ministry of Justice, including the State Director of Public Prosecution, the delegation was refused entry into the offices of the EFCC and was subjected to humiliating and degrading treatment by the security operatives manning the gate of the EFCC on the rather specious ground that they were “agitators” who had come to protest. It took the intervention of the Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor and the arrival of the Attorney-General and the Solicitor-General of the State before the delegation was allowed access into the facility.

It is our further understanding that when Mr. Gbagir was introduced to the EFCC zonal head (Mr. Kazeem Oseni) by the Solicitor-General of the State as the Chairman of the Makurdi Branch of the NBA, Mr. Gbagir was denied all courtesies on the ground that he was an “agitator”. Perplexed and embarrassed, Mr. Gbagir sought to excuse himself from the office of the zonal head only to be swarmed by an army of operatives of the EFCC, who brutally manhandled Mr. Gbagir and pushed him out of the premises. Of particular note and concern is the fact that eyewitness accounts confirm that the actions of the EFCC operatives were carried out with the tacit consent of the zonal head, at best, or based on his express instructions, at worst.

Infuriated by this turn of events, the Honorable Attorney-General, the Solicitor General and the Special Adviser to the Governor who had all come to intervene in the detention of Ms. Shima left the premises. Suffice to state that Mr. Gbagir who suffered severe hurt and sustained various degrees of injury had to be hospitalized at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.

I assume that you will agree, Mr. Chairman, that if this level of uncultured behaviour could be exhibited by EFCC operatives in the presence of the strong delegation accompanying Mr. Gbagir, who in his own right is a Bar Leader, then the potential fate of other lawyers and citizens who interface with the EFCC in that zone is better imagined than experienced.

When we both spoke about this incident on 9^th June 2021, you understandably expressed shock at this development and promised to investigate same. I have no cause yet to believe that you would personally renege on that promise. However, I have seen certain reports in the media credited to the EFCC Media and Publicity team which denied and largely distorted the facts. In fidelity to honesty and good order, I trust that you and I can agree that the statement credited to the EFCC media head, to the extent that it represents the official position of the EFCC, is premature and antithetic to your pledge to investigate the issue.

It is pertinent to add that both before and after reading the EFCC statement, I spoke to the Attorney-General of Benue State and other well-meaning senior lawyers who witnessed the incident, and their narrative is entirely consistent with the position of Mr. Gbagir. I have no reason to doubt or disbelieve their narrative and it now behooves on the EFCC to show that it can rise above board and properly investigate the excesses of its own staff.

Other egregious conducts of EFCC operatives against legal practitioners

Chairman, whilst the above represents the isolated experience of Mr. Gbagir, it is an opportune time to bring to your attention the high level of unprofessionalism, crass abuse of power and inhumane treatment that operatives of the EFCC have exhibited, and continue to exhibit, at different times when dealing with lawyers at various offices of the EFCC across the country. Verifiable instances abound of lawyers who have been, or are being, harassed, arrested, and detained for either providing legal advice to, or preparing transaction documents for, their clients. There are also other instances, where lawyers are simply denied access to their clients in custody or continuously maltreated, frustrated, intimidated and demeaned by EFCC operatives. The NBA is more than willing to make further representations to you and provide proof of such unsavory developments including recent instances where we have had to intervene on behalf of our members who were unjustly harassed or detained by the EFCC.

This state of affairs, which admittedly precedes your appointment to superintend the EFCC, is totally unacceptable and, if not checked, will increasingly paint the Commission in a negative light, raise serious concerns about the modus operandi of the Commission and undermine her relationship with critical stakeholders. As you know, the role of lawyers is critical to the actualisation of the Commission’s foundational objectives. As a law enforcement agency that is established to be responsible and accountable to the citizenry, one would expect that lawyers will continue to be your partners in progress who should feel welcome and accommodated by the Commission and its operatives.

Regrettably, the current state of the relationship between lawyers and the Commission, which ordinarily ought to be harmonious, collaborative and symbiotic, is unhealthy and continues to deteriorate. For inexplicable reasons, the relationship is characterised by the wanton harassment and assault of members of the legal profession who, by their calling, are mandated to provide legal advisory and support services to suspects in the custody of the Commission or those who are otherwise under investigation. This debasing treatment must cease forthwith.

Conclusion

It is in view of the foregoing that I therefore formally request you to use your good offices to investigate this complaint expeditiously and thoroughly in the interest of justice and ensure that all operatives complicit in the very unfortunate incident are disciplined in line with extant service rules and applicable laws. The NBA will be constantly following up with you in this respect, as we will no longer endure or tolerate the incessant harassment of our members by EFCC operatives while such lawyers are lawfully discharging their duties.

You may recall that one of the cardinal pillars of your mandate upon your assumption of office was to reposition the Commission and make it a reputable anti-corruption agency that boasts of the finest of personnel. I dare say that achieving this laudable objective would necessarily include weaning the Commission of officers and personnel whose conduct, taken individually or in the aggregate, are bound to undermine the image of the Commission.
As you continue to settle into office, I urge you to look into these issues carefully with a view to resolving them holistically and avoiding a recurrence. We are indeed expectant that there will be no repeat of incidences such as those complained about in this letter. Lawyers dealing with the Commission must and should be accorded the respect and dignity that they deserve when acting on behalf of their clients. Under your leadership, you must intervene and take steps to ensure that this is the case at all offices of the Commission across the country.

While I look forward to an expeditious investigation of the unjust treatment of Mr. Gbagir and a general refocusing of the approach of the EFCC in its dealings with lawyers, please accept, Mr. Chairman, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Yours faithfully,

OLUMIDE AKPATA

President

Nigerian Bar Association

Cc: The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation

Federal Ministry of Justice

Abuja

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EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jun 11, 2021
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INEC: NBA ASKS SENATE TO DUMP BUHARI’S NOMINEE

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged Nigeria’s Senate not to confirm Ms. Lauretta Onochie as Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioner.

In a statement by the Chairman of the Governing Council of NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Dr. Monday Ubani, the lawyers’ body said that “Mrs. Lauretta Onochie, a clearly partisan individual by the President, an individual who has in recent years publicly displayed her partisanship and undying support for the ruling Party in her utterances, conduct and interaction with the Public cannot and should not serve as INEC Commissioner, a role reserved for an unbiased Umpire. I on-behalf of the Nigerian Public urge the Senate to righteously reject her nomination and confirmation forthwith.”

The Senate leadership had recently directed its Committee on INEC to screen Onochie for possible confirmation.

Below is the full text of the statement.

Distinguished Senator Kabiru Gaya
Chairman Senate Committee on INEC
National Assembly Complex,
F.CT,
Abuja.

Dear Sir,

OBJECTION FOR THE CONFIRMATION OF LAURETTA ONOCHIE AS INEC COMMISSIONER.

I write this letter of objection to your sir at this critical and turbulent times in our Nation’s history, and I strongly believe that the Senate as a democratic institution of this great Country, has what it takes at this trying times to save and preserve Nigeria from heckling down to hell.

Sometime in October 2020, Mrs. Lauretta Onochie, was nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari as an INEC Commissioner. Mrs Lauretta Onochie, who until her nomination by the President, served as the President’s Personal Assistant and was an unapologetic member of the ruling Party the All Progressive Congress (APC) hence, her nomination by the President as INEC Commissioner, a position that the law prescribes the holder of same should be non-partisan, is ultra-vires and unconstitutional.

Recently her name came up for confirmation by the senate after an initial set back, therefore, as a concerned Citizen of this great Country, and as a Constitutional Legal Practitioner with grave concern for the preservation and sustainability of our very fragile democracy, I hereby strongly object to the nomination of Mrs. Lauretta Onochie by the President and her intended confirmation of her nomination by the Senate.

Distinguished Senate Chairman, considering the reality of Nigeria today, with the high level of insecurity, ethnic tensions and mistrust among Citizens, the decline in trust and confidence by the Citizens in their elected officials and democratic institutions to mention a few, it is very important, that as the next election draws closer, whoever is to be nominated by the President to serve as INEC Commissioner, Chairman or as an unbiased Umpire for National elections must be in compliance with the law and must be persons that, the general public view as not being partisan or compromised in any form or manner.

Sir, Section 152 of the Electoral Act, provides that. “no person holding an elective office to which this act relates or a registered member of a Political Party shall be eligible for or be appointed to carry out duties of a returning officer, an electoral officer, presiding officer or Poll Clerk”. Therefore, the nomination of Mrs. Lauretta Onochie, a clearly partisan individual by the President, an individual who has in recent years publicly displayed her partisanship and undying support for the ruling Party in her utterances, conduct and interaction with the Public cannot and should not serve as INEC Commissioner, a role reserved for an unbiased Umpire. I on-behalf of the Nigerian Public urge the Senate to righteously reject her nomination and confirmation forthwith.

For emphasis;

As a card carrying member of the ruling party or any other party for that matter, she is unfit for the position she is nominated. I also doubt that Section 154 (3) of the constitution was complied with, which prescribe that the President nominates INEC Commissioner in consultation with the Council of State. Paragraphs B of Part 1 of the 3rd Schedule of the constitution provides that the Council of State shall have power to advise the President in the exercise of his power with respect to (iv) the INEC including the appointment of members of the Commission. When was this Section and paragraph complied with? If I may ask.

Most importantly paragraph 14 of part I of the third schedule of the constitution as amended in Section 30 No. 1 of 2020, a member of INEC should be “non partisan”, can Mrs. Lauretta Onochie be regarded by anyone in Nigeria, knowing her antecedent as the Special Assistant to the President as “non partisan” under the Nigerian context? The right answer is No.

I therefore, on behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association urge that her nomination be rejected and her confirmation be denied forthwith.

Thanking you in advance for the positive consideration of my request.

Dr. Monday O. Ubani, Esq.
Chairman
NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jun 09, 2021
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BENUE ASSAULT: AKPATA TACKLES BAWA, EFCC DENIES CHARGE

AG, SOLICITOR-GENERAL CONFIRMED ASSAULT – SPIDEL CHAIR

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Olumide Akpata has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa over the battered NBA Makurdi Branch Chairman, Mr. Justin Gbagir, even as the anti-graft agency has denied that its operatives manhandled the Bar Leader.

Impeccable sources told CITY LAWYER that Akpata had engaged with the EFCC Chairman over the matter. Bawa was said to have requested time to investigate the matter and take necessary action.

The EFCC has now issued a statement denying the alleged assault. The anti-graft agency said that it was the Makurdi Branch Chairman who “was the aggressor as he led a gang of thugs to breach the security of the Makurdi office in an attempt to forcibly set free a suspect under interrogation by the EFCC.”

The statement added that the Bar Leader allegedly failed to identify himself and that “the EFCC Zonal Head had no option than to show him out of his office and refuse him further entry into the Commission’s premises.”

But fiery NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) Chairman, Mr. Monday Ubani said that several sources confirmed the assault to him, even as the under-fire Zonal Head denied the allegation. His words: “I have spoken to the Chairman of Makurdi who confirmed the beating. He is back to hospital. I have also spoken to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal Matters who confirmed the incident. I eventually got the President of the Bar who affirmed that the AG confirmed the beating. Our President has spoken to the Chairman of EFCC who requested for time to investigate and take action.”

He however said the Zonal Head denied “that he never touched nor directed any of his operatives to touch our member. He denied the beating.”

Narrating his ordeal, Gbagir said: “As I made to leave, the personnel of EFCC numbering between 7 and above pounced on me and started beating me. They broke my recommended reading eyeglasses in the process and pushed me out of the premises.

“Outside the premises, the threw out my footwears which I was dispossessed of in the course of the beating.”

Below is the full text of the EFCC statement.

EFCC Press Release

EFCC Denies Assaulting NBA Chairman

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC wishes to inform the public that claims by one Justin Gbagir, Chairman Makurdi Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, that he was assaulted and brutalized by operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Office of the Commission on June 8, 2021, leading to his being hospitalized at BUSTH is false, and orchestrated to portray the Commission as draconian and uncivil.

Contrary to the false narrative being promoted in the social media by Gbagir, he was the aggressor as he led a gang of thugs to breach the security of the Makurdi office in an attempt to forcibly set free a suspect under interrogation by the EFCC.

The standard procedure for effecting the release of suspects in detention is known to even rookie lawyers. But rather than follow due process, Gbagir opted for force, recruited thugs and stormed the EFCC office.

In spite of the provocation, operatives of the Commission handled him with restraint, bent backward by allowing him to meet with the Zonal Head. But rather than reciprocate, he still refused to identify himself, against all norms of civility. In the circumstance, the EFCC Zonal Head had no option than to show him out of his office and refuse him further entry into the Commission’s premises.

Regrettably, the seasoned lawyer resorted to social media blackmail, posing in hospital bed and concocting a fantastic story of an imaginary assault by EFCC operatives.

His action is to say the least indecorous and unbecoming of the leader of the bar in a state like Benue. He demonstrated embarrassing insensitivity to the delicate security situation of the state.

Gbagir should be remorseful for his misguided action and not spew untruths in pliable sections of the media.

Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
9 June, 2021

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jun 04, 2021
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NBA BWARI HONOURS GADZAMA, OTHERS

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Bwari Branch has honoured the pioner Chairman of NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and others during its 2021 Law Week.

Themed “Post COVID Realities for Nigerian Lawyers; Curbing Insecurity Challenges and Fostering National Development,” the event was held at Gadis Event Center, Dutse, Abuja on June 1 and 2, 2021

Among those who delivered goodwill messages were Gadzama, the Chief Judge of FCT, Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi (represented by Justice O. A. Musa); Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Ciroma SAN, and NBA General Secretary, Mrs. Joyce Oduah.

The Chairman of the branch, Mr. Clement Chukwuemeka thanked Gadzama “for his unwavering fatherly support to the branch” and urged all lawyers to be steadfast. The Le and diligent. The branch also unveiled the second edition of its journal.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jun 03, 2021
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Comments Off on CAC ACCREDITATION: NBA MAKES U-TURN, ASKS LAWYERS TO COMPLY

CAC ACCREDITATION: NBA MAKES U-TURN, ASKS LAWYERS TO COMPLY

SETS UP JOINT HELP DESK FOR CAC COMPLAINTS

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reversed its hard stance on the ongoing re-accreditation exercise by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), asking lawyers to comply with the directive. It has also set up a joint help desk with the CAC to address lawyers’ complaints.

In a press statement signed by NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, the association stated that “The CAC and the NBA have agreed that rather than require lawyers and accredited agents to pay the accreditation fee on an annual basis, the payment will be a one-off fee.”

The statement added that “The CAC and the NBA have also agreed that the payment and reaccreditation will not apply to lawyers who paid or were accredited by the CAC between 1st January 2020 and the date of the initial reaccreditation notice from the CAC in March 2021. The portion of the reminder notice from the CAC dated 1st June 2021 which exempted only those who procured their accreditation after 31st December 2020 was an error which will be withdrawn or clarified by the CAC.”

This is a sharp departure from the position of the lawyers’ body which had in a press statement on March 12, 2021 chided the corporate registry agency for the revalidation exercise, saying that “it is both insensitive and smacks of utter bad faith on the part of the CAC to proceed with this policy without due consultation with the NBA whose members make up over 80% of the customer base of the CAC.”

The NBA had also reasoned that “it is possible to achieve a clean database of accredited agents by requiring those who had been previously accredited by the CAC to simply update and revalidate their records on the CAC portal (at no cost) or lose their accreditation by the new deadline,” adding that “The obligatory charge imposed by the CAC should not apply to existing users but only to those customers who have never been accredited by the CAC and who now seek to be part of the system.”

The lawyers’ body had also based its opposition to the payment of the N10,000 revalidation fee on the harsh economic climate, saying: “The NBA strongly urges the CAC to reconsider its position with respect to the payment of the revalidation fee by existing users, and more importantly to continue to work assiduously towards improving customer experience by resolving the several complaints by users of the system and enhancing efficiency.”

It was unclear at press time whether the NBA has secured any major shift from the CAC prior to altering its position on the issue, moreso as the CAC had since March 12, 2021 clarified in a tweet that the payment is a one-off. It had stated thus: “Dear esteemed Customers, please be informed that payment for re-validation of accreditation is one-off. And accreditation is not renewable annually. Furthermore, the timeline for re-validation of accreditation has been extended to June, 10 2021.”

Aside from merely stating that “The CAC maintains that the revalidation exercise is important to it for a proper administration of the CAC database especially as the CAC migrates to a process where most or all activities at, or dealings with, the CAC will be concluded on its online portal,” the NBA leadership has not provided any justification for its new stance on the revalidation fee.

Below is the full text of the NBA statement.

3rd June 2021

To all Lawyers in Nigeria

CAC DIRECTIVE ON RE-VALIDATION OF ACCREDITED AGENTS: UPDATE FROM THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION

Members of the Nigerian Bar Association (“NBA”) would have seen a notice dated 1st June 2021 from the Corporate Affairs Commission (“CAC”) reminding accredited agents of the CAC to revalidate their status as agents with the CAC. Accredited agents are required to pay for such revalidation on or before 10th June 2021 or risk a suspension of their accounts.

Kindly recall that when the news of this revalidation first broke out in March 2021, the NBA had issued a statement dated 12th March 2021 informing Nigerian lawyers that the NBA was engaging with the CAC on this process. Following the engagements, we wish to provide the update below:

1. The CAC maintains that the revalidation exercise is important to it for a proper administration of the CAC database especially as the CAC migrates to a process where most or all activities at, or dealings with, the CAC will be concluded on its online portal.

2. The CAC and the NBA have agreed that rather than require lawyers and accredited agents to pay the accreditation fee on an annual basis, the payment will be a one-off fee.

3. The CAC and the NBA have also agreed that the payment and reaccreditation will not apply to lawyers who paid or were accredited by the CAC between 1st January 2020 and the date of the initial reaccreditation notice from the CAC in March 2021. The portion of the reminder notice from the CAC dated 1st June 2021 which exempted only those who procured their accreditation after 31st December 2020 was an error which will be withdrawn or clarified by the CAC.

4. The CAC and the NBA have agreed that in order to enhance efficiency at the CAC and deal with service level complaints from lawyers who use the services of the CAC, an NBA help/support desk (manned by the NBA-CAC Task Force) will be set up at the CAC. Lawyers who have applications at the CAC that are not attended to within the designated timelines may escalate their complaints to the NBA support team which will liaise with the CAC with a view to resolving the issues. Such complaints should be sent to nbacac@nigerianbar.org.ng. Kindly note that only correspondence relating to delays and service inefficiency at the CAC will be entertained by this help/support desk.

5. The NBA is not oblivious of the challenges that lawyers have had to face with their clients on account of delayed processing of applications, and other service-related issues at the CAC. Accordingly, the NBA will continue to work with the CAC towards enhancing efficiency at the CAC and generally improving on the experience of our members when dealing with the CAC.

Yours sincerely,

OLUMIDE AKPATA
NBA President

NBA_CAC

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. To ADVERTISE in CITY LAWYER, please email citylawyermag@gmail.com or call 08138380083. All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Jun 01, 2021
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NBA BWARI KICKS OFF LAW WEEK

The Annual Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Bwari Branch (“Capital Bar”) kicked off today with much fanfare.

Confirming this to CITY LAWYER, the Branch Chairman, Mr. Clement Chukwuemeka Ugo said Day-One of the Law Week went as planned.

Below is the full schedule for the Law Week.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS FOR NBA BWARI LAW WEEK 2021

Venue: GADIS Event Centre, Opposite, Girls’ Secondary School, Dutse.

DAY 1: TUESDAY 1ST JUNE 2021
SESSION 1: The Opening Ceremony of NBA BWARI BRANCH LAW WEEK – 2021: TIME: 10.AM -11.55.AM

THEME: Post Covid Realities for the Nigerian Lawyer; Curbing Insecurity Challenges and Fostering National Development.

TEA BREAK: 11.40.AM -11.55.AM

Session 2

EVENT: DISCOURSE 1: (a) Providing Legal Aid to the Victims of Sexual Gender Based Violence (b)Sentencing Guidelines and Plea Bargaining- 12.PM – 1.55.PM

EVENT: DISCOURSE II – Examining the Operation of the Doctrine of Separation of Power in Modern Day Nigeria.
TIME: 2.PM -4.PM

DAY 2: WEDNESDAY 2ND JUNE 2021

SESSION 1:
EVENT: DISCOURSE 1: Creating a Niche in the Legal Profession, Future of Nigerian Legal Profession and Specialization in the Legal Practice: Where lies the Perfect Blend?

TIME: 10.AM – 12.PM

SESSION 2:

EVENT: DISCOURSE 2: CAMA 2020: The Pains and Gains.
TIME: 2.PM – 3.PM

SESSION 3:
EVENT: DISCOURSE 3: Ethical Compliance in Post Covid 19: Where are the Nigerian Lawyers?
TIME: 4.PM-6.PM

DINNER: 4P.M – 6.PM

COMPLETE EVENT PROGRAMME: https://cutt.ly/OnsAMd2

ZOOM MEETING: https://cutt.ly/zkUftuk
MEETING ID: 860 7640 1685
PASSCODE: NBA2021LW

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Apr 19, 2021
4
Comments Off on JUSUN STRIKE: ANXIETY, AS NBA IKEJA BOYCOTTS LAGOS BRANCHES’ PARLEY WITH SANWO-OLU TOMORROW

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.”

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. To ADVERTISE in CITY LAWYER, please email citylawyermag@gmail.com or call 08138380083. All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Apr 19, 2021
0
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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.

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. To ADVERTISE in CITY LAWYER, please email citylawyermag@gmail.com or call 08138380083. All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Apr 19, 2021
0
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JUSUN STRIKE SPLITS LAGOS NBA BRANCHES, AKPATA WADES IN

• Ikeja Branch insists on protest march today
• Akpata Gives Nod to 4 branches to visit tomorrow
• Schism on interpretation of NBA’s directive

The directive by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Olumide Akpata to NBA branches to pay a “visit” to Governors’ offices today and deliver letters to press home the demand for financial autonomy for the judiciary has split the five branches in Lagos State.

While Ikeja Branch insists on holding a “protest march” today in support of the ongoing strike by Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), the four other branches yesterday agreed to “visit” the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu tomorrow to deliver their joint letter.

At least two branch chairmen told CITY LAWYER that efforts made to persuade Ikeja Branch, otherwise called the “Tiger Branch,” to join other branches in the visit tomorrow met a brick wall, as the branch insisted that it had resolved at its last monthly meeting to embark on a “protest march,” even before Akpata’s directive.

NBA Ikorodu Branch Chairman, Mr. Abimbola Ojedokun told CITY LAWYER that all the branch chairmen met via whatsapp call yesterday to agree on the modalities for the visit, noting that aside from Ikeja Branch, the other branch chairman resolved to deliver a joint letter to the Governor tomorrow.

“We agreed to gather at Alausa Secretariat between 11 am and 12 noon and proceed to the Governor’s Office to meet with the Governor and deliver a joint letter to him on the issue,” said Ojedokun. “We set the time to enable members from far-flung branches like Epe and Badagry to join the group.”

Ojedokun said that the branches were mandated to mobilize their members for the visit, adding that while NBA Lagos Branch would alert its members of the decision at its monthly meeting holding today, the three other branches have scheduled emergency general meetings today to work out modalities for tomorrow’s visit.

Confirming Ojedokun’s stance, the Chairman of NBA Epe Branch, Mr. Ademola Koko told CITY LAWYER that the during the virtual meeting, Ikeja Branch stated that its plan to proceed on a protest march was 99 percent complete, adding that it could not resile from the resolve of its members.

“After the meeting, we issued a communiqué for each branch to convene an extra-ordinary general meeting to inform its members of the resolution to visit the Governor tomorrow. The meeting considered the fact the Mr. President’s directive was issued on Friday, leaving limited time to plan for the visit.

“Mr. President’s directive was for a joint visit to the Governor to deliver a jointly signed letter by all the branches in each state. That way, the letter will carry more weight. I am glad to tell you that Mr. President gave approval to the four branches to proceed with the visit tomorrow. We have just ended our own EGM. We are already mobilizing our members.”

CITY LAWYER gathered that NBA Lagos Branch Chairman, Mr. Yemi Akangbe was mandated by the other three chairmen to write the letter, to be endorsed by other branch chairmen prior to delivery to the Governor.

When CITY LAWYER telephoned NBA Ikeja Branch Chairman, Mr. Bartholomew Aguegbodo, he did not pick the call. However, a former Secretary of the Branch, Mr. Chinedu Ifezue told CITY LAWYER that the branch was holding an extra-ordinary general meeting where the chairman was presiding.

He said the EGM had again endorsed the earlier resolution to proceed with a protest march today, adding that “it is strictly in compliance with the NBA President’s directive. In fact, not to conduct the visit today is the real breach of the directive.”

In a press statement personally signed by the NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, the association asked all NBA branches to march to their respective State Governors on Monday “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.”

Noting that the demand for financial autonomy “is legitimate, constitutional and is in the best interest of the Judiciary as it is one of the key parameters for enthroning independence of the Judiciary and fostering democracy,” the NBA also directed the branch chairmen “to ensure that these visits are embarked upon, every subsequent Monday, until there is full compliance with this demand that is aimed at strengthening our democracy and the dispensation of justice. We trust that our members will give the leadership of their respective branches all the support that they require to achieve this much needed victory for our justice system.”

The move is coming on the heels of stalled efforts to amicably resolve the impasse, a situation bemoaned by the lawyers’ association which stated that “With these developments and the recent actions and utterances of officials of some of the State Governments, it has become apparent that most of the State Governments are not ready or willing to implement the constitutional provisions which grant financial autonomy to the

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Apr 18, 2021
2
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JUSUN STRIKE: LAWYERS SET TO STORM GOVS’ OFFICES TOMORROW

Nigerian lawyers are poised to storm Governors’ offices tomorrow in compliance with the directive by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and to press home the demand for financial autonomy for the judiciary. The move is in apparent solidarity with the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) which embarked on a nationwide strike to ensure financial autonomy for the judiciary.

In a press statement personally signed by the NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, the association 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.”

Below is the full text of the statement.

JUSUN Strike – NBA Directive to Branches

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. To ADVERTISE in CITY LAWYER, please email citylawyermag@gmail.com or call 08138380083. All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Apr 16, 2021
1
0

JUSUN STRIKE: NBA DIRECTS LAWYERS TO STORM GOVS’ OFFICES TOMORROW

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has directed its members to storm Governors’ Offices tomorrow to press home the demand for financial autonomy for the judiciary. The move is in apparent solidarity with the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) which embarked on a nationwide strike to press home its demand for financial autonomy of the Nigerian Judiciary.

Below is the full text of the statement.

JUSUN Strike – NBA Directive to Branches

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. To ADVERTISE in CITY LAWYER, please email citylawyermag@gmail.com or call 08138380083. All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Apr 07, 2021
1
Comments Off on GADZAMA TO CHAIR BENCHERS’ MENTORSHIP C’TE, SEEKS TO PARTNER NBA

GADZAMA TO CHAIR BENCHERS’ MENTORSHIP C’TE, SEEKS TO PARTNER NBA

Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidential candidate and Bar Leader, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has been appointed Chairman of the Mentorship Committee of the Body of Benchers (BOB).

Disclosing this in a letter to the NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, Gadzama noted that the appointment was made on March 25, 2021 by the highest policy-making body in the legal profession.

In the letter made available to CITY LAWYER, the Bar Leader noted that “this is an interest that the BOB shares with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which, under your leadership, has demonstrated a clear commitment to raising both ethical and professional standards at the Bar. The NBA has made laudable strides on its own, and I am convinced that even more spectacular achievements will follow if it collaborates with the Committee – and by extension, BOB – in discharging this mandate.”

Below is the full text of the statement.

J-K/ABJ/NBA/APP/04/21

Wednesday, 7th April, 2021.

Mr. Olumide Akpata,
President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA),
National Secretariat, NBA House,
Plot 1101 Mohammadu Buhari Way,
Central Business District,
Abuja.

Dear Sir,

MY APPOINTMENT AS CHAIRMAN, MENTORSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE BODY OF BENCHERS (BOB)

On Thursday, 25th March, 2021, the undersigned had the privilege of being appointed Chairman of the Mentorship Committee of the Body of Benchers (BOB). The Mentorship Committee of the BOB is charged with the responsibility of promoting the values and skills that are crucial to excellence in the legal profession, and is committed to ensuring that these skills are transmitted to the coming generations of lawyers.

I understand that this is an interest that the BOB shares with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which, under your leadership, has demonstrated a clear commitment to raising both ethical and professional standards at the Bar. The NBA has made laudable strides on its own, and I am convinced that even more spectacular achievements will follow if it collaborates with the Committee – and by extension, BOB – in discharging this mandate.

I look forward to working together with the NBA under your leadership, along with the Young Lawyers Forum, in the effort to raise ever higher the professional standards of our noble profession.

Thank you for your kind cooperation, and please accept the assurances of my highest esteem.

Yours faithfully,

__________________________
Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR, MFR, SAN.
JOM/SJA

CC:

Mr. Tobi Adebowale,
The Chairman,
Young Lawyers Forum
National Secretariat, NBA House,
Plot 1101 Mohammadu Buhari Way,
Central Business District,
Abuja.

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. To ADVERTISE in CITY LAWYER, please email citylawyermag@gmail.com or call 08138380083. All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use.

NBA

UBANI EXPLAINS CHOICE OF TOP SPEAKERS

• DEFLECTS DEMAND TO SACK CULPRITS • AKPATA TO STORM MAKURDI TO PLOT NEXT STEPS • GBAGIR SET FOR SURGERY TO SAVE SIGHT

GBAGIR BRIEFS AKPATA

NBA MAY SUE EFCC

AG, SOLICITOR-GENERAL CONFIRMED ASSAULT – SPIDEL CHAIR

SETS UP JOINT HELP DESK FOR CAC COMPLAINTS

LAGOS, BADAGRY, EPE AND IKORODU BRANCHES TO ATTEND

CONFUSION OVER PARTICIPATION OF BRANCH MEMBERS

• Ikeja Branch insists on protest march today • Akpata Gives Nod to 4 branches to visit tomorrow • Schism on interpretation of NBA’s directive

• DEFLECTS DEMAND TO SACK CULPRITS
• AKPATA TO STORM MAKURDI TO PLOT NEXT STEPS
• GBAGIR SET FOR SURGERY TO SAVE SIGHT

• Ikeja Branch insists on protest march today
• Akpata Gives Nod to 4 branches to visit tomorrow
• Schism on interpretation of NBA’s directive