NJC

LAWYER PROBES SUPREME COURT, NJC FINANCES, VOWS LAWSUIT

Activist-lawyer, Chief Malcolm Omirhobo has vowed to drag the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola to court if the apex court jurist fails to provide him with information on Supreme Court’s finances.

In a Pre-Action Notice to Justice Ariwoola, the activist stated that a similar notice to retired Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammad met a brick wall.

According to another Pre-Action Notice addressed to the Accountant-General of the Federation, Omirhobo noted that on the strength of the relevant sections of the Freedom of Information Act 2011 and via his letter dated 22/6/2022, his law firm had written to the National Judicial Council (NJC) also demanding details on its finances.

In the notices made available to CITY LAWYER, the activist-lawyer is seeking information on the finances of the apex court and the National Judicial Council pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act.

He wrote: “In addition to the above, we also humbly request that you furnish us with a copy of the letter of the Justices of the Supreme Court to your predecessor-in-title accusing him of financial impropriety, corruption, mal-administration, lack of transparency, inclusivity and accountability which is in the public domain.”

Urging the apex court helmsman to furnish him with certified true copies of the documents or direct any designated official to supply the documents, Ormihobo wrote: “TAKE NOTICE, My Lord, that in the event of any delay or refusal to disclose the information within 7-days from the date of your receipt of this request, we shall be compelled to take lawful and necessary steps to compel you to disclose the information in accordance with Section 20 and other provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.”

Below are the full texts of the letters.

MALCOLM OMIRHOBO & CO.
No. 121, Okota Road, Isolo, P.O. Box 7215, Ikeja, Lagos.
Tel: 0803-307-2453,
E-mail: omirhobo@yahoo.com

12th September, 2022

The Chief Justice of Nigeria
Supreme Court Complex
Three Arms-Zone
Federal Capital Territory,
Abuja.

Your Lordship,

NOTICE ON APPLICATION BROUGHT PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, 2011 FOR THE CERTIFIED TRUE COPIES OF CERTAIN PUBLIC DOCUMENTS

Our letter in respect of the above subject matter dated 22/6/2022 (copy enclosed herewith) refers.

We humbly wish to bring to your notice that the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Mohammed Tanko, (your predecessor-in-title) did not furnish us with the information we requested of him via our afore-mentioned letter before he resigned from office. Consequently, we hereby humbly request that you as his successor-in-office furnish us with the request in our said letter to wit:

(1) Proof of receipt of the total funds disbursed to the Chief
Justice of Nigeria as the head of the Supreme Court from the National Judicial Council from 1st day of January 2019 to date.

(2) The Financial Statement of Accounts of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from the 1st day of January 2019 to date.

(3) Proof of the total expenditure of the Supreme Court for the period of 1st January 2019 to date including List of capital projects of the Supreme Court of Nigeria within this period.

(4) Proof of payment vouchers for each project mentioned above as well as the contract agreement.

(5) The total amount realized from internally General Revenue within the period under request and proof of expenditure; Salary payment voucher of justices of the Supreme Court and non-judicial staff; and Salary payment voucher and other emoluments of the justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and non-judicial staff.

In addition to the above, we also humbly request that you furnish us with a copy of the letter of the Justices of the Supreme Court to your predecessor-in-title accusing him of financial impropriety, corruption, mal-administration, lack of transparency, inclusivity and accountability which is in the public domain.

We urge you, sir to furnish us with Certified True Copies of the aforesaid documents, or in the alternative direct any designated official or appropriate authority at the Supreme Court in Nigeria to supply us with same.

TAKE NOTICE, My Lord, that in the event of any delay or refusal to disclose the information within 7-days from the date of your receipt of this request, we shall be compelled to take lawful and necessary steps to compel you to disclose the information in accordance with Section 20 and other provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

We undertake to bear the financial cost of making the requested information available to us in line with Section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

In anticipation of your kind and positive response to this request, please accept the assurances of our esteemed regards.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,
FOR: MALCOLM OMIRHOBO & CO.

CHIEF MALCOLM EMOKINIOVO OMIRHOBO

Legal practitioners…………………………………………..…
Chief Malcolm Omirhobo B.Sc,Econs,Admin,LLB, BL, Tejumade Sijuade LLB,BL, A. J. Beredugo LLB,BL,LLM Sergius Emeto LLB,BL,I.C Amina LLB,BL, Jacinta Ogbedeleto LLB,BL

MALCOLM OMIRHOBO & CO.
No. 121, Okota Road, Isolo, P.O. Box 7215, Ikeja, Lagos.
Tel: 0803-307-2453,
E-mail: omirhobo@yahoo.com

12th September, 2022

The Auditor General
Audit House
Plot 273, Samuel Ademulegun Street
Central Business District (CBD)
P.M.B. 128, Garki-Abuja
Federal Capital Territory
Abuja.

Dear Sir,

APPLICATION BROUGHT PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, 2011 FOR THE CERTIFIED TRUE COPIES OF CERTAIN PUBLIC DOCUMENTS.

We are a firm of Attorneys and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria who are passionate about good governance and proper administration at all levels and most particularly within the judicature.

On the strength of the relevant sections of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, via our letter dated 22/6/2022, a copy enclosed herewith, we requested from the National Judicial Council the Certified True Copies of the following information as they relate to public documents within its custody to wit:

1) The receipts of the amount standing to the credit of the judiciary in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation paid directly to the National Judicial Council from the 1st day of January 2019 to date.

(2) The Proof of disbursement of funds by the National Judicial Council to the heads of the courts established for the Federation and the State under section 6 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution (As Amended) from the 1st day of January 2019 to date.

Legal practitioners…………………………………………..…
Chief Malcolm Omirhobo B.Sc,Econs,Admin,LLB, BL, Tejumade Sijuade LLB,BL, A.J.Beredugo LLB,BL,LLM Sergius Emeto LLB,BL,I.C Amina LLB,BL, Jacinta Ogbedeleto LLB,BL Peter N. Okoroani LLB, BL, Franca O. Abubokhale, LLB, BL

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INIBEHE: NBA-NEC ASKS AKPATA TO DRAG CHIEF JUDGE TO NJC

The last has not been heard about the controversial one-month imprisonment of fiery human rights lawyer, Mr. Inibehe Effiong by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot, as the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA-NEC) has directed NBA President to drag the jurist to the National Judicial Council for possible sanctions.

CITY LAWYER recalls that the NBA leadership had waded in to secure the release of the human rights lawyer, even as it warned that it would resist attempts to intimidate and harass lawyers.

In a statement by NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, the association noted that it has mobilized its Uyo Branch members to secure Effiong’s freedom, adding: “While not going into the merits of this particular matter yet, suffice it to say that the NBA is strongly opposed to, and will continue to resist all attempts to intimidate, threaten or harass our members while properly carrying out their professional responsibilities.”

In a statement titled “RE: DETENTION OF MR. INIBEHE EFFIONG IN AKWA IBOM STATE,”Akpata said: “I have received with great concern the news of the detention of one of our members, Inibehe Effiong, at a correctional facility in Akwa Ibom State, on account of what transpired on Wednesday 27 July 2022 during proceedings in the court of the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State.

“Since receiving this news, I have been in touch with the Chairman of the Uyo Branch of NBA who has mobilised his team to look into and address this. This morning, I have also mandated the NBA 1st Vice President to visit Uyo immediately to join the ongoing efforts and ensure the release of Mr. Effiong.

“The NBA is therefore on top of this, and I am confident that Mr. Effiong will regain his freedom shortly.

“While not going into the merits of this particular matter yet, suffice it to say that the NBA is strongly opposed to, and will continue to resist all attempts to intimidate, threaten or harass our members while properly carrying out their professional responsibilities.

“The NBA will also not condone acts of indiscipline and insubordination against judicial officers from our members no matter the provocation. Ours is a rule-based profession and there is a procedure for airing grievances. The NBA 1st Vice President will also conduct fact finding investigation to determine what transpired and recommend next steps.”

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‘WE ARE NOT PROBING NJC SCRIBE,’ SAYS BODY OF BENCHERS

The Body of Benchers (BoB) has stated that it is not investigating the Secretary of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Mr. Ahmed Gambo Saleh for alleged payment to a contractor.

Citing a CITY LAWYER report on the issue, the BoB stated that “at no point did the Body of Benchers cause an investigation to be carried out against the Secretary of the National Judicial Council as reported,” adding that “Indeed the Body of Benchers does not have the jurisdiction to carry out such an investigation.”

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER and signed by its Secretary, Mr. Daniel Tela, the apex regulator of the legal profession added that “the statement to the effect that the Body of Benchers will, at its meeting slated for 29th September, 2022 discuss the report of a Committee on the subject is unfounded and incorrect.”

The full text of the statement reads:

RE: BODY OF BENCHERS PROBE NJC SCRIBE OVER N800M PAYMENT

The attention of the Body of Benchers has been drawn to an online publication by the CITY LAWYER alleging that the Body of Benchers is investigating the Secretary of the National Judicial Council, Ahmed Gambo Saleh, Esq on payments made to a Contractor.

Consequently, I am directed to make necessary clarification to the effect that at no point did the Body of Benchers cause an investigation to be carried out against the Secretary of the National Judicial Council as reported. Indeed the Body of Benchers does not have the jurisdiction to carry out such an investigation.

Furthermore, the statement to the effect that the Body of Benchers will, at its meeting slated for 29th September, 2022 discuss the report of a Committee on the subject is unfounded and incorrect.

Thank you.

Signed:

Daniel M. Tela
Secretary, Body of Benchers

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‘I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH BENCHERS’ BUILDING PROJECT,’ SAYS NJC SCRIBE

The Secretary of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Mr. Ahmed Gambo Saleh has told CITY LAWYER that he has no connection whatsoever with the building of the recently commissioned national headquarters of the Body of Benchers (BoB).

CITY LAWYER had reported that a three-man panel was set up by the Body of Benchers to probe the allegation by former Court of Appeal President and Member of the BoB Building Committee, Hon. Justice Umaru Abdullahi concerning payment of N800 million to Boygues (now BGL Nigeria Limited) without following due process.

In a telephone conversation with CITY LAWYER, Saleh stated that he was not under any probe, adding that “I have absolutely nothing to do with the (Body of Benchers) project.”

Saleh stated that the NJC only made disbursement to the Body of Benchers in line with its approved budget by the National Assembly, adding that while the project was initially billed to cost N13 billion, it was pruned down through due diligence.

He noted that every court and judicial body prepares and defends its budget at the National Assembly, adding that “the project had its own personnel. I do not disburse money on projects. I am not a part of the project. I did not administer the project. I only disburse funds to courts and judicial bodies based on budgets approved by the National Assembly.”

In a veiled confirmation of the probe, Saleh told CITY LAWYER that a report on the investigation had been submitted to the Body of Benchers in plenary, adding that he was not indicted by the report.

He said that his travails were being orchestrated by a “sponsor.” He warned CITY LAWYER to either retract the report and apologise “or I will report you to LPDC or EFCC.” The apparently angry NJC scribe also said that he would not hesitate to explore a legal action in the matter.

Though the Secretary of Body of Benchers, Mr. Daniel Manasseh Tela said that he would get back to CITY LAWYER “with the facts” of the matter, a source who was at the BoB meeting told CITY LAWYER that the probe report generated serious controversy during deliberation in plenary, “especially as it related to conflict of interest regarding a member of the probe panel.”

CITY LAWYER gathered that the report determined that there was no case of culpability against any official, and was eventually adopted by the general meeting.

CITY LAWYER had reported that the Body of Benchers had on February 24, 2022 set up an investigative committee headed by Senator Mike Ajegbo SAN to investigate the disbursement of the N800 million. Other members of the probe panel are former Chief Judge of FCT High Court and current Chairman of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), Justice Ishaq Bello and Mr. Adeniji Kazeem SAN.

Saleh joined the Supreme Court in 2008 as a Special Assistant to the Chief Justice of Nigeria. Between 2010 and 2014, he was the Deputy Chief Registrar (Litigation Department). He was elevated to the position of Chief Registrar in 2014, until July 1, 2017 when he was appointed Secretary of the National Judicial Council.

He was recently accused of involvement in a N10 billion “bribe and federal racketeering” allegedly being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The report was promptly dismissed by NJC spokesman, Mr. Soji Oye who stated that the allegation was aimed to “smear the good image of Ahmed Gambo Saleh at all cost.”

According to Oye, “It is imperative for the members of the public to be aware that before his emergence as the secretary of the NJC, some forces who tried to scuttle his appointment as the secretary of the council have re-emerged with antics aimed at tarnishing his image and bringing his good name to disrepute.”

He said that “It is on record that these forces, in a bid to stop his emergence as the NJC Secretary after the interview to consider his appointment, came up with false allegations in the media alleging that he had diverted N2.2 billion from the Supreme Court from 2009 to 2016 on the day the council meeting was to hold.”

The NJC also dismissed the charges filed against Saleh by the Federal Government in November 2016, saying the case was withdrawn by the Attorney-General of the Federation because “the charges could not be substantiated”. It added that “It should be noted that there has never been a time when Mr. Saleh admitted committing any crime before anybody or law court.”

The NJC stated that “The sponsors of these malicious allegations believe they own the Judiciary and nobody can become anything within the Judiciary without their approval.

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EXCLUSIVE: BENCHERS PROBE NJC SCRIBE OVER N800M PAYMENT

The Body of Benchers (BoB) has set up a three-member committee to investigate the payment of about N800 million to a contractor by the Secretary of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Mr. Ahmed Gambo Saleh, CITY LAWYER can authoritatively report.

Impeccable sources told CITY LAWYER that the probe was as a result of an “alarm” raised by former Court of Appeal President and Member of the BoB Building Committee, Hon. Justice Umaru Abdullahi concerning payment of the money to the contractor “without following due process.”

One of the sources told CITY LAWYER that the former Court of Appeal helmsman has a “prominent role in monitoring and payments.” The Building Committee is chaired by Mrs. Hairat Balogun, unanimously elected the first female Chairman of the Body of Benchers in 1998.

Appointed on February 24, 2022, the investigative panel is headed by Senator Mike Ajegbo SAN. Other members are former Chief Judge of FCT High Court and current Chairman of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), Justice Ishaq Bello and Mr. Adeniji Kazeem SAN.

The payment was made in respect of the Body of Benchers building which was funded by the NJC, with Saleh as the “Accounting Officer,” said the source.

CITY LAWYER gathered that a crisis of confidence may also be rocking the committee as a member of the investigative panel is alleged to be a Director in the beneficiary company.

There are strong indications that the committee’s report will be presented by the committee at the next meeting of the Body of Benchers scheduled for September 29, 2022.

CITY LAWYER was unable to reach the former Supreme Court Chief Registrar for comments, as repeated calls to his verified telephone number returned the message that the telephone was “switched off.” A text message to the telephone number did not receive any response at press time.

Saleh joined the Supreme Court in 2008 as a Special Assistant to the Chief Justice of Nigeria. Between 2010 and 2014, he was the Deputy Chief Registrar (Litigation Department). He was elevated to the position of Chief Registrar in 2014, until July 1, 2017 when he was appointed Secretary of the National Judicial Council.

He was recently accused of involvement in a N10 billion “bribe and federal racketeering” allegedly being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The report was however promptly dismissed by NJC spokesman, Mr. Soji Oye who stated that the allegation was aimed to “smear the good image of Ahmed Gambo Saleh at all cost.”

According to Oye, “It is imperative for the members of the public to be aware that before his emergence as the secretary of the NJC, some forces who tried to scuttle his appointment as the secretary of the council have re-emerged with antics aimed at tarnishing his image and bringing his good name to disrepute.”

He said that “It is on record that these forces, in a bid to stop his emergence as the NJC Secretary after the interview to consider his appointment, came up with false allegations in the media alleging that he had diverted N2.2 billion from the Supreme Court from 2009 to 2016 on the day the council meeting was to hold.”

The NJC also dismissed the charges filed against Saleh by the Federal Government in November 2016, saying the case was withdrawn by the Attorney-General of the Federation because “the charges could not be substantiated”. It added that “It should be noted that there has never been a time when Mr. Saleh admitted committing any crime before anybody or law court.”

The NJC stated that “The sponsors of these malicious allegations believe they own the Judiciary and nobody can become anything within the Judiciary without their approval.

“It is important to reiterate that there is no iota of credibility in the petition as they are not after the truth but are out to smear the good image of Ahmed Gambo Saleh at all cost.”

CITY LAWYER recalls that the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) had, while speaking at a recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Justice Sector Summit in Abuja, taken a swipe at the Judiciary for lack of transparency and accountability, asking why the N104 billion provided for the Judiciary in the 2021 Budget was insufficient. He stated that the Executive was not in a position to answer “because their (judiciary’s) books are not open.”

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AMANDA ASAGBA EULOGIZES REINSTATED JUSTICE OLOYEDE

FEATURED

This is Light at the end of the tunnel. Thank God for vindicating Hon. Justice Olamide Oloyede.

With this Victory, it’s a new dawn for the Judiciary, as the light of judicial activism and radicalism has just been switched on. Welcome to a proactive and radical judicial activism!!!.

All hail Hon. Justice Olamide Oloyede!!! All hail the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA).

Hon. Justice Olamide Oluyede doubled as AWLA Oyo and Osun State Coordinator, a fearless, bold and courageous Judge who damned the consequence to fight for the people of Osun.

She spoke truth to power. This is what a Judge should be, not government puppet.

We at AWLA are very proud of my Lord.

It is recalled that the National Judicial Council (NJC) recently reinstated the fiery jurist who was sacked for writing a petition against then Governor Rauf Aregbesola, now Minister for Internal Affairs.

                                            – AMANDA EGO DEMECHI-ASAGBA

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WHY COURT OF APPEAL JUSTICES MUST NOT ACT IN VAIN

The appointment of the latest batch of Court of Appeal Justices has been strewn with controversies, not least the claim that the interviews conducted by the National Judicial Council was perhaps shambolic. Just when justice sector stakeholders thought that the ghost of the troubled exercise was to be laid to rest with the scheduled swearing-in of the justices, the ceremony was postponed indefinitely ostensibly to enable the new justices “clear their desks in their various offices.” In this piece, KAYODE OGUNDAIRO posits that on the strength of the undisturbed judgement of the Supreme Court in OGBUNYIYA v OKUDO, any judicial acts done by the justices after their appointments would be a nullity and liable to being set aside on appeal.

The indefinite postponement of the swearing-in of the newly appointed justices of the Court of Appeal came to many as a shock, not least because of the reason adduced for the aborted exercise. This is a purely judicial matter outside the remit of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

If “clear their desks in their various offices to ensure that there are no outstanding issues before they assume their new responsibilities” suggests that the Justices should proceed to deliver judgments/rulings or discharge any other judicial role in the Federal High Court/High Court/ National Industrial Court under the guise of ‘clearing their desks”, that would, with great respect, amount to an exercise in futility on the strength of OGBUNYIYA v OKUDO (1979) 9 SC 32 as recently reinforced by UDEOGU v FRN.

OGBUNYIYA v. OKUDO dealt with provisions impari materia with ss. 283(2) and 290(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which are crystal clear.

238 (2): “The appointment of a person to the office of a Justice of the Court of Appeal shall be made by the President on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council”.

290 (1): A person appointed to any judicial office shall not begin to perform the functions of that office until he has declared his assets and liabilities as prescribed under this Constitution and has subsequently taken and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance and the Judicial Oath prescribed in the seventh Schedule to this Constitution.

In OGBUNYIYA v OKUDO, the submission of Chief F.R.A. Williams on behalf of the Appellants, was that by virtue of the appointment of Nnaemeka-Agu J. (as he then was) as expressed in Exhibit SC.1, he ceased to be a Judge of the High Court of Anambra State on the 15th June, 1977, two days prior to delivery by him of the judgement on appeal.

The reaction of Mr. Afolabi Lardner (of counsel) for the Respondents was that until the Learned Judge was sworn in as Justice of the Court of Appeal, he was precluded by virtue of Section 128 of the Constitution of the Federation No. 20 of 1963 from entering upon the duties of his office, so that in the absence of evidence that he had on or prior to the 17th of June, 1977 been sworn in as a Judge of the Federal Court of Appeal, he was on that date still a Judge of the High Court of Anambra State.

The Supreme Court construed Section 128 of the Constitution of the Federation No. 20 of 1963 as amended by section 1(c) of the Schedule to The Constitution (Amendment) (No. 2) Decree No. 42 of 1976 (impari materia with s. 290(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended) which made it imperative that “a Judge of the Federal Court of Appeal” shall not enter upon the duties of his office unless he has “taken or subscribed the Oath of Allegiance and such oath for the execution of the duties of his office as may be prescribed by Parliament”.

Allowing the appeal, the Supreme Court set aside the judgment delivered by Justice Nnaemeka-Agu (after his appointment as JCA but before he took the requisite oath) and ordered a trial de novo.

The Supreme Court held thus:

“A close look at Section 128 of the Constitution (No. 20 of 1963) as amended by the Schedule to Decree No. 42 of 1976 shows clearly that the section is intended to lay down a condition precedent to the functioning but NOT the appointment of a Judge. That section impliedly recognises the fact of appointment (already as a Judge) of the incumbent of that public office but makes the swearing of the prescribed oaths condition precedent to his functioning in that office. The language of the section reads:
“A Judge of the Supreme Court, Federal Court of Appeal and of the High Court of Lagos NOT a person appointed to be a Judge of the Supreme Court, Federal Court of Appeal and of the High Court of Lagos shall not enter upon the duties of his office (not, be it noted, enter upon his office) unless he has taken or subscribed the Oath of Allegiance and such oath for the due execution of his office as may be prescribed by (Italics supplied by Court).
… The language of section 128 aforesaid is directed to the entering by a judge (not by a judge designate) upon the duties of his office (not, upon his office).

This should ordinarily rest the matter.

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  • EDITOR'S CHOICE
  • Mar 21, 2021
  • 0
  • Comments Off on A/COURT SCREENING: ‘I PLAYED KEY ROLE IN NJC DUMPING NOMINEES,’ SAYS CAROL AJIE

A/COURT SCREENING: ‘I PLAYED KEY ROLE IN NJC DUMPING NOMINEES,’ SAYS CAROL AJIE

RIGHT OF REPLY

Fiery Bar Activist and former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, Dame Carol Ajie has said that she contributed to the dropping of two candidates who allegedly performed poorly during the National Judicial Council (NJC) screening of the nominees for elevation to the Court of Appeal.

In a rejoinder to CITY LAWYER‘s report on the matter, Dame Ajie narrated her high-profile interventions on the controversial screening exercise, adding that CITY LAWYER did not credit her efforts as contributing to the reversal of fortunes suffered by the affected jurists.

Below is the full text of the rejoinder which was sent to CITY LAWYER.

NBA vs NJC Appellate Court Nominees: Mr Emeka Nwadioke – Unfair Reporting

As you privately twice acknowledged yesterday Saturday 20th Match I wrote self inspiringly interventionist views on the above subject many including Gambo Saleh NJC Secretary received it I I also sent it to Ms Hadiza Supreme Court Chief Registrar on my contact list via WhatsApp and email to a former CJN Mariam Muktar GCON. I believe a number of people were surprised that I backed Akpata on anything cos they had perceived I won’t and couldn’t back him.

Perhaps I don’t know the part of the real reason for NJC U Turn arose from the shocking endorsement I have Akpata though you are too dishonest to admit it in your poor article which I have trashed.

A former NBA GS who shall not be named wrote me a long whatsapp text yesterday to dump support for Akpata on this I didn’t buckle. I said Akpata is right.

I sought on my own initiative to back him that is why I wrote my interventionist text like that. If I didn’t want to back him I know how to write Read a draft of what would have appeared anti Akpata

An NBA President Akpata who never hid his aversion for the court room suddenly becomes an advocate of who a good appellate court Judge should be. Please Distinguished readers trash it. You know Akpata is conventionally greedy he has zero record on public interest chances are that as NBA President he probably had his preferential candidates who didn’t pass the mark set by CJN/NJC A transactional lawyer indeed should not be telling a CJN who is eligible for the bench when not his turf. Thank U
End

Chidi Odinkalu himself cannot file a motion he knows nothing about litigation he has no practice he was never in practice.

But why put down Akpata or Chidi they are my Brothers I said one from Midwest plus Akpata actually is UNIBEN Alum. As a Catholic Christian I said he has taken a right step let me publicly support him. That z it. As for Chidi he is my Brother I call him Brother CAO hus (sic) initials

If I wrote that anti Akpata and shared it within half an hour it would get to CJN through Ahmed Gambo.Saleh and Madam Chief Registrar SC or other sources. Trust me they will say Iroko Tree Ajie is against Akpata and she is for us CJN CR SC NJC Secretary and the fight goes on . Note there is no NBA nominee into FJSC I didn’t support Usoro and they read me and as you know CJN has not yet resolved it

My friends may not be happy with me that I backed Akpata openly I mean my friend Madam CR SC and then I am now reading a dishonest report in City lawyer magazine that failed to give credence to efforts in a struggle I courageously took part in my name on it

If you don’t know how to address me I am a Georgetown scholar I read for it on my degree certificate are the appellation Professor Scholar Juris I didn’t inherit it and as a renowned Constitutional Law lawyer I changed a few provisions in the Nigerian Constitution through documented struggles google search Carol.Ajie and Constitutional Law I have an Intl human rights certificate from Georgetown which cannot be bought with all the money in the World I worked to get my credentials Dues fully paid.

Best regards
CA

Copy Mr Akpata etc

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  • EDITOR'S CHOICE
  • Mar 21, 2021
  • 1
  • Comments Off on SHOCKER: A/COURT NOMINEES CAN’T EXPLAIN ‘LIS PENDENS,’ NJC DUMPS THEM

SHOCKER: A/COURT NOMINEES CAN’T EXPLAIN ‘LIS PENDENS,’ NJC DUMPS THEM

There are strong indications that under-fire National Judicial Council (NJC) may have dropped two jurists who performed woefully during its screening exercise for appointment as Court of Appeal justices.

This may not be unconnected with their inability to answer basic legal questions as well as the backlash the NJC has been receiving following the unprecedented revelation by Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Olumide Akpata that the entire screening exercise was near shambolic.

CITY LAWYER was told by a reliable source that the dropped candidates (names withheld) are from Kebbi and Katsina States.

Respected human rights activist and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu hinted on the NJC’s decision when he tweeted thus: “The President of @NigBarAssoc, @OlumideAkpata, deserves considerable credit for his advocacy on standards of judicial appointments. He managed to pare back this recent list of #CourtOfAppeal nominees from 20 to 18. The 2 candidates reportedly didn’t know what #LisPendens means! https://t.co/Y9B9bVwoBF.”

CITY LAWYER had gathered from an impeccable source that at least one of the candidates was unable to explain the term, ‘lis pendens.’ Our source said the aspirant argued that the subject ‘had not come before his court!’ Akpata had alluded to this when he sensationally revealed that “Important legal issues that were occasionally put to the nominees could not be answered,” though he refused to give details. Black’s Law Dictionary defines ‘lis pendens’ as “a Latin phrase for a pending suit or a person who has been suspended.”

Narrating his disappointment with the entire screening exercise, Akpata told members of the NBA National Executive Committee (NBA-NEC) at their quarterly meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, that the screening exercise was akin to “an old school boys meeting.”

His words: “What I saw and experienced at the NJC meeting on the appointment of judges to the Court of Appeal left me aghast. At a point, I, as a “Johnny Just Come’ (new attendee), had to ask, ‘Are these people really going to the Court of Appeal?’

“Important legal issues that were occasionally put to the nominees could not be answered. The whole proceedings appeared more of an old school boys meeting. When I wondered at this, I heard things like, ‘They will learn on the job.’ We were to interview 20 nominees at a point but only 2 hours was allocated for this important exercise. That meant six minutes only for each nominee. What is this? Let me assure you that the NBA will never be a rubber stamp participant at such bodies. You can quote me.”

CITY LAWYER had exclusively reported that Akpata had also written a petition to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and NJC Chairman, Justice Tanko Muhammad on the issue.

The NJC is yet to respond to the indictment by the NBA President at press time.

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  • EDITOR'S CHOICE
  • Mar 19, 2021
  • 0
  • Comments Off on APPEAL COURT SCREENING: SCANDAL ROCKS NJC, AS AKPATA WRITES CJN

APPEAL COURT SCREENING: SCANDAL ROCKS NJC, AS AKPATA WRITES CJN

• PRESSURE MOUNTS ON NBA PRESIDENT TO RECANT

The last may not have been heard on the scandal rocking the screening of candidates for appointment to Nigeria’s Court of Appeal, as it has emerged that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Olumide Akpata wrote to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad on his reservations.

This is coming on the heels of a press statement by the under-fire National Judicial Council (NJC) recommending the appointment of 18 Justices of Court of Appeal and 8 heads of court following its 94th Meeting held on 17 to 18 March, 2021. The Council also constituted a committee to investigate a judge and issued warning letters to some judges.

A source who is familiar with the controversy told CITY LAWYER that Akpata had written to Justice Muhammad, who also doubles as the NJC Chairman, intimating him of his strong reservations on the screening process, adding that the NBA President was scandalized by the shoddy manner the screening was conducted.

In a searing and unprecedented indictment of the apex policy making body in the legal profession, Akpata had lampooned the screening of the jurists, reportedly saying: “What I saw and experienced at the NJC meeting on the appointment of judges to the Court of Appeal left me aghast. At a point, I, as a “Johnny Just Come’ (new attendee), had to ask, ‘Are these people really going to the Court of Appeal?’ Important legal issues that were occasionally put to the nominees could not be answered. The whole proceedings appeared more of an old school boys meeting. When I wondered at this, I heard things like, ‘They will learn on the job.’ We were to interview 20 nominees at a point but only 2 hours was allocated for this important exercise. That meant six minutes only for each nominee. What is this? Let me assure you that the NBA will never be a rubber stamp participant at such bodies. You can quote me.”

There are strong indications that Akpata’s comments may have drawn the ire of many jurists especially the conservative bloc in the legal profession. CITY LAWYER gathered from an impeccable source that pressures are being mounted on the NBA President to recant or engage in some damage control, given the backlash generated by the comments.

The NJC has not responded to the damning indictment at press time.

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.