‘REJIG YOUR TEAM TO TACKLE INSECURITY,’ NBA RIGHTS GROUP TELLS BUHARI

The Human Rights Institute of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA-HRI) has challenged President Mohammadu Buhari to tackle the insecurity ravaging the country by rejigging his team.

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER following its First Human Rights Summit held at the NBA House, Abuja on July 15, 2022, NBA urged Buhari to “recalibrate his team and find immediate solution to the insecurity situation, which is one of the promises he made to Nigerians for his election.”

The summit noted that Buhari’s primary constitutional responsibility as President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces is security of lives and property and warned that if the president failed to resolve the crises of insecurity in the country, “then history will reckon that he has failed the Nigerian people.”

The summit, attended in-person and virtually by over 450 lawyers from across the country, recounted that every part of Nigeria is currently experiencing massive attacks by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal gangs, and the law enforcement agencies appear overwhelmed and helpless as only very few of the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.

According to the statement, “The summit was worried that the Correctional Service Center(prison) in Kuje, Abuja, was attacked by armed men for almost three hours, at the end of which over 600 prisoners, including terrorist suspects, were forcefully released. Before then, the country was shocked by terrorist attack on worshippers in a church in Owo, Ondo State, in which over 35 people were massacred. Similar fatal attacks had, within the past few weeks, occurred in Kaduna and other parts of the country.

“The summit also recalled that it is now over seven years that the Chibok school girls were abducted from their school by Boko Haram terrorists, and many of them are yet to be returned. Survivors of numerous abductions and kidnappings across the country pay millions of naira in ransom to secure their release, and most are killed or still remain in captivity, including hundreds of passengers kidnapped on the Kaduna-Abuja train, are yet to be released after over one hundred days of the attack.

“The summit noted that under section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the security and welfare of the citizens is the primary purpose of government. The responsibility of the government is therefore to protect the citizens from violations of their rights including the right to life.

“President Buhari, as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, has the primary responsibility to ensure that this constitutional obligation of his government is carried out. Where he fails to do so, as it seems at the moment, then there is a failure of governance.

“Nigerians now live in terrifying fear of their lives. On daily basis, there are news of unlawful killings across the country. Despite huge sums of money spent on security and law enforcement, including huge military spending and billions of Naira as security votes by state governors, there are little or no results in tackling criminals and terrorists, and safeguarding the lives and properties of the citizens. The country continues to be unsafe and insecure, and the insecurity situation deteriorates.

“The Summit was also concerned that without a secured polity, Nigeria will be unable to successfully and peacefully conduct the forthcoming general elections in 2023. The insecurity situation is therefore a huge threat to Nigeria’s democracy, and portends great danger to the future of the Nigerian State and its governance. “How can elections be held in 2023 when every part of the country is unsafe’ said one participant at the Summit.

“The summit concluded that the President must recalibrate his team and find immediate solution to the insecurity situation, which is one of the promises he made to Nigerians for his election. If he fails to do so, then history will reckon that he has failed the Nigerian people.”

To join our Telegram platform, please click here 

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

‘YOUR BRAVE SUMMT IDEAS EXCITE ME,’ EDE ASENOGUAN TELLS KADUNA YOUNG LAWYERS

ASENOGUAN ISOBOMUWA OSAMUEDE, CANDIDATE FOR NBA GENERAL SECRETARY FELICITATES THE YOUNG LAWYERS’ FORUM, KADUNA BRANCH ON THEIR SUMMIT AND AWARD NIGHT

Mr. Asenoguan Osamuede Isobomuwa has sent a message of felicitation to the Young Lawyers’ Forum, Kaduna branch as they conduct their summit and award night today 24th June, 2022. While the Summit is themed: “Opportunities for Young Lawyers in the Digital Age” the award night is themed: “Setting the Pace”.

Read below the consummate Bar Man’s message.

“It is cheering and reassuring to see the young lawyers of this generation constantly putting forward brave feet as it relates to creating a cynosure of self-belief and determination to excel regardless of our difficult legal -cum- economic environment.

The Young Lawyers’ Forum, Kaduna branch through its programs today, 24th June, 2022 has demonstrated this bravery with its summit themed ‘Opportunities for Young Lawyers in the Digital Age’ and dinner night themed ‘Setting the Pace’. Both themes being vividly reflective of the bravery and ingenuity described above, have by every means attracted my admiration and commendation for them; same is rife and unfettered.

I wish you resounding success at these events. Thank you and God bless.”

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

To join our Telegram platform, please click here 

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

MAXIMUS UGWUOKE CONGRATULATES CLASFON ON ABUJA SUMMIT

Mr. Ikechukwu Maximus Ugwuoke, an aspirant for the position of Welfare Secretary in the 2022 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Elections has commended the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON) on its summit which holds in Abuja.

The statement reads:

MAXIMUS UGWUOKE CONGRATULATES CLASFON ON SUMMIT; CHARGES THEM TO CONTINUE TO SET THE PACE.

NBA National Welfare Secretary frontline Aspirant, Ikechukwu Maximus Ugwuoke has sent a congratulatory message to CLAFON on her recently concluded two day submit in Abuja. In his message he said

“The summit for stakeholders of the Judiciary including litigants held by the Directorate of Anti corruption, Rule of Law and Good Governance (DARG), a body under the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON) held at Abuja from 18th to 19th of May may have ended but the impact of the robust discussions on the theme of the submit “Promoting and Strengthening of The Nigeria Judiciary’ shall continue to endure and produce the intended objective in the Nigerian Judiciary.

“I congratulate the Christian Lawyers’ Fellowship of Nigeria CLASFON for living up to its motto which is ” A New Legal Profession Anchored on Christ” by chanting a new course for the Nigerian Judiciary through the well considered theme of the submit. There is no better time for such a submit than now when the country’s Judiciary system needs to be more strengthened to continue to live up to her enviable position as the watchdog of the Nigerian democracy.

“I thank God for the success of the program and charge CLASFONITES to continue to set the pace”

To join our Telegram platform, please click here 

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

SAFIYA BALARABE HAILS CLASFON ON JUDICIARY SUMMIT

SAFIYA BALARABE LAUDS CLASFON ON A TWO-DAY JUDICIARY STAKEHOLDERS SUMMIT 2022

Safiya Balarabe has extolled the Christian Lawyers Fellowship Of Nigeria (“CLASFON”) who in partnership with the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory organized a two-day Judiciary Stakeholders Summit themed: “Promoting and Strengthening of the Nigerian Judiciary”.

According to her, “The Christian Lawyers Fellowship Of Nigeria has yet again demonstrated its profound resolve to always be in the forefront of nation building. This time around they have partnered the FCT High Court in organizing a two-day Judiciary Stakeholders Summit tagged: ‘Promoting and Strengthening of the Nigerian Judiciary’.

“This program projects an undeniable abundance of capacity from CLASFON, transcending their primary role of spiritual guidance for Christian Lawyers to temporal concerns bordering on the betterment of the nation which in itself is an offshoot of multiple biblical injunctions.

“It resides within the realms of my deepest desire that this program will once again send rejuvenating shock waves to the lagging heart of our nation’s judiciary.

“Thank you CLASFON.”

Signed:

Safiya Balarabe,

Treasurer, NBA Women Forum

ISAAC OGBAH HAILS EFURUN YLF CHAIR, MEMBERS ON SUMMIT

The immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ota Branch and Editor-in-Chief of EJSC, Isaac Omuta Ogbah (FICMC) has commended the Chairman of Young Lawyers Forum, Effurun Branch, Anthonia Issy Oboh and the entire leadership and members of the association on its 2022 YLF SUMMIT scheduled to hold tomorrow, Friday, 6th May, 2022.

Said the Bar Leader: “I am proud to be associated with the Young Lawyers Forum, NBA Efurun Branch as it holds its 2022 Summit, with the theme: ‘YOUNG & BRAVE: Taking the Lead for a Better Society.’

“I urge everyone of you to be bold and courageous. Dare to do what others never believe you can accomplish. Much greatness lies within you. If only you can dream it then you can become it. Keep saying it aloud what you will become. And with hard work, diligence and patience, and above all with the help of God, you will not only become your dream you will surely surpass it.

“Because you are young, bold and brave, dare to take the lead in whatever you set your hearts to do. And in no distant time you will not only create a better society for us all to live in, you would have also recreated your own world as well.

“I believe in you all. We believe in you all. Dare to believe in yourselves and dare the impossible. And the rest is all testimonies upon testimonies. Congratulations to YLF Efurun Branch.”

To join our Telegram platform, please click here 

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

SAFIYA BALARABE THUMBS UP NBA KEFFI, EFFURUN YLF, LAW OFFICERS

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) NBA Women Forum Treasurer, Safiya Balarabe has felicitated with NBA Keffi Branch on its monthly meeting holding today. The aspirant to the post of NBA Treasurer also commended NBA Effurun Young Lawyers’ Forum on its forthcoming Summit holding tomorrow with the theme, “Young & Brave: Taking the lead for a better legal society.”

Meanwhile, the aspirant has expressed solidarity with the Law Officers Association of Nigeria (“LOAN”) on its suit against the Minister of Labour and Productivity & 3 Ors seeking to enforce its rights to be registered as a trade union.

Below are the goodwill messages.

KEFFI BRANCH MONTHLY MEETING: GOODWILL MESSAGE BY SAFIYA BALARABE, TREASURER, NBA WOMEN FORUM

“Warm regards to the Chairman, executive and branch members of the NBA, Keffi branch.

“As you hold your monthly meeting today, permit me to use this medium to express my unreserved delight in your dealings as a branch. You have consistently taken steps towards entrenching in our Association the required verve and zeal in protecting her members as well as guarding the nation’s democracy.

“Your branch is built on strong and abiding principles of integrity and purposefulness and I am in no doubt that today’s meeting will in no small measure further reinforce the bars of these pillars.

“I wish you fruitful deliberation.”

Signed:
Safiya Balarabe
Treasurer, NBA Women Forum

GOODWILL MESSAGE BY TREASURER, NBA WOMEN FORUM, SAFIYA BALARABE TO THE YOUNG LAWYERS’ FORUM, EFFURUN BRANCH ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR 2022 SUMMIT

“It always refreshes my mind and strengthens my confidence in the future of our great Association when I see young lawyers coming together to organize compact, thought provoking programs.

“It is on this note that I commend the YLF Executives and members of the Effurun branch on their upcoming Summit tagged “Young & Brave: Taking the lead for a better legal society”. Themes of this nature are the backbone of the reassurance and confidence expressed above; to the effect that same resonate a resolve and a desire to take the mantle of leadership and take the Association to greater heights. It begins now, and this set of young lawyers are already in the forefront!

“It is my utmost desire that this Summit achieves all it aims.

“Thank you and God bless.”

Signed
Safiya Balarabe
Treasurer, NBA Women Forum

LAW OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (LOAN) V. MINISTER OF LABOUR AND PRODUCTIVITY & 3 ORS: SAFIYA BALARABE EXPRESSES SOLIDARITY WITH LOAN

“I wish to express my solidarity with the Law Officers Association of Nigeria (“LOAN”) on its suit against the Hon. Ministry of Labour and Productivity and 3 Ors., seeking to enforce its rights to be registered as a Trade Union in Nigeria.

“LOAN is within its rights in seeking to be registered under the relevant laws and I am confident that the court will give full force to this right. I am aware that the matter came in court today wherein LOAN’s application for leave to amend its processes was granted and the case adjourned to 15/6/22. I shall remain in close observance of the suit as it progresses.

“God bless LOAN, God bless the NBA and God bless Nigeria.”

Signed:
Safiya Balarabe
Treasurer, NBA Women Forum

To join our Telegram platform, please click here 

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

CJN, AKPATA AGREE ON JUSTICE SECTOR REFORM C’TE

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Olumide Akpata have agreed to set up a five-member committee “to work out the modalities for the implementation of the Justice Sector recommendation.” This was a fallout of the courtesy visit to Justice Muhammad by an NBA delegation led by Akpata.

During the visit, the NBA President also assured that the Bar would continue to defend the Bench in the task of delivering justice without fear or favour.

Below is a press statement on the visit made available to CITY LAWYER.

NBA LEADERSHIP PAYS COURTESY VISIT ON THE CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA: REVIEWS THE OUTCOME OF THE JUSTICE SECTOR SUMMIT, SECURES COMMITMENT OF THE JUDICIARY IN ITS IMPLEMENTATION AND PLEDGES TO KEEP SPEAKING UP FOR THE BENCH.

Dear Colleagues,

In continuation of the efforts of the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (“NBA”) to engender a more cordial relationship between the Bar and the Bench, the President of the NBA – Mr. Olumide Akpata, on Thursday 24th March 2022 led some members of the National Executive and senior members of the Bar, on a courtesy visit to the Chief Justice of the Federation.

During the visit, a review of the outcome of the 2022 Justice Sector summit was done, regarding the appointment/selection and discipline of Judges, independence and financial autonomy of our Courts in dispensing justice without fear, favour, affection or ill-will, and the efficiency and efficacy of the system to ensure that our courts perform optimally, with considerable speed and accuracy.

Thereafter, The Chief Justice of Nigeria – Hon. Justice Dr. Ibrahim Tanko pointed out that most of the recommendations stemming from the Justice Sector Summit are already part of the National Judicial Council (NJC) Policy of 2016, which unfortunately are not yet being implemented.

Consequently, it was agreed that a Five member committee of the Bar and Bench will be set in motion to work out the modalities for the implementation of the Justice Sector recommendation.

Furthermore, the NBA President  on behalf of the delegation, pledged to continue speaking up for the Bench since the code guiding members of the Bench bars them from responding to attacks meted on its members.

The CJN thanked the NBA President for the thoughtful visit and reminded the delegation that the Bar and Bench are different sides to a coin which must work in symphony. He further pledged by way of conclusion, that more steps will be taken to ensure a more efficient dispensation of justice, and implementation of the decisions reached at the Justice Sector Summit.

Dr. Rapulu Nduka
Publicity Secretary,
Nigerian Bar Association

To join our Telegram platform, please click here 

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

‘THE FUTURE OF LAWYERS AND LEGAL EDUCATION,’ BY EMEKA NGIGE

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) recently organised a “Legal Education Summit” in collaboration with the Afe Babalola University. In a Goodwill Message to the Summit, Chairman of Council of Legal Education (CLE), CHIEF EMEKA NGIGE SAN embarks on a tour de force on efforts to rejig legal education in Nigeria and warns that scrapping the entire edifice in pointing to the future is not an option

A Goodwill Message By Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN, Chairman, Council of Legal Education to Legal Education Summit 2022, Organised by the Nigerian Bar Association in collaboration with Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti. 29 -30 March 2022

Theme: Re-Imagining Legal Education In Nigeria

✓ The Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria;
✓ State Governors Here Present particularly Governor of Ekiti State;
✓ The Hon Chief Justice of Nigeria;
✓ Hon Chief Judges of States in Nigeria Here present;
✓ Hon Justices and Judges of Superior Courts in Nigeria;
✓ The Hon Attorney-General & Minister of Justice;
✓ Hon Attorneys-General of States Here Present;
✓ The President, NBA;
✓ Hon Benchers Present;
✓ Senior Advocates of Nigeria Present;
✓ The Chairman, Legal Education Summit 2022;
✓ Distinguished members of the Council of legal Education Here present;
✓ The Director-General, Nigeria Law School;
✓ Vice Chancellors of Federal, State and Private Universities in Nigeria;
✓ Resource Resource Persons, Panelists and Facilitators of this Summit;
✓ Members, Nigerian Bar Association Here Present;
✓ All Invited Guests:
✓ Ladies and Gentlemen

I am delighted to have been invited to be a part of this Summit. I thank the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Olumide Akpata, for inviting me, and the Proprietor of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, CON, OFR, SAN, and the entire Management of Afe Babalola University, for collaborating with the NBA to deliver this great Summit, and for hosting the Summit.

I especially commend the leadership and membership of the Nigerian Bar Association for putting together a summit of this nature at such an auspicious time, aimed to assist in advancing legal education in Nigeria. As we all are aware, the NBA is a major stakeholder in the legal education project in Nigeria. First, and pursuant to the provisions of section 2(1) (e) and (f) of Legal Education (Consolidation) Act, Cap L10 LFN 2004, the NBA President and 15 other NBA representatives are members of Council of Legal Education. Second, by virtue of Article 3 of the NBA Constitution, 2015, among the major objectives of the Nigerian Bar Association are promotion and advancement of Legal Education, Continuing Legal Education, Advocacy and Jurisprudence, and Promotion of co-operation between the NBA and other National Institutions. Such national institutions include the Council of Legal Education/Nigerian Law School, Universities and institutions engaged in legal education of aspirants to the Nigerian Bar. Third, most, if not all, law students in Nigeria will end up as Legal Practitioners and as such members of the NBA and of the legal profession in Nigeria; all members of the Bar and the Bench were at one time or another law students. By virtue of section 4(1)(a) of the NBA Constitution, all persons called to the Nigerian Bar and duly enrolled at the Supreme Court of Nigeria as legal practitioners are members of the NBA. Accordingly, progress or otherwise in legal education directly impacts the legal profession. Whatever happens in the legal education sector should be of serious interest to the NBA because failure in the former would seriously hinder progress, effectiveness and continued relevance of the latter in the country.

Furthermore, under Rule 11 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners in Nigeria, the NBA has some roles to play in the requirement of Mandatory Continuing Legal Education in the profession. Continuing Legal Education is an offshoot of the legal training of aspirants to the bar. Moreover, the NBA President is next to the Attorney-General of the Federation in the leader ship hierarchy of the Nigerian Bar, which comprises former law students, all Law Teachers, heads of the Council of Legal education, the Nigerian law School, the various Law Faculties in Nigeria, the heads of other law legal education training institutions in Nigeria. Finally, the NBA President, in the absence of a substantive Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, acts as the Acting Chairman. There is therefore no doubt that the NBA being s critical stakeholder in the legal education project in Nigeria, has the locus to organise a summit of this nature.

Legal education which comprises in the education of individuals in the principles, practices, and theory of law, is dynamic and all-encompassing, cutting across several jurisdictions, concepts, processes and stages, the overall aim being that of serving society liberally by imparting general and cultural education to law students to make them good law-abiding citizens, as well as instilling in them the significance and relevance of constitutional democratic culture. According to Harvard Law School’s Committee of Legal Education, legal education lays emphasis on training men for the legal profession, and providing centers where scholars might contribute to an understanding of law and government and participate creatively in growth and improvement of law, ethics and governance. To this end, legal education in the 21st century must be one that effectively responds to the economical, technological, and societal shifts that happen at an ever-increasing pace. It must be an education that sets children up to succeed in a world where more than half of the jobs they will have over their careers do not even exist yet (Sara Hallerman, Colon Lewis, and Brad Dresbach). Finally, as recommended by the New Teaching Curriculum in the Nigerian Law School, 21st century legal education in Nigeria is also aimed at producing lawyers who would be in a position to measure up to contemporary benchmarks and international best practices in the legal profession.

I am aware of the efforts so far made by the Council of Legal Education, and the Management and Teachers of the Nigerian Law School, as well as by past and current NBA leaderships towards encouraging a strong partnership between the Bar and the Council of Legal Education/Nigerian Law School in the practical training of aspirants to the Nigerian Bar with a view to meeting the needs of the 21st century. I recognize that a lot of progress has been made in this respect. I salute Law Teachers in the Law School, in the various law faculties and other other institutions that offer legal education in Nigeria. In their individual and collective capacities, Law Teachers in Nigeria have contributed towards the academic, professional and personal development of lawyers and law practice in Nigeria. However, a lot still needs to be done. Legal education needs to continually and consistently develop in order to remain relevant to the needs of a dynamic society. There is need for continuous and concerted efforts by all stakeholders at strengthening existing partnerships and collaboration with a view to improving on the quality of legal education. There is also a need for reorientation in our profession and there is no better place for this to start, than from the foundation, which is our legal education. This is why I consider this summit timely and the theme apt: “Re-Imagining Legal Education In Nigeria”.

Further, with the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, and following the devastating and dislocating aftermaths of the pandemic, diverse opinions on the concept of legal education have emerged. The pandemic stretched its tentacles into diverse facets of life; the educational sector (including legal education) being among the worst-hard-hit; the pandemic exposed many weaknesses of existing systems, processes and procedures in legal education, especially in developing segments of the worlds, of which Nigeria is a part. As a form of response to the upshots of the pandemic, stakeholders in education began to explore new, alternative, and dynamic means of teaching and learning to avoid a repeat of the quagmire the restriction occasioned by Covid-19 had caused the world. The legal education sector, managers and stakeholders have no choice than to begin to explore new concepts, more dynamic, pragmatic and responsive teaching and learning methods and systems, In summary, reform, reinvention and re-imagining has become necessary to enable legal education in Nigeria key fully into what is now regarded all over the world as the “new normal”. In November 2021, the Federal Republic of Ghana held a summit of this nature under the them: “The Future of Legal Education in Ghana” and came up with a communique, which is expected to be followed up with necessary reforms to realise the objectives of the summit.

The above said, a very critical development in the legal education sector which this summit should pay serious and elaborate attention to is the recent development in respect of the Nigerian Law School. It should be noted that the Nigerian Law school currently has seven campuses. However, in an unprecedented move, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria recently passed a Bill to establish six additional Campuses of Nigerian Law School. The decision of the Senate completely brushed aside opposing/contrary advice and views by the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation, the Council of Legal Education, Nigerian Law School, the Nigerian Bar Association and other major stakeholders in the legal education sector in Nigeria. The extant law, the Legal Education (Consolidation) Act, in its section 1(2) and section 3 respectively confers on the Council of Lgal Education the “responsibility for the legal education of persons seeking to become members of the legal profession” and for “Continuing Legal Education”. By the combined effect section 2(5) and section 4 of the Act, the Council may “do such things as it considers expedient for the purpose of performing its functions” subject to general directions by the Hon Attorney-General of the Federation. Thus, the dissenting advice and views of the Council, of the Hon AGF, of the NBA and of some other stakeholders were based mainly on the reasonable realisation that establishment of additional Campuses for the Nigerian Law School are better left in the hands of the Council in collaboration with the NLS as administrative matters to be guided by expediency and need, among other factors. The Council of Legal Education, the Management of the Nigerian Law School, among other stakeholders are better -placed to make/take decisions in this respect. There is an adage that “he who wears the shoes knows where it pinches”. Besides, most of the existing seven Campuses of the Law School are in dire need of urgent infrastructure upgrade which on its part requires greater funding from government and stakeholders. It is hoped that these should be principal among what occupies the attention of stakeholders, rather suggestions for establishment of too many additional Campuses (at the same time), some of which may end up being not viable, as a result of paucity of funds and dearth of basic infrastructure. Finally, the Council’s views were guided partly by its belief that increased funding for the Nigerian Law School would bring about the needed upgrade in the Campuses, to adequately serve the need of growing number of aspirants to the Bar seeking admission to the Law School. It is hoped also that this Summit should subject the recent Bill passed by the Senate, among other issues, to rigorous discussions in order to come up with recommendations that would best serve the best interest of legal education, the legal profession, and the Nigerian nation.

At this juncture, it is pertinent to recall that in an effort to improve legal education, especially the practical training of aspirants to the Bar, the Council of Legal Education under the Chairmanship of Hon Justice M.O Onalaja (of blessed memory), had in 2008 constituted a Legal Education Review Committee, headed by Mrs Funke Adekoya, SAN. Other members of the Committee included Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN (as he then was); Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; Prof Fidelis Oditah, SAN, QC; Mr. AB. Mahmoud, SAN; Mr. Ernest Ojukwu (then DDG and Head, NLS, Enugu Campus); Mr. Olanrewaju Onadeko (then DDG and Head, NLS, Lagos Campus); Mr. Nasiru Usman (then DDG and Head, NLS, Kano Campus); Prof. I.O Smith (Faculty of Law, UNILAG); Dr. Isa H. Chiroma (then, Dean Law Faculty, UNIMAID) and Mrs. Roli Hariman (then lecturer, Nigerian Law School).

The Committee had called for memoranda from all stakeholders in the legal education project in Nigeria. The Committee considered all memoranda received as well as all presentations made at the Legal Education Summit 2006 which had held in Abuja on March 03, 2006 under the theme:“The Future of Legal Education in Nigeria”. Also considered were reports and recommendations of the “National Committee on the Reform of Legal Education in Nigeria”. The Committee paid a visit several institutions, including the College of Law and the BPP Law School both in London England and the findings aided the work of the Committee (see: Ernest Ojukwu, Legal Education In Nigeria: A Chronicle Of Reforms And Transformation Under Tahir Mamman).

The result of the Committee’s work was positive; the Committee made far-reaching recommendations on reform and improvement of legal education in Nigeria. I am aware that the Committee’s recommendations had led to, among others, the birth in 2008, of a “New Teaching Curriculum” for the Nigerian Law School, a curriculum, which I am told, has been reviewed more than five times, to keep it in tune with developments in law, the legal profession, the legal education sector in Nigeria and across the globe. Thus, tremendous efforts have been made in the past. It is time to build on past and current efforts in order to move legal education to the next level. This Summit present a great opportunity in this respect.

Moreover, the law setting up Council Legal Education needs to be reviewed to reflect current realities and needs of the profession and the sector. To this end, the NBA has presented before the Body of Benchers, a draft Bill on Legal Education in Nigeria in Nigeria, which Bill seeks, inter alia, to create a Council of Legal Education that will be separate from Nigerian Law School and other private Law Schools to be established. It is hoped that this development will be among the matters that will be subjected to thorough and dispassionate examination and debates at this Summit, with a view to proffering recommendations on what is the best-suited for the profession, the sector and the nation, without destroying past and present efforts and achievements, without lowering standards, and without dislocating the fabrics and core values of the profession/sector. It is therefore my hope that deliberations and recommendations of this Summit should proceed on the notion that proposed improvements or reform or re-imaging of legal education in Nigeria can only yield more effective results and quickly if those proposed improvements acknowledge and are founded on past and existing efforts and achievements. Existing structures and achievements will provide a solid foundation to future improvements. We may not have not got to where should be. But, no doubt, we have left where we used to be. However, without continual continual collaboration, sand improvement, such things as growth and progress, achievement, and success have no meaning. I recall the counsel by Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company: “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.”

In conclusion, let me assure this Summit and all participants that the Council of Legal Education will seriously consider any communique/recommendations emanating from this summit, to ensure that this effort is not in vain.

Thank you, and God bless you abundantly

Signed:
Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN,
Chairman, Council of Legal Education, Nigeria

To join our Telegram platform, please click here 

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

LAW WEEK/SUMMIT: TAIDI HAILS NBA LAGOS, PH YOUNG LAWYERS

Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary, Mr. Jonathan Taidi has lauded NBA Lagos Branch on its 2022 Law Week.

Saying that the Law Week “is coming at a critical period in our nation’s history when law and order have become anathema and lawlessness threatens our very existence, with no hope in sight,” the Bar Leader stated that “the choice of the theme and the timing of discussions around it is inspired and commendable and it is my fervent hope that these discussions around legal order by the NBA Lagos Branch will in no small measure reorient our attitude concerning the preservation of our hard earned democracy.”

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, Taidi, who is believed to be eyeing the NBA Presidency, stated that the Law Week “is particularly remarkable for the extraordinary contribution it promises not only to the legal community, but the nation at large.

“As a people thirsty for an enduring solution to the challenges bedevelling our democracy, we anxiously await the outcome of this discourse even as I congratulate the executives and the Law Week Planning Committee in advance for a law week like no other.”

In a similar goodwill message to NBA Port Harcourt Branch Young Lawyers Forum on the occasion of its 2022 Summit, Taidi stated that “The choice of the theme is a demonstration of the commitment of the executives and the Summit Planning Committee to the vital role of technology and law in bringing about good governance which has eluded our nation for so long.

“I therefore charge all participants at this epoch and historic event to critically examine the impediments to our efforts at achieving good governance – which is our only guarantee for a bright future.”

The theme of the summit is “Governance, Technology and Law”.

To join our Telegram platform, please click here

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

GADZAMA LAUDS NBA LAGOS, KANO, YOUNG LAWYERS ON LAW WEEK, SUMMIT

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC), Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has felicitated with NBA Lagos and Kano branches on their Law Week programmes. The chartered arbitrator also commended Young Lawyers Forum Owerri Branch on their 2022 Summit which held between March 17 and March 19, 2022.

The leading litigator said of his sojourn in Lagos: “Nostalgically, I recall how I started my Lagos office as far back as 1996 at No. 10, Ribadu Road, Ikoyi which eventually gave birth to the Abuja Office in the year 2000 where I was elected chairman of the Unity Bar in 2004 and grew up to be the Pioneer Chairman of NBA-SPIDEL in 2006.”

He added: “I remain eternally grateful to the Premier Branch of Nigeria’s Commercial Headquarters for grooming me to be their Ambassador at the administrative Headquarters of our beloved country.”
Below are the texts of the goodwill messages.

GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NBA LAGOS BRANCH

It is with great pleasure that I congratulate the executives and members of the Nigerian Bar Association Lagos Branch as she holds her 2022 Law Week Celebration from Friday, 18th March to Friday, 25th March, 2022.

Nostalgically, I recall how I started my Lagos office as far back as 1996 at no 10, Ribadu Road, Ikoyi which eventually gave birth to the Abuja Office in the year 2000 where I was elected chairman of the Unity Bar in 2004 and grew up to be the Pioneer Chairman of NBA-SPIDEL in 2006. I remain eternally grateful to the Premier Branch of Nigeria’s Commercial Headquarters for grooming me to be their Ambassador at the administrative Headquarters of our beloved country.

I must sincerely commend the initiative of the organizers of this event for the choice of theme: “Democracy and Legal Order: Shaping the Future” which I consider apt. The need for a true democracy is an issue that remains perpetually centric to the growth of any given society. The judiciary should be independent of the other arms of government to effectively deliver its delicate task of administering justice. Indeed, the preservation of our democracy is fundamental to the sustenance of our legal profession and the Nation, Nigeria. What better way can the future be shaped? I believe that as a united front, we can secure the future of our legal practice and Nigeria by advocating for the supremacy of our laws and the equality of all men before the law.

I urge my colleagues to participate effectively, cross-fertilize ideas whilst addressing issues that affect distinguished members of this great branch by contributing your quota to the promotion and development of your branch, legal practice and Nigeria as a whole. Whilst wishing you a fruitful weeklong celebration, please be assured of my best wishes and support, always.

Thank you and God bless.

GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NBA KANO BRANCH

It is with great pleasure that I congratulate the executives and members of the Nigerian Bar Association Kano Branch as she holds her Law Week scheduled to hold from Saturday, 19th March to Tuesday, 22nd March, 2022.

I must sincerely commend the initiative of the organizers of this auspicious event for the choice of theme: “LEGAL PRACTICE AT CROSSROADS: CHALLENGES OF LAWYERING IN THE FACE OF NIGERIA’S CURRENT POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC CLIMATE” which I consider apt as the impact of our noble profession in the political and economical spheres of our great Country, Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.

To the awardees on the Dinner, I say a big Congratulations! to you on your meritorious award for your ceaseless support and contribution towards the development and promotion of your admirable branch. I implore you to keep it up and remain true ambassadors of your branch and the legal profession.

Whilst wishing you a wonderful celebration at your programmes and a splendid dinner, please be assured of my best wishes and support, always.

Thank you and God bless.

GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NBA-YLF OWERRI BRANCH

It is with great pleasure that I congratulate the executives and members of the Nigerian Bar Association Young Lawyers Forum Owerri Branch as she holds her 2022 Summit scheduled to hold from Thursday, March 17 to Saturday, March 19, 2022.

It is worrisome and my heart bleeds that many of our young lawyers are not breaking even today as opportunities at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Courts, and Land Registries, to mention but a few, are no longer available like in the past. We must as a matter of urgency address these critical issues if we desire a robust practice and better future for our young lawyers and mentees.

I must sincerely commend the initiative of the organizers of this auspicious event for the choice of theme: “Yesterday, Today and the Future of the Legal Profession in Nigeria” which I consider apt as the future of the legal profession very much rests in the hand of the Young lawyers.

To the awardees of the Dinner, I say a big Congratulations! to you on your meritorious award for your ceaseless support and contribution towards the development and promotion of young lawyers in the branch. I implore you to keep it up and remain true ambassadors of your branch and the legal profession.

Whilst wishing you a successful programme and a splendid dinner, please be assured of my best wishes and support, always.

Thank you and God bless.

To join our Telegram platform, please click here 

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

NBA-SPIDEL SUMMIT ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC RIGHTS HOLDS TODAY

The eagerly awaited “Town Hall Meeting” of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) will hold today at the Marriot Hotel, GRA, Ikeja.

The hybrid summit has the theme, “Justiciability of Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution: Pragmatic Measures for Government’s Accountability.” Expected at the parley are judicial officers, political actors, legislators, lawyers and civil society leaders.

While all slots for in-person attendance have been fully taken up in compliance with COVID-19 protocols, intending participants can still be a part of the summit by registering at https://tinyurl.com/nbaspidelth2022.

Fiery human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana SAN is the Lead Presenter for First Plenary while Mr. Anthony Ojukwu SAN, Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is the Lead Presenter for Second Plenary. The Chairman of the summit is Justice Helen Ogunwumiju of the Supreme Court.

Discussants for the First Plenary are Justice Onuoha Ogwe, Chief Judge of Abia State; Hon. Luke Onofiok, Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary; Mr. Suleiman Usman SAN, Sokoto State Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice; Mr. Emmanuel Okorodudu, Head of Democracy and Good Governance Unit at the ECOWAS Commission, Abuja and Mr. Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

The discussants for Second Plenary include Mr. Olawale Fapohunda SAN, Ekiti State Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice; Yemi Adamolekun, Executive Director, Enough is Enough (EiE); Ms. Cecilia Aransiola of Amnesty International; Mr. Samson Itodo of YIAGA Africa and Mr. Soji Apampa, Chief Executive at Integrity Organization. Both sessions will be moderated by ace broadcaster, Mr. Kayode Akintemi.

While Justice Ogunwumiju will give the Chairman’s Opening Remarks, Welcome Remarks will be delivered by NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata; NBA-SPIDEL Chairman, Dr. Monday Ubani, and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Steve Abar. The Vote of Thanks will be delivered by NBA-SPIDEL Secretary, Dr. Princess Frank-Chukwuani.

Organised by NBA-SPIDEL, the sessions coordinator is Mr. Kunle Ajagbe. The sponsors include Babalakin & Co., Digital Rights Lawyers Initiative, Y. C. Maikyau & Co. and JB Daudu & Co.

According to a statement by Dr. Monday Ubani, NBA-SPIDEL Chairman, “The aim of the Town Hall Meeting is to arouse the consciousness of critical institutions of government, particularly the Judiciary and Legislature, with a view to ensuring the enforcement of the basic socio-economic rights provided in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and other enabling laws for the benefit of the Nigerian people.

“The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) is desirous to see Nigerians enjoy the basic socio-economic rights provided in the Nigerian Constitution as well as other enabling laws,” adding that NBA-SPIDEL has a vision to make public interest and development law a fundamental aspect of national life and development.

According to the statement, SPIDEL which manifests NBA’s commitment to promoting the role and application of law to economic development and growth of public interest law in Nigeria, has been living up to its bidding.

In 2021, ahead of the sold-out NBA-SPIDEL yearly conference in Ibadan, Dr. Ubani had decried the delay in implementing provisions of the Constitution concerning autonomy of the judiciary.

“We want a judiciary that doesn’t go behind begging the executive to give them their resources in order to carry out the basic responsibilities that the constitution has imposed on them. We want a judiciary that can deliver justice without fear or favour, its long-term effect is what we are looking at, not probably because of the short-term losses we are suffering but I tell you this, if we succeed in doing this, we would have actually sorted out a very big problem for us as a nation. The issue of administration of justice is very key,” he had said.

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

TECH LAW SUMMIT HOLDS TOMORROW IN LAGOS

Stakeholders in the legal technology and innovation sector will tomorrow brainstorm on emerging trends in the industry at the 2019 Innovation and Tech Law Summit holding in Lagos.

Billed to hold at the popular Commerce House, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event will witness the cream of industry experts dissecting several aspects of the subject.

Below is a Press Statement made available to CITY LAWYER by the organisers of the summit. Continue Reading