The 58th NBA Annual conference commenced in Abuja on Sunday with about 10, 000 lawyers, the biggest gathering in Africa
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference (AGC), which commenced in Abuja on Sunday, is coming on the heels of a number of controversies that have trailed the association in recent weeks. The programme, which will hold August 26-30 in Abuja, will have as its theme: ‘Transition, Transformation and Sustainable Institutions’ with Ghana’s President, Akufo-Addo as keynote speaker. Among the controversial issues is the ratification of the just-concluded NBA national elections by the National Executive Committee (NEC) . The other candidates in the election that produced Paul Usoro (SAN) as the new President of the NBA, were Prof Ernest Ojukwu (SAN) and Arthur Obi-Okafor (SAN) have both criticized the election. There are also rumblings over moves to amend the NBA constitution during the AGM. Lawyers claim the newly elected executive will be used to implement the new constitution. Former General Secretary of the NBA, Femi Adesina (SAN) and former NBA President, Wole Olanipekun (SAN) among others have kicked against the constitution amendment by the Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) outgoing executive especially in the area of succession of the governing board of the association. “I was the General Secretary of our great Association between August 2002 and August 2004 and a life member of the National Executive Committee, yet I never received the Notice of the proposed Amendment to the Constitution from the General Secretary of the Bar up to the date of writing this publication,” Adesina said. Olanipekun said the amendment is coming despite advice by former presidents and secretaries of the association to postpone such amendment to a later date. “You are advised not to force the amendments on our beloved Association at the AGM, which, with much respect, might be constituted in such a way that the attendees would not readily understand or appreciate the unending conundrum we will be plunged into if the amendments sail through. And in case you insist on going ahead to present the amendments at the AGM, can you be gracious enough, as a lawyer and leader, to circulate this letter of mine to the AGM,” he said. Also, many lawyers have complained that the conference bags for this year’s conference is not with the tablets as contained in the previous edition despite the spending of N750 million to organize the conference and the retention of the fees like the previous year. The 58th conference will have five sub-themes which include Political Transition and Governance; Rule of Law & Security; Sustainable Economic Development; Technological Disruptions; and Diversity and Inclusion. The stakeholders will examine the theme of ensuring peaceful and successful transitions, drawing references from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe. The NBA AGC will be held in partnership with the British-Nigeria Law Forum (BNLF), the Bar Council of England and Wales, the American Bar Association (ABA) and other bar associations from across the continent and they have offered to provide technical support to the conference planning. About 10, 000 lawyers, the biggest gathering in Africa, are expected to attend the conference in Abuja. Besides, the keynote address by the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, there will be a conversation with […]
Read moreLawyers’ vox populi on the 58th annual general conference of the NBA
Our association should be concerned with members welfare, rule of law’SHUAIB ALARAN I think a lot of people have been debarred the opportunity of attending the conference. It looks to me that certain cabals, who actually want to restrict the attendance of the conference to only the moneybags, have hijacked our noble association. It will interest you to know that the registration fee for members who are just between 1 to 5 years is N80, 000, which is the least. Members who are 20 years and above are to pay N300, 000, while the SANs will pay N500, 000, apart from the practicing fees and the branch dues already paid by these members. To me, this is purely exploitative, to say the least. The executive members of the association did not take into cognizance, the economic realities in Nigeria before fixing these exorbitant fees. We should also bear in mind that lawyers’ incomes are very irregular. In all of these, my dream NBA is that which will be concerned at all times with the welfare of its members; an association that will ensure that there is absolute compliance with the rule of law. A body, which will be the mouthpiece of the downtrodden in the fight against corruption! What I observed is that almost everybody is contesting for one position or the other in the NBA for his or her selfish interest, to make money for themselves in particular, among other benefits. ‘NBA requires total makeover’ OYENIJI OLUYINKA If I have any expectation, it is that other lawyers, especially the young ones should set up an alternative association like many organs of governance in this country. The association has had its cradle steadily desecrated. The only rationale for being a member and being called one is to pay Practice Fee. Those have been astronomical by your years of supposed practice at the bar. So we pay, not because we believe the funds are judiciously utilized but because we would want to practice. The entire processes of the last elections were a ruse. If the banking sector has produced BVN, why can’t all lawyers be automatically recognised and businesses of the NBA conducted online? The NBA has been unable to maintain any justifiable fight nor championed one to a logical conclusion. We cannot even fight for the bench nor improved judicial processes. The NBA definitely requires a total makeover, now, more than ever before! ‘The Bar should re-engineer itself’ LAYI BABATUNDE (SAN) We look forward to a period of happy reunion, in spite of the challenges our country is going through at the moment. Moving forward, one hopes, that the Bar will re-engineer itself ready and able to play our role as a vibrant and dependable bull work in the defence of the rule of law, democracy and democratic norms, especially now, that major elections are around the corner. I believe this can be done while ensuring the sustainability and growth of our profession, both as a business and social service! ‘We need vibrant NBA’ BAMIDELE OGUNDELE There is no alternative to rule of law, except anarchy. The rule of law must be obeyed. […]
Read moreOldest Nigeria practicing lawyer, Pa Gomez dies at 90
Acclaimed oldest Nigeria lawyer, Pa Tunji Fortunatus Gomez died Tuesday night. According to report, the death of Pa Gomez was officially announced by the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Lagos branch through its Chairman, Mr. Chukwuka Ikwuazom. Vanguard gathered that Pa Gomez as he was popularly called marked his 90th birthday some months back with pomp and pageantry. Announcing the lawyer’s passing away, the Lagos NBA branch chairman simply stated : “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Pa Tunji Gomez. Pa Gomez was until his death yesterday night, the oldest practising lawyer in Nigeria and a deeply loved member of the Premier Bar. “The Branch had, in recognition of his excellent service and uncommon devotion to the Branch, celebrated his 90th birthday in style a few months ago. Our deepest condolences go to his immediate family. We will greatly miss Pa Gomez and pray that his soul will rest in perfect peace. We will make further announcements in due course.” Pa Gomez was born in 1928 and enrolled into King’s College, Lagos in 1944. His activism manifested early in his eventful life, as he is reputed to have led the 1948 strike at the College which significantly turned around the fortunes of the students. Pa Gomez was part of the legal team that defended late Chief Obafemi Awolowo during his celebrated treason trial in 1962. He is also reputed as the first lawyer to sue the Military Government in Nigeria in the celebrated case of Madam Shapara vs. Lagos State Government. An avid yoga practitioner, Pa Gomez is a long-standing advocate for the welfare especially of young lawyers. He is the author of the book: Guide to Happy Marriage. There were reactions to the death of Pa Gomez. Life Bencher, Lady Debbie Obodoukwu wrote: “Adieu great legal luminary. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.” Source: www.vanguardngr.com
Read moreEdo State Governor has inaugurated a 12-man Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has inaugurated a 12-man Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, headed by Hon. Justice Peter Isibor (Retd.), with a charge to uphold mercy, where applicable, in the dispensation of justice. Speaking during the inauguration of the Advisory Council, Obaseki noted that prerogative of mercy ensures justice is served with mercy, but without perverting the course of justice. He said, “I believe in advising me you will balance the concept of justice with mercy for victims, victims’ family, society, the convicts and justice to all.” Other members of the council include Isaiah Gaja; the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Yinka Omorogbe; Professor Violet Aigbokhaevbo; Mrs. F Osazee; Dr. Stephanie Ighedosa; Dr. E Oyanna; Mrs. Rosaline Edigin; Ven. Osaro Uyi Igbinosa, the state’s Controller of Prisons; the Commissioner of Police; and the Commander of the Nigerian Air Force. The governor said that during a National Economy Council meeting in Abuja, the National Committee on the Decongestion of Prisons and Awaiting Trial Inmates presented statistics of inmates awaiting trial and condemned criminals, revealing that Edo State ranked sixth in the country. The governor noted that with the inauguration of the council, the state will ensure justice is served, noting that it is a principle that was provided for in the constitution. “The Prerogative of Mercy is a constitutional power granted to the governor under section 212 subsection 1 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which allows the governor to grant any person respite from execution or any punishment after consultation with an advisory council on Prerogative of Mercy as may be established by the law of the state. “It is important to note that the advisory council on Prerogative of Mercy has been provided for by the Bendel State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy Law Number 11, 1980,” he said. He said he was confident that with the composition of the Advisory Council, the principle of the prerogative of mercy would come into force to decongest prisons. The Chairman of the Advisory Council, Hon. Justice Peter Isibor said the council will equitably discharge its duties. “We will be dealing with people who are already convicted by a superior court of the land and ensure only persons who deserve mercy are recommended for state pardon,” he added. Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com
Read moreInternational treaties on Nigerian maritime law
The 15th International Maritime Seminar for judges has concluded in Abuja with participants focusing on the applicability of international treaties on Nigerian maritime law. In view of the critical role played by treaties in international life, participants were of the view that states should domesticate their freely assumed obligations, which are considered basic in relationships between and among states and subjects of international law. The three-day conference attracted participation from within and outside Nigeria. There were judges and States Attorneys-General, senior government functionaries, maritime operators and scholars. Organized by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in collaboration with National Judicial Institute (NJI), the seminar aimed at keeping judges abreast with the basic contemporary knowledge about admiralty law and practice in the administration of justice. The seminar equally provided platform for exchange of ideas and experiences, especially with regards to implementation of international treaties, piracy and armed robbery at sea as well as other legal issues arising from the maritime sector of the economy. Former Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Professor Akin Oyebode, while addressing participants, held that although, international law prescribes the obligation to implement treaties, yet, in a federal system of government, implementation is often encumbered by problems arising from division of powers between the federal and constituent units. He also referred to Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that no treaty between the federation and any other country shall have the force of law except to the extent to which the National Assembly has enacted such treaty into law. “However, it is worthy of note that not every treaty concluded by Nigeria warrants implementation by way of enabling legislation. “Only those which one way or another, affect existing legislation require implementation by way of legislative action. “Accordingly, treaties which impose financial, political and social costs, or which are strictly of a scientific or technological nature require legislation for their implementation while mutual exchange or cultural agreements generally do not necessarily have to be implemented through legislation”, Oyebode stated. In his reaction, the Director General, Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Kofi Mbiah, wondered whether the constitution is inferior to international law since it cannot be used as justification for flouting international law. He goes on to state that the supremacy of international law in the international field does not entail that judges in the municipal courts of the state must override local law and apply international law. According to him, a very important aspect of the adherence to international law principles is the duty, not only to accept the instruments but also, to implement its tenets. Speaking on the judicial interpretation and economic implication of piracy and armed robbery at sea, the Executive Director, Centre for Maritime Law and Security in Africa, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, regretted that in view of the fact that piracy has been a subject of international attention for a long period, legal framework and judicial interpretation of the crime was yet to be fully defined. He noted that in both local and international law, the legal evolution of piracy law has been marked by difficult questions of definition, interpretation as well as practical […]
Read moreLASU releases merit list for 2016/2017 admission, says can’t admit 5,500
The Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, on Tuesday released its merit admission list for the 2016/2017 academic session. The institution’s spokesman, Mr Adekoya Martins, told newsmen in Lagos that LASU received the approved list from Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Monday.
Read moreWhy 2017 budget won’t be less than N6 trn, Adeosun tells Senate
By Joseph Erunke ABUJA- MINISTER of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, Tuesday, told the Senate that the Federal Government would sustain its over N6trillion national budget in the 2017 appropriation bill, expected to be submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari, after the consideration and subsequent approval of the pending 2017—2019 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF and Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP, by the National Assembly.
Read moreNPFL star, Izu Joseph is dead
NPFL star Izu Joseph who plies his trade with Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) is dead. The defender died on Sunday in Bayelsa where he was holidaying following the just concluded Nigeria Professional Football League after a stray bullet hit him. The deceased defender, Izu Joseph, was part of the Oluyole Warriors which finished 14th at the just concluded 2015/2016 season of the Nigerian Professional Football League, NPFL. Announcing the incident on in its official website, the club wrote, “A Shooting STAR is gone! Izu Joseph is gone! Flamboyant defender is gone! RIP, brother. What a life! May God strengthen his family #Tragedy.” The post NPFL star, Izu Joseph is dead appeared first on Vanguard News.
Read moreG20 agrees refugees a global issue
The G20 group agreed at their summit in China that refugees are a global issue and the burden must be shared, the leaders declared in a joint communique Monday. “Worldwide massive forced displacement of people, unprecedented since the Second World War, especially those generated from violent conflicts, is a global concern,” they said at the end of their two-day gathering in the scenic eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou. The Group of 20 — which together account for 85 percent of the world economy and two-thirds of its population — reiterated their call from last year’s summit in Turkey for “global concerted efforts in addressing the effects, protection need and root causes of refugee crisis to share in the burden associated with it”. The group called for strengthening humanitarian assistance for refugees and invited all states “according to their individual capacity” to ramp up aid to international organisations assisting affected countries. A steady stream of refugees has flowed into Europe over the last year, largely fleeing the civil war in Syria. EU President Donald Tusk said on the first day of G20 Europe was “close to limits” on its ability to accept new waves of refugees and urged the broader international community to shoulder its share of the burden. The issue has become a political flashpoint for leaders in the region as a series of Islamist terror attacks and rising anti-globalisation sentiment have combined to create an increasingly inhospitable environment for refugees from the brutal conflict. The group’s communique called for increasing efforts to “find durable solutions”, particularly for “protracted refugee situations”. Earlier a senior EU diplomat told AFP that G20 was making a strong stand, and had overcome initial reluctance from Argentina and Brazil on including the issue in the communique, but noted it was not a binding commitment. “There is a difference between commitment and enforcement… at least, it’s here,” he said. “Of course we have to take into account the fact that it is a sovereignty issue… it is not an obligation, but the burden-sharing is there.” The post G20 agrees refugees a global issue appeared first on Vanguard News.
Read moreNAF to deploy additional personnel to Niger Delta
Abuja – The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on Sunday said arrangements had been concluded by NAF to deploy additional personnel to the Niger Delta. This is contained in a statement signed by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Capt. Ayodele Famuyiwa, in Abuja. The statement said that it was part of the resolve to combat militancy and other forms of internal security challenges in the region. Abubakar disclosed this in Yenagoa during his visit to NAF Mobility Command. “The planned deployment is aimed at strengthening the existing NAF manpower disposition, especially in Bayelsa and to enhance Nigerian Air Force (NAF) involvement in `Operation Delta Safe.” “Preparatory to this deployment, new facilities were recently put in place to cater for accommodation and other welfare needs of the personnel. “These include the construction of new blocks of accommodation for officers and men, office accommodation, airmen’s mess and provost squadron which were commissioned recently.” According to the statement, two of the airmen’s blocks of accommodation have been named after Cpl. Omaka VI and Aircraftman Ofonih EF, both of whom were killed in Bosso, Niger, during an Internal Security Operation. Retired AVM Larry Koinyan commissioned the newly-constructed projects as the guest of honour. In his remarks, AVM Koinyan applauded NAF personnel for their courage and resounding successes following their renewed vigour at ensuring peace and stability in the various theatres of operations in the country. He, however, called on the people of Bayelsa to support the Federal Government’s effort at solving the problems of the region once and for all. Earlier, CAS paid a courtesy call on Gov. Henry Disckson of Bayelsa, who gave assurance that his administration was ready to partner NAF and other security agencies in their bid to rid the state of criminal activities. Dickson said it had become necessary because Bayelsa government understood the importance of security and the need for the state to be safe for economic prosperity. He also promised that his government would partner the service to build NAF primary and secondary schools in the state to enable Bayelsa people to benefit from the quality education provided by NAF Schools. The governor noted that the discipline and re-orientation of the youth in the state would further be enhanced at NAF base in Yenagoa where the schools would be sited. The post NAF to deploy additional personnel to Niger Delta appeared first on Vanguard News.
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