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  • Prof. Azinge begins journey to Asagba of Asaba

    Prof. Azinge begins journey to Asagba of Asaba

    In a remarkable turn of events within the cultural and legal landscape of Delta State, Professor Epiphany Azinge, a distinguished professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has ascended to the esteemed position of the 14th Asagba (King) of Asaba. This significant milestone follows the passing of the 13th Asagba of Asaba, the late Professor Chike Edozien, who left a profound legacy upon his death on February 14, 2024. For Azinge, this appointment marks one of the most pivotal moments of his life, a testament to his perseverance and the divine favour he has consistently experienced throughout his journey.

    Prior to his ascension, Azinge faced intense competition for the throne from prominent candidates, including Mr. Tony Ogugia Konwea, Professor Emmanuel Onwuka, and Chief Chinedu Esealuka. Despite the highly competitive environment and the formidable qualifications of his rivals, the Asagba-in-Council ultimately recognised Azinge’s exceptional credentials and deep commitment to his community. Notably, Azinge previously held the traditional chieftaincy title of Okilolo of Asaba, which further established his credibility and connection to the people.

    His selection was championed by the Ochendo of Asaba, Chief Anthony Edozien, emphasizing Azinge’s impressive track record not only in legal practice but also in academia. As a former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Azinge has consistently demonstrated leadership, expertise, and a passion for education, which undoubtedly contributed to his approval for the kingship.

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    As he embraces his new role, Azinge and his team planned a series of culturally enriching activities to celebrate his coronation and promote communal harmony. The festivities commence on January 1, 2025, with an exciting cultural carnival that showcased the rich traditions of the Asaba people. The following day, January 2nd, featured the King’s Cup final, a village football match that brought together communities in a spirited display of sportsmanship and fellowship at the local stadium. On January 3rd, the celebrations continued with a vibrant musical carnival at the stadium, where various artists performed, infusing the atmosphere with joy and cultural pride. The next day, January 4th, was dedicated to the formal coronation proceedings, which included a morning session of celebration and homage at the stadium, followed by an evening fundraising event aimed at securing resources for the construction of the Asaba Permanent Palace.

    Finally, on January 5th, a Thanksgiving service at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in West End rounded out the week’s events, providing an opportunity for the new king and his community to express their gratitude and hope for a prosperous future. A reception at the Dome followed, where attendees united in celebration, honoring not only the new Asagba but also the unity and resilience of the people of Asaba. Azinge’s journey as the Asagba of Asaba is expected to be marked by dedication to cultural preservation, legal advocacy, and community development, heralding a new era for the people he now leads.

  • Azinge crowned 14th Asagba of Asaba

    Azinge crowned 14th Asagba of Asaba

    • Kalu: Azinge right choice for Asaba kingdom

    Asagba of Asaba, Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge (SAN) was, yesterday, installed as the 14th Asagba of Asaba Kingdom, Oshimili South LGA in Delta state.

    The royal father assured his subjects that he will work to impact meaningfully on the wellbeing of the indigenes and residents of the ancient town.

    Obi Azinge, who spoke at the colourful coronation ceremony performed by the Onihe of Asaba (kingmaker), Chief Ubaka Attoh, pledged commitment to preserving the traditions and culture of Asaba.

    He said he would leverage on his traditional status, exposure and contacts to attract infrastructural development to the town, including a federal university in Asaba.

    According to him, no one in his domain would be marginalised, stressing that his reign will witness inclusiveness of all ethnic groups to the development of Asaba, Delta capital.

    Obi Azinge emerged as the successor to the exalted position of the traditional ruler of Asaba following the demise of the 13th Asagba of Asaba, Obi Chike Edozien, on February 14, 2024.

    He urged other contenders to sheath their swords and work with him for the good, unity and development of Asaba and his people.

    The coronation ceremony was graced by former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, palace chiefs, titleholders, indigenes, traditional rulers from across the country.

    Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has hailed the selection of Prof. Azinge as the 14th Asagba, stressing that the people of Asaba made the right choice.

    In his congratulatory message to Azinge, a Professor of Law and former Director-General of the Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Kalu reiterated that the kingmakers and indeed, the people made the right choice in Azinge who also holds the chieftaincy title of Okilolo of Asaba.

    ‘It is with immense joy and profound reverence that I celebrate your historic coronation as the 14th Asagba of Asaba esteemed kingdom. Your Majesty, your remarkable journey from the lecture hall to the throne inspires us all.  Your dedication to education and public service has prepared you well for this noble role.

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    “As a distinguished law professor, your exceptional academic prowess and unwavering commitment to justice have inspired countless minds. Today, your ascension to the throne marks a new era of wise leadership, ushering in a brighter future. May your reign be characterised by wisdom, strength, and justice. May your legal expertise illuminate the path to progress, and may your compassion embrace the needs of all subjects.

    “Please accept my warmest congratulations as you embark on this magnificent journey,” Kalu said.

    He was born on November 13, 1957. Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge (SAN), OON, hails from Ugbomanta quarters, Asaba, Oshimili South LGA, Delta State, Nigeria.

    He attended St. Patrick’s College (SPC) Asaba between 1970 and 1975 and then proceeded to the University of Lagos in 1976, where he obtained a degree of Bachelor of Laws with a Second Class Upper Division.

    He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1980 and proceeded to the University of London for his LL.M degree specialising in Comparative Constitutional Law and Shipping Law in 1983 and completed his PhD in 1986, writing his doctoral thesis on ‘Electoral Laws in Nigeria’.

    He began his academic career at the University of Benin in 1981, where he taught several Courses, including the Nigerian Legal System, Legal Process, Jurisprudence, Constitutional Law, Labour Law, Public International Law, and Administrative Law.

    He also taught Information Technology Law and the Law of Taxation at the University of Abuja. To demonstrate his extreme passion for education he also taught the Nigerian Legal System at the Nasarawa State University, free of charge. At the University of Benin (Uniben), he held several positions in academics and administration.

    He was appointed Special Assistant to the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice where he served from 1991 to 1997.

    A Member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Legal Practice (2004 -2008), a Member of the NBA Continuing Legal Education Committee (2003 -2006), Chairman of the NBA Section on Business Law and its Sub Committee on Sports and Entertainment. He was elevated to the status of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2006. He has published extensively in diverse areas in local and international journals and is also the editor of several books.

    In May 2009, he was appointed the 5th Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) editing over sixty-three (63) books and journals.

  • ‘Azinge, a worthy fellow’

    Former Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) Director-General Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN) has been conferred with the fellowship of the institute. In this piece, Laura Ani, a research fellow at NIALS, examines the man Azinge

    ProfESSOR Epiphany Azinge was born into a prominent Asaba family and he made his mark early as a student of law, when he graduated from the University of Lagos in 1976 with a Second Class Upper Division and was called to the Bar in 1980.

    With an insatiable quest for knowledge and ever-probing and questioning the law, he proceeded to the University of London for his Masters in 1983, specialising in Comparative Constitutional Law and Shipping Law and graduated with a distinction.

    Azinge, again, proceeded to attain the highest academic qualification at the highly prestigious London School of Economics, and staying true to his academic dexterity he delivered a genius Ph.D thesis on Electoral Laws in Nigeria.

    His thirst for the academia began as a lecturer at the University of Benin teaching over eight subjects and supervising several, including Ph.D thesis; he Lectured at the University of Abuja, where he introduced the Information technology law in Nigeria in 1996; lectured at the Nasarawa State University; was an External Examiner of Ph.D dissertations at the Ahmadu Bello University, the University of Jos in 2006 and the University of Kwazulu, Natal Durban 2008; he served as the Director of Research and Studies at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies before his elevation as the Director-General of the institute from 2009 to 2014 and thereof continuing his teaching career briefly at the Baze University; served at the US State Department as part of the International Visitors Leadership programme on Judicial Independence and Human Rights.

    He holds an elected position of the Commonwealth Arbitral Tribunal sitting in London, where he represents Nigeria and Africa. He is a member of the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee and the principal partner of Azinge and Azinge. Flowing from the above, there is no doubt that he is a legal scholar of high cranial capacity.

    This versatile genius is further illuminated by his interests and excellence at almost every branch of law. His contribution to law surpasses those of narrowly specialised lawyers. He is a distinguished scholar, a legal luminary of national and international repute and easily a leading authority in Constitutional and Electoral Law.  This was well shown by his stewardship as the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies from 2009, where he pursued vigorously with enormous strides and mastermind innovations the mission of the institute to make it “world-class” and he, naturally came up with the motto “Knowledge that makes the difference”.

    As the past Director-General of the institute his dexterity are exemplified by his achievements. Under his administration, Prof Azinge has made countless innovations. He introduced the PhD Postgraduate programme in Legislative Drafting at the institute in 2009 to fill the gap and to redress the shortage of skilled and motivated drafters in the country. It is worthy to mention that during his tenure he graduated 21 LL.M students; six post graduate diplomas, and two Ph.D students. Similarly, to drive research and training, he also provided excellent research centres named after prominent Nigerians who demonstrated interest and commitment in the subject areas, to mention a few, are Mohammed Lawal Uwais Centre for Judicial Integrity Assessment; Gani Fawehinmi Centre for Human Rights; George Etomi Centre for Strategic Investment and Corporate Governance;Wale Olanipekun Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution; and Corporate Affairs Commission Centre for Regulation of Corporate Power, among others.

    Prof Azinge was also very passionate about immortalising great scholars of our time. In the first year of his tenure, he named structures within the institute after great personalities, such as Akinola Aguda Lecture Theatre – named after Dr. Akinola Aguda, the first Director-General of the institute; Ajo Ajomo Auditorium  –  named after the second  Director-General; Taslim Elias Memorial Library – named after His Excellency Judge Taslim Oluwole Elias; Michael Agbamuche Lecture theatre – named after Chief Michael Agbamuche (former Attorney-General of the Federation).

    Similarily, to take research to another level,  he instituted many professorial chairs designed to open up new frontiers and vistas for research. He inaugurated nine professorial chairs after great scholars to include the S. M.A. Belgore Professorial Chair of Law and Development; the Gani Fawehimi Distinguished Professorial Chair on Human Rights; Taslim Elias Professorial Chair on International Law; Nabo Graham Douglas Professorial Chair on African Comparative Law; AkinolaAguda Professorial Chair; Ademola Edu Professorial Chair; Ben Nwabueze Professorial Chair; Chief ChikeChigbue Professorial Chair; and the Jadesola Akande Professorial Chair.

    His publications in their quality and content and even quantity attest to a continuously active legal mind throughout his administration, he published a total number of 70 publications comprising journals, books and monograms and also introduced some ground-breaking research projects relevant to MDAs, the judiciary, legislature and the Federal and state government in general. Worthy of mention are the Nigeria’s Judicial Performance Evaluation (Vol 1-7); Unification of Penal and Criminal Law; Annotation of Treaties in Force; NIALS Laws of Nigeria (Annotated); The Supreme Court of Nigeria 1990 – 2012;Review of Yobe State Laws and the Handbook on Rules of Engagement for the Nigerian Military; he pioneered field research in Traditional Administration of Justice in Nigeria and the Restatement of Customary law; amongst others. In addition, he introduced 13 highly specialised journals.

    In order to sustain the tempo for continuous legal education, he introduced the Specialised Judicial Track Training Programme, specialised training course for judges of the customary courts; the African Moot Court Trial, roundtables that centered on national and international discourse and introduced ground breaking lecture series to include the New Frontiers Lecture, Diasporas Scholars Lecture; State of the Legal Profession Lecture; Chike Chigbue Memorial lecture; Jadesola Akande Memorial Lecture; AkinolaAguda Memorial Lecture, Felix Okoye Memorial Lecture; Gani Fawehinmi Distinguished Professor of Law Lecture; Inaugural Lecture Series and the Valedictory Lecture.

    In addition to these, he organised the Centenary Law Summit in 2013 to celebrate a century of Constitutional Evolution and Legal Development in Nigeria, which was an opportunity to take stock of how well Nigeria has utilised law as an instrument of social change in the last 100 years.

    Also, in collaboration with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), he organised the Hon. Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais Public Service Award, which encourages work and reward, excellence, national progress, patriotic commitment and selfless discipline.

    He also organised the NIALS Festival of Legal Scholarship, which fosters a gathering for diverse, intellectually curious people to learn, listen and debate. The Festival was unique in its dedication to dialogue and exchange and in its commitment to bringing ideas to the public at large; he organised the Stakeholders Summit and he continued the tradition of conferring the institute’s prestigious Fellowship on a select Nigeria’s leading legal scholars and jurists who have demonstrated outstanding qualities and excellence in scholarship, practice and in the Legal Profession in general.

    He conferred a total of 26 fellowships throughout his tenure. However, one of the most ground-breaking was his establishment of the NIALS Hall of Fame, which was established for honouring individuals that made monumental contributions in the field of law. In 2010, the late Justice P. N. Bhagwati of India was the first inductee of its Hall of Fame, for his role in recognising the justiciability of Economic and Social Rights.

    To strengthen capacity within the institute, Azinge strategically collaborated with other institutions, such as the Chariton Resources LLC, Texas, United States; China Law Society, Beijing; The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS); Heinrich Boll Foundation Nigeria; Justice for All; Indian High Commission; Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria; Ford Foundation; Creative Common (CC) Nigeria; University of Cape Town, Osgoode University.

    In furtherance of his desire for capacity building, he has extensively granted full scholarships for higher degrees both locally and internationally, sponsored staff to conferences and training both home and abroad. Also, as a way of encouraging hard work and diligence he deemed it fit to present awards to deserving members of staff who have proven themselves in their various departments. This, he faithfully carried out a monthly basis and also as an end of year reward.

    In 2014, he launched the online pro bono clinic, which was fully committed to the implementation and development of a law clinic as an integral part of the Institute. He also established the e-learning portal to create an accessible, user-friendly web environment to support e-learning and the ease of delivery of course materials for the PG school.

    He secured the approval of the Federal Government to establish six regional offices of NIALS to further ensure the application of the research results in the interest of the nation. The offices were located in Asaba, Maiduguri, Kano, Enugu and Makurdi.

    Prof Azinge’s ability is further demonstrated not only by the academic degrees which he obtained but by several awards, which he has achieved over the years; such as the Special Commendation for an excellent Dissertation for award of PhD; Best Student in Law of Evidence; International Law and Jurisprudence; Best Youth Corper 1980; Admitted into the Hall of Fame of the Human Rights Writers Association Excellence; Award of Excellence by the St. Patricks College, Asaba Old Boys 2010,Taslim Elias Gold Medal of Excellence Award, NALT 2010, Kwame Nkrumah leadership award 2014, Officer of the Order of the Niger 2014; Nominated by the US State Department as part of International Visitors Leadership programme on Judicial Independence and Human Rights 2016 and Listed the Who is Who in Africa and Who is Who in Nigeria 2018,  among others. In addition to his prestigious awards, he also the founder and sponsor of Sojourners Medicare Foundation, which provides ambulance services; founder and chairman Epiphany Azinge Foundation, which holds its annual lecture series and is passionately pursuing the establishment of a private university in Asaba, Delta State. The foundation has also awarded scholarships to indigent citizens from all parts of Nigeria. He is the National President, St Patricks College Old Boys Association 2018 and the President-General, Asaba Development Union Worldwide 2018. It also worthy to mention that  Azinge is carrying out pro bono advocacy on ‘culture of work ethics’ with parastatals.

    Outside his normal practice of the academia, he has demonstrated a very social and enviable side to him, some of his hobbies include dancing, singing and meeting people. Through his tenure at institute, he introduced and started his choral and cultural dance troupe. Interestingly, he is also a composer. Indeed, he composed the institute’s anthem. I recall our end-of- year parties, where Azinge brought all staff together to celebrate, wine and dine to our hearts’content. This was significant, because this is where he rewarded staff for all their hard work with prizes that have lasting memories. I  have been a recipient as the best staff of the year 2012 and 2014.

    Azinge was always very thoughtful, as it was also his tradition to ensure that every staff of the institute was given a customised birthday card and a cake on their birthdays.

    Azinge is an example of thoroughness,  dedication to duty and above all has demonstrated the highest standard of integrity. His mental power and fertility is a sheer quality of his personality and intellectual drive that has impressed on those who comein contact withhim. No wonder this ‘great thinker’ was bestowed by His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien, CFR, The Asagba of Asaba, the chieftaincy title, the ‘Okailolo of Asaba’ along with his beautiful wife Dr (Mrs) Valerie Azinge the ‘Odoziaku of Asaba’ in 2011, thus elevating him to the prestigious council of the Olinzele Asaba. He also blessed with a family that is a shining example of moral rectitude. He has four children – three girls and one boy – who have emulated his great strides.

    Today, we celebrate this five-star legal scholar as he is admitted into the fellowship of the institute. Together, we acclaim that he is a worthy fellow indeed. Congratulations Prof Azinge, the Okilolo of Asaba.

     

     

  • Encomiums as UNN honours Azinge, others

    Encomiums as UNN honours Azinge, others

    The University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has conferred the honourary doctorate degree on Dr Valerie  Azinge.

    She was secretary of the National Conference held last year.

    Dr Azinge obtained an LL.M from the London School of Economics and Political Science and received her Ph.D in Law from the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in 1990.

    She followed in the footsteps of her father, the late father Dr. John Nwodo who was also conferred with an honourary doctorate degree.

    Dr Azinge was honoured along with the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and  the Tetufund Chairman,  D. Musa Babayo.

    After the event, the honouree entertained her guests at the Ukehe residence of her brother, the former Minister of Information,  Chief John Nnia Nwodo.

    Nwodo,  while breaking the traditional Kola nut, recalled that her father moved the motion for the establishment of the University and was subsequently conferred with an honourary Doctorate Degree.

    Former  Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN) said of his wife:  “I feel elated, excited and exceedingly grateful to God for the honour done to my wife,  Dr. Valerie Azinge and through her to my  family. This honour coming years after her late father  was conferred with the same honorary degree, by the same university,  is truly a cause for celebration by the  Nwodo’s and Azinge’s  respectively

    “She feels highly fulfilled and has a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment that she could walk on the footprints of her father. But more significantly, it is gratifying to note that her contributions to humanity and her country are well recognised and appreciated

    “Few months ago, she was conferred with the national honor of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).This recognition, undoubtedly, will motivate and propel her to continue to serve her country selflessly and with patriotic zeal and enthusiasm.”

    A former Presidential Candidate of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) Dr. Joe Nwodo said people could not fully understand and appreciate Dr. Azinge  without recourse to her role in the just concluded National Conference.

    “The conference at every level paraded some of the best brains available in our country.  The success of the conference is the result of a collective intellectual endeavor by all the participants which makes it difficult to compartmentalise the general success into individual achievements

    “At the level of the Secretariat of the conference,  we had exceptionally well qualified and non- partisan political leadership. This leadership had no secret agenda to manipulate the explosive proposals that arose on the floor of the conference to achieve prior determined objectives. The conference secretariat was in fact, formidable.  It consisted of Justice I. L.  Kutigi  as chairman, erudite  Professor Bolaji Akinyemi as vice- chairman and the amazon,  Dr. Valerie  Janette Azinge  as Secretary

    “The secretariat will go down in history as the most successful one that organised a politically explosive conference which eventually emerged with positive conclusions for our future. Even though in the development of the work of the conference, there were elements of the traditional North South division, but in the end those elements did not percolate into its major conclusions,” Dr. Nwodo said.

    On what made the conference unique, and  the peculiar contributions of  Dr  Azinge, Dr. Nwodo said: “The conference achieved two results hitherto thought impossible in Nigeria. To begin with, it was the first conference in our history to emerge with one unanimously agreed document with no dissenting opinions or report on its conclusions. This looks unbelievable and  sounds like a Nigerian political miracle. For a Nigerian conference to emerge with an unanimously  agreed document on inflammatory and explosive issues that had hitherto  divided our nation, is an achievement which cannot be easily quantified. And by this success we have moved our national struggle to another level.”

    He continued: “Before,  it was difficult to agree, the problem now however,  is no longer that we cannot reach agreement. Our present problem is now the political will to implement the decisions which our leaders freely arrived at during the conference. The conclusions of the conference have presented us with a comprehensive political manifesto on the future Nigeria  of our dream,  it is  now for our leaders to create  the political will  to implement it

    “Perhaps the most interesting contribution of the conference lay in its deliberate drive to create a finally Federal Republic of Nigeria consisting of 54 States made up of nine equal  states in the six geopolitical zones. The drive for  a true Federal Republic of Nigeria has for a longtime been obstructed by the primordial and perennial tripartite struggle for ethnic hegemony

    “In coming to this bold and novel decision, the conference came to a landmark decision of great historic proportions. They rejected the existing 36 military created, haphazard and unequal states, they equally rejected the division of Nigeria into equal geopolitical zones

    “In creating nine equal states in the each geopolitical zones, the conference  disregarded  the usual division of Nigeria into major and minor ethnic groups and by so doing,  the conference laid the proper foundation for the  building of a truly Federal Republic of Nigeria that liberated all the groups clamouring for political emancipation and self determination irrespective  of whether or not they belonged to a major or minor ethnic  group

    “If the is realized,  there will  only  be two tiers of government under the Federal constitution, the states will  be allowed to make their own constitutions  and to create their own local governments  which will  no longer come under the Federal constitution. In this way,  each of the fifty-four states will be forced to pursue earnestly   their political and economic self interest as opposed to the amorphous and nebulous  self interest of major or minor ethnic groups. Equally the dangerous and destructive struggle for tripartite ethnic hegemony will be reduced into manageable proportions. The unity of Nigeria will be enhanced and there will be a great natural leap forward

    Asked how  Dr. Valerie Azinge came into all these discourse, Dr. Nwodo said: “ She organized and  effectively managed the secretariat which was the engine room of the conference,  She designed an operational template for the management and direction  of the work of the conference consisting of  20  Committees which delved into the areas of our acute national problems and challenges. Her close interaction with the daily work of these committees created the ensuing operational framework for  the deliberation of these committees which provided for  the gigantic  success  recorded

    Giving insight into the background of Dr. Azinge which enabled her to achieve this monumental feat, Dr. Nwodo said: “  Dr. Azinge comes from a renowned political family in the south East. Secondly she is married to a brilliant intellectual, Prof. Epiphany  Azinge (SAN),  who as  Director-General,  Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal  Studies (NIALS)  master minded far-reaching reforms  in Nigerian law, little wonder he has been  described as a Five Star legal scholar.

    Above all, she studied  in the  famous London School of Economics and  Political Science  which is well known for producing products who are undertaking far  reaching social and political engineering reforms in several countries  of the world” Dr. Joe Nwodo concluded

    Former Governor of Enugu State, Okwsilieze Nwodo  commended Dr. Azinge for this great feat.

    He said: “ This is a great honour and recognition by the first indigenous University in Nigeria which is also my Alma Mater

    Dr. Valerie Azinge is fully deserving of the award,  She is an erudite lawyer with a Ph. D,  She is a very brilliant lady and a sagacious politician

    “All these qualities she used recently in the discharge of  her duty as  Secretary to the just concluded National Conference.

    Valerie is a dutiful wife and a consummate mother, she is a bundle of talents waiting to explode. I thank the University of Nigeria for discovering her and showcasing her to Nigerian womanhood for emulation” Okwesilieze said.

     

     

     

     

  • UNN to honour Ekweremadu, Azinge

    UNN to honour Ekweremadu, Azinge

    The University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) will on Saturday confer honorary Doctorate degree  (LL.D) on the Deputy Senate President, Dr. Ike Ekweremadu and  Dr. Valerie Azinge  as part of activities marking  its 44th convocation.

    Also to be honoured by the University are Chairman of Tetfund, D. Musa Babayo and Chief Executive Officer Seplat Petroleum Lagos,  Mr. Augustin Avuru

    Senator Ekweremadu is also the Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Parliament).

    He was born on May 12, 1962 in Mpu, Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State. He holds Bachelor of Laws ( LLB. Hons)  and Master of Laws (LLM) of the UNN in addition to Leadership Certificates of the Harvard University and Oxford universities.

    He is a legal practitioner and was an Associate Lecturer at his alma mater, where taught Constitutional Law and Labour Law before venturing into politics. He has fulfilled all the requirements for the award of Ph.D. in Constitutional Law at the University of Abuja, having successfully defended his doctoral thesis recently.

    His thesis is on the legal framework, theory and practice of fiscal federalism in Nigeria.

    Ekweremadu have been consecutively elected into the Senate in 2003, 2007 and 2011. He is serving a second consecutive tenure as the Deputy President of the Senate, having been unanimously elected by his colleagues in 2007 and 2011.

    Dr. Azinge attended Santa Maria primary School Enuge, where she obtained her primary school certificate, thereafter, she went  to Queens School, Enugu where she obtained her West African School Certificate (WASC).

    She obtained her LL.B (Hons) from the University of Jos, she came out with Second Class upper in 1980 and was called to the Bar in 1981 after a Barrister at Law training at the Nigerian Law School.

    Dr. Azinge obtained her Master of  Laws (LL.M) from the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science in 1984 and in 1990, she obtained a Ph.D from the Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma

    A private legal practitioner with Azinge & Azinge Chambers, she  renders consultancy services to the House of Representatives’Committee on Power, Committee on Immigration, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Federal Government, Anambra and Bayelsa State governments.

    Mrs Azinge has attended several local and international conferences. They include: International Bar Conference London,  Human Rights Conference Switzerland, International Bar Conference, Canada African Union Conference on Human Rights,United Nations General Assembly Session on Human Rights, New York, Pacific Lawyers Association Conference United States Female Lawyers Conference, Nigerian Bar Association Annual Conferences. She belongs to various professional associations, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), International Bar Association, World Jurist Association

    Mrs Azinge, a prolific writer and fiery advocate, is the author of several books. They include: Jurisprudence of Failed Banks tribunal and Law of Broking in Nigeria.

    She was a Commissioner in the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) – 1996-2000, Senatorial Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Delta North               in 1999 and Secretary, the National Conference.

     

  • Azinge seeks six-year term for president

    Azinge seeks six-year term for president

    A former Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) Director-General, Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN) has called for a constitution amendment to provide for a six-year single term for the President.

    He said six years is enough for a president to implement all his programmes and make way for another person with fresh ideas.

    According to him, there is a tendency to run out of ideas after a few years in office, adding that the current two terms of four years is not necessary.

    “It gets to a point where a leader is burnt out,” he said.

    Azinge, who retired as NIALS Director-General on May 26, spoke at a dinner organised in his honour by Mr Augustine Alegeh (SAN) in Abuja.

    Alegeh was Azinge’s student at the University of Benin Law Faculty where he (Azinge) began his teaching career in 1981.

    Azinge said he could not think of anything he could have done at NIALS in five years that he did not do.

    “At that point, I was burning out. I was exhausted. It was a matter of giving it my last shot,” he said.

    Azinge said his success at NIALS was a collective one, adding that no individual can generate ideas on his own.

    “We were able to create a cream of the best at NIALS. We also made maximum use of the media in trying to ventilate our achievements,” he said.

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jide Koku, said Azinge made huge impact in the lives of others.

    A former Abia State Attorney-General Prof Awah Kalu (SAN) said Azinge did well, not just at NIALS, but in the Ministry of Justice where he also worked, and at UNIBEN.

    “It’s the experience he gathered at those places that he applied at NIALS,” he said, describing Azinge as a man with “many angles”, referring to his “sartorial elegance and intellectual endowment.”

    A former Plateau State Attorney-General, Prof Clement C.J. Dakas (SAN), who also taught at NIALS, said it was a pleasure to celebrate Azinge.

    “Alegeh said Azinge mentored him, but unfortunately today, we don’t have the people with the spirit of mentoring young people.

    “If Prof Azinge didn’t have the spirit to mentor young people, we won’t be here celebrating tonight. He encourages his staff to be the best they can be and ensures he is surrounded by stars.

    “Everything about him was the institute. Some saw him as a slave master. He has not only raised the bar, but the visibility of the institute. We thank him for the sacrifice. I’m confident God will continue to elevate him.

    “As his name Epiphany suggests, he is a revelation that all of us are seeing today. He is a lesson that when we dare to make a difference in the lives of others, we are always rewarded,” Dakas said.

    A lawyer, Anozie Obi, who studied at NIALS, prayed that God strengthens Azinge and helps him find “better places to serve.”

    Alegeh said Azinge “served very well,” adding: “We were not invited to come and defend him in court on any charge by any anti-graft agency. If he didn’t serve well, I’ll even deny that he taught me.”

  • Confab: Court joins Kutigi, Akinyemi, Azinge in suit

    Confab: Court joins Kutigi, Akinyemi, Azinge in suit

    Justice Abdulkadir Abdulkafarati of the Federal High Court, Abuja Tuesday included former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Idris Kutigi and two others as parties in a suit challenging the legitimacy of the National Conference inaugurated on Monday by President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The judge’s decision was upon an application by rights activist, Tunji Abayomi.

    Abayomi, who filed the suit, sought the court’s permission Tuesday, to amend his processes to reflect the names of Kutigi (conference chairman), Professor Bolaji Akinyemi (Vice Chairman) and Mrs. Valerie Azinge (Secretary) as defendants in the suit on the ground that they were necessary parties.

    Defendants’ lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) who is also a participant at the conference, did not oppose Abayomi’s application.

    The judge subsequently included the three as defendants and ordered service of court documents on them. Their inclusion now brings to seven defendants in the suit.

    Others are President Jonathan, the Senate, its President, House of Representatives and its Speaker.

    Abayomi is by the suit, seeking to stop the national conference on the ground that the President lacked the powers to convoke or convene a national conference without a law from the National Assembly empowering him to do so.

    The activist, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/ 167/204 asked the court to determine whether a national conference can be convened by the President and/or government of Nigeria without a law made by the National Assembly enabling them to do so.

    In a supporting affidavit, Abayomi stated that the Federal Government has planned to spend billions of public money to fund the conference despite the absence of any law enabling the President to convoke the conference.

    He added that the Federal Government was bent on spending such amount despite the limited power invested in the President to use money to execute law.