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Tag: Eastern Bar

  • NBA, Eastern Bar, SANs mourn ‘legal giant’ Aguma

    More tributes have poured in for Rivers State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Chief Emmanuel Aguma (SAN), who died on August 10 in London. Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU reports.

    The Judiciary is still in shock following the death of Rivers State Attorney-GeneralChief Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) on August 10 in London.

    The late Aguma was Port Harcourt Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) from 2006 to 2008. He served as Secretary between 2000 and 2002.

    A member of the NBA National Executive Committee and a Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) prosecutor, he was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2015.

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike had directed that flags be flown at half-mast for two days from August 11 to mourn the late Aguma.

    The NBA, through its General Secretary Aare Isiaka Olagunju, described the late Aguma as an astute lawyer, very versatile and a complete Bar man.

    “He created a lasting impression on anyone who came across him owing to his warm reception to all. He was a key promoter of the need for discipline and sanctity within the profession.

    “It is indeed a monumental loss to Nigerian legal profession and young legal practitioners who look up to him for guidance and mentoring.

    “The President of the NBA A.B Mahmoud (SAN) expresses his heartfelt condolences to his wife Ifenyinwa, entire members of Aguma family home and abroad, members of NBA Port Harcourt branch and the people and government of Rivers State of Nigeria and entire members of the NBA on the loss of a husband, father, uncle, colleague and undoubtedly one of the brilliant minds and shinning stars of the legal profession.

    “It is our prayer that God grants his family, members of the NBA and Rivers State Government the fortitude to bear the loss,” Olagunju said.

    NBA Port Harcourt Branch, in a statement by its Chairman, Mr. Sylverster  Adaka and Secretary Mr. Tonye Sipoto-Pepple, said it received the news with utter shock and sadness.

    “We recall that before assuming office as the Attorney-General of the State and therefore the leader of the official Bar, the late learned silk served the NBA Port Harcourt Branch in various capacities. Noteworthy was his service to the Bar at different times as Branch Secretary and Chairman respectively.

    “Being one known for navigating the office of the Attorney-General and nuances of government deftly, we could not help but observe his unusual absence at recent several state functions in which the Bar was involved, the most recent being the commissioning of the newly completed National Industrial Court, Port Harcourt Division Complex and the renovation of the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division Complex.

    “Surely, he will be greatly missed by his colleagues at the Branch and we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul. We wish his wife (and our colleague), children, extended family and Rivers State Government the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the branch said.

    NBA Criminal Justice Reform Committee chairman Chief Arthur Obi Okafor (SAN) said he was deeply saddened by Aguma’s death.

    He expressed his condolence to the Rivers State Government, family, relatives and friends of his learned friend and brother.

    “Chief Aguma was an active and committed Bar man and a leading light of the NBA, especially the Port Harcourt Branch where he served as Secretary and later Chairman. He made invaluable contributions toward the unity and stability of our noble association.

    “His death is a painful loss to the people of Rivers State and the entire legal community. He will be fondly remembered as a brave and tireless promoter of justice, who served the society with boundless dedication, utmost humility and total commitment.

    “His noble service and contributions to the legal profession shall indeed be missed. I pray that the Almighty God will comfort the family and loved ones at this hour of grief. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Obi Okafor said.

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Paul Usoro, sympathised with the state government, the NBA and Aguma’s family “on the sad demise of their illustrious Son”

    He said: “Aguma was a quintessential gentleman who, until his sudden demise, served his people with a great sense of responsibility, passion and competence as the State Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice.

    “His death is certainly a colossal loss, not only to his immediate family but to the people of Rivers State, and indeed the legal profession. We would sorely miss you, Brother Silk.

    “It is my fervent prayer that God accepts Hon. Aguma in paradise and rests his soul well. May God also grant his family and relations the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. Adieu Emmanuel.”

    The Eastern Bar Forum (EBF), in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. George Igbikikuno, described the late Aguma as a sage and legal icon.

    It condoled with Governor Wike, the government and good people of Rivers State, and the eight NBA Branches in Rivers State.

    “The late Aguma was an epitome of absolute respect for rule of law, respect for human rights, strong stalwart of the EBF and a great, irreplaceable and irrepressible advocate.

    “The EBF will sorely miss him! We pray the Almighty God to grant the family, the EBF and Rivers State Government the fortitude to cope with this irreparable loss.

    “The Almighty God shall remember him in the resurrection. May the soul of Chief Emmanuel C. Aguma (SAN) rest in perfect peace,” EBF said.

    The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) said it received the news of Aguma’s death with a rude shock and deep sense of loss.

    “He was the beloved husband of our Country Vice-President/National President, Mrs. Inime Aguma. Until his death, he served Rivers state with an amazing sense of responsibility, passion, courage and competence.

    “He was also a philanthropist who promoted the welfare and good causes of everyone in his environment. He used his good office to ensure that the rights of women and children in Rivers state was preserved by providing free legal representation to them.

    “He also supported all the activities of FIDA Nigeria, most especially in Rivers State.

    “FIDA Nigeria mourns with his wife, our amiable CVP, his children, his mother, Rivers State government, and all his beloved ones.

    “Please stay strong and may God comfort and grant you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. The world has lost a beautiful soul,” FIDA Nigeria said in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary Princess F. Frank-Chukwuani.

  • Eastern Bar submits adopted candidates to Arewa Lawyers

    The Eastern Bar Association (EBF) has submitted the list of its adopted candidates for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) election to the Arewa Lawyers Forum (ALF).

    The EBF adopted the candidates after a screening process in line with its constitution.

    The EBF and ALF are among the NBA fora. The association’s election will hold in July.

    EBF Publicity Secretary Mr. George Fortune submitted the list of the adopted candidates to the former ALF Vice-Chairman Mr. Garba Pwul (SAN).

    It was done shortly before ALF dissolved its executive committee, which included Pwul.

    he ALF at its meeting in Kaduna dissolved the exco and constituted and interim executives with Elish Kurah (SAN) as Chairman.

    The new executives will manage the ALF’s affairs pending the election of new officers.

    Fortune told The Nation that the submission of the letter of adoption from the EBF was in keeping with the finest traditions of the Bar.

    He said the  EBF submitted the list to ALF and other regional fora to avoid confusion and to convey forum’s position on the candidates.

    The EBF had at a meeting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, endorsed the following candidates:  Chief Arthur Obi Okafor ( SAN) for President,  Stanley Chidozie  Imo (First Vice-President),  Sabastine Anyia (Welfare Secretary), Uju Mary Chukwuma-Okafor (Treasurer),   Innocent Nnamdi Ezeh (Legal Adviser), Emeka Anosike (Financial Secretary) and Mr. Seth Nwokolo (Assistant Publicity Secretary).

    The candidates emerged after the screening exercise conducted by the Forum’s Screening Committee, comprising EBF Governing Council members, branch chairmen and secretaries of all EBF branches, all Senior Advocates of Nigeria from the EBF states, and all NBA national officers  from the EBF zone, in compliance with Article 11 of its Constitution.

    The list was subsequently approved by the EBF General Meeting.

    The screening exercise was witnessed by the NBA First-Vice President, Mr. Caleb Dajan, who represented the NBA President, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN); Third Vice-President Mr. Ben Oji,  Welfare Secretary Mr. Adesina Adegbite, and Pwul, who led a team of ALF members to the event. Pwul represented ALF Chairman, Bauchi State Governor Mohammed Abubakar.

    Also present were  Secretary of South West Lawyers Forum (Egbe-Amofin), Mr. Ranti Ajeleti who led a delegation of Southwest lawyers, as well as a delegation of the Mid-West Bar Forum led its publicity Secretary, Mr. Alex I. Obade.

    NBA national officers of EBF extraction at the event include Second Vice-President Mr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, National Publicity Secretary John Austin Unachukwu, First Assistant Secretary Mr. Leo Okey Ohagba, Financial Secretary Mrs Ngozi Udodi,  Second Assistant Secretary, Ms Cecilia Ugbuji and Assistant Financial Secretary Mrs Dorcas Ngwu.

  • NBA election: Eastern Bar to endorse candidates Saturday

    The tenure of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) executive led by Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud (SAN) will end in less than six months.

    New officers will be elected to run the association’s affairs for the next two years.

    They will be inaugurated in August during the NBA Annual General Conference.

    It is the turn of the Southeast and Southsouth to produce the NBA President based on the association’s zoning arrangement.

    The Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) of the NBA, comprising lawyers of the Southsouth and Southeast extraction, is expected to choose a candidate for the Presidency.

    It is also expected to endorse candidates for other elective positions.

    Members will meet on Saturday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, during the EBF quarterly meeting.

    However, the candidates cannot campaign openly as the ban on vote seeking is yet to be lifted by the NBA National Executive Committee (NEC).

    The EBF comprises lawyers from the nine states that made up old Eastern Region, including the Southsouth states of Rivers, Cross-Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa, as well as the Southeast states of Anambra, Imo, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi.

    During its last meeting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, the EBF set up a screening committee chaired by its governing council chairman Mr. Arthur Elvis Chukwu.

    The committee’s mandate was to screen all aspirants for elective positions in the NBA in the forthcoming elections.

    The committee sent out and published guidelines for candidates who may seek EBF’s adoption.

    It is widely believed that interested candidates might have complied with the rules and regulations.

    On Saturday, the Forum is expected to, among other things, adopt its candidates for the election and thereafter sponsor them for the election.

    The four candidates aspiring for the presidency are Mr Paul Usoro (SAN), Chief Arthur Obi-Okafor (SAN), Prof. Ernest Ojukwu (SAN), Mr. Ikeazor Akariwe and Mazi Afam Osigwe.

    The last NBA President of EBF extraction was Mr. Okey Wali (SAN) (2012 to 2014).

  • Eastern Bar rejects NBA constitution amendment

    Eastern Bar rejects NBA constitution amendment

    The Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) has rejected the ongoing amendment of the Nigerian Bar Association  (NBA) constitution.

    The NBA began the process by constituting a committee headed by Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN) to review and update its constitution to deal with contemporary issues.

    The committee sent out memos requesting its branches to send in memoranda on the amendments they desire in the constitution.

    But the EBF, an umbrella association for  lawyers in the 45 NBA branches in the Southeast and Southsouth geo-political zones of the country opposed the move.

    It made its position last weekend in Abakaliki, at its quarterly meeting.

    According to EBF, the timing and procedures for the amendment were not acceptable.

    It urged all its branch chairmen and secretaries to shun such letters while those that had already responded to retract their responses immediately.

    The group agreed to write NBA President,   Mr. Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud (SAN) to convey its decision.

    Efforts by successive leadership of the NBA to amment its constitution always met resistance.

    Former Presidents including J.B. Daudu (SAN), Okey Wali (SAN) made serious efforts to amend the constitution with little or no successes.

    Immediate past president, Mr. Augustine Alegeh (SAN) effected  some  amendments which were later invalidated by the courts for non-compliance with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) requirements.

    Chairman, Southeast Governors’ Forum and Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi  urged EBF members to believe in the association

    He said this would enable them play their role of giving direction to the leaders of the region.

    Governor Umahi spoke during a state banquette at Government House, Abakaliki, where the EBF honoured him with an Excellent Performance Award.

    He commended the lawyers for building trust and coming together to drive and tackle issues of common interest in the zone “contrary to the mistrust created by politicians and past leaders of the region to achieve cheap political goals.”

    He expressed happiness that this unity which started with the formation of the South East–South South Governors Forum has positively rubbed off on lawyers from the zone

    The South East-South South Governors Forum is a non-partisan organization consisting of state governors from the geopolitical zones of the South East and South South. It was established to pursue inter-regional cooperation for greater integration and to politically work together towards realigning as a people that share common heritage, culture and affinity.

    Umahi said: “I thank God for this synergy and will forever remain grateful to God for it.  The need for unity in the EBF which started when we started the South East -South South Governors Forum was informed by the need for building trust. For without trust, it will be difficult to build a relationship. There was mistrust built by our leaders and in this country if you want to get anything and find it difficult, you begin to play the ethnic card.

    “We should stay together under the umbrella of the EBF and remain united. I learnt that you have an understanding of presenting candidates for the presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in turns.

    “The last time it came to the zone, it went to the South South and produced President Okey Wali (SAN), now that it has come back, I expect our South South brothers to support the Southeast to produce the next NBA president, that way you will preserve unity and trust in the association.

    “South East was the plank on which President Jonathan ruled this country and to do otherwise now will not help us. Let us build on this trust and love, nothing will separate us for the bigger we are, the stronger we are.

    “Our judges are doing well on the integrity index among their peers and the lawyers in my administration, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Augustine Nwankwegu and  Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dennis Ekoma Nkama are good ambassadors of the legal profession. I will always support the EBF,”  Umahi said

    Chairman, EBF Governing Council, Chief Arthur Elvis Chukwu, assured the governor that the group will remain united and live up to expectations.

    He said: “We will always play a critical role in the governance of this region. We will protect the down trodden and always uphold the rule of law.

    “We commend the governor for playing a crucial role during the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) saga where he provided leadership for the zone. That is one of the reasons we decided to honour him today,” Arthu Chukwu stated.

    The meeting was attended by Bar leaders from the zone and judges from the Ebony State Judiciary led by the State Chief Judge, Justice Aloy Nwankwor. Others are NBA First Vice-President, Ben Oji, who represented NBA President, Mahmoud; NBA Second-Vice President and  Monday Onyekachi Ubani; National Publicity Secretary of the NBA, John Austin Unachukwu, NBA First Assistant Secretary Leo Okay Ohagba; Asst Publicity Secretary, Chuks Mbamali.

    Others included Chief Arthur Obi Okafor (SAN), Nnamdi Ibegbu (SAN), N. A. Nnawuchi (SAN), Prof. Ernest Ojukwu (SAN), Mr. Gerald Ezuko (SAN), former General Secretaries of the NBA,  Chief Emeka Obegolu who is the Vice-President (West Africa)  of the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU), Mazi Afam Osigwe and Mr Roy Umahi.

    Branch chairmen and secretaries of the 45 branches of the EBF and former national officers of the NBA from the zone and other zones across the country were also present at the meeting.

  • Eastern Bar elects new governing council members

    Eastern Bar elects new governing council members

    •Forum dissolves committees

    The Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)  has elected members of the governing council to pilot the association’s affairs for the next two years.

    The EBF, a regional forum within the NBA, comprises 43 branches in the nine states that make up the old Eastern Region.

    Those elected are  Chairman (Governor) Chief Arthur Elvis Chukwu,  Vice-Chairman Anthony E. Okorodas,  Secretary Paul  S.T. Ubom, Treasurer  Egbunonu Emmanuel, Financial Secretary Joe K. Berebon, Publicity Secretary Georde l. Fortune, Asst. Secretary Damian  O. Nosike while  Ogunji. C. kingsley and Augustine I. Owo  are members.

    In his acceptance speech, the EBF Governor, Chief Arthur Elvis Chukwu said: “Everyone without exception acknowledges the EBF as the most organised forum within the Nigerian Bar Association as it carries without pretext its banner of fairness, justice, equity, good conscience and the rule of law.

    “It is, therefore, not surprising that at a time like this when political gladiators could maim and kill in the jostle for political positions, the EBF chose to show the right path once more by returning the governor of the forum unopposed and even the rest of the council members, because of the level of confidence you have come to repose in us and your trust in our capacity to steer the ship of leadership to brighter shores and for the benefit of the legal profession, our dear nation and entire humanity.

    “This does not in any way diminish the gargantuan human resources which the Forum proudly parades, it rather projects the EBF as peace-loving, calculated, brilliant and understanding people prepared to conduct her affairs with all the humility that is appropriate to her very unique circumstance as we position the Forum as a shining example and a pathfinder in the actualisation of peace and unity in our country which has become illusive apparently.”

    In his valedictory speech, former chairman of EBF Governing Council, Elder Efefiom Otu Efiom Ekong, thanked members of the forum for the support given to him and his executives during his tenure.

    He said: “During our tenure, we were also successful in obtaining allocation of land for the creation of the EBF Permanent Secretariat as well as a Temporary Secretariat from the government and good people of Enugu State.

    “Plans are ongoing for the Forum to meet the appropriate authority to take physical possession of the allocated land and Temporary Secretariat both situate at Enugu.

    “We are glad to report that the finances of the Forum have significantly improved as a result of the sacrifices made by members of the Governing Council and prudent management of funds. As at  today, the aggregate balance in the Forum’s two Accounts in Zenith Bank Plc and Ecobank Nigeria Limited stands at N6, 604,814.44.”

    Speaking on behalf  of Senior Advocates, Chief Arthur Obi Okafor, congratulated the members of the governing council on their election and desire to serve the association.

    He said: “As our brother E.E. Ekong and his immediate past executives did well, this executive will do better. As we go into the next round of elections which is always very challenging, the forum should be careful and do everything in the best interest of the forum.”

    The event was attended by senior Bar leaders from the EBF and beyond, including:  the Second Vice-President of the NBA, Monday Onyekachi Ubani, Third Vive-President  Ben Oji who represented the NBA President, Chief Ndukwe Nnawuchi (SAN), former General Secretary of the NBA Emeka Obegolu, Prof. Ogugua Ikpeze, Secretary of Egbe Amofin, Ranti Ajileti, T. T. Hyndu and several Bar leaders.

    The new chairman dissolved all standing and ad hoc committees of the association except the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Committee which is headed by former Secretary of the group, Mr. S. Long Williams.

    He set up a fundraising committee to build its permanent secretariat in Enugu, noting that he was eager for the next meeting of the Forum.

    The committee is chaired by Ntufan Mba Ukwene (SAN) while its members include Atta Ochubuike, Mrs Pat.  Igwebuike, Prof. Ogugua Ikpeze,  E. E. Ekong, Chief  O. O. Igwenyi , Nnamdi Otubu, Mrs. Ada Obi Edozie, Mrs. Joyce Odua and Kingsley Olemeforo who will serve as its secretary.

  • Eastern Bar Forum honours Onnoghen

    Eastern Bar Forum honours Onnoghen

    The Eastern Bar Forum (EBF)  of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)  has honoured Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen of the Supreme Court.

    The event was preceded  by a welcome gala night organised by the Chief Judge of Cross River State, Justice Okoi Ikpi Itam.

    He said the Bar and Bench must work together for a better society. He noted that the oldest Bar was in the city, recaliing that Asuquo Etim Inyang as the first Nigerian lawyer to be called to Bar.

    Governor Ben Ayade, represented by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, John Lebo, urged the EBF to  uphold the rule of law, equity and justice.

    He urged the lawyers to  pay special attention  to the challenges of climate change and other emerging areas of law.

     

    • Ekong
    • Ekong

    Chairman, Governing Council of the EBF, Mr. E.O. Ekong explained was Onnoghen was honoured.

    “We cannot do without our founding fathers. We cannot throw away their experience, so we must try as much as possible within our powers to make sure that we are constantly receiving proper guidance from our seniors and move according to their counsel so that we do not go astray, that is my humble view.

    “My advice to lawyers who attended this programme is to listen to our seniors, learn from their wealth of experience and do whatever they tell us, we cannot go astray.”

    Calabar Banch Chairman of NBA Mr. William Anwan vowed to improve the welfare of lawyers in the state.

    “When I contested for the Chairmanship of Calabar branch, I promised that I will encourage  mutual relationship and mutual respect between the Bar and the Bench. That is what played out here.

    “Everybody is happy. The lawyers are happy; the judges and justices are happy. The truth is that the Bar and the Bench are inseparable and I do everything to make them know that they are products of the Bar.

    “It is like a mother-children relationship. We, the Bar produced the judges. We honoured one of our  judicial icons Justice Onnoghen. Those who are familiar with the politics of the Supreme Court will know that this is not a small feat

    “The first lawyer in Nigeria was from the Eastern Region, though we  are yet to confirm details. We  were told that Sapara Williams was not truly a Nigerian,  but was a Nigerian by naturalisation. He was a Sierra Leonean returnee, who came to Nigeria and settled here.”

    Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Mr. Mba Ukweni described the honour done Justice Onnoghen as a success.

    Former Chairman of Ogoja branch of the NBA, Mr. Marc Enamhe, added: “The meeting was well organised, the turnout may  not be huge, which may not be unconnected with the financial condition of the country and the ongoing election petitions across the country in which many  of our lawyers are involved here and there. Everything has gone well.

    “The honour conferred on Justice Onnoghen is well deserved and I congratulate him for that.”

    On how to raise the standard and sustain excellent leadership for the EBF, Enamhe said: “We can get it right if we become the agents of change and if we stick to self discipline.”

    • Gov Ayade
    • Gov Ayade

    Chairman NBA Owerri Branch Mr. Stanley Imo praised the EBF governing council for a successful meeting.

    “I congratulate My Lord Justice Onnoghen for the honour done to him. It is an honour well deserved. I had appeared and argued cases before him, so I can testify that he is one of the best we have in the country.

    “I am happy for him and I’m equally congratulating the new governing council of the EBF for a good outing,” Imo said.

    Former  NBA Calabar Branch chairman, Mrs. Nkoyo Amah said she was excited that EBF was able to host its maiden meeting successfully.

    EBF Secretary Mr B.O. Aguigwo called for support for the forum’s new council.

    “Ekong’s programmes are well thought out and are geared towards moving the organisation to the next level. He is poised to leave a better EBF than we met it,” he said.

  • Eastern Bar adopts constitution

    Eastern Bar adopts constitution

    The Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) of  the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has adopted its amended Constitution The amendment is to make it more vibrant following calls for the forum’s abolition.

    Its chairman Mr. Igwenyi  O. Ogbonna explained why EBF did not adopt any candidate during the last NBA election, adding that zoning has come to stay.

    “All the five candidates that contested in the last election came from the defunct Western Region . None came from another region.

    “Because it was the turn of the West to present to us one of their own as preferred candidate, EBF waited and refused to endorse any of the contestants for the office of President. We had candidates of our choice for most of the elective offices but for the presidency, we did not.

    “Our reason for not adopting any of them stemmed from the fact that we had no mandate to choose for them who to endorse for the office.

    “Besides, as they say, it would amount to taking Panadol for another person’s headache. When they failed to endorse any of them, we from EBF decided that we shall vote according to our conscience for the office of president.

    “Don’t forget that we had our ears to the ground when it became open contest for the presidential hopefuls. All the candidates campaigned vigorously in all the branches of the EBF before the election hence we were able to note their relative strength and weakness.

    “ Austine Alegeh  (SAN), had the day because he came from the West and had a section of that region, Mid West, solidly behind him. Even though we did not formally adopt Alegeh, we knew that he had edge over his opponents. He is unassuming, intelligent, unpretentious and open to suggestions to move the Bar forward.

    “The best candidate won, Zonal arrangement in electing NBA president cannot be compromised in any election. Zoning has been canonized, any day it is brought to the floor of NEC for reaffirmation, you can only hear muffled dessent but the result will  be landslide” Igwenyi said.

  • Eastern Bar Forum Council meets

    The General Council of the Eastern Bar Forum (EBF)

    has held a crucial meeting at the Rosies Hotel in Aba,

    Abia State.

    The meeting, which was chaired by its Chairman, Ogbonna O. Igwenyi, took a critical look at the Forum’s decision at its meeting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State to implement some of the resolutions.

    Igwenyi told The Nation: “ We also took a look at the Seminar and Awards night of the association coming up in April in Owerri, Imo State. We have to put finishing touches to our plans and make sure that members derive maximum benefits from the programme.”

    On whether the forthcoming NBA elections was discussed at the meeting, Igwenyi said: “The EBF is waiting for Egbe Amofin to inform them who their candidate for the Bar Presidency would be.” He said the EBF would not act on the matter until it hears from Egbe leadership according to the tradition of the Bar

    He said: “ There are three fora at the NBA for the purpose of producing NBA Presidents and this has worked well for us. The fora are the Arewa, Egbe Amofin and the EBF and they produce the president of the Bar in turns.

    He said: “ The Mid-West Bar Forum is part of Egbe Amofin for the purpose of this political arrangements and urged the Egbe to be just fair and equitable to the Mid-West in producing the NBA President.

    Igwenyi added: “The EBF is dominated by the Igbos because it is comprised of Southeastern and Southsouth States, we take the slots one after the other and this has worked well for the association. We cannot say because the Igbos are in majority, we shall oppress our brothers form the Southsouth, this will definitely cause conflict within the regional association. We are concerned, we are watching and trusting that at the end of the day, we will receive correct signals from our brothers in the West.”

     

     

  • Eastern Bar elects exco

    Eastern Bar elects exco

    The Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) has elected new officers to fill the vacancies in its governing board.

    The election was held during its meeting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital last week.

    The lawyers’ body held its first meeting under its new governing council headed by Mr Ogbonna Igwenyi

    Igwenyi said filling the vacancies was crucial as it would enable the council to discharge its functions efficiently.

    Mr Arthur Chukwu from Oji River branch and Mr Richard Ogbeche from Ogoja branch were nominated to contest for the Vice-Chairman position.

    After consultations, Chukwu said he was stepping down for Ogbeche in the spirit of inclusion.

    The chairman and other members of the forum commended Chukwu for the bold political move and urged members to emulate his example.

    Ogbeche became the Vice-Chairman of the forum while Chukwu was named the Treasurer. He represents Enugu State in the EBF governing council.

    Mr Obiora Aguiguro was presented as Anambra State representative in the council.

    Though the exercise is coming about six months after the election of the executives, they will leave office at the same time.

    Former Vice-Chairman of the Forum Chief John Iguh told members that the crises in the Awka branch of the association is being resolved.

    He said that few weeks ago, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) First Vice-President Mr O. J Erhabor, acting on the association’s resolution, conducted a successful election at Awka branch.

    Iguh presented Mr Emmanuel Odum as the branch National Executive Committee (NEC) representative.

    Igwenyi said a draft of the EBF constitution, produced under the Kemasuode Wodu administration, would soon be circulated to branch chairmen.

    The chairmen, he said, would deliberate on them with members at branch meetings and make their recommendations to the forum for further amendments.

     

  • Eastern Bar Forum condemns Aluu killings

    Eastern Bar Forum condemns Aluu killings

    THE Eastern Forum (EBF) at its meeting in Enugu, at the

    weekend, condemned the killing of four students of the University of Port Harcourt in Aluu, Rivers State.

    It strongly condemned the killings, urging the government to fish out the perpetrators of the act and bring them to book. The forum described the loss of the four students as irreparable and called on the government to intervene immediately to alleviate the sufferings of their families through monetary compensation and award of scholarships to their family members. It stated that money cannot buy life and no life can be quantified in monetary terms.

    The forum observed a minute silence in honour of the Aluu four and those who lost their lives in the various floods across the country.

    Unfortunately, while presiding over the meeting, the EBF chairman and NBA former legal adviser, Kemasuode Wodu received a massage that flood had taken over his house in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

    He urged governments to take steps to stem flooding, which has claimed many lives and property.

    Wodu said the floods have wreaked havoc on many including him.

    Said he: “It took me more than 14 hours to travel from Yenagoa to Enugu for the EBF meeting .

    “I left Yenagoa at 9.am, travelling through Ndiama in Bayelsa State on the East West Road to Ahoada, Elele, Okigwe to Enugu. I did not get to Enugu until 11 p.m. The roads were terribly bad, there was flood everywhere. At a point, we had to divert and take to bush paths and had to face the threat of armed robbery. It was, indeed, terrible and tortuous.”

    The EBF set up three committees as follows: A committee to resolve the persistent and lingering crisis between the government of Abia State and Aba branch of the NBA. Governor of Abia State Chief Theodore Orji had pointed this unhealthy state of affairs out when the EBF visited him during its last meeting in Umuahia.

    The committee has Chief Joe Agi (SAN) as chairman; Chief Arthur Obi Okafor (SAN) – member; Arthur Chukwuma of Oji River is the secretary.

    The committee has 30 days to complete its assignment and report back to the forum.

    The second committee is to look into the crisis rocking the Awka branch of the NBA. The committee was mandated to resolve the problems and report back to the Forum within 14 days.

    It has former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Imo State, Ken Njemanze, as chairman; former NBA Uyo branch chairman Essien Essien – member and the immediate past chairman, NBA Enugu branch, Nnenna Uko, -secretary.

    The governing council of the forum was mandated to constitute a committee of independent- minded members to look into, investigate and recommend appropriate sanctions for members who disobeyed, betrayed and failed to abide by the resolutions of the forum at the last NBA elections.

    There were reported cases of disloyalty among EFF members which almost threatened the victory of its adopted candidates in the last election. The forum is bent on addressing this and sanction all involved to serve as a deterrent to others.

    The meeting, which held at Osuoby Centre, Enugu, was attended by members of the forum including NBA President Okey Wali (SAN), Chief Anthony Mugbo (SAN), National Treasurer of NBA Joyce Oduah; Second Assistant Secretary U.F.O Nnaemeke and National Publicity Secretary Afam Obi, among others.