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Tag: Lawyers

  • Lawyers protest unpaid debts to local contractors

    Lawyers protest unpaid debts to local contractors

    Approximately 500 lawyers, organised under the Concerned Lawyers for Probity and Justice, demonstrated at the Federal Ministry of Finance on Friday in solidarity with indigenous contractors owed an estimated ₦4 trillion for completed capital projects. 

    The group, collaborating with the Enough is Enough Movement and the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), alleged selective payments and favoritism.

    The action follows repeated protests by contractors in recent weeks, including blockades of the ministry’s entrance that prevented the Minister of State for Finance from accessing her office. 

    Contractors claim that despite partial disbursements after demonstrations in December 2025, the majority of verified debts remain unsettled, exacerbating financial hardship.

    The lawyers, in a statement, described the situation as causing widespread distress among contractors and their families. 

    The statement signed by Barrister Precious Isi Okoh highlighted cases where individuals who borrowed at high interest rates to fund projects now face asset seizures by banks, including homes and vehicles, leading to family disruptions and severe economic strain.

    Okoh emphasised the broader impact, noting that stalled payments have resulted in job losses for thousands of workers in construction and related sectors, reduced local economic activity, and hindered national development.

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    He added: “Contractors who borrowed from banks at high interest rates to fund these projects now face relentless loan defaults, with banks seizing homes, vehicles, and other assets. 

    “Wives and children watch their breadwinners sink into despair, some pushed to the brink of mental breakdown or worse. 

    “Entire households have been uprooted, dreams shattered, and futures stolen—all because payments promised and earned have not been made.

    “Beyond individual suffering, the ripple effects cripple our national economy. These contractors employ thousands of workers—masons, engineers, labourers—who depend on steady contracts for survival. 

    “When payments stall, jobs vanish, purchasing power drops, local markets suffer, and economic growth grinds to a halt. A nation that starves its own builders starves itself of progress.”

    The lawyers cited constitutional provisions to support their position.

    “Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) requires the State to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power—yet withholding earned payments from citizens who delivered is a clear abuse that breeds distrust and hardship,” the statement read. 

    “Section 16(2)(b) further obliges the State to manage resources for the maximum welfare and happiness of every citizen—payments to these contractors would inject vital capital back into the economy, supporting families and fuelling development.”

    They called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene directly to ensure accountability and prompt full release of verified funds. 

    The lawyers warned that without swift action, they would pursue legal remedies, including court enforcement of contractual rights and public interest litigation as well as seek international monitoring of the payment process.

  • Female lawyers and trousers

    Female lawyers and trousers

    By Ezinwanne Onwuka

    In Nigeria’s legal profession, one tradition continues to puzzle me: the rule forbidding female lawyers from wearing trousers in court. This is a topic that most people shy away from talking about, perhaps because it is a longstanding rule that has, over time, assumed the status of a tradition. And as we know, tradition is usually followed dogmatically. Curiously, during my research on this topic, I discovered, to my consternation, that the only article on the matter was an editorial by TheNigeriaLawyer, published five years ago! That was all the confirmation I needed to know that I was not wrong for wanting to add my voice to the conversation.

    To start with, the no-trousers rule is strictly enforced in courtrooms and at the Nigerian Law School (NLS). Furthermore, some law faculties in tertiary institutions across the country bar female students from wearing black trousers with their white shirts, insisting instead on black skirts or dresses as the official dress code. The justification usually given for this is that the students are being groomed for the strict dress code regulations that awaits them in law school.

    In Nigerian courts, a female lawyer risks being excluded from proceedings, reprimanded by judges, or denied entry to the court premises for wearing trousers under her robe. While the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners (RPC) do not specify penalties for such dress code violations, Rule 2 of the NLS Code of Conduct for Students states that students who flout the dress code shall be escorted out of or refused entry into lecture halls. It also provides that on breaking the law a second time, the student shall be rusticated.

    The argument is that it is all about professional etiquette. After all, law is a serious profession and so a lawyer’s appearance matters—in and outside the courtroom. As a matter of fact, Rule 6(b) of the RPC mandates lawyers to ‘…always be attired in a proper and dignified manner.’ This might be considered as the basis for the enforcement of the no-trouser rule for female lawyers. But is that really the case? This interrogation is necessary and important as the said rule—and any other in the RPC—does not explicitly legislate against trousers for women.

    It is important to note that Rule 6(b) of the RPC does not define what ‘proper’ and ‘dignified’ means, and it certainly does not frankly approve of skirts and dresses while restricting trousers. So, how did we end up with a rule that treats skirts and dresses as the only acceptable option for women in the legal profession? Omawunmi’s one-time lyrics: ‘If you ask me, na who I go ask?’ readily comes to mind. Nevertheless, the usual response is that it is to maintain courtroom decorum, which is quite amusing, I must say, because it assumes that skirts and dresses are, by default, more ‘professional’, more ‘proper’, and more ‘dignified’ compared with trousers. This assumption is questionable.

    In the absence of any specific regulations for female lawyers regarding their attire during court appearances—except the rule requiring skirts of a certain length (typically below the knee)—it suffices to state that the no-trousers rule is more a matter of customary practice and institutional dress codes rather than statutory law. And I dare say that it is rooted in outdated gender stereotypes that define what is considered ‘appropriate’ for women and what is not. Worse still, in a profession that prides itself on justice and equity!

    By enforcing this conventional rule, the Nigerian Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Body of Benchers promote an image of the ideal female lawyer as a ‘gentleman in skirt.’ A phrase that has been described as a ‘paradoxical identity’ for women in law in an opinion published in the Nigerian Tribune of 17 March, 2025. The writer of the opinion suggests that female lawyers are still considered outsiders in a traditionally male profession. This is where gender stereotypes come in.

    Essentially, the rule prohibiting female lawyers from wearing trousers under the traditional long black robe assumes that professional decorum, as it stands, is gendered. This calls for concern. If you think about it carefully, it is ironic that a profession that champions justice, equity, and inclusiveness would enforce a discriminatory dress code on half of its members.

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    Section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) guarantees freedom from discrimination based on sex, religion, or ethnic group, among others. Clearly, a rule that prevents women in law from wearing trousers, which has since assumed a standard mode of dressing in professional settings and on formal occasions, contravenes this constitutional provision. Going by section 1(1) and (3) of the 1999 constitution, the rule is null and void.

    More so, in other climes, professional dress codes for female lawyers have been relaxed. For instance, in India, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, disciplinary rules have been amended to allow female lawyers to wear trousers when appearing in court. Sadly, it appears that while the world is moving forward, in Nigeria, we continue to follow the form, but not the reform. Someone might interject, ‘Ezinwanne, it’s really not that serious.’ But, oh yes! It is that serious. If the legal profession fails to uphold equity within its ranks, is it not hypocritical of legal practitioners to claim to fight for equity in society? So, you see, it is that serious.

    To draw the curtain on this matter for now, it is my submission that the prohibition of trousers for female lawyers and lawyers-to-be in courtrooms, at the NLS, and in schools respectively is unjustifiable.

    Instead of banning trousers outrightly, there should be regulations on the type, colour, length, etc.—just like skirts and men’s trousers are. Taking Rule 6(b) of the RPC as our guide, we learn only that a lawyer’s clothing should be ‘dignified’ and ‘proper.’ And today, women’s trousers, like men’s, range from casual to sloppy to formal. While some may fall short of the ‘dignified’ and ‘proper’ standard, many suit the standard perfectly, whether for court appearances or for law school.

    •Onwuka – ezinwanne.dominion@gmail.com

  • Lawyers hit NASS, demand constitutional take-over of Benue, Zamfara Assemblies

    Lawyers hit NASS, demand constitutional take-over of Benue, Zamfara Assemblies

    Lawyers numbering over 1,000 drawn from across the country under the Save Benue and Zamfara coalition on Tuesday morning petitioned the National Assembly to take over the functions of the Benue and Zamfara Assemblies.

    The coalition, during a peaceful protest at the National Assembly complex, argued the two Assemblies are unable to perform their constitutional duties due to internal crises and alleged interference by Governors.

    The petition lamented that in Zamfara, 10 lawmakers have been suspended since February 2024 allegedly on the instructions of Governor Dauda Lawal for raising alarm over the rising insecurity in the state.  

    In Benue, they stated that 13 members of the House of Assembly were suspended for allegedly refusing Governor Hyacinth Alia’s instruction to suspend the Chief Judge of State.

    The coalition, led by Barr. Sambari Benjamin, urged the National Assembly to invoke Section 11(4) of the Constitution, which allows the parliament to make laws for the peace, order, and good government of a state when the House of Assembly is unable to perform its functions.

    The lawyers warned that if the situation was not addressed, it may lead to a state of emergency being declared in the two States.

    They also expressed concerns the crisis could spread to the National Assembly, potentially threatening its stability.

    The coalition requested the Senate President Godswill Akpabio to urgently intervene and take over the functions of the Benue and Zamfara Assemblies to restore democratic rule and stability in the two states.

    The petition partly reads: “We write to request the urgent intervention of the Senate under your able leadership to forestall the demise of our democracy in instalments. Following the National Assembly ratifying the state of emergency that President Bola Tinubu proclaimed in Rivers State, we fear that Benue and Zamfara States are on the way to coming under emergency rule unless urgent constitutional steps are taken to remedy the anomalies that exist in both states.

    “Our fears are that all of Nigeria’s 36 states would come under emergency rule if the Senate does not step in to demonstrate its commitment to the sustenance and protection of democracy by coming under Section 11 (4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) to take over the functions of the two Houses.

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    “Our request is predicated on Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, which provides that ‘At any time when any House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in that State, the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of that State with respect to matters on which a House of Assembly may make laws as may appear to the National Assembly to be necessary or expedient until such time as the House of Assembly is able to resume its functions; and any such laws enacted by the National Assembly pursuant to this section shall have effect as if they were laws enacted by the House of Assembly of the State: Provided that nothing in this section shall be construed as conferring on the National Assembly power to remove the Governor or the Deputy Governor of the State from office.’

    “Allowing this situation to continue will end in President Tinubu proclaiming state of emergency in both places and suspending the assemblies, by which time the National Assembly will no longer be able to take over the functions these states’ house of assembly as constitutionally stipulated. By then the National Assembly can only ratify the emergency rule as would be proclaimed by Mr. President.

    “Furthermore, it is a matter of time before the crises that have incapacitated the Benue House of Assembly and Zamfara House of Assembly are introduced to the Senate and indeed the National Assembly, which would make negative history with the President again leveraging the Constitution to dissolve the parliament. The panacea is for the Senate to show the leadership needed at a trying time like this.”

  • ‘Let’s kill all the lawyers’

    ‘Let’s kill all the lawyers’

    By Mike Kebonkwu

    Caustic, uncharitable but I am afraid, almost believably true of this aphorism from the inimitable playwright, William Shakespeare in Henry VI, Part II.  He created two characters, Dick the Butcher and Jack Cade who were poised to overthrow the state through a revolt.  The characters were anti-establishment and anti-intellectualism; perceiving the elite as merciless exploiters and oppressors.  This pithy witticism is not only to disparage lawyers but also to situate his role and position as the defender of the realm.

    What did Shakespeare have against lawyers that he would they were consigned to a soulless undertaker? Shakespeare the master artist could not have been a law-breaker or criminal but the conscience of his society through a very keen observation of the state. The Shakespearean aphorism of lawyers is multi-dimensional and everywhere you turn, you see the appropriateness of its reality.  

    The American master story teller, Mario Puzo in his famous blockbuster, The Godfather created a character, Don Corleone who said, “A lawyer with his briefcase can steal more than a hundred men with guns”.  In our street lingo here, we are no less uncharitable of lawyers when we quip that, “lawyers are liars”!

    The lawyer may sometimes suffer credibility crises plying his trade, yet he belongs to the nobility of the society. He dazzles his client with arcane Latin phrases and tortured sentences to up his fees and probably win his argument, fair or foul.   The lawyer is the ultimate face of Janus; just like ‘esu’ the Yoruba goddess of controversy; wearing double face.  The lawyer represents the state, he represents the law, and he represents the criminals.   Can you beat that! 

    With the lawyer and by extension the court system, the judiciary is never the last hope of the common man; it has never been, and at least not for now.  In any case, the common man and the poor do not have access to justice in Nigeria.  The existing law and morality are the law and morality of the ruling class that protect the oppressor.

    The nation is buffeted with corruption and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is about the only performing anti-graft agency of government and institutions that is trying to thaw the block of corruption by politically exposed persons. Now EFCC has come under real siege and elite gang up to shoot it down with guided missiles from the lawyers sponsored and paid for by some sitting governors. The immorality of the whole thing is that this pack of wolves is led by none other than the Kogi State government.  The same state whose current governor has been providing protective shield to its predecessor and former governor and fugitive, alleged to have siphoned over N80 billion from the coffers of the state.  This is a governor who in decent climes should be facing the law for clear case of obstruction of justice; but here we clothe him with the toga of immunity and lawlessness. They are challenging the constitutionality and legality of the EFCC as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). 

    Of all the agencies and departments of government, these senior lawyers and their state governors have singled out about the only two effective performing crime-busters tackling financial crimes and corruption by politically exposed persons.  

    The strength of their argument is that the agency being the brain child of the United Nations Commission to reduce corruption and graft in developing nations was not domesticated as required by the constitution. They ignore the fact that the laws setting up these two agencies emanated from the National Assembly empowered to make law for the good of the state.  They find support in their argument by some pedantic formalist and senior lawyers who totally ignore public policy and welfare of the state in pursuit of public good.  These are our elected state governors and public officials who do not want probity and accountability; they do not want their official public acts to be scrutinized. They received monthly allocations from the federation account but would not want to be accountable to the federal government how the money is spent under federal law.   

    Many senior lawyers and respected Silks have joined the fray pontificating that the EFCC lacks constitutional foundation and therefore illegal. In their learning and position and without reflection, and probably also in their haste, they forget or ignore the place of public policy in legal draftsmanship and interpretation. 

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    The legendary Reggae Maestro, Peter Tosh is a scintillating lyrical wax, “Equal Right” has the following lines, “…Everyone is talking about crime, crime, tell me who are the criminals, I really don’t know…”  

    In Nigeria corruption wears white linen apron and yet the criminals escape scrutiny and are never known. They tell us that there is a subsidy scam, yet the state cannot fish out those behind it.  This is probably because those behind it are not wearing a common workman’s apparel but political garb of ‘babariga,  agbada’, or a three-piece suits.     

    The state governors and their attorney generals want to kill the anti-graft agencies and the law and not reinforce it for effective performance.  They want instead to create agencies at state levels that they can manipulate for political ends.  The pursuit of this litigation is a perfidious act and those behind it deserve opprobrium of the highest order and should be consigned to the hall of shame.  They have all the learning without knowledge, without conscience and without morality; they are not noble and honourable.  If they succeed because of equally dearth of radical but philosopher lawyers at the Bench, it then follows that whatever the agency may have done from inception is a nullity.  Again, those standing trial under the EFCC, and those still taking refuge under the veil of immunity at the National Assembly will go and do thanksgiving because the entity prosecuting them would have been judicially executed because it is standing on nothing.  

    The nation and its conscience are standing trial not only before the Supreme Court but also the court of public opinion. Posterity and history will judge this generation of leaders harshly. We are already a scorn and object of derision before international community. This litigation is a battle without morality and conscience.  Nigeria has become a huge joke with sharks taking over the political space.  Time is running out if we do not take urgent step to cure the insanity of these elements with desire to wreck the state.  It is only a common criminal that will stop in the way of a law that is making positive impact on the society.  We expect that every Nigerian should insist that we breathe life into the EFCC and ICPC to make them more effective and not to remove its life oxygen.   We need courageous people to oversee and drive the agency giving it impetus in fighting crime especially financial crimes that is pervasive amongst the elites and political office holders. We expect these governors and their lawyers to be challenging why the budgets are not performing; we expect them to prosecute the failed contracts and contractors.  At the end of the day, it is not going to be about who wins the argument with pedantic legalism but about what country and future we want to build; that is if we truly believe there is indeed any future for Nigeria. 

    Just before we kill all the lawyers, take a breather and ask your conscience if you are not part of it or contributing to it when you sell your mandate for palliatives and rig election to bring in people who should have no business with public office. This litigation is about the only significant evidence of corruption fighting back. To my learned friends, the country is coming to the valley of decision; we must take a stand!. 

    •Kebonkwu Esq, an Abuja-based attorney writes via mikekebonkwu@yahoo.com

  • Strengthen court of arbitration to woo more investors into the country, Senior lawyers urge FG

    Strengthen court of arbitration to woo more investors into the country, Senior lawyers urge FG

    A legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olatunde Busari has called for the strengthening of the court of arbitration in the country for an improved internally generated revenue.

    He made the call during his keynote lecture at the ongoing 15th Annual General Conference of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN) at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan on Friday.

    Busari who is the immediate past President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) Nigerian branch, said the establishment of an arbitration-friendly environment in Nigeria will catalyze economic development.

    According to him, the failure of arbitration in the country has added to a further decline in the number of investors in the country, insisting that the country must give room for arbitration to thrive, which will help to decongest cases on commercial disputes pending in court to be addressed in no time.

    He stressed that the measure will also repose confidence in the foreign and local investors in funding their businesses in the country

    Busari emphasized the significance of fostering a conducive atmosphere for arbitration in Nigeria, highlighting its potential to bolster national progress.

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    “Arbitration can thrive in Nigeria if it is practised the way it should be. You will find out that the same delay techniques that lawyers use in traditional courts are being brought into arbitration. That is what we are fighting against, ensuring that many lawyers and judges are trained in arbitration procedures. If a matter that should not be in court comes to court, the judge should refer it to arbitration,” Busari stated.

    He further addressed the challenge of arbitration being perceived as a precursor to litigation, stating, “The bigger issue arises when you obtain your final award. Arbitration is now perceived as a precursor to litigation, undermining its time and cost-effectiveness.

    “As many lawyers as possible should be trained in arbitration. When an award is obtained, if anybody wants to initiate court action against it, they should know when to decline. If Nigeria becomes arbitration-friendly, more investment will flow in because investors will trust that the judicial system supports arbitration. This will lead to increased use of arbitration as an alternative to litigation, fostering trade and commerce.”

    Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, who was represented by a former Attorney-General of Oyo state, Mutalubi Ojo Adebayo (SAN), said: “It is imperative for Nigeria to embrace arbitration. By prioritizing arbitration and ensuring proper training for legal professionals, we can enhance our legal system and provide a more efficient mechanism for resolving disputes.”

    Earlier in his welcome address, MULAN National President, Dr. Kazeem Olaniyan, echoed Busari’s sentiments, saying, “The integration of arbitration into our legal framework is essential for the advancement of our nation. By embracing arbitration, we can expedite dispute resolution processes and create a more conducive environment for national development.”

    Present at the event were notable professionals, including the chairman of the event, Professor Wahab Egbewole, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin.

  • ‘Why lawyers must develop interest, skill in taxation’

    ‘Why lawyers must develop interest, skill in taxation’

    Lawyers have been advised to develop interest and skills for other promising practice areas like taxation in readiness to unlocking the prosperity inherent in this area of practice.

    The advice was the core of decisions reached at the just-concluded Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL), Eastern Zonal Conference which inaugural edition held at the Base Events Centre, Independence Layout, Enugu, Enugu State.

    The theme was: “Unlocking Prosperity: Exploring the Legal and Entrepreneurial Business Opportunities in the Eastern Zone of Nigeria”.

    According to the Chairman, Media, Technology and Publicity Sub-Committee, NBA-SBL Eastern Zonal Conference, Dr Adewale Kupoluyi , the communique issued at the end of the  conference was  signed by the Chairman, Eastern Zone Committee, Dr.  Jude Ezegwui and Chairman, Conference Planning Committee, Nnaemeka Egonu.

    It  observed that most lawyers are challenged by the fact that taxation involves the computation and calculation of figures, and that this is wrongly perceived to be meant for accountants or economists.

    It said: “every commercial relationship has tax implications that are regulated by laws. Hence, in readiness to unlock the prosperity inherent in this area of practice, lawyers are called upon to develop interest and skills for other promising practice areas like taxation.

    The conference revealed that taxation in Nigeria offers diverse opportunities for legal practitioners. These opportunities arise from the protection of group interest and the prevalent regulatory framework evident in the various tax legislation.

    According to the communique: “there is a major role to be played by lawyers in tax practice and it involves the understanding of the implications of tax assessment and administration, particularly as it affects taxpayers, urging lawyers to maximise the underlying opportunities in this field of practice.

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    “Conference recognises citizens’ rights to electricity and equitable access/legal safeguards, and resolved that to explore the underlining prosperity in the electricity sector in the Eastern Zone, lawyers are to position themselves for opportunities by understanding the prevalent needs of the local market while projecting themselves as experts in the sector”, it added.

    On the legal framework for sustainable electricity and opportunities for lawyers, the conference resolved that the unbundling of the electricity sector, under the new legal regime, had paved way for the state to control power and resolved that, lawyers can explore, through the instrumentality of the electricity window available to states, and act as consultants on the subject of electricity.

    It also noted that in the energy sector, legal practitioners should explore opportunities in the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 and encouraged lawyers to acquire theoretical knowledge in the oil and gas industry, leverage on technological advancement, invest time to understand the actors and players in the industry while creating relationship with relevant stakeholders in the industry.

    The communique said this has become necessary because “there is pressure in the sector and this has opened doors for more investment opportunities and activities in the industry, thus; legal practitioners should leverage on this and embark on extensive capacity building.”

    It instructed the NBA-SBL to create an avenue where lawyers, who are proficient in diverse fields of practice, should be easily identified by would-be clients, irrespective of their locations, adding that the body should equally create a medium for major stakeholders and international businesses to set up branches in Nigeria with the aims of expanding their operations and to create opportunities for the local industry.

    The communique recommended that lawyers should rise to the occasion to see that the challenges being faced in the corporate business institutions are tackled.

    “Secondly, to explore the opportunities inherent in the Eastern Zone, legal practice should be structured in a partnership arrangement to enhance continuity and clients’ satisfaction.

    “Thirdly, the provision of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners on advertisement should be amended to be in line with modern trends in other jurisdictions that permit the advertisement of legal practice.”

  • ‘It is a misconception to say lawyers are liars’

    ‘It is a misconception to say lawyers are liars’

    Mrs Kofoworola Fabiyi was called to Bar 12 years ago. She tells ELIZABETH EZE her guiding principles.

    Childhood

    I AM from Shagamu Local Government Area in Ogun State. I attended Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. My grandfather was a lawyer, so I was intrigued by photographs of him in his robe and wig while growing up.

    Memorable case

    I have been in practice for 12 years. Yes I have won a case, a land matter. It was an interesting matter/ experience. After the appearance of the defendant once, because I was for the claimant, he did not show up again. The court ordered that a hearing notice be served on him severally and the matter was adjourned. Eventually, after going back and forth I got a judgement against him.

    How to build trust with a client

    By making a client comfortable to tell me the truth. The client can always trust that I have his back. Ethically, we are not to reset any case that comes our way. We are only expected to advise our client appropriately as to the strengths and weaknesses of his case.

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     Areas of specialisation

    My area of specialisation presently is criminal law. I am a public prosecutor. Generally, criminal cases begin after the person is arrested and informed of their charges, usually a hearing in court.

     Are lawyers liars?

    Lawyers are professionals. This means that we examine the facts dispassionately and then advise on the best course based on the law, our experiences and the peculiarities of the situation. So the stereotype that lawyers are liars is quite ridiculous and untrue.

    How do you stay ahead?

    By adapting, turning challenges into opportunities, transforming weakness into strength and continuously striving for improvement.

  • Bishops, ex-Speakers, lawyers suggest way out of economic challenges

    Bishops, ex-Speakers, lawyers suggest way out of economic challenges

    Catholic bishops, former Speakers of Houses of Assembly, and lawyers have expressed concerns about the spiraling rise in the cost of living across the country.

    They suggested some immediate and long-term solutions to the trend.

    The bishops spoke at the opening session of this year’s First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria Resource Centre, Durumi, Abuja.

    President of the CBCN, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, said the reform agenda of the present administration has added to the plight of the citizens.

    He noted that with the end of the fuel subsidy regime and the unification of the foreign exchange market, there has been a significant increase in the pump price of petroleum products and a steep decline in the value of the naira.

    “The reform agenda of the present government has added to the plight of Nigerians. With the withdrawal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market, there has been a sharp increase in the pump price of petroleum products and a steep decline in the value of the naira. Indeed, there is a free fall in the national currency.

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    “As a result of the government’s reform agenda, millions of Nigerians have been reduced to a life of grinding poverty, wanton suffering, and untold hardship as never before in our national history.

    “In a bid to survive, an increasing number of the poor have resorted to begging. With more than 80 million Nigerians living below the poverty line of less than two dollars a day, our country, according to the recent disclosure of the World Bank, is the world’s second-largest poor population after India.

    “While many impoverished Nigerians continue to suffer and die as a result of the hardship caused by the government’s economic reforms, the president has continued to urge the populace to make even more and more sacrifices with the assurance that brighter days lay ahead,” Ugorji said.

    The former Speakers across the country spoke after a meeting in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

    They recommended price control mechanism for commodities to stop rising price hikes.

    The ex-Speakers, who met under the aegis of Conference of Former Speakers of State Houses of Assembly of Nigeria, also suggested that there should be subsidies for essential commodities to reduce hardship.

    The former speakers were led by the immediate past Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Yola.

    They called for quick actions to get Nigeria out of the prevailing challenges.

    A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting reads: “Understanding the burden placed on citizens due to the rising cost of living, concerted efforts should be made to mitigate inflationary pressures through effective price control mechanisms, subsidies for essential commodities, and social welfare programs targeting vulnerable populations.”

    Signed by Lalong, the communiqué urged the government to improve infrastructure, particularly in transportation and energy sectors, to reduce the cost of goods and services.

    Also, the lawyers urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently set up a Price Control Board to avert further price increases across the markets to reduce the hardship Nigerians are facing.

    In a statement yesterday, the lawyers, through their National Convener, Mrs. Abibat Bankole-Apena, noted that such a board work work in line with the extant provisions of Price Control Act, 2004.

    “The main function of the board is to regulate how service providers fix prices of goods and services and curb arbitrary and outrageous charges by greedy business owners,” the statement said.

    “This is important at this auspicious time in view of the shocking ways prices of major commodity goods and services are skyrocketing within days in Nigeria and the untold hardship this is causing to Nigerian masses,” the statement added.

  • Lawyers to apply for stamps online

    Lawyers to apply for stamps online

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has released guidelines for the application for stamps by lawyers.

    This is a departure from former practice whereby application for stamps were being made through the branches of the NBA.

    A statement issued by the General Secretary of the NBA, Adesina Adegbite, said the new procedure is in furtherance of the ongoing efforts to digitize the NBA Secretariat.

    Adegbite said that henceforth, applications for stamps should now be made online via the NBA Portal.

    While all manual applications previously received before this publication will be processed, he maintained that it is advisable that subsequent applications for stamps should be done online through the portal.

    The statement listed the steps to be followed for applying for stamps on the NBA Portal.

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    For complimentary stamps application, the statement stated that every lawyer who paid Bar Practice Fee (BPF) between January 1 and March 31,  2024 is entitled to two packs containing 48 free stamps.

    It stated that upon payment of BPF, complimentary stamps will automatically appear in the stamp application section, but can only be claimed after uploading evidence of payment of branch dues.

    It further stated that evidence of payment of branch dues must be uploaded to successfully complete the application process.

    The statement emphasised that all members who had already applied for stamps online without attachment of branch dues receipts are to proceed to the NBA Portal to upload their  receipts.

    It said  payment of branch dues is a prerequisite for the release of stamps or dispatch to branches.

    The statement added that all processed stamps shall be dispatched to various branches of the applicants for collection, adding that those seeking more information should  contact The Bar Services Department via- barservices@nigerianbar.org.ng.

  • Lawyers knock ruling allowing dual citizens to be governors

    Lawyers knock ruling allowing dual citizens to be governors

    Concerned Lawyers, a civil society body committed to the rule of law and safeguarding national interests,  has expressed concerns in the Supreme Court judgment permitting individuals with dual allegiance to other countries to be governors.

    Spokesperson, Jide Oni, said: “This ruling challenges  sections 182 (1) (a) and 187(1) and (2) of Nigerian Constitution, 1999 (as amended), which disqualifies those who have acquired foreign citizenship or declared allegiance to another nation from occupying office of governor.”

     He noted “allowing leaders with dual allegiance raises questions about national security, especially when considering the oath of allegiance required in United States, where individuals swear to defend U.S. Constitution against all enemies.

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    ‘’In the event of a conflict, whose constitution will a governor uphold? This uncertainty poses a severe threat, particularly in a country grappling with insecurity that has claimed thousands of lives.”

     Beyond national security concerns, Oni said “the issue of dual allegiance intertwines with endemic corruption. Nigerian politicians have exploited dual citizenship to stash ill-gotten wealth abroad, evading accountability and perpetuating corruption. This trend undermines the development of the nation, as elites prioritise personal interests over critical socioeconomic challenges.”

     He called on stakeholders, including National Assembly and civil society “to engage in a dialogue addressing these concerns. It is crucial to ensure that constitutional provisions are upheld to maintain the integrity, national security, and socioeconomic interests of Nigeria.”