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Tag: Lawyers

  • Lawyers to engage Lagos on Land Use Charge

    The Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) will engage with the state government on the Land Use Charge during the association’s Law Week, its Chairman, Mr Chukwuka Ikwuazom, has said.

    According to him, the forum will provide an opportunity for dialogue.

    He said: “Lawyers have complained about challenges they encounter when they go to register title in Lagos, that there are issues around personal income taxation.

    “So, we’ve made an offer to the Lagos State government to allocate between 30 to 45 minutes to the government to come and engage with members.

    “On the Land Use charge, at our last branch meeting, we had someone come to talk to us about it. One of the things that came out of that engagement was the need for further engagement. That was what further informed our decision to give them the opportunity to be part of the law week.”

    The branch said it would visit the Ikoyi and Kirikiri prisons to show support for inmates as part of activities for the 2018 Law week.

    The Law Week Planning Committee Chairman, Mr Tola Oshobi (SAN), told reporters in Lagos that the prison visitation was aimed at making provisions for the inmates to help improve their quality of lives.

    The theme is: Human capital and the legal profession in the 21st Century. It will hold from May 5 to May 11.

    Oshobi said apart from the prisons visit, the week also include sessions such as health walk, health screening, registration of lawyers for the National Identity Card, technical sessions and a forum for the young lawyers.

    On the prisons visit, Oshobi said: “We will be giving out some gift items to the inmates and make legal representations to some of them, where necessary,”

    He said if the NBA found reasons to make recommendations to the Chief Judge, the Attorney-General or the prison authorities, it would do so as part of ways to aid in prison decongestion.

    Also, NBA Lagos Chairman, Mr Chukwuka Ikwuazom, said the various sessions would be anchored by versatile lawyers in Lagos, while there would be a social event for the older lawyers in the NBA.

    “The human right arm of the NBA ensures provisions of free legal services for indigent prisons inmates, as this year’s law week celebration was a slight deviation from the previous years’ activities.,’’ Ikwuazom said.

    He said some of the dignitaries expected at the event include judges, senior lawyers and some legal luminaries from   some international bodies.

    On the Bar/Bench forum, Ikwuazom said: “We want to discuss the peculiar issues that have come out of the National Industrial Court. We’ll continue to interact with the leadership of the Bench. Not too long we had the Bar/Bench forum.

    “But for the purposes of the Law week, we’re focusing specifically on Labour issues. There’s a sense among employers of Labour that the National Industrial Court has been established to only take care of employees and that its decisions are anti-employers.

    “So it’s those types of issues that we want to have conversations around. Labour matters are extremely important.”

    The NBA chair said the association takes the issue of professional ethics seriously even if it was not listed for discussion at the event.

    “We have a Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the branch. One of the innovations we brought is the knowledge sharing sessions as part of our monthly meetings.

    “We bring people to address subjects of importance to our members. Ethics was discussed in February. So while we may not accommodate ethics during the Law week, we understand the importance of the subject and we’ll continue to sensitise our people about it even outside the Law week event,” Ikwuazom said.

  • ‘Lawyers must respect Eastern Bar’s adoption practice’

    Former Yenagoa Branch chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lord Azebi Bobobraye Anthony writes on why the Eastern Bar Forum( EBF) decisions must be complied with.

    Some years before the formation of the Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), lawyers of the region attended an NBA general election in Ibadan.

    At the end of the election, all the candidates and contestants  from the defunct Eastern Region who vied for various national offices  all lost. We returned home licking our wounds in pains and regrets.

    Prominent and distinguished learned legal practitioners from the defunct Eastern Region like late Philip Umeadi (SAN), Sir Clement Akpamgbo ( SAN),  Professor Ernest Ojukwu ( SAN)  alias Teacher, O. C. J.  Okocha  (SAN), Prof. Ikpeze Ogugua   and others  came together and reasoned that if states in the defunct Eastern Region could form an alliance and come together as brothers, they could go all out and win any election. That was how EBF was formed.

    At the time EBF was formed, it had no written constitution and we operated on what we call the core values and traditions of the EBF, prominent among which was the principle of adoption of candidates for national elections.

    Since there was no written Constitution, there was no tenure for the leader of the EBF. Incidentally, Prof. Ojukwu was made the first chairman of EBF governing council sometime in 2002.

    From that time onwards, at each election year, giving the previous woeful outing in Ibadan, members would meet at a designated venue under the leadership of Prof. Ojukwu  and adopt  members of the Forum for any upcoming election of NBA into various offices.

    And once such persons were adopted  by EBF, all members of the forum who lost in the adoption exercise  must collapse their interest and support into that of  the EBF adopted candidates, which really and irrepressibly worked. However, refusal to abide by the decision of EBF attract sanctions such as suspension or expulsion.

    In 2006, EBF adopted Olisa Agbakoba (SAN)  and others, but Chief Chris Uche (SAN)  who was also running for the office of President refused to abide by the decision. He was expelled from EBF under the chairmanship of  Prof. Ojukwu  at the time.

    Again, in 2010, in the build up to another NBA general elections, EBF gathered in Owerri, Imo State to adopt candidates. One of our distinguished learned colleagues, N. H. Nwankwo of NBA Owerri Branch lost out at the stage of the EBF adoption. Nwankwo  vowed not to respect EBF’s decision. The leadership of EBF still under Prof. Ojukwu suspended Nwankwo.

    Before we went to Ibadan for the NBA general elections in 2010, another EBF quarterly meeting was convened at the Nigerian Law School, Enugu Campus, situated at Agbani, where  Prof. Ojukwu was the Deputy Director-General.

    1. S. Damabide my boss, was the Chairman while I was the Secretary of NBA Yenagoa Branch. Before the meeting could commence, Prof. Ojukwu sighted Nwankwo.

    Prof. Ojukwu immediately asked Nwankwo to excuse us, but Nwankwo refused.

    Prof. Ojukwu ordered a staff of Techno Crime to bundle out Nwankwo. Members protested and resolved that it was not dignifying to treat a lawyer in that manner. Nwankwo was then escorted out of the meeting.

    EBF resolved that Nwankwo be expelled. At the close of the meeting at Agbani, we retired to the residence of Prof. Ojukwu for dinner and he treated us to some live gun shots which, according to him, was a way of chasing away the enemy.

    Nwankwo subsequently took Prof.  Ojukwu and the EBF to court but lost.

    In 2012, EBF gathered again to adopt their members for the 2012 NBA election. Okey Wali  (SAN)  was adopted but Chief Emeka Ngige  (SAN) refused to abide by the decision. He was suspended by EBF alongside Mr. Blessing Ukiri  of NBA Port Harcourt Branch.

    Thus, Prof. Ojukwu  led EBF for close to 10 years before an EBF constitution was written and adopted.

    Article 11 of the EBF constitution is solely about adoption, which the 2015 NBA Constitution also recognises in Section 9(3) and Section 2.2 (a -e) of the Second Schedule.

    Based on the NBA Constitution, EBF equally recognises the fact that in the East we have the Southeast and Southsouth geo-political zones. So, whenever the NBA Presidency that is rotational gets to the East, EBF zones it to either the Southsouth or Southeast.

    In 2006, when the NBA Presidency was zoned to the east, EBF without any acrimony and in total compliance with established procedures, zoned it to the Southeast. Agbakoba (Anambra) got it.

    In 2012, when the NBA Presidency was again zoned to the east, EBF zoned it to Southsouth. Wali (Rivers) got it.

    In 2018, the NBA Presidency has again been zoned to the East and it is the turn of the Southeast to have it. EBF according to  its tradition and Constitution particularly Article 11 has adopted Chief Arthur Obi Okafor (SAN)  and others to carry the flag of EBF.

    Mr. Paul Usoro (SAN)  who is from the Southsouth is expected to relax and wait till 2024 when it will be the turn of the Southsouth and Akwa-Cross to produce the next NBA President.

    As for the other candidates, whoever among them that contests the election against the EBF adoption principle, will be given the usual EBF treatment.

    If we as distinguished learned members of the legal profession choose to trample on or ignore the sacred facts of our history, chances are that we may repeat the mistakes of history.

     

    • Lord is a Yenagoa lawyer

  • Lawyers: Buhari reserves right to seek reelection

    Lawyers yesterday said President Muhammadu Buhari’s announcement to seek re-election next year is in order.

    Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Second Vice President Monday Ubani and a former NBA Ikeja Branch chairman Mr Dave Ajetumobi said Buhari reserved the right to seek reelection.

    A member of the Ogun State Judiciary Commission, Abayomi Omoyinmi and Lagos lawyer, Olukayode Enitan said the President said it was left to Nigerians to decide Buhari’s fate at the polls.

    Ubani said that he was not surprised that the President has finally declared his intention, which he said was never disguised.

    He noted that Buhari’s body language, including his aides’, pointed to the fact that he would seek a second term.

    “Nigerians are waiting to see who his opponents are and whether his performance in office would win the election for him. Who his opponents are is what would determine whether or not he would come back in 2019,” he said.

    According to Ubani, if there is any need to vote out Buhari next year, “Nigerians are ready with their PVC and would want to see who would square up with him.

    “If you want to sack him from Aso Rock, Nigerians need to present a better alternative. If there is no better alternative, then expect him back in Aso Rock,” he said.

    Ajetumobi said Buhari’s integrity stands him out, adding that he has a capable deputy in Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN).

    “I’m a Buharist. I believe he has been a bit restrained by the second term issue. I want to see the real Buhari in the second term.

    “So far I don’t really see anybody who is better than him. He has integrity; he has a capable deputy. I think that’s the first time we’re having such as capable Vice President. His deputy is competent.

    “I will not vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, but I will vote for Buhari,” Ajetumobi said.

    Omoyinmi said President Buhari as a citizen has the constitutional right to seek a second term in office.

    “The number of times the President can contest is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended, which stipulates for two terms of four years, and the President having only almost complete his first term has every right by  law to contest,” he said.

    Enitan said there were other hurdles to cross, such as clearance by the party and getting the nomination.

    Enitan said: “The expression of interest is only the beginning; the electorate has the final say. All said, I would say it’s a good thing on many fronts; the government would have to take some pro-people, pro-business and highly democratic and rule of law-compliant decisions with a view to convincing the electorates.

    “It won’t be as easy as it was in 2015. All of these things will be to the good of the people.”

    A former President of Igbo socio-political group, Aka Ikenga, Chief Goddy Uwazurike, said while Buhari was constitutionally empowered to seek a second term, he must convince Nigerians about his achievements.

    He said: “The Constitution guarantees the right to contest for elections. The contestant makes some basic promises.   But the basis for recontesting is to continue the good work. In other words, President Buhari will tell us what he has achieved! He listed three major areas: corruption, security and the economy. He should tell us where his achievements lie in the three areas.

    “He should tell us that the charges of nepotism and cover-up of corruption against his men are not true; that the insecurity we felt before has been eliminated; that the people are free to go anywhere; no Boko Haram, no Fulani killers, no banditry, no kidnapping.”

    Uwazuruike added: “He should tell us how our economy is better off now that a bag of rice and a liter of petrol have doubled. In fact our medical services have improved. The children of top politicians school here.  The promises made to the labour union have been kept. The Independence of the judiciary and the legislature is fully and firmly respected.

    “He must tell us how human rights are respected, how court orders are obeyed. The president has to tell us how investors are trooping in and where they are now. He must tell us how factories are reopening. Freedom of speech?  Hate speech? Indigenous People of Biafra?”

  • Adventist lawyers’ group gets new officers

    The Nigerian Association of Adventist Lawyers (NAAL) has elected new officers to run its affairs for the next two years.

    The election was held in Jos, Plateau State capital.

    The officers are Justice L. T. C. Aruba (President), Sunday Abednegi (Vice President, North), Prof Adejoke Oyewunmi (Vice President, West), Bassa Anwanane (Vice President, East), Patrick Ogbonna (Secretary), Y. Ogosi Mercy (Asst. Secretary) and Ada Nwafor (Treasurer).

    Others are Musa Emmanuel (Financial Secretary), Steve Abar (Publicity Secretary), Akobundu Ehiemere (Social Secretary) and Godwin Aghahowa (Chaplain).

    The election was a highlight of the association’s conference, with the theme: Religion in the Public Space: The Bane of Peaceful Coexistence in Nigeria.”

    The keynote Speaker was Prof Musa Gaiya. Justice S. P. Gang represented the Chief Judge of Plateau State at the conference.

    Chairman, Jos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ralph A. Monye, at the event.

  • ‘Many awaiting trial inmates need lawyers’

    The Nigerian Prisons Service, (NPS) yesterday expressed disappointment that the over 80 percent Awaiting Trial inmates across the country are not given enough legal representation in court.

    Spokesman of NPS, Francis Enobore, spoke in Abuja at a seminarin collaboration with the Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), and the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, (LACON).

    These bodies supported by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the British Government have been involved in training and retraining of paralegal officers as well as provision of free services for easy access to legal representation for indigent persons.

    Of the total prison population of about 73, 000, 48, 798 are Awaiting Trial inmates. 70, 123 are male while 1, 399 are female.

    Convicted male inmates number stands at 22, 388 while the number of convicted female inmates is 336 bringing the total of convicted inmates to 22, 724.

    Enobore, who was represented by Samaila Bulus of the service’s Public Relations Unit, said: “ However, it is important that we put fellow Nigerians behind these fingers in order to appreciate the pains and mental toture they pass through daily. While it is beyond the scope of this discussion to X-ray the reason for this unfortunate development, it suffices  to mention that quite a number of persons languish in prison custody as Awaiting Trial detainees because they can’t afford legal representation.

    “ It is therefore behold on us as a people to assist these indigent citizens with pro bono legal representation in order to salvage their unfortunate situation.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari has continued to drive the course of prison decongestion through the National Stakeholders Committee on prison Reform and decongestion under the able leadership of his lordship the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Chief Judge Hon. Justice Ishaq Bello.

    “ As the committee visits prisons, several prisoners are being released while cutting down the bureaucracies impeding quick justice dispensation. Significantly, this singular approach also help to reduce tension in the yard as inmates now have a sense of belonging that they have not been totally abandoned by the government.”

    PRAWA Executive Director Mrs. Uju Agomoh said there was also a strong need for new legislation targeted at mentally-ill persons to replace what he described as grossly outdated and regressive Lunacy Act of 1956.

    Others areas for development according to Agomoh included the establishment of a database management system and a gender policy for the prisons service.

     

  • Lawyers protest in defiance of police

    •TUC, CDHR, others join anti-LUC rally

    AN defiance of the police, lawyers yesterday staged their second protest against the Lagos State Land Use Charge (LUC).

    The protest took off from Tejuosho Market. It was billed to start from Ikeja, but the plan was changed because of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the state, which ends today.

    The police, on Wednesday,  warned against the protest, saying it could disrupt the President’s visit.

    Led by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch, the protesters, among them the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), among others,   went through Ojuelegba, Ayilara, Itire Road, Agege Market and Pen Cinema Roundabout.

    Ikeja NBA Ikeja Chairman Adesina Ogunlana described the LUC as a “toxic tax’ designed to impoverish the people.

    He said the government was not the people’s  friend,  pointing out that “it has forgotten that the same people it is trying to kill voted it into office.

    “When they were asking for our votes, they promised us change, they promised cheap houses, cheap transportation. But today, they are sucking our blood.

    “Lagosians, don’t be deceived, shine your eyes, LUC would lead to inflation, increase in rent, increase in cost of transportation, increase in cost of food.

    “This is why we are encouraging people not to pay LUC. It must not be allowed to stay,” he said.

    Ogunlana described the protest as a continuation of the people’s sensitisation  against an “obnoxious tax regime“.

    He said lawyers would not rest until the people’s will  is done “because this is not what they promised us.”

    CDHR Chairman Malachy Ugwumadu said the group was  disposed to anything that would restore the dignity of Nigerians and not enslave them

    “The increase in LUC is not acceptable to Lagosians and Nigerians. It is oppressive. It will lead to inflation and impoverish the people,” he said.

  • LUC: Speaker gives lawyers, others two weeks to submit memoranda

    Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa yesterday gave lawyers two weeks to submit memoranda on the controversial Land Use Charge Law.

    It was at a public hearing conducted by the House of Assembly at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium, Assembly Complex, Alausa.

    The revised law had been reviewed downward by the state government.

    Reactions have trailed the law prompting the government to call for a public hearing.

    A six-man committee was set up to look into the repealed law to identify the grey arrears.

    Impressed by the turnout of stakeholders Obasa said it was the first time the House would witness such attendance in any bill passing process.

    He said: “It has been predicted that the Lagos State population will increase over the next years and so the state needs to look inward for means of revenue generation as we cannot solely rely on federal allocation.”

    He also noted that the contribution made will pave way for future generation.

    Stakeholders came with their observations and recommendations, which led to a robust argument on the Land Use Charge Law 2018.

    Okpabio, who represented the Organised Private Sector (OPS), recommended that assessment of properties for valuation should be carried out by professional bodies, and the process should be sustaned for about three to five years.

    This, he said, will give room for an accurate valuation. He further advised that empty properties should be exempted from taxation.

    Besides, he said that pensioners, as represented in the law, should not be limited to Lagos State pensioners alone.

    He express support for the government proposition on the reduction of rates as stated earlier by the Commissioner for Finance, Akinyemi Ashade.

    Chukwuka Ikwuazom, Chairman Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos branch, thanked the House for giving them room to air their views.

    He also appealed for more time to enable his branch study the amended law.

    Olurogba Orinmalade, Chairman of the Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) commended the adoption of market value as the basis for determining property assessment.

    Godwin Alenka, Chairman, Estate Agent Commission Association, Lagos branch, advised the government to engage estate agents in remittance of tax, as they are the ones closer to property owners.

    Abiola Sanni, a property owner and a professor of law of taxation added that valuation process should be made robust and inclusive.

    Some claimed that the notice for the hearing was ‘’too short’’ and asked for a two-week postponement to enable them ‘’prepare well’’ for it.

    NBA Ikeja Chairman Adesina Ogunlana raised a point of order.

    Ogunlana said the stakeholders got the notice of the hearing late and could not get a copy of the law to be amended; hence, they were asking for a two-week adjournment.

    Ogunlana said: “Yesterday (Monday), we received a letter inviting us today for this programme as well as a copy of the amendment at our secretariat of the NBA, Ikeja Branch.

    “What we did was to write a letter to the Honourable Speaker informing him of the necessity for an adjournment of this public hearing. It is gratifying to note that the Speaker and other honourable members of the House are interested in our views and the views of others and that we should not come to a compromise.

    “What we did was to first go back to the cabinet office to look for the law being sought to be amended, that law is not even with the government.

    “Even in this House, I have made enquiries, and we cannot even get a copy of the law. The truth of the matter is that the amendment sought, and a copy of the law must be given to the stakeholders, if we are going to have meaningful contributions.

    “The huge task of evaluating the legality and the general operational dynamics of this law vis-a-vis the amendment is clearly an assignment beyond the space of 24 hours or a similar period of time. Our humble request is this, if we may be permitted to counsel, we request the adjournment of this public hearing in no less than two weeks’’.

    Ogunlana said it would be counter-productive, if the exercise went on, adding:  “what is what doing at all is what doing well.’’

    According to him, there is no way the stakeholders will have meaningful contributions if they do not have copies of the law and enough time to study it.

    He said the groups would return to the streets tomorrow to protest against the law.

    JAF Lagos Secretary Abiodun Aremu said the group would mobilise residents against the law.

    “We are not pleased with the processes. The will of the people prevails at all times. The JAF has a record of defending the poor in Lagos State. We are not satisfied; they should meet us on the streets because the people will not pay this. We are going to mount a campaign that people will not pay. Every bad law must be rejected by the people. You can make a law and once they are not acceptable to the people, they won’t obey. This money is not payable, it is not acceptable and we must resist it,” he said.

    Lagos State CDHR Secretary Joseph Onaguwa said: “This House has disrespected the people by declining to add two weeks for us to have a copy of what they want us to discuss’’.

    Lagos State Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) Chairman Fitzgerald Umah,  urged the government to repeal the law and return to the status quo because of  the hardship the people were the facing.

    He said increasing the tax without a corresponding increase in workers’ salaries would increase the masses’ burden.

    The Association of Real Estate Developers of Lagos State said the masses would bear the burden if the law was allowed to stay.

    Its General Secretary, Mutairu Olumegbon, asked the government to clarify whether the charge was on the land or the property.

    “The charge is highly exorbitant to the level that it will go back to the poor masses, because it is from what we collect from people that we will pay the government,” he said.

    A representative of Lekki Residents Association, Mr Olorogun Emadoye, said the law was arbitrary.

    According to a stakeholder, Mr Richard Olaoye, the law did not take the constitution into consideration.  The local governments, he said, should be in charge of LUC before it gets to the state government.

    Another stakeholder, Mr. Babatunde Emmanuel, wondered why his land use charge moved from less than N2,000 last year to N220,00 this year.

    Obasa, who reiterated that the Law making process is a continuous one, commended all stakeholders who came forward with their contributions. He assured that the House will look into all concerns and memorandum submitted by professional bodies across the state. He also advised that bodies who are yet to submit their memorandum can do so in the next two weeks.

     

  • Lawyers, activists unite for Pa Gomez

    Lawyers and civil society activists gathered in Lagos to honour one of Nigeria’s oldest and most vibrant lawyers, Pa Olatunji Gomez, who marked his 90th birthday.

    It was an occasion for soul-searching and the need for lawyers to act as the society’s conscience dominated discussions.

    A lecture was organised by a group, the Legal Torchbearers, as part of events by the Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to celebrate Pa Gomez, popularly known as “It is a matter of conscience”.

    The theme was: ”Bar Activism in Nigeria: Past, Present and Future.” 

    Alhaji Olufemi Okunnu (SAN),  a longtime close associate of Pa Gomez,  lamented what he described  as the slow, but sure extinction of firebrand activism among current members of the Bar.

    He said things have changed from the fervour of the 1960s, 70s and 80s as witnessed  during the eventful tenure of Alao Aka-Bashorun as NBA President.

    Okunnu said the dampening of revolutionary fire and collusion with public office holders was  to the public’s detriment. “Are the days of legal activism behind us?” he asked.

    He urged lawyers to gird their loins and play the leading role in the fight for true federalism.

    He said: “The legislature now plays the role of the judiciary and executive arms of government and there is confusion in the land.

    “From this day forward, celebrating a rebel from his school days, all of us should wear the garb of activism.  Our federation died in 1978, we started a unitary type of government in 1979,” Okunnu said.

    NBA Criminal Justice Reform Committee Chairman, Chief Arthur-Obi Okafor (SAN), urged lawyers to always stand for the rule of law.

    According to him, it was the only  way to fight injustice and promote equity and fairness  in the society.

    He praised the Legal Torchbearers for their social contributions.

    Okafor urged lawyers to register for and attend the Administration of Criminal Justice Conference holding in Asaba.

    Former Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) Chair, Ms. Ayo  Obe, urged the  Bar to  embrace activism to save Nigeria.

    “There are good lawyers and there are bad lawyers. The lawyers’  main tool is the law and there are more than one way to be an activist.

    “A lawyer must always be ready to test every bad action or policy in the court of law.  We cannot all be activists, but what we cannot do is to throw away activism,” Obe  said.

    Lagos lawyer Mr Ebun-Olu  Adegboruwa and the branch’s former chairman Mr. Alex Muoka said lawyers have critical roles to play in a society’s survival.

    The keynote speaker, Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, who is a Senior Visiting Fellow at the Centre for the Study of Human Rights at the London School of Economics (LSE), spoke on the evolution of legal activism.

    He laid emphasis on the ‘Dohertys’ and the ‘Gomezes’, who were  at the vanguard of Lagosians’ fight for property rights during colonial times.

    He connected the activism of the first indigenous Nigerian lawyer, Christopher Sapara Williams, to the present and ongoing clamour for the restructuring of the Nigerian polity.

    Odinkalu situated Pa Gomez’s central role as the living conscience of that activist heritage from his student days at King’s College.

    “It was a role,” Odinkalu said, “which came at a steep price  which Pa Gomez was nevertheless willing to pay, comforted as he was by the armour of his social conscience, in accordance with his personal credo: It’s a Matter of Conscience.”

    The man Gomez

    Born on March 15, 1928, the young Gomez enrolled at the King’s College in 1944, where he soon acquired a reputation for his independent-mindedness, fearlessness and leadership ability.

    He qualified as a lawyer in 1961, after training in England.

    In over half of a century of professional practice, Pa Gomez has come to symbolise the social conscience of the legal profession in Nigeria.

    Pa Gomez’s ideological consistency through the decades of transition from white colonialism to the rule by black politicians and soldiers was in line with his belief that a lawyer’s first duty was the wellbeing of his fellow citizens and the good ordering of society, whatever the clime or dispensation.

  • Lawyers to discuss industry’s obsolete laws

    Legal luminaries in insurance are set to deliberate on ‘’obsolete’’ insurance laws in the industry.

    The lawyers will be discussing the way forward for the industry at the 2018 Insurance Lawyers Seminar under the theme: Current Legal Developments in the Nigerian Insurance Industry. The workshop being organised by Adegboyega Adepegba and Co.will hold on March 29, at the Green Legacy Resort, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    Professor of Insurance and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Joe Irukwu said there was need to review and update the laws to reflect current conditions.

    He said: “It must be acknowledged that the laws regulating the industry in Nigeria are no longer up to date and need to be reviewed to reflect current conditions.

    One of the attempts to review the laws in the past and which I was the Chairman of the Law Reform Committee, did a painstaking and thorough job but we are yet to see the expected outcome of the review exercise.

    “It is encouraging to note that the National Assembly is working on the subject at present and hopefully will soon produce the necessary legislation that will! address the relevant issues.”

     

     

     

  • Land Use Charge: Lawyers march in Lagos

    LAWYERS yesterday led a protest against the Lagos State Land Use Charge (LUC) Act, describing it as anti-people.

    They led the protesters to the House of Assembly at Alausa, Ikeja, a stone throw from the Governor’s Office, where they complained about the law to the lawmakers.

    Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos branch Adeshina Ogunlana  told reprters that the palcard-bearing protesters did not see anything good in the law.

    Some of the inscriptions on their placards read: “Stop killing justice in Lagos,” “No to hike in Land Use Charge,” “The country is hard enough don’t add to it,” “Developing Lagos to megacity and killing Lagosians with pharaoric taxes,” “No to taxes without consultation,” “Lagosians commit suicide daily, stop this hardship”.

    Ogunlana said the public was   shocked by what he described as the ‘’outrageous’’ law.

    He said : ‘’Our purpose is to communicate our grievances to Lagos State Government vis-à-vis the new direction by the governor. We have a letter for the governor. We have anticipated that the Lagos Assembly will be more accessible than the office of the governor,” he said.

    Ogunlana called for  review of the LUC,  adding that the law was passed without wide consultations.

    He faulted the enactment of the law by the state government, saying :  “the legislation usurps the power of local governments.”

    Addressing the protesters, Majority Leader  Sanai Agunbiade praised the protesters for being civil and peaceful.

    “It is your right to protest because peaceful protest is legitimate all over the world. The Clerk of the House, Mr. Azeez Sanni would receive the protest letter and give it to the Speaker, while the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamgbetan, would receive that of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    “I want a good relationship with the NBA and the legislature. We will want you to attend our public hearings where we debate all our bills before they are passed into laws,” he said.

    Agunbiade said the Assemby was  passing people-oriented laws.

    “The governor is a listening person and what affects one person affects another so the right thing would soon be done by the governor. We represent the people and the governor is also there to serve the people,” he said.