Tag: legal practice

Chief Chuks Muoma (SAN) is the legal adviser to Ohan’eze Ndigbo, the pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation. In this interview with Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU, he speaks on justice sector reforms, the anti-corruption war, the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB), restructuring and other national issues.

You have been elected National Legal Adviser of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. How do you feel about this and what are the challenges you see in carrying out this responsibility?

 My election as the National Legal Adviser of Ohanaeze Ndigbo was an accident of fate, because from the suggestion to the actualisation took less than 14 days. I saw it as a call to duty by my people and an expression of confidence in me. I was elected unopposed. As the office implies, I am an adviser in law; executive decisions are made by the President-General and the National Executive Council. It is not easy to mange the Igbo, because of their republican nature. The Igbo  are highly democratic and come to a decision after a long and protracted debate. Every opinion is meticulously considered, before a decision is reached, either through consensus, or voting process. Combining my duty in Ohanaeze Ndigbo and my private legal practice, which has spanned over 46 years has not been an easy task. But for the call of duty to serve my people, I do not envy myself. However, I have no regrets, in serving my people.

At some point, you were involved in the defence of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in the alleged treason case. What really happened in that case and what is the position now?

I was the lead counsel for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in the alleged treason trial, until I became the National Legal Adviser of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. It was at that point that mistrust set in and I was quietly edged out of the proceedings. A man/woman has the constitutional right of choice of counsel. The law does not allow or permit a lawyer to impose and perpetuate himself and services on a client. I have no regrets being out of the proceedings in that case, which I see more as a political than a criminal matter. At 77 years and having practised law for more than 46 years, I am still strong enough and ready to take on more responsibilities in selfless services to mankind. A lot of people did not believe that I was defending Nnamdi Kanu,pro bono. As I have earlier said, I have no regrets.

It is generally believed that Mazi Kanu has breached almost all his bail conditions for which the Federal Government has indicated intention to rearrest and prosecute him. What is your reaction to this?

Those bail conditions were deliberately designed to be obeyed more in breach than in compliance. They were impossible bail conditions and unconstitutional, because they breached his constitutional fundamental rights of freedom of association, freedom of movement and freedom of worship. It means that Mazi Kanu, after his release on bail, could not and cannot go to church service(s), where there are more than 10 worshippers, travel in a public transport, including an aircraft, where there are more than 10 passengers, go to the market, walk in the high street, attend his town union and age grade meetings, cannot attend social functions, such as weddings, burials, parties and even nightclubs, where they may be more than 10 people. Who on earth, either in Nigeria, or other democratic countries, has/have been given such bail conditions. The bail conditions given to Kanu can only be obtained in Nazi Germany, Joseph Stalin’s Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, or other fundamental Muslim countries. As a lawyer, I contend that those bail conditions could be given by the Presidency and not a court of Justice.

As the Legal Adviser to Ohanaeze, what is the relationship between the Ohanaeze and its youth wing?

The Youth Wing of Ohanaeze, as well as the women wing, are creations of the Imeobi and the Constitution of Ohanaeze. They are not independent bodies. They are under the executive control of the President-General and the National Executive Council of Ohanaeze. The relationship is that of co-operation and not confrontation. The wings are arms of Ohanaeze.

Why do they speak in divergent tones on serious national issues that concern Ndigbo?

  You have not really presented to me instances of the youth wing speaking in divergent tones. I have already said that the Igbo are republican and democratic by nature. We listen to all shade of opinion, but the mouth piece of the Igbo is the President-General giving expression and effect to the decisions/resolutions of the National Executive Council. There are mechanisms for reining-in unruly horses. The branch cannot be stronger or bigger  than the trunk.

Operation Python Dance 11 was conducted by the Nigerian Army in the Southeast. What is your reaction to this?

In my opinion that military exercise was an invasion of Igboland in time of peace and in so-called democratic dispensation. That is why I said Nigeria practises military democracy, like they have in Egypt. Internal policing is the legal responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force and that of the Armed Forces. Sections 214, 215 and 216 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) create and deal with the functions of the Nigeria Police Force. The creation of the armed forces and their functions are contained in Section 217-220 of the said Constitution. The question I often ask is this: If we are not in a military regime, why are the armed forces deployed to usurp the functions of the Police, amongst civilians? This is very reminiscent of Egyptian democracy. How can Egypt be our role model?Do we have more kidnappings in Abia than Abuja-Kaduna road, Lagos, Cross Rivers and Edo states, etc? Does the Southeast have the highest crime rate in Nigeria, such that the Nigeria Police Force cannot handle? Are there more bank robberies, or other armed robberies in the South-East, more than all other political zones? They just called a dog a bad name inorder to kill it. The military has ruined our dear country, Nigeria

By how, they are checkmating crime and criminals?

They kill a fly with a sledge hammer and call a dog a bad name, in order to hang it. The Southeast and Southsouth are infested with security operatives, crawling everywhere. The other day, on the so-called expressway between Aba and Port Harcourt, I counted about 15 check-points, in some cases within a few metres apart, in an overall distance of 40 or 57 kilometres, approximately. The army, police civil defense corps, navy and FRCS personnel are on Southeast and South-south roads, simultaneously, all collecting their “tolls”. My opinion is that the Southeast, in particular, is under siege and occupation by Abuja. A journey that normally took two (2) hours now takes four hours within the Southeast /Southsouth zones. The federal roads are disgraceful, and nobody cares.

What actually does the Igbo want in Nigeria? Separation, restructuring, confederation referendum or what?

The Igbos demand equal citizenship rights to be given the same citizenship rights and privileges as the Fulani, Hausa and other privileged ethnic groups in Nigeria. All Nigerians should be equal, as provided by our Constitution, which does not contain provisions(s) for first class,  second class and third class citizenship. We believe that this should be better achieved, without bloodshed. True federalism is the answer, let us go back to the 1960 and 1963 Constitutions, let there be true fiscal and political federalism. Let Nigeria be restructured along these lines, so that each zone/region will lift itself by its bootstraps and develop at its own pace. The present 1999 Constitution, as foisted on Nigerians, is false and fraudulent; and it started with a false preamble. The present Constitution of 1999 was a fraudulent machination of the military ruling class. To save our dear country, Nigeria, she must be restructured by being returned to the golden era of 1960/1963 Constitutions.

What is the legal/ constitutional basis for this demand? 

 I proffer this suggestion on the basis of fairness, fair play and expediency. A political solution that will enthrone progress, peace and unity should transcend legal arguments. Nigeria started in 1914, as a political arrangement of convenience. Whose convenience you may ask? The convenience of the British Empire! Nigeria was man-made for the economic wellbeing of Britain. God did not create Nigeria, from inception, Nigeria has been a manipulated contraption. Okay. Let’s maintain Nigeria as long as it is a land where no man is oppressed. It was when we abandoned the laudable anthem of “where no man is oppressed” to an anthem of arise “to battle”, in celebration of a perceived “conquest”, that things fell apart. The concept of slaves and slave masters will never endure in Nigeria. We must return to the ideals of the founding fathers of Nigeria. There must be justice for all.

 What is your opinion about the declaration of the IPOB as a terrorist organisation by the Nigeria Army and the proscription of its activities by Southeast governors?

Both decisions were political, without any legal basis. It was not within the powers and functions of the army to make that declaration. That is what I have been saying: Nigeria is a military regime, camouflaging as a democracy. The political soldiers eventually realised that they goofed. I will not want to comment further on the said declaration, because the matter is now sub judice. As for the action of the Southeast governors, it was expedient to do what they did. It was also political; to be seen to be compliant and save their skins, motivated by instinct of self preservation, period.

Chief Chuks Muoma (SAN) is the legal adviser to Ohan’eze Ndigbo. In this interview, he speaks on justice sector reforms, anti-corruption war, the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB), restructuring and national issues. Legal Editor John Austin Unachukwu met him

How can the justice sector be reformed to fast-track the dispensation of justice?

 The dispensation of justice is a divine duty entrusted to man for peace and wellbeing of mankind. The hallmark, of justice are fair hearing and truth. The dispensation of justice must be fast and fearless, epitomised by the blind-folded Mother Nemesis with a scale in her left hand and a sword in her right hand. There is no more perfect symbolism. Unfortunately, Nigeria seems to be light years away from this laudable objective of speedy dispensation of justice. Nigeria needs to invest heavily in the justice system.

Why did you say this?

This is because our Judiciary is under-manned, ill-equipped and under-funded. Our magistrates, judges and justices are over-worked. Ninety per cent of the courtrooms in this country are most uncomfortable to work in, and are located in very dirty and unkempt environments. Except in a few states of the federation, most courts are bereft of basic amenities and comfort for the judicial personnel, legal practitioners and litigants and in some trial courts, there is no toilet facilities for lawyers, litigants and members of the public, who are needfully present in courts, during proceedings. Juxtapose this appalling conditions of the court with the billions of dollars and naira stolen by our politicians, bureaucrats and service chiefs/personnel. The newspapers are awash with the stories of this mass corruption in our society. Legal practitioners, magistrates, judges and justices are no longer what they were in days of yore.

Can you give us examples?

For instance, today, legal practitioners have become conduit pipes through which bribes are channelled to members of the Bench. Disrespect and lack of decorum by lawyers are now common in our courts. I am of the view that the governments (federal and states) should invest massively in the administration of justice, which is the only way of ensuring peace in the society. Justice and peace are potent weapons in fighting self-help, jungle justice, social/political rascality, so that constitutionality and the rule of law prevail. This country needs to employ more judicial officers and personnel; build better structural facilities and install electronic devices for the recording of judicial proceedings. By doing this, we will no longer have cases pending in the courts for 10 to 15 years, at the trial stage alone, in the High Courts. Legal practitioners have in some cases contributed to delays in trials with incessant letters of adjournment. Except in criminal matters and election matters, a civil litigation from the High Court to the Supreme Court may last for about 15  to 20 years. What kind of Justice is that? Justice delayed is justice denied. In the extreme scenario, of what use is a judgment to litigants and their lawyers who might have been dead at the time of the judgment? Come to think of it, the courts generate huge revenue for the governments. Financial autonomy for judiciary, both federal and state, is imperative.

There are serious concerns about the declining standards of legal practice and ethics  how do  we address these challenges?

I had earlier dealt with some points pertinent to this question. Our faculties of law and law schools are undoubtedly churning out law graduates and legal practitioners, brilliant in the letters of the law. Unfortunately, these graduates, and lawyers lack the decorum and ethics of the legal profession. They have little or no regard for  the dress code of the legal profession. They are rude and disrespectful to their colleagues and the Bench. The universities and law school should engage the services of senior practicing lawyers to give lectures to the students of the law faculties and law schools on decorum at the Bar. This is not an academic subject and does not need a masters or doctoral degree to qualify the lecturer for that assignment. A lawyer, who lacks professional ethics and decorum has no business at the Bar. Indecorum is unacceptable at the Bar. A Legal practitioner should not hide under his brief to launch unjustifiable attack on a judge or his colleague. Although a legal practitioner has a right and duty to present his client(s) case, he must do so within the bounds of professional ethics. The duty he owes his client is subject to a higher duty he owes to the cause of justice. He should resist being controlled and dictated to by his client(s). The rules of professional conduct for legal practitioners provide that “lawyers shall treat one another with respect, fairness, consideration and dignity, and shall not allow any ill-feeling between opposing clients to influence their conduct and demeanor towards one another or towards the opposing clients”. It is imperative that law undergraduates and students of the Nigerian Law School be properly groomed in ethics and decorum at the Bar by experienced practitioners. It is time we rid the Bar of rudeness, dirty shirts, collars, bibs, badly tailored pair of trousers, as well as grey green and brown jackets.

Can you be specific?

The appropriate colour for lawyers trousers and jackets is black,  morning trousers are the most preferred, shirts should be pure white or chancery shirts. Bad English and grammar are becoming very common, especially the new wigs. Spoken and written English should be made compulsory and should be thought as a subject in the law schools since judicial proceedings in Nigeria are conducted in English. A good lawyer is noted for his command of the English language, oral and written. Let the law schools do their duty and produce decorous members of the Bar, thoroughly groomed in the ethics of the Bar. It is decorum in dress, speech and conduct that make a lawyer outstanding in a society, or amongst people.

Being a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) comes with  responsibilities for those who wear the rank, what is your message for the new SAN?

My message to the new Senior Advocates of Nigeria, as well as the old ones, is to be decorus and polished in their conduct and speech. They should not encourage corruption in the administration of justice. They should counsel their juniors and clients, wisely. They should not instigate or encourage unnecessary litigations, just for the purpose of earning fees. They should not be parties to the corruption of our judges. They should neither intimidate their junior colleagues, nor the Bench. They should counsel others not to, delay court proceedings unnecessarily, through incessant letters of adjournment. They should be accommodating to their junior colleagues and, by example, encourage them to better conduct, in and out of the courtroom. It is trending now for legal practitioners to encourage and instigate “kill and share” litigations, savouring of champerty. Such litigations are clearly made manifest in the desperate advocacy and tactics of counsel, in and out of the court room.   A counsel should not conduct his case as if his life depends on it, all in the quest for riches and wealth.

It has been alleged that senior lawyers are constituting a clog in the wheel of the anti-corruption fight of the Federal Government. What is your reaction to this?

It is the constitutional right of a citizen of this country to hire and be defended by a counsel of his choice. An accused person should be prosecuted and not persecuted. What happened to the charges brought against some former governors for corruption while in office? The prosecuting authority suddenly lost the appetite to proceed and complete the prosecution of those charges, as soon as the accused persons (defendants) joined the “right party”. Are you blaming the lawyers for that? Some of those manifestly corrupt governors are now in the Senate. Are the lawyers to be blamed for the selective anti-corruption war of the government? Why were those charges against former governors abandoned? Was that on the advice of senior lawyers? A lawyer’s duty is to defend his client, to the best of his professional abilities, based on the evidence and the law relevant to the case. It is not for the lawyer to prove the innocence of his client (the accused person), since in our accusatorial system, an accused person is presumed innocent, until he is proved  guilty. The task of the prosecutor is to prove the accused guilty, beyond reasonable doubt.

 What do you mean by  this?

The so called anti-corruption war is devoid of sincerity, it is selective. What about those public servants who amassed wealth, beyond their legitimate incomes? Are the senior lawyers responsible for their non-prosecution? All you have to do in this country is to steal public funds, be on the “right side” and you will remain a sacred cow, immune from prosecution. Kindly stop blaming lawyers for the manipulations of politicians. Let them prosecute, without exception, all the corrupt public officers, past and present, who are corrupt. If they have the sincerity to do that, it will be in the interest of the legal profession, in terms of a boom in legal business, with consequential enhanced income for lawyers. Do not mind them; the so-called anti-corruption agencies are not sincere in executing their anti-corruption assignments, which should be all inclusive and total.

The judiciary has received serious bashing in recent times from law enforcement agencies of the Federal Government fighting corruption. What is your reaction to this?

I had earlier dealt with apparent consciousness and philosophy of the anti-corruption agencies. The Judiciary is not more corrupt than the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the government. The corruption in the Police goes on 24/7, simultaneously, all over the Federation, day and night. As I said before, let the law enforcement agencies of the Federal Government charge the anti-corruption cases to the courts, not-selectively and prosecute those cases diligently. Do not blame the Judiciary and the lawyers, when the anti-corruption agencies are selective in their operations. The anti-corruption agencies even abandon prosecutions initiated by them, without concluding them to judgment. The courts do not prosecute cases; no, that is not the constitutional function of the courts. Criminal cases are prosecuted by the Attorney-General or law enforcement agencies of the g overnment. It is a general knowledge that the law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies are very corrupt. I am not saying that the legal profession and the Judiciary are both manned by angels, but they are by no means worse than their accusers.

The courts try cases duly initiated before them, through appropriate processes. The courts neither prosecute, nor defend cases. It was certainly in bad taste for the president to travel to foreign countries and while there, he castigated, denigrated and diminished his own Judiciary. What was that in aid of? One does not cut off his nose to spite his face!

and criminal cases, amongst civilians.  May better political education and the Almighty God deliver this Country, Nigeria.  Leadership of crush him, crush her, crush this, crush that, crush them, crush everybody and everything that does not agree is notleadership but rulership  and anti-democratic.

You were recently elected National Legal Adviser to the Ohanaeze Ndigbo how do you feel about this and what are the challenges you see in carrying out this responsibility?

 My election as the National Legal Adviser of Ohanaeze Ndigbo was an accident of fate, because from the suggestion to the actualization took less than fourteen (14) days. I saw it as a call to duty by my people and an expression of confidence in me. I was elected unopposed. As the office implies, I am an adviser in law; executive decisions are made by the President-General and the National Executive Council. It is not easy to mange the Igbo, because of their republican nature. The Igbo  are highly democratic and come to a decision after a long and protracted debate. Every opinion is meticulously considered, before a decision is reached, either through consensus, or voting process. Combining my duty in Ohanaeze Ndigbo and my private legal practice, which has spanned over forty-six (46) years has not been an easy task. But for the call of duty to serve my people, I do not envy myself. However, I have no regrets, in serving my people.

At some point, you were involved in the defence of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in the alleged treason case. What really happened in that case and what is the position now?

I was the lead counsel for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in the alleged treason trial, until I become the National Legal Adviser of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. It was at that point that mistrust set in and I was quietly and silently edged out of the proceedings. A man/woman has the constitutional right of choice of counsel. The law does not allow or permit a lawyer to impose and perpetuate himself and services on a client. I have no regrets being out of the proceedings in that case, which I see more as a political than a criminal matter. At the age of seventy-seven (77) years and having practiced law for more than 46 years, I am still strong enough and ready to take on more responsibilities in selfless services to mankind. A lot of people did not believe that I was defending Nnamdi Kanu,pro bono. As I have earlier said, I have no regrets.

It is generally believed that Mazi Kanu has breached almost all his bail conditions for which the Federal Government has indicated intention to rearrest and prosecute him. What is your reaction to this?

Those bail conditions were deliberately designed to be obeyed more in breach than in compliance. They were impossible bail conditions and unconstitutional, because they breached his constitutional fundamental rights of freedom of association, freedom of movement and freedom of worship. It means that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, after his release on bail could not and cannot go to church service(s), where there are more than ten (10) worshippers, travel in a public transport (including an aircraft) where there are more than ten (10) passengers, go to the market, walk in the high street, attend his town union and age grade meetings, cannot attend social functions, such as weddings, burials, parties and even nightclubs, where they may be more than ten (10) people. Who on earth, either in Nigeria, or other democratic countries, has/have been given such bail conditions. The bail conditions given to Nnamdi Kanu can only be obtainable in Nazi Germany, Joseph Stalin’s Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, or other fundamental Muslim countries. As a lawyer, I contend that those bail conditions could be given by the presidency and not a court of Justice.

As the Legal Adviser to Ohanaeze, what is the relationship between the Ohanaeze and its youth wing?

The Youth Wing of Ohanaeze, as well as the women wing, are creations of the Imeobi and the Constitution of Ohanaeze. They are not independent bodies. They are under the executive control of the President-General and the National Executive Council of Ohanaeze. The relationship is that of co-operation and not confrontation. The wings are arms of Ohanaeze.

Why do they speak in divergent tones on serious national issues that concern Ndigbo?

  You have not really presented to me instances of the youth wing speaking in divergent tones. I have already said that the Igbo are republican and democratic by nature. We listen to all shade of opinion, but the mouth piece of the Igbo is the President-General giving expression and effect to the decisions/resolutions of the National Executive Council. There are mechanisms for reining-in unruly horses. The branch cannot be stronger or bigger  than the trunk.

Operation Python Dance 11 was conducted by the Nigerian Army in the South-East, what is your reaction to this?

In my opinion that military exercise was an invasion of Igboland in  time of peace and in so-called democratic dispensation. That is why I said that Nigeria practices military democracy, like they have in Egypt. Internal policing is the legal responsibility of the Nigerian Police Force and that of the Armed Forces. Sections 214, 215 and 216 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) create and deal with the functions of the Nigeria Police Force. The creation of the armed forces and their functions are contained in Section 217-220 of the said Constitution. The question I often ask is this: if we are not in a military regime, why are the armed forces deployed to usurp the functions of the Police, amongst civilians? This is very reminiscent of Egyptian democracy. How can Egypt be our role model? Do we have more kidnappings in Abia than Abuja-Kaduna road, Lagos State, Cross Rivers State and Edo State, etc? Does the South-East have the highest crime rate in Nigeria, such that the Nigerian Police Force cannot handle? Are there more bank robberies, or other armed robberies in the South-East, more than all other political zones? They just called a dog a bad name inorder to kill it. The military has ruined our dear Country, Nigeria

By how, they are checkmating crime and criminals?

They kill a fly with a sledge hammer and call a dog a bad name, inorder to hang it. The South-East and South-South are infested with security operatives, crawling everywhere. The other day, on the so-called express way between Aba and Portharcourt, I counted about fifteen check-points, in some cases within a few metres apart, in an overall distance of forty miles, or fifty-seven kilometers, approximately. The army, police civil defense corps, navy and FRCS personnel are on South-East and South- South roads, simultaneously, all collecting their “tolls”. My opinion is that the South-East, in particular, is under siege and occupation by Abuja. A journey that normally took two (2) hours now takes four (4) hours within the South-East /South-South zones. The federal roads are disgraceful, and nobody cares.

What actually do Igbos want in Nigeria? Separation, restructuring, confederation referendum or what?

The Igbos demand equal citizenship rights to be given the same citizenship rights and privileges as the Fulani, Hausa and other privileged ethnic groups in Nigeria. All Nigerians should be equal, as provided by our Constitution, which does not contain provisions(s) for first class,  second class and third class citizenship. We believe that this should be better achieved, without bloodshed. True federalism is the answer, let us go back to the 1960 and 1963 Constitutions, let there be true fiscal and political federalism. Let Nigeria be restructured along these lines, so that each zone/region will lift itself by its bootstraps and develop at its own pace. The present 1999 Constitution, as foisted on Nigerians, is false and fraudulent; and it started with a false preamble. The present Constitution of 1999 was a fraudulent machination of the military ruling class. To save our dear country, Nigeria, she must be restructured by being returned to the golden era of 1960/1963 Constitutions.

What is the legal/ constitutional foundation or basis for this demand? 

 I proffer this suggestion on the basis of fairness, fair play and expediency. A political solution that will enthrone progress, peace and unity should transcend legal arguments. Nigeria started in 1914, as a political arrangement of convenience. Whose convenience you may ask? The convenience of the British Empire! Nigeria was man-made for the economic wellbeing of Britain. God did not create Nigeria, from inception, till date, Nigeria, has been a manipulated contraption. Okay! Let’s maintain Nigeria as long as it is a land where no man is oppressed. It was when we abandoned the laudable anthem of “where no man is oppressed” to an anthem of arise “to battle”, in celebration of a perceived “conquest”, that things fell apart. The concept of slaves and slave masters will never endure in Nigeria. We must return to the ideals of the founding fathers of Nigeria. There must be justice for all.

 What is your opinion about the declaration of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) a terrorist organization by the Nigerian Army and the proscription of the activities of IPOB by the Governors of South-East?

Both decisions were political, without any legal basis. It was not within the powers and functions of the army to make that declaration. That is what I have been saying: Nigeria is a military regime, camouflaging as a democracy. The political soldiers eventually realized that they goofed. I will not want to comment further on the said declaration, because the matter is now sub judice. As for the action of the South-East Governors, it was expedient to do what they did. It was also political; to be seen to be compliant and save their skins, motivated by instinct of self preservation, period

Lawyers who are not technologically savvy will soon be left behind, according to Managing Director of a legal services provider, LawPavilion, Ope Olugasa.

Speaking at the launch of the firm’s new legal analytics software, LawPavilion Prime, during the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference, Olugasa said legal practice has evolved with changing trends and technology over the centuries.

“Before now, when there are questions of law and justice, such answers and legal authorities were tediously sought, leafing through volumes of law books and case indexes.

“But, poring through a law book doesn’t readily divulge how many authorities are contained in one principle.

“Likewise having an e-Library doesn’t tell you how valid or relevant such authorities are, though it may tell you how many authorities exist.

“All of those headaches are by-gone in the age of legal analytics. Legal Analytics doesn’t just provide you with search results, It gives you correct answers,” he said.

According to him, LawPavilion Prime was first unveiled at the “Words in Gold” Judicial Awards in Abuja, during which Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) hailed the product.

Olugasa said with LawPavilion Prime’s legal analytics, a user is provided with a plethora of search results.

The researcher is given the correct answers as the oftware calculates the law with predictive analysis, he said.

“It gives you in-depth analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of legal positions and authorities by generating a never-before-seen statistical analysis, historical data, precedential value ratings, conflicting judgments, locus classicus, statutory or literary authorities and opinions, judicial standpoints of presiding judges, and computer generated intelligent information on such authorities.

“Amongst other features, LawPavilion Prime’s Personalized Subject Matter Index for each Appellate Court Judge lays before the legal industry a history of every position taken by a particular judge on any matter or principle of law.

“It analyses its consistency so they can present same before such judge, eruditely propounding the compelling reasons to remain consistent in their matter judging from their past judicial pronouncements.

“The new software contains the Laws of the Federation, annotated with cases. It boasts of a world class e-book reader that allows users to highlight texts, bookmark pages and even write their Practice notes that can be synchronized across multiple devices.

“The software’s robust cloud backup ensures availability and easy recovery even in the case of device malfunction or theft,” Olugasa added.