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Tag: NBA President

  • Breaking:NBA President re-arraigned, as court orders arrest of four

    President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Paul Usoro on Friday, appeared before Justice Rilwan Aikawa, of the Federal High Court Lagos, to answer to a 10 count charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    He pleaded not guilty to all counts of the charge.

    Meanwhile, the court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest and production in court of four others named in the body of the charge, who are said to be at large.

    They are: Uwemedimo Nwoko, Margaret Ukpe, Linus Nsikn, and Mfot Udomah.

    Details shortly…

  • Second judge withdraws from NBA President’s N1.4bn case

    Justice Chuka Obiozor of the Federal High Court, Lagos yesterday withdrew from the trial of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Paul Usoro (SAN).

    Usoro is facing N1.4 billion fraud charges.

    Usoro was first arraigned before Justice Muslim Hassan on a 10-count charge.

    He pleaded not guilty.

    Justice Hassan later withdrew from the case.

    Others charged with Usoro are Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Finance Nsikan Nkan; Accountant-General Mfon Udomah; Attorney-General Uwemedimo Nwoko and Margaret Ukpe, said to be at large.

    Also named in the charge is Governor Emmanuel Udom, “currently constitutionally immune from prosecution”.

    Usoro was to be re-arraigned before Justice Obiozor, but the judge recused himself for personal reasons.

    Read also: Salesman accused of stealing pure water

    “For personal reasons, I hereby disqualify myself from handling the case.

    “I hereby return this file to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge,” Justice Obiozor ruled.

    Prior to Usoro’s arraignment before Justice Hassan on December 18, his lead counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), informed the judge of a December 17 letter to the Chief Judge seeking the transfer of the case to another judge for an undisclosed reason.

    Olanipekun said Usoro would want the case be transferred to either Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, or Abuja.

    He said if the case would remain in Lagos, it should be transferred to “any other honourable judge apart from my noble Lord”.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleged that the defendants committed the offence on May 14, 2016.

    The commission alleged that Usoro conspired with others to commit the offence within the jurisdiction of the court.

  • Second judge withdraws from NBA President’s N1.4bn case

    Justice Chuka Obiozor of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday withdrew from the trial of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Presiden Paul Usoro (SAN), charged with N1.4billion fraud.

    Usoro was first arraigned before Justice Muslim Hassan on a 10-count charge.

    He pleaded not guilty.

    Justice Hassan later withdrew from the case.

    Others charged with Usoro are Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Finance, Nsikan Nkan; Accountant-General, Mfon Udomah; Attorney-General, Uwemedimo Nwoko and Margaret Ukpe, said to be at large.

    Also named in the charge is Governor Emmanuel Udom, “currently constitutionally immune from prosecution.”

    Usoro was to be re-arraigned before Justice Obiozor, but the judge recused himself for personal reasons.

    “For personal reasons, I hereby disqualify myself from handling the case.

    “I hereby return this file to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge,” Justice Obiozor ruled.

    Prior to Usoro’s arraignment before Justice Hassan last December 18, his lead counsel Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), informed the judge of a December 17 letter to the Chief Judge seeking the transfer of the case to another judge for an undisclosed reason.

    Read Also; NBA chief Usoro docked for alleged N1.4b fraud

    Olanipekun said Usoro would want the case transferred to either Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, or Abuja.

    He said if the case would remain in Lagos, it should be transferred to “any other honourable judge apart from my noble Lord.”

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleged that the defendants committed the offence on May 14, 2016.

    The commission alleged that Usoro conspired with others to commit the offence within the jurisdiction of the court.

    He was alleged to have conspired to convert N1.4 billion, property of Akwa Ibom State Government, which sum they reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity.

    The prosecution said that the unlawful activity included criminal breach of trust which contravened sections 15 (2), 15(3), and 18 (A) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

  • NBA chief Usoro docked for alleged N1.4b fraud

    •Court grants him N250m bail •Judge rejects request to transfer case to Abuja

    THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Mr. Paul Usoro (SAN) at a Federal High Court in Lagos, for an alleged N1.4 billion fraud.

    Usoro was docked before Justice Muslim Sule Hassan on a 10-count charge, bordering on the alleged offences.

    He pleaded not guilty.

    Others charged with him are: Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Finance Nsikan Nkan; Accountant-General Mfon Udomah; Attorney-General Uwemedimo Nwoko and Margaret Ukpe said to be at large.

    Also named in the charge was Akwa Ibom State Governor Emmanuel Udom, who the EFCC said was “currently constitutionally immune from prosecution”.

    The arraignment followed Justice Hassan’s December 10 order that the EFCC should serve the charge on Usoro, who had arrived in court with 13 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) led by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN).

    At the beginning of proceedings yesterday, Olanipekun opposed his client’s arraignment pending a transfer of the case from Justice Hassan.

    He told the judge that the defence had written a letter to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Abdul Kafarati, seeking a transfer of the case to Uyo, Abuja or any other jurisdiction of the court away from the judge.

    Olanipekun said: “I owe a duty to advise the court that the defendant made available to his lawyers, a copy of a letter dated December 17, 2018, addressed to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court praying for the transfer of the case to any judicial division between Uyo and Abuja or if in Lagos to any other judge apart from my lord presiding.

    “The application is very innocuous and was written by virtue of the legal right of the defendant.

    “We understand that a copy of the letter has been served on the court and since the letter is before the Chief Judge, the proper thing is to await his decision as a mark of respect for him.”

    But, the EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, opposed him.

    Oyedepo prayed the court to discountenance Olanipekun’s submissions on the ground that the ruling of the court fixing yesterday for arraignment of the defendant had not been set aside.

    He argued that the defence could only raise any objection after the defendant’s plea had been taken.

    According to him, Section 9 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) governs the place of trial and enquiry, and requires that the charge be filed in the jurisdiction, where the alleged offence took place.

    He argued that sufficient facts which would lead to a transfer of the case to Uyo or Abuja were not available.

    “It was not the contention of the defence that the ingredient of the alleged offence did not take place in Lagos. The events that will lead to the transfer of the case to either Uyo or Abuja Division are not available,” Oyedepo said.

    Besides, he argued that apart from the letter to the CJ, there was no formal application before the court seeking the judge to recuse himself from the case.

    He urged the court to proceed with arraignment.

    In a bench ruling, Justice Hassan held: “I have listened vehemently to the submissions of counsel and I have also read the letter written to the CJ.

    “”The issue in view is narrowed down to whether the defendant can take his plea in the circumstance.”

    The judge held that although it was not in dispute that the CJ reserved the right to transfer cases, the instant case was already assigned to his court.

    He added that it was a rule that even where such application for transfer exists, the trial judge should continue with hearing of the case, pending any contrary decision.

    The court then called on the NBA President to take his plea.

    Usoro pleaded not guilty.

    After his plea, Olanipekun prayed the court to admit Usoro to bail on liberal terms of self-recognisance as NBA President.

    He added that Usoro’s International passport would be deposited with the court as a measure, adding that he would apply for same whenever the need arises.

    Oyedepo did not oppose the application, but left same at the discretion of the court.

    In another bench ruling, Justice Hassan admitted the defendant to bail for N250 million, with one surety in the like sum.

    The court added that the surety must be owner of landed property within the court’s jurisdiction or a civil servant not lower than the rank of a Director in the Federal or State civil service.

    The NBA President was further ordered to deposit his international passport with the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar (DCR), which will be verified for genuineness.

    The court then ordered that Usoro be handed over to a counsel of the inner bar, Mr. E.B. Effiong (SAN), pending perfection of his bail terms.

    He adjourned the case till February 5, March 5, and March 6, 2019 for trial.

    In the charge, the anti-graft agency alleged that the defendant committed the offence on May 14, 2016.

    The commission alleged that Usoro conspired with others to commit the offence within the jurisdiction of the court.

    He was alleged to have conspired to convert N1.4 billion, property of Akwa Ibom State Government, which sum they reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity.

    The prosecution said the unlawful activity included criminal breach of trust, which contravened sections 15 (2), 15(3), and 18 (A) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

  • Alleged N1.4b fraud: NBA president insists on retaining office

    NIGERIAN Bar Association (NBA) President Paul Usoro has said he would not resign his position despite the pending fraud case against him.

    The EFCC, last week, filed an alleged N1.4 billion fraud charge against Usoro before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

    It was announced that Usoro will be arraigned today.

    But, addressing reporters in Abuja at the weekend, the NBA president said he would remain in office despite attempt to force him to quit.

    Usoro, who said he was presenting the communique of the just held NBA National Executive Committee (NBA) meeting, assured that he would attend court today, when the case against him is fixed for hearing.

    Saying he has not been served with the charge, the NBA President added that he was not comfortable about the leakage of the charge against him to the media.

    Usoro, who addressed the news conference alone, did not dispute the existence of the charge against him. He said he is innocent and that the case is intended to force him out of office.

    The NBA president, in a reaction to the question whether he will resign in view of the charge against him, said: “I will not resign. No, I am not in doubt that a charge has been filed against me. I only said, in my earlier statement, that I have not been served with the charge. I do not doubt the existence of the charge.

    “This matter was presented before the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NBA and we had a very successful meeting. And nobody raised the issue as regard whether I should leave.

    “I have already made it quite clear, if you have read my statement on what my position is as far as this matter is concerned. The National Executive Committee adopted that my address, as far as that matter is concerned, and they believed that that matter is rested.

    “You see, I have seen it happened a number of times, and I believe all of you have also seen it happened, that some of these incidents are hyped up simply to drive people out of office. You are aware of that. And this has happened, not once, not twice.

    “We have seen it happened in the case of the Senate President (Bukola Saraki). Ultimately, what happened? The Senate President was absolved of any criminality. What would have happened assuming the Senate President had resigned?

    “We have also seen it happened and somebody was hounded that way, and he resigned. And at the end, he was found not to have done it. It is also very possible that in this particular instance, that was what the people wanted and that was why that was that hype. All of you are aware of it that there were plenty of leakages in regard to this matter, just before the NEC meeting.

    “I am personally convinced that the reason why there was so much of the leakage was to instigate NEC possibly to get me out of office. Well, that did not succeed. So, we went to NEC and I presented the things that we want to do as the national officers are concerned.

    NEC is quite happy with it.

    “The lawyers are very happy with it. And we are focused on delivering those things that we want to do as far as the NBA is concerned. We will continue to do those things that would elevate the welfare and the essence of our lawyers, as well as promoting and preserving the rule of law. And that is what we will continue to do,” Usoro said.

     

  • NBA threatens to sue Buhari over constitutional dereliction

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Friday threatened  to institute a legal action against President Muhammadu Buhari, should he continue with what it described as  “constitutional dereliction” in governance.

    NBA President, A. B. Mahmoud, who gave the warning in his address, during the opening of the association’s two-day National Executive Committee meeting in Kano, accused President Buhari of neglecting to act on the recommendations of the National Judicial Council to appoint 13 justices of the Court of Appeal since November 2017.

    “Similarly, several recommendations for appointments to the Bench of the Federal High Court and other Federal courts are still pending many months after these recommendations to the President.

    ”Acting on the recommendations of the NJC is not a matter of presidential discretion, to be exercised whenever the President deems fit. It is a constitutional duty.

    ”Whilst the President is not bound to accept the recommendations, failure to act is a breach of the Constitution. I therefore call on the President to act without further delay! This failure to act is causing unnecessary delays and avoidable negative consequences on the administration of justice across the country.

    However, the Publicity Secretary of the Kano branch of the NBA, Yusuf Abdulsalami told Reporters at the event that the gathering of the leaders of the Bar in Kano is a “quarterly constitutional requirement in our association, and the aim has always been to review the state of affairs in the association, in the judiciary and in the country at large.

    According to him, ‘The Kano meeting is peculiar because it is about the last to be held under the leadership of A. B. Mahmoud.”

    Read Also: NBA honours criminal justice ‘gladiators’

  • NBA backs creation of special courts for corruption cases

    NBA backs creation of special courts for corruption cases

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has thrown its weight behind the decision by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen to create special courts to handle the trial of corruption cases.

    NBA President, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) said members of his association have no objection to the CJN’s initiative, but that the special courts and conventional courts should be well funded and provided with needed materials to enable them function effectively.

    Mahmoud said the objective of the creation of special courts, which is speedy prosecution of criminal cases, can be achieved if attention is paid to the bigger picture of ensuring a functional criminal justice system.

    He spoke in Abuja on Tuesday, while inaugurating two committees of the NBA. They are the Disciplinary Prosecution Committee (DPC) and Constitution Review Committee.

    The NBA President said: “There has been a lot of agitation for special court, and as you know, this is not the first time that we will be having a special court in the country. We have had special courts before.

    “Essentially, what is important is that the courts are given enough resources and given nigrostriatal and manpower support to undertake speedy trial of, especially corruption cases. There is a lot of dissatisfaction about the speed of these trials.

    “So we don’t have any objection to the special courts being set up. But, in addition, we must not lose sight of the wider issues involved in criminal justice administration. We have a new Criminal Justice Act, which came into force in 2015.

    “A lot of innovations have been introduced. NBA is now in the process of organising a summit to really review the progress of the implementation of this Act and see what lessons have been learnt so far and what areas need to be improved. The whole idea, being that we need a more effective and a criminal justice system with improved speed,” Mahmoud said.

    He explained that although the existing Disciplinary Prosecution team of the NBA was doing well, the newly inaugurated one is an enlarged one, meant to bring in more hands, with the intention of speeding up the prosecution of erring members, and to give more teeth to NBA’s regulatory responsibilities.

    Mahmoud said the Constitution Review Committee is set up to address all the lingering issues affecting the NBA constitution. He said the decision to set up the committee was taken at the last annual general meeting of the association held in Lagos.

    He said the committee will, among others, look at the election process of the association, which he described as expensive, primordial and hardly allows the emergence of the best candidates.

    Mahmoud said after an extensive study of different models and best practices across diverse jurisdictions and countries, it has been concluded that no Bar Association or Law Society practices the existing NBA model of leadership succession and election of national officers.

    Members of the constitution review committee are: Yusuf O. Ali, SAN (Chairman) ; Prof. Paul Idornigie, SAN; Prof. Tahir Mamman, SAN; Hon. Obafemi Adewale; Prof. Ogugua Ikpeze; Mrs. Abimbola Akerdolu SAN; Sagir Gezawa, Esq; Yusuf Dadien, Esq; and Ogaga John Emoghwanre, Esq.

    Others are: Mrs. Mercy I . Agada; Chris Nnoli, Esq; Mustapha Adekola, Esq; and Al`Ameen Abubakar, Esq.

  • Ambode to Lawyers: Support devolution of Power to States, fiscal Federalism

    Ambode to Lawyers: Support devolution of Power to States, fiscal Federalism

    …Says Weak Institutions Impeding Ease Of Doing Business

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday called on lawyers in the country to raise their voices in support of the demand for devolution of power to States and fiscal federalism, especially the review of the current revenue sharing formula.

    By the current revenue allocation formula, the Federal Government takes as much as 52.68% of centrally-collected revenues in the federation account, while States and Local Governments share 26.72% and 20.60% respectively.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 57th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) held in Lagos, Governor Ambode tasked lawyers to utilize the golden opportunity of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution to lend their voices to the call for redress of all the aberrations that had stunted growth and inhibited capacity of States to harness their potentials.

    He said: “Let me use this opportunity to call on the Nigerian Bar Association as a body and members to raise your voices in support of the demand for devolution of power to States and fiscal federalism, especially the review of the current revenue sharing formula.

    “These, in my view, are fundamental and critical to creating an enabling environment that will accelerate development in all parts of the country. The ongoing process for the review of the 1999 Constitution presents a golden opportunity for us to redress all the aberrations created by the interjection of the military that have stunted growth and inhibited the capacity of States to harness the huge potentials of our nation.”

    Speaking on the theme of the conference, “African Business: Penetrating Through Institution Building,” Governor Ambode identified weak institutions as a major factor inhibiting growth in Nigeria and Africa, saying that the development had constituted a major disincentive for investment in the continent, which in turn, was hampering efficient and effective harnessing of the huge resources in the continent.

    He said in most cases, institutions are weak because their establishment is influenced by personal and short-term considerations, while in some other cases, institutions are deliberately weakened in order to make them subject to the whims and caprices of the leadership.

    As a way out, Governor Ambode said: “Building and sustaining strong institution requires our collective commitment to the rule of law.  It entails building the capacity of such institutions to be able to discharge their responsibilities effectively and transparently while also being accountable to the people. It must create an atmosphere of confidence, mutual understanding and protection against arbitrariness.

    “We must take a cue from developed economies where the integrity of their institutions is not compromised for whatever reason. In those climes, it is the institution that puts officials of the State in check and not vice versa as we have experienced and are still experiencing in most parts of the continent.”

    The Governor said such ideal situation and global best practice was what Lagos State had been striving very strongly to attain in order to build an economy that is globally competitive.

    “This has been one of our key commitments in the past two years as exemplified by the fa- reaching reforms we are implementing by way of security and judicial sector reforms. Happily, these efforts are yielding the expected outcomes,” Governor Ambode said.

    Besides, Governor Ambode expressed excitement at the recovery and return of President Muhammadu Buhari back to the country after long medical vacation in the United Kingdom.

    “Let me firstly on behalf of all the people of Lagos State and all Nigerians thank God for the safe return of Mr President, General Muhammadu Buhari. Mr President, we wish you well always,” Governor Ambode said.

    In his opening remarks, NBA President, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), acknowledged the efforts of the Lagos State Government at building strong institutions, saying that the State had made greatest institutional transformation in recent times.

    He said the decision to host the conference in Lagos again was not just because of the facilities and infrastructure but also to support the transformative journey which the State had witnessed.

    “Our last conference in Lagos was in 2009. We are delighted to be here once again, especially to join the State to celebrate its 50th anniversary. We have come back here not just because of the conference facilities and other infrastructure but also to support the transformative journey that this State has witnessed in the last several years.

    “If we are talking of institutions, there is no better place to do that than in Lagos. Lagos is a State that has perhaps made the greatest institutional transformation in recent times. Many of us remember Lagos in the 80s and 90s with the state of the frustrating traffic, the very frustrating pollution, the hold-up, the smoky roads and army of unemployed youths rooming the street to what you now see as a much more modern city, a true centre of excellence. I therefore wish to thank His Excellency, Governor Ambode for the tremendous work he is doing in Lagos and also for being a strong partner to the Bar Association,” Mahmoud said.

    The conference, which is still ongoing, was attended by 11,935 delegates and 142 speakers from 15 countries.

  • Make criminal, penal Codes relevant,says NBA president

    Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) has urged the Criminal Justice Reform Committee of the association to reform the Criminal Code (CC) and Penal Code (PC) and make archaic provisions relevant to contemporary Nigeria.

    Mahmoud spoke at the weekend during the inauguration of the committee in Abuja.

    He tasked the Committee to ensure that “law enforcement policies and practices employed to investigate, charge and prosecute individuals are appropriate and accurate and to organise conferences, colloquium, workshops and roundtable that will ensure an effective system of criminal justice administration by making policy makers evaluate and propose recommendations for a better criminal justice system in Nigeria”.

    The mandate of the committee also include: “To study and come out with recommendations on the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill worked upon by the panel on Implementation of Justice Reform set up by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.

    “To redefine the roles of Security and Anti-Crime Agencies in the attainment of criminal Justice; To unify, harmonise and modernise the criminal code and the penal code, and keep them relevant to the needs of our contemporary society.

    “To identify obstacles in the apprehension and prompt prosecution of offenders and to formulate practice direction for prosecutors, a total revamp of criminal trials with a view to enhancing the speedy dispensation of justice.

    Mahmoud said the committee would also conduct audit of certain laws to identify those that should reform.

    He added: “So, law reform is a key part of this committee’s assignment. This committee is expected to work in consultation with government institutions and civil society organisations.”

    The committee has Chief Arthur Obi-Okafor (SAN) as chairman and Mr. Reuben James as alternate chairman. Its members are Aisha Ado Abdullahi, John Duru, Alfred Akinjo, Yakubu Orlando, Geraldine Wey, Tope Ogunrinde, Joy Gbanigo and Foluke Abaniwonda.

    Others are Gerty Nkechi Iloegbunam, Damien Nosike, E D Ukoh, Oge Eyindah, former chairman of Calabar branch of the NBA  Nkoyo Amah, Publicity Secretary of the Eastern Bar Forum ( EBF)  George Fortune,  Anthonia Eke, Philomena Omorodion, Samuel Etuk and immediate past Publicity Secretary NBA Lagos Mr. Emeka Nwadioke

  • NBA expresses concern over Niger/Delta, North East crisis

    NBA expresses concern over Niger/Delta, North East crisis

    …Inaugurates groups to aid FG’s efforts

     

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed concern over the destructive activities of militants in the Niger Delta region and Boko Haram in the North Eastern part of the country.

    As its contribution to Federal Government’s efforts to curb the crises, the NBA yesterday inaugurated two task forces to work in both regions of the country.

    Speaking while inaugurating the task forces Monday, NBA President, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) noted that the twin challenges of insurgency and militancy in the North East and Niger Delta constituted a threat to national security.

    Mahmoud said the country has suffered from insecurity as a result of the activities of insurgents and militants.

    “Although the 1999 constitution provides that the security, protection of life and property is the primary duty of the government, the Bar and the general public have roles to play in tackling the security problems in Nigeria. Let me also commend the commitment and political will exhibited by the Buhari Administration in the fight against insurgency in the North East.

    “We have in the last year and half seen the liberation of most of the areas previously held by the insurgents and the restoration, to a large extent, of normalcy in the region.  Earlier this month Nigerians were delighted to receive the heart-warming news of the release of 21 out of the 219 Chibok school girls held in captivity for more than two years”.

    Mahmoud equally commended the military and security agencies for the success achieved.

    ‎”The NBA has reviewed the state of affairs in the North East region of Nigeria, especially the severe security problems confronting our members in particular and innocent citizens in general. In the last 12 months, I have visited the IDPS in Maiduguri 3 times the last being a campaign tour in my quest to occupy this office.

    “I recall during our last visit, some of my colleagues on the campaign broke down in tears on sighting the hundreds of malnourished children who were orphaned in the camps.

    “It is also worthy of mention that the insurgency in the North East has affected the independence of the legal profession and the welfare of our members.

    “Legal practice in North Eastern Nigeria has been largely disrupted as a result of the insurgency in the region. Our noble colleagues in that part of the country are besieged and endangered.

    “There are even many of our members from other parts of Nigeria who have lived and practiced in North Eastern Nigeria for years. Some even married and settled there. But as I speak most of our members have not only lost their practice as professionals, but have also lost their livelihoods and physical wellbeing.

    “Even some of our members are regarded as insurgents and threatened with prosecution. Also judicial officers are loathe to adjudicate on certain types of cases in the absence of adequate protection of their lives and families. This is the situation in which our members have found themselves in the North East of Nigeria”, Mahmoud said.

    On the trouble in the Niger Delta, Mahmoud said: “the devastating impact of the conflict on the various communities and citizens living in the region. It is clear that the environmental destruction and the human suffering and the general impact on the national economy are huge.

    “We believe that there is need to inculcate law into the development plans and objectives for the Niger Delta region. We consider law to be crucial to unlocking the potential key areas in the Niger Delta. Law can be applied to the framework for maritime and coastal security, ocean governance, trade, natural resources development, peace and conflict resolution initiatives.

    “It is our hope too that we can make our services available to address any possible negotiations between the various communities and actions in the region aimed and at achieving resolution of the conflicts”.

    Members of the task force for the North East are, Prof. Mohammed M. Tabiu – SAN – (as Chairman), Prof. Ayo Atsenuwa – Alternate Chair, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, Rakiya Mukhtar Tofa,  Altine Ibrahim, Hafsatu Mohammed and Hassan Maidoki.

    Others are Lauretta Adaeze,  Hauwa Shekarau, Amina Ibrahim, Ronke Ige, Alfa Ibrahim, Isa Muhammad Nurudeen and Kunle Adegoke.

    Members of the task force on Niger Delta are;  Albert Akpomudge, SAN – (as Chairman),  Ledum Mitee Esq (as  Alternate Chairman), Mia Essien (SAN),  Mba Ukweni, SAN,  Q. E. B. Offiong (SAN), Charles Ajuwa (SAN) and Sosoprieye Long Williams.

    Others are Kelvin Ejelonu, Muyiwa Olowokure, Sagir Gazawa,Mrs. Lillian Ene Ogar , Nkiruka Maduekwe, and Alex Mouka Esq.