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Tag: Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)

  • Ipaye: Fight corruption through effective tax administration

    Ipaye: Fight corruption through effective tax administration

    An effective tax administration system will help in the detection of economic crimes, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Ade Ipaye, has said.

    According to him, in modern systems, tax administration is increasingly being used to detect corruption and other economic crimes in addition to enforcing tax laws.

    Ipaye taught tax law at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) before he joined the Lagos State Government as Special Adviser on Taxation and later served as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

    He spoke in Lagos during a dinner/lecture in honour of former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch chairman Mr Chijioke Okoli, who was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

    The event was organised by “Friends of Chijioke Okoli” in collaboration with NBA Lagos Branch and an association of Igbo lawyers, the Otu Oka-Iwu (Law Society).

    Decrying tax evasion, Ipaye referred to a Joint Tax Board report which states that only about 10 million people are registered for Personal Income Tax in all the states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    “Out of this, 4.6 million (or 46 per cent) are in Lagos State. If you juxtapose that against the 77 million workforce which the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics has declared to be in existence in Nigeria, you can clearly see how far down we are and how a sharp decline in the price and volume of our exported crude oil can be so devastating to the economy,” Ipaye said.

    Ipaye backed the view that a multi-agency approach to fighting tax and financial crimes, including corruption, is the best recourse for a government seeking to make corruption more difficult to hide.

    He said: “The rationale is quite simple. Tax examiners are often highly trained forensic accountants or auditors or financial investigators with an ability to follow money trails, whether legal or illegal.

    “They are, therefore, well-placed to detect and report unexplained increases in wealth or suspicious transactions that could constitute a bribe.

    “Furthermore, the proceeds of corruption are also, quite invariably, subject of tax evasion, and this correlation can help in law enforcement. In most cases, wealth acquired illegally would not have been subjected to tax, even though it is not tax exempt.

    “Thus, even where illegality is difficult to prove, tax evasion and money laundering are usually easy (The famous Chicago drug baron, Al Capone (Alphonse Gabriel) was convicted of tax evasion and sentenced to 11 years imprisonment even when it was difficult to prove his drug dealing and other criminal activities). This demonstrates the potentials of taxation as a means of checking corruption.”

    According to him, with greater cooperation between tax collection and anti-corruption agencies, tax examiners and inspectors can be placed in a better position to report suspicious activities to the relevant agency to take further action.

    Ipaye believes corruption in the tax system acts as a major hindrance to sustainable economic growth as it deters well-meaning and capable long-term investors, thereby killing industries before they become viable.

    “In this sense, corruption leads to the erosion of the future tax revenue base of a country, thereby impacting future tax revenue collection,” he said.

  • Ekweremadu advocates staggered primaries for Nigeria’s electoral system

    Ekweremadu advocates staggered primaries for Nigeria’s electoral system

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, on Thursday, advocated staggered or phased primaries by political parties to deepen the country’s democracy.

    Ekweremadu made the submission at a forum on credible electoral processes organised by the FCT branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja.

    The forum has as its theme: “Credible Electoral Process in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects”.

    “By staggered primaries, I mean, for instance, holding primaries in different states on different dates for presidential aspirants.

    “This has been an enduring practice in the USA. In Ghana also, primaries are often phased countrywide in recent times,’’ he said.

    According to Ekweremadu, such idea will assist in the efficient utilisation of resources , including managing  security agencies, monitors from the Electoral Management Body (EMB) and enhancing better scrutiny of candidates.

    He said that the idea would also help in achieving higher transparency and better management of the primaries.

    Ekweremadu calls for the idea to be replicated for gubernatorial primaries where the primary election would hold in different local government councils on different dates.

    He said that the idea “is however not a constitutional or electoral requirement but an initiative by political parties to promote ease of management and transparency of processes for the emergency of their candidates”.

    The Deputy president of the Senate also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to work on a  time frame of every election that would accommodate the conclusion of litigation before the substantive election.

    “Early primaries allow the candidates enough time to raise adequate campaign funds for the bigger contest and avail candidates and their parties’ sufficient time to campaign in every part of the constituency or country and sell their manifesto.

    “The people are also in a better position to initiate and define national conversations and debates about the identity, direction, defining ideologies, manifesto, and character of the candidates and political parties

    “In Nigeria, primaries are rushed, campaigns are shallow, and conversations are mundane, while some parties and their candidates shun debates outright.

    “In such circumstances, the electorate are unable to sound candidates out on their mouth-watering campaign promises, especially how they intend to fulfil them. The people realise their mistake after such candidates assume office.

    “Pre-election litigations also constitute serious impediments to the electoral processes. Early primaries will help the judiciary to conclude all pre-election lawsuits,’’ Ekweremadu said.

    Also speaking, Mr Oluwole Ossaze-Uzi, the Director of Voter Education , INEC, called for attitudinal change among Nigerians to guaranty credible election in the country.

    According to Ossaze-Uzi, to bring about a credible election, the electorate must change their mind toward certain things.

    “Democracy does not buy some issues we try to inject into our electoral system, political history has opened windows of prospect, the introduction of card reader device has helped us to improve our electoral system not minding the challenges with it.

    “Legal impediment, social impediments are all man-made, we need to change our do-or-die attitude during the election; outright bribe of voters is a big challenge to Nigerian election, it is an offence.

    “Lack of internal party democracy is also a big challenge to the electoral process in Nigeria, all these must be corrected to make progress, ‘’ he said.

    The Chairman of the FCT branch of the NBA, Mr Ezenwa Anumnu, attributed the present challenge in Nigeria’s electoral system to lack of technology to put the process on the right track.

    According to him, “if the technology is deployed to assist the country’s  electoral system, it will reduce the challenges confronting the system.”

    Anumnu called for more voter education and engagement of stakeholders in the country’s electoral system to achieve credible election.

  • 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.

     

  • NJC faults NBA’s call for suspension of affected judges

    NJC faults NBA’s call for suspension of affected judges

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has faulted the call by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for the compulsory suspension of some judges recently arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on corruption allegations.
    The NBA President, Abubakar Mahmud (SAN) had, at a function in Abuja on Thursday, urged the affected judges to either be sent on compulsory suspension or cease to exercise their judicial powers until their innocence was proved.
    The NJC argued in a statement late on Friday that the NBA was wrong in calling for the judges’ suspension having earlier supported the council’s decision to condemn the arrest, which it described as an attempt to cow the Judiciary.
    The statement by its Acting Director, Information, Soji Oye, stated that the council could only exercise its disciplinary powers over judicial officers where due processes were complied with.
    NJC said the midnight invasion of the judges’ houses and their arrest by DSS violated due process and could not serve as a basis for the NJC to suspend the affected judicial officers.
  • DSS arrest: NBA calls for suspension of affected judges

    DSS arrest: NBA calls for suspension of affected judges

    …Justice Denton-West, Ondo NBA Chair proffer solution to judicial corruption

     

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has asked judges recently arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegation of corruption to suspend sitting and proceed on compulsory suspension.

    NBA President, Abubakar Mahmud (SAN), who made the request in Abuja Thursday urged the affected judges to recuse themselves from all judicial activities until their innocence was proved.

    He said the accusation and counter-accusation between the affected judicial officers and some politicians and institutions, following the last mass arrest of judges, has made it imperative for the National Judicial Council (NJC) to take urgent steps to salvage the image of the Judiciary.

    Mahmud spoke at a valedictory court session for the retiring Justice Sotonye Denton-West of the Court of Appeal. He called for urgent intervention of the NBA to revive the dwindling reputation of the Judiciary.

    Mahmud said: “In the interim however, particularly having regards to what appears to an ongoing accusations and counter accusations between the some of the judges and other personalities or agencies, it appears to the NBA that it is extremely important that the NJC takes very urgent steps to safeguard the public image and sanctity of the courts.

    “We therefore strongly recommend that, without prejudice to the innocence or otherwise of the Judges involved in the ongoing investigations, they should be required to recuse themselves from further judicial functions or required to proceed on compulsory leave until their innocence is fully and completely established or until the conclusion of all judicial or disciplinary proceedings.

    “We believe this will be necessary in order to protect the sanctity and integrity of judicial processes that may involve the judges concerned and safeguard the public image of the institution,” Mahmud said.

    Justice Denton-West, who, until her retirement, the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Akure division agreed with the Chairman, NBA, Ondo State, Adetunji Oso agreed that the Judiciary was not immune to corruption that currently pervades the Nigerian society.

    While Denton-West said she was once a victim of corruption in the Judiciary, Oso advised that rather than argue about the level of corruption in the judicial system, efforts should be directed at curbing it.

    Justice Denton-West said: “Indeed, I know and believe that there is corruption, unfortunately even in the folds of the Judiciary. I have personally been a victim of corrupt act from the Judiciary on some occasions.

    “The Nigerian Judiciary in the past has been one of the greatest in the world, but it is time to relive and embrace the rule of law in its entirety. It seems only lip service is paid to this great doctrine. It is essential that the rule of law must be observed in order for society to run smoothly, otherwise the beauty of democracy will elude us.

    “The rule of law is observed when there is mutual respect between the authorities and those subject to authority and, between the powers that be and their subjects, in accordance with the law. For we are all subject to the law,” she said.

    Oso argued that there was no dispute about the existence of corruption in the Judiciary, adding that every Nigerian should be concerned about how to eradicate it.

    He was of the view however, that efforts to rid the Judiciary of corruption must not end in destroying the entire system.

    Oso suggested that any judge accused of corruption should first be dealt with internally/administratively by the NJC before he/she is released to be prosecuted as a former judge, in the regular court.

    He called for urgent reforms in the workings of the NJC to enable it deal with complaints against judges promptly and must act without fear or favour.

    As a further measure of riding the Bench of corruption, the Ondo NBA Chair suggested among others, the exclusion of spouses of politically exposed individuals from consideration for appointment as a judge.

    He added that where such a spouse was already a judge before his/her husband/wife became politically exposed, such judge should resign.

    Other speakers, including the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar  Malami (who was represented by the Solicitor General of the Federation, Taiwo Abidogun) and Onomigbo Okpoko – SAN – (who spoke for the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria) and Mrs. Hairat Balogun – SAN – (who spoke for the Body of Benchers) eulogised the retiring Justice Denton-West.

    They described her in beautiful words, including being an embodiment of integrity.

     

  • Protesters seek support for prosecution of judges

    Protesters seek support for prosecution of judges

    Hundreds of protesters Thursday stormed the Abuja headquarters of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), expressing support for the arrest of some judges by the Department of State Services (DSS).

    The protesters, under the aegis of Nigerians United Against Corruption‎ (NUAC) urged the NBA to withdraw its support for the arrested judges.

    They equally asked the umbrella body of lawyers in the not to support corruption in any form.

    The protesters were armed with placard, with various inscriptions, such as “a corrupt judge is worse than boko Haram; corruption must die in Nigeria; we support more arrest of corrupt Nigerians among others”.

    Comrade Ogenyi Okpokwu, who led the protesters, handed a letter meant for the National President of the NBA, Abubakar Mahmoud (NBA) to his representative, Ezekiel David.

    The protesters urged the NBA to set up an independent body to investigate issues of corruption in the profession, with a view to excluding the bad eggs among them.

    In its letter, NUAC demanded as follows:

    • That the NBA withdraws all form of support and sympathy for these corrupt elements which have most certainly tainted the image of one of the world’s most dignified professions.
    • That you set up an independent body to investigate issues of corruption amongst members with the aim of excommunicating same, as deterrent to others who may have been enticed by the flamboyant life styles of these judases.
    • All the judges so far indicted or arrested for corruption, should immediately resign considering the magnitude of the case that the DSS has built against them.
    • The cases of those that have been given lenient punishments, that amount to a slap on the wrist by the National Judicial Council (NJC), should be revisited with a view to dragging them before a law court.
    • The arrested judges should be charged to court within the shortest time possible to that they cannot claim their rights were violated”.

     

  • Judges’ arrest: Student body lauds DSS

    Judges’ arrest: Student body lauds DSS

    The National Association of Nigerian Post-graduate Students (NAN-POSTGRADs) has expressed support for the Department of State Service (DSS) in its fight against corruption and acts that could threaten internal security.

    Mr Kingsley Nwanze, the President of the association, expressed the support in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Nwanze expressed surprise at the reaction of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and National Judicial Council (NJC) to the arrest of some judges by the DSS operatives.

    He described the arrest as a “positive action to rescue the nation from judicial rascality’’.

    Nwanze noted that the organisations had not done the needful by disciplining those judges and refering them to necessary security agencies for prosecution.

    He said that if such action was taken, the “DSS would not have gone on a rescue mission’’.

    The president said that if the revelations in the service press statement were objects of fact, “then any right thinking person or organisation should rather appreciate the collective efforts of the DSS in ridding the judiciary of endemic corruption than vilification’’.

    “For us as an organisation, we cannot but give kudos to these positive actions aimed at making our judicial system the fair arbiter of good justice.

    “This has also shown that it is no longer business as usual, a situation where justice is no longer for the highest bidder rather than for those who deserve justice,’’ he said.

    Nwanze urged the DSS to sustain the tempo in the fight against corruption and not to be deterred by negative criticisms by interested parties.

    “It is also true that there are individual actions that can jeopardise the internal security of our dear nation, while the corrupt action of these judges has potent capacities to do so,’’ Nwanze said.

    He said that the association supported President Muhammadu Buhari in the actions that he had taken so far, to rid Nigeria of corruption, adding that they were in line with constitutional provisions.

    According to him, to rid a nation of corruption is in the interest of everybody irrespective of religion, ethnicity, profession and status.

     

  • NBA president asks court to strike out Gadzama’s suit

    NBA president asks court to strike out Gadzama’s suit

    Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) has asked an Abuja High Court to strike out the suit filed by Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN) challenging his election.

    Gadzama is praying the court to nullify the election for being characterised by malpractices and to order a fresh poll.

    But, Mahmoud, through his counsel Paul Erokoro (SAN), said Gadzama did not first channel his complaints to the NBA Dispute Resolution Committee before suing.

    “This suit has not complied with the requirements of due process. The condition-precedent to the commencement of this suit was not fulfilled,” Mahmoud said.

    In a supporting affidavit deposed to by Kingsley Odey, a lawyer in the law firm of Paul Erokoro & Co, Mahmoud said that it was the duty of the Dispute Resolution Committee to hear appeals and resolve disputes amongst aggrieved members.

    “The plaintiff never filed any complaint before the NBA Dispute Resolution Committee challenging the conduct or outcome of the said NBA election,” said the NBA president.

    Mahmoud said Gadzama’s suit was, therefore, premature and robs the court of jurisdiction.

    “We submit that this Honourable Court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain this action, given that the suit is premature, having regards to Section 16 of the NBA Constitution as amended in 2015.

    “We submit that the plaintiff’s claims are unmeritorious and we humbly urge this Honourable Court to so hold.

    “It would be in the interest of justice to strike out the plaintiff’s suit,” Mahmoud prayed.

    Gadzama told the court that he polled 2,963 votes in the election rather than the 2,384 announced by the electoral committee.

    He said Mahmoud, who was said to have won the election with 3,055 votes, actually polled 2,465.

    Gadzama, in his statement of claim, said: “The Plaintiff avers that contrary to the result declared by the eight Defendant (Mr. Kenneth Mozia (SAN), Chairman, Electoral Committee of the NBA), at the close of voting, at 12:00 midnight on Sunday, 31st July, 2016, the result of the 2016 Nigerian Bar Association Election as it relates to the office/position of the President, as collated from and contained on the official voting domain/platform was as follows: Joe-Kyari Gadzama, 2,963; Abubakar B. Mahmoud, 2,465.”

    Gadzama said he consulted ICT experts who, with the aid of advanced reporting tools, accessed the stack-trace, logs and other database files on the host server of the voting system.

    He said it was discovered that the election portal was set up on more than one domain, contrary to established standards and international best practices.

    Besides, he said there were multiple administrators/webmasters who accessed the backend of the portal and remained active throughout the period the voting lasted, contrary to established standards and international best practices.

    Gadzama alleged that there was continuous manipulation of data on the system throughout the period the voting lasted, which he said compromised the integrity of the outcome.

    The plaintiff said the process was “completely compromised” by the deployment of two voting platforms – https://election.nba-agc.org, which was the official portal, and ttp://www.nigerianbar.org.ng.

    “Voters were casting their votes on two different portals/domains, contrary to the Election Guidelines released by the ECNBA and international best practices. It amounts to, if voting was to be by manual ballot, different voters casting their ballots in two different ballot boxes but for the same office,” Gazdama said.

    Defendants are NBA trustees, Including Abdullahi Ibrahim (San), Chief Wole Olanipekun (San), Thompson Joseph Onomigho Okpoko (San), Chief Priscilla Kuye,    Alhaji Murtala Aminu And Chief Anthony O. Mogbo.

    Others are the Incorporated Trustees of NBA, Chairman, NBA Electoral Committee Mr. Ken Mozia (SAN), Mr. Oluwaseun Ajoba (Secretary, NBA Electoral Committee) electoral committee members Hajia Safiya Balarabe, Mrs Amaka Ezeno, Mrs. Eucharia Pepple, Grace Infotech Limited, NBA president MR. Augustine Alegeh (SAN) and Mahmoud.

    Gadzama is seeking a declaration that the election was in total violation and disregard of the mandatory provisions of the NBA Constitution 2015, Election Guidelines set down for the said Election fell short of established standards and international best practices, thereby making the said Election null, void and of no effect whatsoever.

    Gadzama is seeking an order nullifying and setting aside the 2016 Nigerian Bar Association Election as it relates to the office/position of the President held on the 30th and 31st July, 2016 which purportedly returned the 15th Defendant as the President.

    He also wants an order directing the first to seventh defendants to set up a newly constituted Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) which will issue Guidelines and conduct a fresh 2016 Nigerian Bar Association Election as it relates to the office/position KEYof the President.

    Gadzama is also praying for an order that the election as it relates to the office/position of the President should be held through Electronic voting in all branches of the NBA or at least at the three (3) zonal levels established by the NBA Constitution, 2015 and that results should be collated at branch or zonal levels and transmitted to the ECNBA Secretariat for final announcement.

  • Gadzama asks court to order fresh NBA election

    Gadzama asks court to order fresh NBA election

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, has asked the High Court of The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to order a fresh election for officers of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

    He is praying for an order directing the General Council of the Bar to set up a newly constituted Electoral Committee of the NBA which will issue guidelines and conduct a fresh national officers’ election in line with the 2015 NBA Constitution.

    Gadzama is seeking a declaration that the integrity of the election held on July 30 and 31 was “fundamentally and incurably compromised by undue influence, over bearing and bias conduct”.

    Defendants are NBA trustees, Including Abdullahi Ibrahim (San), Chief Wole Olanipekun (San), Thompson Joseph Onomigho Okpoko (San), Chief Priscilla Kuye, Alhaji Murtala Aminu And Chief Anthony O. Mogbo.

    Others are the Incorporated Trustees of NBA, Chairman, NBA Electoral Committee Mr. Ken Mozia (SAN), NBA president Mr. Augustine Alegeh (SAN) and Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), who won the election.

    Gadzama is praying the court to hold that the election was in total violation and disregard of the mandatory provision of the NBA Constitution and thereby made the process null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

    He sought a declaration that the internet voting system adopted for the election was not in conformity with the mandatory provisions of the NBA Constitution in that all the pre-requisite preparations, obligations and duties provided to guarantee free, fair, credible and transparent electronic voting system were ignored, disregarded and not complied with by the defendants.

    Gadzama  is praying the court to order that the 2016 NBA Presidential election be held through electronic voting in all branches of the NBA and that results should be collated at branch level and transmitted to the electoral committee’s secretariat.

    Among lawyers who will represent the plaintiff, as listed in the processes, are Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), Pius Akubo (SAN), Duro Adeyele (SAN), Mr. Sebastine T. Hon (SAN), Prof. Andrew Chukwuemerie (SAN), Mr KunleOgunba (SAN ), Garba Pwul (SAN), Aliyu Umar (SAN), among others.

    Mahmoud, a former Kano State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, polled 3,055 votes in the election to beat Gadzama, who scored 2,384 votes out.

    Mahmoud is expected to be sworn in during the association’s annual general conference to be held in Port Harcourt next week.

     

  • ‘Police frustrating confidence in judiciary’

    The chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ijebu-Ode branch, Mr. Adeniyi Lawal, has said the attitude of the police in Ogun State towards enforcement of court orders is eroding the public’s trust in the judiciary.

    Lawal stated this in his welcome address at the 19th Annual Bar Lecture of the branch held recently at Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

    The event featured the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade, represented by Justice Olanrewaju Onafowokan of the Ijebu-Ode High Court, Mr. Muhammad Dele Belgore, SAN and Sir Jadegoke Adebonajo Badejo SAN, among others.

    Lawal said some policemen in the state had been “subjecting the judgments of High Court Judges to scrutiny,” and used the opportunity of executing judgments, “to exploit successful litigants.”

    This, he observed, “frustrates the confidence of the ordinary man in Nigerian justice system.”

    He appealed to the Ogun State CJ to assist the NBA in calling the police to order.

    Belgore, who delivered a lecture, advised lawyers to make use of “Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Analysis in their day to day business because it facilitates rational decision making.”

    “Lawyers should focus on their strength to minimise their weaknesses and the threats that they face in order to take the greatest possible advantages of the opportunities available,” Belgore said.

    21st century clients, he added, require better service with lower fees and “they want their lawyers to be more proactive in their transactions.”

    Belgore admonished lawyers to be technologically savvy and to acquire new skills which, according to him, include leadership, analytical innovation and creative thinking skills, entrepreneurship, multiple ways of communicating, collaboration, teamwork and networking, cross-cultural awareness and empathy.

    The event also featured the presentation of a posthumous award to the Late Prof Safiriyu Abiodun Adesanya SAN while Sir Badejo was invested as one of the patrons of the branch.