The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian Bar Association

  • NBA pledges support in tackling corruption, insecurity

    The Nigerian Bar Association, Barnawa branch, Kaduna has called on its members to collaborate with government to proffer solutions to the key vices militating against the peaceful coexistence in the Country.

    The branch Chairman, Mr Napoleon Idenala, made the call at the branch maiden opening ceremony of the 2018 Law Week on Monday in Kaduna.

    Idenala said this year’s theme, “curbing corruption and insecurity in Nigeria: socio-economic, legal and political perspectives’ is apt because it re-echoes one of the cardinal responsibilities of government.

    “For it is only by sharing in this responsibility with the government, that the common man can have absolute confidence in the rule of law and justice in our courts,’’ he said.

    The Chairman said the theme was chosen to afford participants an opportunity to consider, review and proffer solutions to the key vices militating against the peaceful coexistence in the country.

    He therefore urged all participants to contribute to the fight against corruption and elimination of insecurity in all ramifications across the Country.

    In his goodwill message, Joseph Dauda SAN, noted that ordinary Nigerians were the greatest victims of corruption which hindered economic growth and deprived them of essential services.

    “The role of legal practitioners in the eradication of corruption from our National psyche is crucial and critical, therefore, lawyers should play a unique and sensitive role in all agencies and institutions that are statutorily vested with the fight against corruption,’’ he added.

    Earlier in his address, the Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai mentioned that government had partnered the Military authorities to establish training and formation centres in forests across the state to curb armed banditry and robbery.

    “Curbing corruption and insecurity are two of the three major crux of this administration and therefore, government at all levels will always welcome these types of gatherings.

    “This can be accepted by equally opening of doors to receive all the suggestions and the outcome of all the brainstorming in shaping our policies and strategies.

    “Corruption and insecurity are two major setbacks to the development of this country because no nation thrives economically when these challenges have taken dominance.

    “When there is corruption, the economic activities that are supposed to ignite development will be minimal and the country’s resources end up in the hands of a very few and consequently, creating a huge number of unemployed populace involved in crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, banditry.’’

    El-Rufai who was represented by his Deputy, Bala Bantex, noted that government would collaborate with the Bar Association to fight corruption and insecurity in the State.

    He urged them to support government with useful information that would help secure the state.

    The Barnawa branch of the NBA, inaugurated in November 2015 is holding its maiden law week and dinner from  April 13 to April 17,  in Kaduna.

     

  • Buhari’s declaration: Agbakoba foresees upsets in 2019

    A leader of the National Intervention Movement (NIM) Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) on Tuesday said there could be “upsets” in next year’s general elections.

    Reacting to President Muhammadu Buhari’s declaration to seek to re-election, Agbakoba told The Nation that it was within the President’s rights to do so.

    He said it was left for Nigerians to decide if the President deserves a second term.

    On what he thought about Buhari’s declaration, Agbakoba said: “It’s his constitutional entitlement but what really matters is whether this means he will be re-elected is an entirely different matter as this will be decided by Nigerians.”

    Agbakoba, a civil rights activist and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president, said discussions were ongoing with a view to presenting a credible candidate who can match Buhari.

    He predicted that next year’s general elections would be competitive.

    On whether there is a credible candidate who can successfully challenge Buhari, Agbakoba said: “That’s to be taken for granted.”

    He added: “I am aware there are massive consultations and alignments underway throughout Nigeria and very credible candidates will emerge to make the elections competitive and with strong possibility for upsets across Nigeria.”

    Another activist lawyer, Mr Toluwani Adebiyi, said Buhari’s decision to seek reelection was “good for Nigeria”.

    According to him, the President’s honesty and discipline make him the best candidate, adding that a victory for the opposition party would take Nigeria backwards.

    Adebiyi said: “Buhari’s second coming is good for Nigeria. There are two things he possesses: discipline and honesty, rare qualities in present Nigeria Leaders. We need them and we will continue to need them.

    “No doubt he has made some economic restructuring and diversification, benefits of which may not manifest until later years.

    “Let him come back to reap and use what he had sowed and the looted money he had recovered for the betterment of Nigeria.

    “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) coming back will only be to loot/waste the money recovered. It will be a reign of revenge.

    “Honesty and discipline cannot be acquired; they are inborn. No PDP leader has such qualities. They will only take us back and down the drain in a despicable form that Nigeria may never find recovery.”

  • NBA-SLP begins conference Thursday

    the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Legal Practice will begin its two-day conference on Thursday.

    It will hold at the NBA Port Harcourt Branch House, Port Harcourt, Rivers State by 9am. Its theme is: Re-thinking and re-tooling legal practice for the challenges of our time.

    The  section chair Mrs Mia Essien (SAN) said: “This theme is apt and expedient now more than ever, considering recent ethical issues and changes in substantive law that keeps occurring.

    “There are over 50,000 lawyers in Nigeria today and increasingly, perhaps as a result of the number, there has been an increase in allegations of sharp practices, complaints and petitions against lawyers.

    “Some have been disbarred or suspended. What can lawyers do about their practice and drive their increase in income? How can we equip ourselves to be more relevant in these times? This conference is intended to address these issues and answer your questions on the way forward.”

    Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Onnoghen will be the special guest of honour and will chair the first of three sessions. Day Two will feature the fourth and fifth sessions.

    “This conference which is accredited and will attract CLE points promises to be revealing and rewarding. Join us there,” Essien added.

     

  • Ubani gets AFBA appointment

    The  second Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Monday Ubani has been appointed Chairman, Committee on Access to Justice, Judiciary and Electoral Process by the African Bar Association (AFBA).

    Ubani, who will hold the office for two years, is expected to promote Access to Justice for AFBA on the continent.

    Other duties attached to Ubani’s new role include the setting up of an agenda for Access to Justice, promoting judicial activism and setting a working agenda for judicial performance and reform.

    He is also expected to set up and promote a viable agenda for a fair electoral process, electoral reforms and monitoring of elections in Africa.

    Other members of the committee will be selected by Ubani from the continent during the yearly conference of AFBA slated for Kenya later in the year.

    AFBA Presient, Hannibal Uwaifo said Ubani’s appointment is sequel to his nomination, clearance by the qualification committee and approval by AFBA Executive Council.

    He said AFBA was hopeful that Ubani would use his experience to ensure the committee’s success.

  • NBA Ikorodu holds law week

     

    Activities marking the 2018 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) , Ikorodu Branch commenced yesterday with lawyers partaking in the Jumat service at the Majolape Mosque, Ebute, Ikorodu.

    The bar will also tomorrow participate in the church service to be held tomorrow at the Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG), Overcomers Parish, Pashoku, Ikorodu.

    The Chairman of the branch, Mr Levi Adakwaone disclosed this during a press conference to announce activities for the Law Week.

    According to Adakwaone, members of the branch will on Monday hold the Bar and Police Forum during which they would visit the Area N Police Command and other police formations under the command with a view to offering legal assistance to those in custody. He said they would in addition interfaced with staff of the command to look at challenges facing them and how to redress them.

    He said the  Chief Babatunde Olusola Benson (SAN) annual lecture will hold on Tuesday at the Ikorodu Town hall as part of the  continue legal education programme of the bar. According to him, a professor of Economist and lecturer at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOD), Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Adenola Sheriff  Tella will deliver the main lecture while discussants will include Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Redbricks  Homes Limited and Amen EstateIbeju-Lekki, Mr Babatunde Gbadamasi

    He said this year’s theme: “Law and Economic Development: Moving Nigeria from  Recession to prosperity” was chosen  because in spite of claims of the federal government that the country was out of recession, experiences have however revealed a contradiction in the mater.

    He said the grand finale of the one week program is the Annual Bar Dinner scheduled to hold on Thursday at Ikorodu Muscical Village, along Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikorodu.

    In spite of challenges, Adakwaone said the association made a lot of impact and made improvements on the welfare of its members adding that its Pro Bono and Human Rights Committee led by the Vice Chairman of the branch, Prince Adetayo Ladega, also successfully prosecuted to conviction, three fake lawyers that were caught plying their trade while trial of two others is ongoing.

    Answering question on the new Land Use Charge (LUC), Adakwaone said the all branches of the NBA in the state are unanimously opposed to the new tax regime introduced by the Lagos State government.

    According to him, while NBA Ikeja chose to stage a walk to protest the new tax regime, he said other branches, because they are autonomous of each other, but that majorly, the branches decided to engage the authorities in dialogue over the matter.

    He said on the day of the  protest walk, all the five branches of the NBA met with the state Attorney General and some senior lawyers including Femi Falana (SAN), Dele Adesina (SAN) and Olaleke Yussuf (SAN) among others and they all condemned the circumstances that brought the LUC and applauded the right of Ikeja NBA to protest.

    He said they agreed on the need to hold-on on the implementation of the LUC and suggested palliatives to cushion the effect of the harsh environment.

    He said the state government was also advised to key into recovery of looted funds.

  • Ogunba: Honeywell’s alarm baseless, says NBA

    The Nigerian Bar Association (SAN) yesterday said it notified Honeywell Group Limited of its decision to clear Mr Kunle Ogunba of alleged misconduct.

    The umbrella body of lawyers debunked the company’s claims that it was not notified.

    Ogunba’s Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank was withdrawn by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) following Honeywell’s petition.

    NBA said it informed Honeywell of its decision, clearing Ogunba of the same allegations via a letter that was first sent through an e-mail and later via courier service.

    Honeywell had issued a statement, raising doubts about the authenticity of NBA’s letter clearing Ogunba.

    The company said it did not receive a copy.

    In the February 20 letter by its General Secretary, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, NBA dismissed Honeywell Group’s petition accusing Ogunba of abuse of court process.

    It said the petition did not disclose any prima facie case of professional misconduct against Ogunba, as Honeywell alleged.

    In a statement yesterday issued through NBA’s Publicity Secretary, Mr John Unachukwu, Mr Olagunju said: “The NBA Disciplinary Committee Panel B issued a report on Honeywell Group’s petition to the effect that there was no prima facie case against Mr Kunle Ogunba. The NBA leadership does not intervene in the activities of the panel.

    “Immediately the panel issued the report, it was sent to Honeywell Group through e-mail on February 27, 2018. It was sent to the e-mail address provided on Honeywell Group’s letter.

    “When Honeywell Group claimed they did not get the report, the NBA again sent a hard copy of the letter via courier service to Honeywell Group last week.

    “It is not clear why Honeywell Group keeps saying it has not received the letter clearing Ogunba of wrongdoing. If they did not receive the letter, they could have contacted the NBA General Secretary asking to confirm the position. That’s the position.”

    NBA said the clarification became necessary in view of media reports in which Honeywell claimed it did not receive the letter clearing Ogunba.

    The NBA under its former President Augustine Alegeh (SAN) first cleared Ogunba of the allegations.

    NBA first told Honeywell Group: “We regret to inform you that a careful reading of the petition failed to disclose any alleged infraction of the Rules of Professional Conduct 2007 in respect of which Mr. Kunle Ogunba (SAN) could be called upon to offer an explanation.”

  • Beyhealth partners NBA, others on patients’ rights, safety

    Beyhealth partners NBA, others on patients’ rights, safety

    Beyhealth has partnered the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to develop policies that will protect the rights of patients and strengthen the health sector.

    Its Director-General, Dr. Adetokunbo Shitta-Bey, said: “The essence of the partnership is to develop policies which will protect the patient’s rights and to strengthen the health sector and its internal mechanism.’’

    Speaking at the  healthcare management conference on medicine, accountability and law held in Lagos, Shitta-Bey said the health sector has been faced with a lot of issues, such as infrastructure, service delivery and lack of education on patient’s rights.

    He said these not only affected doctors and nurses, but also other stakeholders.

    He added: “We feel this programme is important because it’s a central issue. I don’t know anyone who has not been affected by problem of health care in this country. It’s a complicated issue and we can’t just look at the doctors and nurses alone but we also have to look at the sectors and how regulated they are. We have to think about the protection.

    Shitta-Bey continued: “The patients are exposed to a lot of issues. There is a medical tribunal but that will not do because only few cases are prosecuted in the court of law. What we are preaching is that, there is lot to be done from the point of the incidence to the point of the patients getting justices which arrived us at the point of regulating the industry.

    Also, the NBA Section on Business Law Chairman, Olumide Akpata., said there was the need to involve lawyers in protecting patients’ rights.

    “The NBA is not only bothered about their profession, but fighting for the rights of common man. So, we identify quickly with Beyhealth on the issue of patient’s rights. It’s important for NBA  members to obtain the required skill or find the required training, so that they can advise the patients. Basically, we protect the patient.

    “There are problems, but they are systemic issues that need to be addressed technically. On this, we are not waiting for the government to catchup with us, but take the message to the government ourselves, that’s the plan, and to ensure patients are aware of their rights,” Olumide said.

    Also, Consumer Protection Council (CPC) Director-General, Babatunde Irukere, said: “The most important thing is that for those people who consume healthcare services, which is all Nigerians in some senses, is for them to know their rights, demand them, and insist on their rights and to the healthcare providers should be able to know those rights and rendering them.”

  • NBA decries alleged extortion of motorists by soldiers in Ebonyi

    NBA decries alleged extortion of motorists by soldiers in Ebonyi

    The Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA ), Abakaliki branch, has condemned alleged incessant extortion of motorists by soldiers along major roads in Ebonyi.

    The Chairman of the association, Mr Victor Anyanwu,  made the condemnation in an interview in Abakaliki on Thursday.

    Anyanwu said the anomaly was extensively discussed and condemned by the association at the end of its meeting in the state.

    He alleged that soldiers while perpetrating the act, caused traffic congestion along the roads which inconvenienced motorists and put them at risk.

    “They do not care who is watching them and this act which hitherto, was associated with a particular security outfit, has become an eyesore.

    Read also: Buratai orders investigation into alleged extortion by soldiers

    “We call on relevant army authorities in the country to check this shameful practice for the preservation of its integrity,” he said.

    He said the act was mostly being perpetrated along the Abakaliki—Enugu and Afikpo—Okigwe federal highways.

    “We are, however, making concerted efforts to consult the army authorities on the issue to ensure that it is permanently curbed,” the chairman said.

    Col. Sagir Musa, Deputy Director, Public Relations at the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, however told NAN that the army did not condone acts such as extortion.

    “We do not encourage indiscipline or any form of professional misconduct as any soldier seen extorting money from motorists on the road should be reported.

    “Appropriate sanctions will be applied because such act is against our Code of Conduct and won’t be tolerated when established,” Musa said.

    He noted that the army had embarked on routine patrols and supervision to ensure adequate compliance with the rules of engagement and Code of Conduct.

    NAN

  • Maina: Ex-NBA boss lauds Buhari for immediate disengagement

    Maina: Ex-NBA boss lauds Buhari for immediate disengagement

    Mr Taidi Jonathan, former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Minna chapter on Monday lauded President Mohammadu Buhari for the immediate disengagement of the former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, from federal service.

    Jonathan told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna that the directive demonstrated the commitment of President Buhari to fight corruption to a stand still.

    ” It is the best thing that has happened in recent time of our nation’s history,” he said.

    ” The directive by President Muhammadu Buhari for investigation of Maina, who found his way back into service, is timely considering the enormous allegations and the plight of pensioners whose benefits are in issue.”

    However, the legal practitioner advised that due due process of law should be observed to avert a back lash in the event of any breach of procedure.

    “Mr President has done it all for even directing the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to submit a report on the circumstances surrounding Maina’s reinstatement.”

    He called on Nigerians to rally round the effort of the current administration by exposing corrupt public officers through the whistle blower’s policy.

    He said that together ” We can make Nigeria a better place for the present and future generation.

    Mr Femi Adesina, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, in a statement in Abuja on Monday, said the President’s directive was contained in a memo to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita

    Adesina stated that the President equally demanded a full report of the circumstances of Maina’s recall and posting to the Ministry of Interior.

    According to the presidential aide, the report is to be submitted to the office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, before the end of work today.

    The Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, on Oct. 22, had confirmed the resumption of duty by Abdulrasheed Maina, as an Acting Director in his ministry.

    The confirmation came in a statement issued by the Press Secretary to the minister, Mr Ehisienmen Osaigbovo.

    Maina was appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan as Chairman of the task force in 2010 to check the corruption in the country’s pension system.

    In 2012, the Nigeria Police accused him of misappropriating N100 billion pension funds in connivance with others.

    The Civil Service Commission reportedly dismissed him for “absconding from duty’’.

    Maina was arraigned in absentia by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which declared him wanted in 2015.

    Mr Wilson Uwujaren, the spokesman of the anti-graft agency in a statement at the weekend, said Maina remained on the commission’s wanted list.

  • NASS will help to improve business environment – Dogara

    NASS will help to improve business environment – Dogara

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, has assured that the National Assembly will act on legislations that will improve Nigeria’s business environment.

    Dogara gave the assurance on Monday in his remarks at the one year anniversary of National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER) in Abuja.

    He commended NASSBER for the successes it had achieved over the last one year, saying that the group’s efforts would lead to robust and responsive private sector.

    “Looking back the last 12 months, NASSBER is but a success story of novel synergy, dialogue and engagement between the legislature, development partner, the private sector, the bench and citizens.

    “The National Assembly will continue to play a central role not only in governance but also ensuring that we deliberate and act on frameworks that will improve Nigeria’s business environment.

    “This we will do through the review of relevant legislations and provisions of the constitution.

    “A little over a year ago when NASSBER was inaugurated, we were very confident it was the right step to take if we were indeed committed to bringing our economy out of recession, and stimulating long term economic growth.”

    Dogara urged members of the NASSBER Committees to provide the strategic guidance needed to move the roundtable initiative forward.

    He added that they were on course to having the law as a proactive instrument to promote development and, therefore, influence and change present realities.

    The speaker congratulated DFID ENABLE project, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), and the Nigerian Bar Association – Session on Business Law (NBA-SBL) for their service to the nation through the project.

    He said that the outcome of their efforts will lead to an agile private sector that could respond to global opportunities.

    “As a result of this effort, I am more confident that our economy would attract ‘agile private sector that can innovate and respond to global opportunities’ as contemplated in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of this government,” he said.

    The speaker also commended the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, for demonstrating leadership and an unwavering commitment to the NASSBER process.