3RD VICE PRESIDENT’SREPORT AT AGM 31/8/2023 IN ABUJA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COVER PAGE ………………………….1
PROTOCOLS …………………………3
INTERVENTIONS…………………..3
NBA Yenagoa Member’s Arrest 4
NBA Bori Chairmanship TUSSLE 6
NBA Uromi 12
FAMILIARISATION TOURS 15 Comments Complaints
Observation Commendation
Recommendations
NBA JOS 21
NBA BRANCH ELECTIONS 22
NBA Abeokuta Election Observer Report 23
NBA INEC DOMESTIC OBSERVER REPORT 25
Presidential Gubernatorial
EVENTS/ COURTESY VISITS 28
RELEGATION OF THE BAR 32
CLARION CALL 35
CONCLUSION 36
REPORT FROM THE 3RD VICE PRESIDENT
REPORT OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE OFFICE OF THE 3RD VICE PRESIDENT PRESENTED AT THE 2023 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 31, 2023 IN FCT ABUJA
1.0 PROTOCOLS
President
Distinguished National Officers,
Past Presidents,
Past 1st, 2nd and 3rd Vice Presidents,
Past National Officers,
Privileged NEC Members
Learned Senior Advocates of Nigeria
Distinguished and revered Senior Counsels of the Bar
Distinguished and esteemed learned colleagues.
I am privileged to stand before this highly esteemed assembly as the 3rd Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association, It remains my heart’s desire to serve the NBA to the best of my ability in line with the Constitution. Accordingly, we have embarked on some activities to bring the NBA National closer to its members and the good people of Nigeria.
I sincerely appreciate the rare opportunity and remain eternally grateful to you for giving me this rare privilege to serve you.
I have in the course of my constitutional duties and responsibilities and pursuant to the directives of the President been involved in the following activities within the period under review.
1.0 NBA YENAGOA MEMBER’S ARREST
On the 19th day of September, The President informed me of the case of One of our colleagues, Mr. Moses Omondiagbe of NBA Yenagoa Branch who was arrested in Yenagoa and brought to the Force CID Alagbon, Lagos and detained there and directed me to look into the matter. I immediately swung into action calling the necessary officer of the branch for details. Details as reported by the Vice Chairman of Yenagoa Branch as follows:
On the 15th of September, The Vice Chairman of Yenagoa Branch Soala Jumbo reported that Moses Omondiagbe Esq., a colleague of the Yenagoa Branch, was arrested by men purported to be men of the Force CID from Lagos and was detained at the Ekeki Police Station in Bayelsa State and later moved to Lagos the next day. HeI immediately made a call to the Vice Chairlady of NBA Lagos branch Abiye Tam-George who informed me that she had visited him at Alagbon and gave me a report on her visits on the 17th and again on the 19th of September 2022, she met with the IPO to know their demands and the reason why our colleague was handed stringent bail conditions. The IPO asked her to join them in a meeting set up with the Commissioner of Police, Anti-Fraud Unit, Alagbon, the DCP, IPO, the Lawyer to the complainants , the complainants and our Colleague Moses Omondiagbe.
1.1 Meeting with the Commissioner of Police
At the meeting, the Commissioner of Police asked the Investigating team to present their findings after which Mr Moses, was asked to respond to their findings on some new contentions as to the legality of just one of the wives of the deceased to have given a Power of Attorney to Mr Moses to act on behalf of the family to manage the estate of the deceased
On informing the Commissioner of Police and others that the NBA President, the 3rd Vice President and members seek to facilitate the release of our colleague. The Commissioner of Police assured that if Mr. Moses signed an undertaking not to act on the Power of Attorney on the Estate of the Deceased, he will be released.
That Mr Moses was however hesitant to comply with the agreement to which she asked Mr Moses to inform her when he was ready to comply.
1.2 3rd Vice President’s Visit
On the 20th of September, 2022, the 3rd Vice President immediately followed up by a visit to Mr. Moses Omondiagbe at Alagbon, when she asked why he was detained, the IPO SP Bamishe Olufemi said that there was a tussle between members of a deceased family as to the management of the deceased’s Estate. The deceased died intestate with 3 wives. The junior wife gave our colleague power of Attorney to manage the deceased Estate without the consent of the other wives of the deceased. The family wanted our colleague to handsoff the management of the Estate and return documents of the Estate in his custody
Moses denied having any document in his custody
I was denied privacy to talk to our colleague Mr. Moses who was hesitant to write and sign the undertaking, on the grounds that he would like to see his client before writing such.
When I asked when his client will come around, the Police informed me that since she was released on bail, she had failed to honour their invitations on grounds of I’ll health, as such they cannot give a specific date.
Coupled with the fact that he did not have anyone to stand suretee for him, he was likely to be kept in detention for a longer period for which the NBA frowned at.
Considering the legality of the authority of the donor of the Power of Attorney who was neither a legal wife, nor an administrator of the estate as no letters of administration has been issued, I advised that he should write the undertaking and get out of trouble. That once the family resolves their issues and obtained the letters of administration, they may decide to continue to engage his services.
Based on the above advise, he agreed and was ready to sign
On writing the undertaking, the Police still insisted on a suretee to sign for his release. I called his branch (Mr. Soala) to call his people in Lagos to stand suretee for him. We were on this all day, eventually I suggested they should release him on self recognisance as a professional and member of the NBA for which I can confirm that he is a member. Thus I requested for his Call to Bar Certificate.
It took the intervention of the AIG to accept my proposal as the IPO and the CP Yomi Oladimeji were reluctant.
Immediately we got his Call to Bar Certificate, I signed a confirmation that he was a member of the NBA and he was released to me.
I was at Alagbon on this matter from 10am till 7pm when he was eventually released to me.
I then took him and lodged him at Parklane Hotel in Ajao Estate where he spent the night before proceeding to Bayelsa on the 21st of September, 2022
The President and I ensured he was comfortable and reunited with his family
I hereby commend Mr. President for his sincere concern, generosity and protection of his members including my humble self as he was not comfortable with me standing suretee when all hopes of getting him a suretee was lost and I was reluctant to leave him there, seeing his health and condition was bad.
1.3 OBSERVATIONS
Why was Mr. Moses arrested at all for carrying out his professional duty?
Why a Lawyer should not be allowed to enter the Police station and or Command with their Mobile Phones
Why a lawyer is not allowed to talk to her client in camera at the Police Station
Why Mr. Moses was deprived the right to take his medication as at when due.
The indecent and demeaning language used to address our colleague, as well as the inhuman treatment
The dire need for our colleagues to consider the legality and otherwise of clients instructions and or authority to instruct
These are issues the NBA should tackle to stop any such arrest of our colleagues for carrying out their professional duties. In this case just a letter from the other family members to the tenants of the Estate of the deceased was enough to stop the tenants from dealing with our colleague in respect of the estate. Why the police will descend into civil matters to the level of criminalising our colleague beats my imagination. At a time when the country is facing so much insecurity, the police who should be protecting the people would rather waste the state resources to pursue irrelevances.
2.0 NBA BORI BRANCH CHAIRMANSHIP TUSSLE
On the 24th of September 2022, Mr. President called my attention to the NBA Bori Branch Issue. I immediately called on the Secretary of the Branch Mr. Dumeme Money and the Chairman Mr. Idris Abayomi Shehu who briefed me on the state of affairs at the Branch stating that the aggrieved parties who defied constituted authority and went ahead to hold an illegal election, and were declared unopposed but were later disqualified by the legally constituted electoral Committee for not being qualified for the elections on grounds of attendance and payment of Branch dues had sued the NBA with the following report reproduced herein :
REPORT ON SUIT NO. PHC/2632/CS/2022:
JOEL DIDI
Vs.
INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION,
OLUMIDE AKPATA,
JOHN AIKPOKPO-MARTINS,
SUNNY EMUVEYAN,
EBIERE E. EKPESE,
ORLUORLU CHIGOZI GERALD,
NNAA DUMEEMENE MONEY AND
FRIDAY DENNIS BAROTORDOR
2.1. INTRODUCTION:
The Claimant (MR. JOEL DIDI) in the above action is a member of the Bori Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association. who indicated interest to contest as CHAIRMAN of the Branch. The Executive Committee of the Branch reconstituted the Electoral Committee when the evidence of fraudulent additions to the attendance register of members at General Meetings were observed in the May meeting of the Branch.
The Elections scheduled by the Electoral Committee for June 24, 2022 was cancelled when It was discovered that the electioneering process was fraught with irregularities with evidence of fraud involving some of the contestants and the Chairman of the Electoral Committee.
The Executive Committee consequently reconstituted the Electoral Committee removing the Christian Kpugisi Mark as Chairman of the Electoral Committee and in his place appointed Sunday Caleb Ogodo as the Electoral Committee Chairman and consequently rescheduled the Branch Elections to June 30, 2022.
The Executive Committee sought to ratify their decision by calling an Emergency General Meeting on June 13, 2022 but the meeting was brought to an abrupt end when secret cult members were sited at the venue and the Chairman of the Khana Local Government Council in company of the Divisional Police Officer prevailed on the meeting for a short adjournment to allow the Council Chairman intervene.
This intervention did not happen. The Executive Committee were constrained to resolve under its emergency powers because of the inability to obviously hold a safe General Meeting and proceeded to sanction their earlier decision replacing the Electoral Committee Chairman.
The replaced Electoral Committee chairman defied the Executive Committee and conducted an election wherein the Claimant was returned un-opposed on June 24, 2022.The Claimant was illegally sworn-in on June 24, 2022.
Another election was conducted by the new electoral committee chairman on June 30, 2022 wherein the Claimant refused to participate alleging that he was the Chairman by the June 24, 2022 election.
The then President of NBA (Olumide Akpata) was notified of this crisis by the Chairman of the Branch: Ledum Dumbari Finor-Puene. The President instructed the 1st Vice President: John Aikpokpo-Martins; to immediately intervene.
In a meeting held between concerned parties at the NBA House, Port Harcourt the 1st Vice President directed that
The swearing-in of the Claimant amongst others on June 24, 2022 was void because the tenure of the extant executive was to expire on the eve of July 31, 2022 upon evidence of swearing-in to have occurred on July 31, 2020.
That the issue of authenticity of both June 24 and June 30 elections was going to be reviewed and a decision reached by the President.
Due to the allegations on alteration of the attendance register, it was observed that attendance of General Meetings shall be determined via minutes of General Meetings. All parties were advised to submit their own copies of minutes.
By a letter dated July 27, 2022 the then 1st Vice President Mr. Aikpokpo Martins notified the Branch Chairman that both elections were nullified due to the irregularities observed and a fresh election was going to be conducted by an Electoral Committee nominated by the then President.
The screening of the election was conducted on 8th August 2022 and the Claimant was found not to have met the Constitutional guidelines of 5 meeting attendance in the 12 months preceding the close of nomination. The Claimant did not have any evidence of payment of Bar dues for 2020.
The Claimant being aggrieved of his disqualification approached the High Court of Rivers State for violation of his right but in his case he rather called on the High Court to interpret the NBA constitution suggesting that his mandate of June 24, 2022 was the only lawful mandate.
2.2 FACTS AND STRATEGY
The Claimant’s contention here is that the then President (Olumide Akpata) lacks the competence to:
To void election and consequential swearing-in of June 24, 2022 under the Uniform Bye Laws for the Branches (the third schedule of the NBA Constitution).
The President only has powers under the said Bye-Laws to set up a caretaker committee of members of the Branch to set up an electoral committee for the Branch during a crisis
The only valid election is that of June 24, 2022 and swearing in that ensued
The then President’s act of sending the then 1st Vice President, the fact finding, the voiding of the elections and the set up of an electoral committee by the President is unconstitutional and therefore null and void.
The Claimant obtained an ex parte order of High Court on 16th August 2022 stating as follows:
That an order of interim injunction is made
restraining the 1st – 6th Defendants from interfering with the mandate of the Claimant and members of the executive committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Bori Branch who were elected on the 24th day of June, 2022 and co-opted on the 30th day of June 2022 pending the determination of the Motion on Notice
That the 1st – 6th Defendants/Respondents are restrained from taking further steps in relation to planning, arranging and purporting to conduct a bye-election for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Bori Branch for the 2022 year election pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.
iii. That leave is granted the Claimant/Applicant to serve this case and subsequent processes on the Defendant/Respondents via substituted means
2.3 OBSERVATIONS:
It is pertinent to note that the interim order of injunction had the following irregularities:
The status quo before the suit was provided in Exhibit G to the affidavit in support of the Originating Summons that is that the elections of June 24, 2022 and June 30, 2022 were dissolved and a fresh election to be conducted.A fresh election was conducted with the submission of the Claimant wherein by Exhibit I the Claimant was declared ineligible to participate. On August 9, 2022 the 7th and 8th Defendants were returned as the only Executive Officers of the Branch Election. The Claimant approached this Honourable to challenge these acts of the 1st – 6th Defendants. The status quo from his affidavit was therefore the disqualification of the Claimant as being ineligible but certainly not his swearing in of June 24, 2022. This has been long abandoned by the Claimant.
This Honourable Court was misled in the affidavit in support of the Motion Ex parte where Exhibit H2 of the affidavit in support of the Originating Summons was omitted in the affidavit in support of the motion ex parte therefore concealing from this Honourable Court that the Claimant submitted to the new electoral committee for re-assessment. The Claimant stated in Exhibit H2 of the Originating Summons viz –
““…present myself to the new electoral committee for re-assessment. I also state that I shall abide by the outcome of the new election processes…”.
That the interim injunction seeking to recognize the mandate of the Claimant of June 24, 2022 foisted a fraudulently represented status quo on the Defendants.
That Interim Order was obtained on vacation of this Honourable Court against the Defendants in violation of Oder 45 Rules 5 of the Rules of the High Court, 2010 with neither an application on notice for urgent hearing first heard and ruled upon nor consent of the Defendants obtained.
That the interim order of injunction violates Order 39 Rules 3(1)(4) of the Rules of the High Court, 2010 as the interim order of injunction has spanned over 7 days without any application for enlargement of time heard and granted.
That the 1st relief of the interim injunction recognizes the Claimant as Chairman when the principal reliefs also seek a declaration that the Claimant is the Chairman. That relief overreaches the issues in the substantive suit.
That there was no real urgency that could not have been catered for by accelerated hearing, itself being a matter merely for interpretation under the originating summons procedure.
That the balance of convenience tilted heavily against the grant of the interim injunction. Hon. Justice E. N. Thompson made this ex parte order. After her term, Hon. Justice Opufaa Ben-Whyte took over the matter. (We are still at loss how the matter moved from Thompson to Ben-Whyte because from the order no date of adjournment was fixed for the hearing of the Motion for Interlocutory Injunction).
We also observed that upon the grant of the interim order (the only urgency was an application for enlargement of time to extend the life of the interim order for another 7 days).
This application for enlargement of the life of the interim order is yet to be filed by the Claimant. However, we have an interim order recognizing the Claimant as Chairman in the most unlawful manner without a date for hearing of the Motion on Notice and in the wordings of the Interim Order it is made pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice.
This action exposed how an interim order can be perpetuated. We shall see the unfolding circumstances of perpetuating an interim order.
It appears the matter idled all through the NBA-AGC. 2022. They attempted to get hold of processes and proceedings but it was difficult because no appearance was entered for any of the Defendants.
To allow them some vision, they opted for limited representation of persons who were readily available to give instruction. They filed a memorandum of conditional appearance for just 7th and 8th Defendants (knowing it was a vacation court matter with all the attendant jurisdictional issues). They had some sight but exposed their firm to service of hearing notice on 31st August 2022 that the matter came up before Hon, Justice Opufaa Ben-Whyte on September 1, 2022.
On September 1, 2022 they hurriedly a day before filed an application on behalf of 7th and 8th Defendants seeking to dismiss the suit (on the admission of the Claimant), setting aside the Ex Parte Order of Injunction, Seeking Stay of Execution of the Ex Parte Order of Injunction amongst other reliefs.
The Judge indicated that he was not taking this application and advised that we file our defence to the originating summons as he will not waste his energy on any interlocutory application. The matter was adjourned to 6th September 2022 for hearing of the originating summons.
Court directed counsel for the 7th and 8th Defendants to file their counter affidavit and Preliminary Objection, if any latest on Sunday 4th September 2022.
On 6th of September 2022, counsel for the 7th & 8th Defendants was only able to file Counter-affidavit and Notice of Preliminary Objection on 5th September 2022. On 6th September 2022, the Court obliged Claimant an adjournment to September 8, 2022 for hearing of the originating summons.
On September 8, 2022 they received processes filed by the Claimant in reaction to the counter affidavit, Notice of Preliminary Objection and Motion to set aside the interim order of injunction.
They informed the court that they just had instruction to represent 3rd – 6th Defendants along with their earlier 7th – 8th Defendants and therefore applied for an adjournment. The Judge refused taking their application for adjournment and insisted that hearing proceeds in the originating summons.
They adopted their processes. To their sudden amazement the judge insisted that they withdraw the application to set aside the interim order of court. They refused and urged the court they were ready to move the application.
Instead of taking the application, the court suo motu refused the application and struck it out on grounds that it is no longer relevant. Judgment was reserved to 13th September 2022 and yet the motion for interlocutory injunction was still left pending without a date.
They consequently filed an appeal against the decision of the court striking out their motion, suo motu, and a motion for stay of proceeding and stay of execution of the interim order was filed.
On 13th September 2022 the Court delivered his decision dismissing the objection to jurisdiction but ordered pleadings without considering their application for stay of proceedings pending appeal.
2.4 DECISION OF THE COURT
The High Court proceedings and decisions are fraught with errors.
2.5. RECOMMENDATIONS:
An appeal against the later decision of the Court
Disciplinary actions should be taken against the Claimant for not abiding by the NBA Constitution before approaching Court. That there was a Dispute Resolution Committee available was not utilized.
The evidence of fraudulent alteration of the attendance register
Use of cultist to disrupt meetings
Forcefully breaking into High Court premises to conduct elections and swear himself in as Chairman
Breaking into the secretariat of the Branch
And all other acts that have been perpetrated must be investigated and sanctioned.
That the expenses of the legal representation in court be defrayed.
2.6 2ND MATTER INSTITUTED BY CHISOROM NWOGU
REPORT ON SUIT NO. PHC/2603/FHR/2022: UCHEOMA CHISOROM NWOGU v. MR. JOHN AIKPOKPO-MARTINS, SUNNY EMUVEYAN, EBIERE E. EKPESE, ORLUORLU CHIGOZI GERALD, LEDUM FINOR-PUENE AND GOLDEN LESON AWI
The Applicant in the above mentioned fundamental rights action (UCHEOMA CHISOROM NWOGU) a member of the Bori Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association who indicated interest to contest as WELFARE SECRETARY of the Branch. The Executive Committee of the Branch reconstituted the Electoral Committee when the evidence of fraudulent additions to the attendance register of members at General Meetings were observed in the May meeting of the Branch. Elections was already scheduled by the Electoral Committee for June 24, 2022.
The screening of the election was conducted on 8th August 2022 same day as above and the Applicant was found not to have met the Constitutional guidelines of 5 meeting attendance 12 months preceding the close of nomination. The Applicant being aggrieved of her disqualification approached the High Court of Rivers State for violation of her fundamental rights to associate.
2.8. FACTS AND STRATEGY EMPLOYED
The Applicant is not seriously disputing the fact that the Applicant only attended four (4) monthly General Meetings in 12 months preceding close of nomination. The Applicant actually sought that the High Court should interpret that the end of year party in December 2021 should be construed as a general meeting even though there was no general meeting and there was no minutes of meeting.
2.9 DECISION OF THE COURT
The High Court agreed that this matter is not a proper matter for fundamental rights and struck out same without any order for cost.
2.10. RECOMMENDATION
We recommend that disciplinary actions should be taken against the Applicant for not abiding by the NBA Constitution before approaching Court. There was a Dispute Resolution Committee that was available but was not utilized.
On the 28th of October the Secretary of Bori Branch Mr. Dumeme Money called to inform me that Mr. Idris Abayomi Shehu Chairman of Bori Branch and self went to the bank today to confirm payment of N50,000,000 ( Fifty Million Naira) which was released to their branch for building the Bori Branch Secretariat and to do other transactions for the Branch activities only to discover that the Chairman and other signatories duly introduced by the immediate past administration had been changed. They later discovered that Mr. Joel Didi and his cohorts wrote a letter dated 24th October, 2022 to the FCMB where the Branch account is domiciled and attached the Order he obtained on 16th August, 2022 asking them to change the signatories of the account.
This being the second time he has done that as he did same in June, 2022. A cheque was presented to the bank on 29th June, 2022 and it was discovered that the bank ha frozen the account on a mere letter from Joel Didi. He thereby appealed for National’s assistance in resolving this matter with utmost urgency, describing as sad and painful that an impostor should be in control of NBA Bori Branch account .
3rd VP responded by asking that they do an official letter to this effect and copy the relevant authorities to enable the National act appropriately.
2.10 STRATEGY
Arising from the above reports, the 3rd VP called on some elders of the Branch and other neighbouring branches to find out if they’re making any attempts at amicably resolving the dispute and the need to explore amicable settlement of same. In response to this call, they intensified efforts at amicably resolving the same. I also called on the Claimant in the Joel Didi case to hear his part but not without admonishing him for failing to explore internal settlement Mechanisms before approaching the court.
He stated that he tried with the Olumide Akpata Exco, he however alleged that the immediate 1st Vice was partial in his handling of the matter particularly in the Constitution of the Electoral Committee set up by the National. Sequel to this she encouraged him to explore amicable out of court settlement of the dispute. I also requested his written report on the state of affairs to which he wrote officially stating the unlawful interference of the immediate past Chairman Mr. Ledum Finor Puene, who he alleged wanted to plant his stooges in leadership of the Branch to cover up the alleged fraudulent and corrupt practices of his administration.
2.11 Distress Call
On the 1st of November, 2022, the Chairman of Bori Branch Mr. Idris Shehu sent me contacts of some officers of the Bank. However the official letter I requested was not received as at today for which I communicated to him that I was yet to receive the same.
2.12 CJ River State Intervention
On the 5th of November, he informed me that the long awaited meeting with the head of Courts in Rivers State finally held Friday 4th November 2022, who after listening to members of the branch, only sued for peace while advising that members of the branch explore out of court settlement of the Suits. Though the idea of parties reverting to the internal mechanism of the NBA was mentioned to the CJ, he pleaded to parties to allow him set up a panel to look into and settle the issues. He also informed them that the Suit filed by Joel Didi against the Incorporated Trustees of the NBA & 7 others has been assigned to Hon. Justice Kio of Bori Judicial Division.
It is on record that the President, Y.C Maikyau contacted some leaders of the Bar and the CJ but the crisis is yet to resolved as there is serious power play in the Branch based on tribal sentiments.
Despite this meeting and the resolution reached, nothing was done for a period of almost 6 weeks. Upon a distress call on the 3rd VP, on the direction of Mr. President Y.C Maikyau, the 3rd VP visited the Branch.
2.13 3rd Vice President’s
Meeting with Elders and Exco of NBA Bori, the warring factions and Chairmen and Elders of the Neighbouring NBA Branches in Rivers State. Despite notifying all the parties of the 3rd VP’s Visit, the Joel Didi’s faction failed to dignify the 3rd VP with their presence, no show despite calling to say they were on their way. That notwithstanding the meeting held as all the Branch Chairmen of the Neighbouring Branches were in attendance and the Bori Chairman and his Exco. It was revealed that the whole issue was based on tribal sentiments as the extant Chairman was not an indigent. It was a misnomer for a non-indigene to lead them. Thus a son of the soil has to be the Chair by hook or by crook. They all condemned the actions of the Joel Didi Camp and sought the NBA President’s intervention to prevail on the CJ to ensure accelerated hearing of the matter. They all condemned the exparte order that ought to have expired after 7 days but still held out as the Judge ordered filing of pleadings to hear the matter rather than vacating the same which was granted on the false representation of the Complainants. The matter has since suffered many adjournments thus rendering the Branch practically useless and at a standstill.
The house resolved the immediate vacation of the exporters order and or expedited hearing of the matter, A petition against Joel Didi to the Legal Practitioners disciplinary Committee for his unethical acts. They condemned in strong words his disregard for the leadership of the NBA for his failure to attend a meeting so scheduled.
The 3rd VP seize this opportunity to appreciate the Chairman of Port Harcourt, Isiokpo and Okehi, Branches of the NBA Mr. Victor Benibo, Mr. Cashmia, and Mr. Paraboma Igbomgbo, Ahoada Branch, Chairman of Amoku, Chairman of Degema branch and Chairman of Okrika.for their untiring efforts to end the problem at Bori Branch as well as the elders who showed keen interest, permit me to mention a few ; The Honourable CJ of Rivers State, Mr. Sammie Somiari SAN, Mr. Evangel Augustine, Mr. Stephen Koro, Dr. Duson and others in seeking the peaceful resolution of the crisis.
3.0 NBA UROMI BRANCH LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION CRISIS
The NBA Uromi Branch has been embroiled in a succession crisis since 2020 due to the failure of the elected Executive Committee of the Branch to organise an election and hand over to a successor due of internal wranglings.
Consequently the NBA national President constituted a caretaker committee who also failed to organise an election within its tenure. The tenure was further extended for another term but still failed in its bid to organise an election
The crisis lingered still with series of law Suits filed.
The 3rd Vice President on being directed by the President to work towards resolving the disputes held talks with the warring factions and Elders of the Branch and Elders in Neighbouring branches. Eventually set up a 2 man Committee with the mandate of resolving the disputes amicably, discontinue the court actions and organising an election on or before the end of June 2023. After several consultations with the parties and members of the Branch on sensitising the Branch on the mandate of the committee, they fixed a meeting for 28th June, 2023 for the purpose of organising an election for the Branch after a protracted crisis.
We hereby report to the AGM that the crisis in Uromi has been finally resolved amicably by the 2 man Committee with the unanimous consent of all the members of the Branch and the elections were peacefully and successfully held with J.A. Onoimoimilin Esq. emerging as the newly elected chairman of Uromi branch and Christian Ayemere as Secretary. We must not fail to acknowledge the part played by the Chairman of the Committee-Prof A.D. Badaiki SAN and Member Prof N.A. Inegbedion played. They showed great concern, commitment and leadership towards their intervention in this crisis. This is quite commendable. The icing on the cake is the news of the filing of the notice of discontinuance of the suit. Find below the Notice of Discontinuance of suit No NICN/ BEN/ 57/2022 dated 8th day of August 2023 and the official report by the Ad Hoc Committee set up to resolve the leadership crisis
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the National Executive Council of the NBA should accord recognition to the duly elected officers of the NBA Uromi Branch
Recommendation for appointment of Prof A.D Badaiki SAN and Prof N.A. Inegbedion into the National Elections Appeal Committee and or other relevant leadership positions. Same recommendation for Dumeme Money of Bori Branch and Christian Ayemere of Uromi Branch. These are great leaders.
4.0 FAMILIARISATION TOURS
REPORT OF FAMILIARIZATION TOUR BY THE NBA NATIONAL 3RD VICE PRESIDENT, AMANDA DEMECHI ASAGBA, ESQ. OF THE WESTERN STATES BRANCHES OF THE NBA
PURPOSE: TO FAMILIARISE WITH THE BRANCH CHAIRMEN, EXCO AND MEMBERS TOWARDS ACHIEVING COOPERATION AND IMPACT ON MEMBERS AND THE GOOD PEOPLE OF NIGERIA.
We hereby bring you warm greetings from the branches herein mentioned who expressed their appreciation to Mr. President for this novel mission to LEAVE NO BRANCH BEHIND by virtue of section
9 (5) (d) (ii) H the NBA Constitution 2021
The NBA 3rd Vice President Amanda Demechi-Asagba, Esq. with her entourage: Abiodun Kolawole Esq., Carol Obi Esq., and Oge Agbazue Esq., Ebere Obiora, Uche Chinese Anthonia and Nonye Okike, Adeoltook a tour of the various NBA branches in the South Western States among which were:
NBA IKERE-EKITI NBA OWO NBA AKURE NBA ONDO NBA ADO EKITI NBA IKOLE EKITI NBA OSOGBO NBA IKIRUN NBA IWO. NBA BADAGRY NBA IKORODU NBA IBADAN NBA OTA NBA IKEJA NBA ABEOKUTA SURULERE LAWYERS FORUM NBA JOS NBA LAGOS NBA EPE NBA SAGAMU
The Vice President informed them of Mr. President’s desire to fraternise with them and work in unison with the branches for Unity, strengthening and growth of the NBA inspired by Robin Sharma’s quote:
“To triple the growth of your organisation, triple the growth of your people”.
This is also to reawaken their passion as Lawyers trained and equipped to be the voice of the people and the defender of the defenceless, to live for the direction of the people and for the advancement of society. To hear from the Branches on areas of concern and necessary intervention, open good communication channels between the National and the Branches and the need to give Lawyers welfare priority attention. She lamented the fact that many lawyers have been cowed and encouraged them to rise and take their rightful place in society and the need to go the extra mile to save our nation from the brink of collapse. She also intimated them on the theme of the 2023 National Conference: GETTING IT RIGHT: Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation Building. Reminding them that Charity begins at home. Let’s endeavour to get it right at home first and foremost.
The Chairman of Owo Branch Oladele Oladejo Esq. took us to visit the palace of Olowo of Owo His Imperial Majesty Aleyeluwa Oba Dr. Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, III Of Owo, Ondo State, he is a Lawyer and a retired Permanent Secretary who was very happy to receive us with very warm Royal Reception and we expressed the desire of the NBA to work with him and appreciated him for his support of NBA Owo as we implored him to render more support to the NBA.
3.2 CONDOLENCE VISIT
We paid a Condolence visit to the NBA Ado Ekiti Vice Chairman Shirley Atane who lost her husband on the 14th of March 2023
Condolence visit to the NBA Ondo branch who lost their former committed and active former secretary Niller Makinde Esq due to pregnancy complications.
3.4 PROVIDENCE
Providence took us to the door step of Hon. Justice Segun Ogunyemi in Ado Ekiti with his beautiful wife Dr. Mrs Ogunyemi whose hospitality was top notch.
3.5 COMMENTS:
![](https://legaldeskng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/LegaldeskNG-WhatsApp-Channels.jpg")
All the NBA branches were very happy with the visit as they said it brought home the NBA national to them, giving them a great sense of belonging.
They all expressed desire for at least one of their members to be added as a member of the NBA National Committees.
We equally met a lawyer who sadly recounted how his son was killed in 2018 same day he was called to the bar and stated that NBA didn’t do anything to assuage his pains.
They expressed the need to have the NBA insurance to cover benefits for incapacitating health challenges and old age
Plea by members to be carried along in the scheme of things in the NBA
6 Branches visited expressed profound gratitude to the President Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau and the 3rd Vice President AMANDA DEMECHI-ASAGBA, ESQ. Stating that ” this is novel and reassuring”. They expressed much hope and belief in the Y.C. Maikyau led administration. They however had some complaints.
3.6 COMPLAINTS/ REQUESTS:
Neglect of their branches in the selection of NBA Committees. Condemning the domination of the National Committees by a few branches in the constitution of the Committees.They specifically complained that the NBA seem to be concentrated on the big branches namely Abuja, Lagos, Ikeja, Port Harcourt and a few others, the re-appointment of some members consistently while some have never been given the opportunity and some been appointed to over two Committees calling for State and branch character in such appointments.
Neglect of their branches in the selection of NBA NEC co-opted members. Particularly stressing their condemnation of appointment of NEC Members of Branch members who do not attend Branch meetings nor is aware of the challenges of the branch. They therefore expressed the desire of the Branch to be consulted in the appointment of NEC Rep for their State as appointment of non active Bar men as NEC rep defeats the purpose of the appointment. A man that does not attend meetings of the Branch should not be appointed on the basis of personal association with the President/ Exco
Lack of adequate communication between the branches and the national body.
Lack of synergy with the national body as regards the insurance benefits of members, welfare of members generally, the gap in the earnings of members in different jurisdictions especially in the area of NEC Meeting attendance by the Chairman of the Branches
Non subsidisation of NEC attendance expenses for smaller Branches and Branches in the rural areas
They condemned the re-appointment of some members consistently while some have never been given the opportunity calling for State character in such appointments
Non payment of Insurance benefits to Families of some deceased Colleagues as at when due to ameliorate the suffering of the deceased’s families
NBA Ikeja: They lost six members of their branch. Only three have been paid insurance benefits with 3 outstanding:
Lack of Insurance cover for lawyers in cases of incapacitating health challenges and old age benefits using the analogy of MMM ‘Man Matters Most’
They lamented the spate of police brutality, clamouring that the police be made to scrap the rule that lawyers drop their phones outside before entering the police station as the phone is their work tool and should not be deprived of it.
Yet to receive Stamp and seal for 2023 and non delivery of stamp and seal in 15. Stamp and Seal complaints by all the branches visited Members are yet to receive their Stamp and seal for 2023 NBA Ota : they have about 100 applications pending for processing.
NBA Abeokuta: Stamps yet to be received.
NBA Ikeja: Hundreds of Stamps yet to be received
Concerns on non accessibility to the Access to Finance Project.
Need to regularise legal fees so as to ensure a healthy and suitable work atmosphere and economic empowerment for all lawyers.
Lack of adequate Courtrooms, Judges and poor infrastructures particularly Noting the effect on Lawyers safety and security
Non empowerment of the smaller branches by the National body and frown at the recommendation to close such branches rather than encourage them to grow.
Non provision of decent toilet for Members of the Bar within the Court Premises. Subjecting Lawyers to use public toilets at a fee with litigants and the general public. How Honourable can this be for members of the Honourable Profession?
NBA Sponsored Conferees for the Conference: Request for their members to be considered
COMMENDATION
Special thanks to NBA Ikorodu Branch Idris Kolawole Thany Esq. for his support in ensuring we had a hitch free tour. Same goes to the Chairman of Ikere Ekiti Dr. Michael Sunday Afolayan who also left no stone unturned to ensure our visit to Ondo State and his warm reception and hospitality with their Patron Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN and Chief Sanya Ayeni Esq. The NBA is indeed a family.
We also specially commend the chairman of Ondo Anthony Olagundoye Esq., Ado Ekiti Lawrence Adetunji Fasanmi, for their extraordinary care of the 3rd VP and her entourage. We also thank the NBA Lagos Chairman Mr. Ikenna Uwanna, NBA Ikeja Branch Chairman Mr. Seyi Olawunmi, the NBA Badagry Chairman Mr Orafu and the NBA Ibadan Chairman Mrs. Folashade Ali.
Same goes to the Chairman of Egbe Amofin O’odua Aare Isiaka Olagunju, Chairman of SPIDEL Monday Ubani, SPIDEL Chairman, SBL Chairman and SLP Chairman
We are indeed grateful to all the Chairmen of the Branches visited for their warm reception. They all showed love and care. We love you all.
We hereby commend Mr. President for his sincere concern and desire to work in synergy with all the 128 branches of the NBA leaving no one behind for an enduring positive impact
Thank you Mr President : Y.C Maikyau SAN, OON.
3.8 RECOMMENDATIONS
The NBA should address all the concerns raised as soon as practicable/ urgently
Need to extend the generosity of NBA Sponsored Conferees for the Conference to their members.
Need to extend the Insurance Policy to cover benefits for incapacitating ailments and Old age
Ensure insurance benefits are paid promptly
Need to engage the Police and other Security Agencies to stop the arrest and brutality of colleagues carrying out their professional duties.
NBA should insist on police acting within its mandate and stop abuse and brutalization of our colleagues
An official Communication to the Police Authority condemning the policy of stripping Lawyers of their phones while at the Police station and Police Command giving ultimatum to stop such invasion of privacy and infraction on our fundamental human rights and deprivation of our working tool
Need to use Branch Character and equity in constituting membership of the NBA National Committee for a true representation of all the Branches.
Need to support the small NBA branches in kind and in cash for participation at NEC and for growth and development of the Branch and its members
Need to liaise with the CJN to ensure lawyers are not kept in court indefinitely, time is money, with the economic downturn and fuel price hike, a lot of disservice will be done to lawyers if kept in the courtroom for more than a maximum of 2 hours. We recommend time Scheduling for cases, such that a case is given a minimum of 20 minutes. And the Court Registrars call at least 48 hours to notify counsel whenever the court will not be sitting.
4.O NBA JOS BRANCH VISIT
We met with the Chairman Izang Aware Esq. who gave us a very warm welcome despite his flu.
4.1 CHALLENGES
Some of the challenges faced by NBA Jos are:
Insurance benefits for our deceased colleagues families yet to be paid, namely:
Victor Akpo (From Benue State 2015 Call )
Macnice Ozoemena Esq. Died May 31, 2023.
P Dashe Esq.(1986 call) died 11th July, 2023.
B. James Esq. died July, 2023.
May the Souls of the Faithful Departed Rest in Perfect Peace! Adieu!!!
NBA stamp and seal yet to be received by the Branch (over hundred members) after submission of applications for months.
4.2 VISIT TO FIDA JOS
The 3rd Vice President was opportuned to have visited FIDA on their monthly meeting day in July and was glad to send warm felicitation from the National body especially from Mr. President Y.C. Maikyau. We extended our hands to them in fraternity to move the NBA forward and acknowledged the very important part they play in protecting and promoting the rights and interests of women and children thus lifting that extra burden off the NBA. She also encouraged them to be more alert in condemning acts of injustice and taking action to stop the same.
COMMENDATION:
Special thanks to NBA Ota Branch Adegoke Adewale Esq., NBA Abeokuta immediate past Chairman Kamil Abolade Esq. and the New Chairman Bolarinwa Odeyale Esq. and NBA JOS Chairman Izang Aware Esq. and the Chairman of FIDA Jos Obioma Ngozi Achilefu Esq. and her Exco for their support and cooperation and particularly for their warm reception and hospitality to the 3rd VP and her Team. Same goes to the 3rd Vice President’s Branch Chairman Seyi Olawunmi Esq and the entire Branch members, Prof. A. D Badaiki SAN, Prof. Nath Inegbedion of NBA Ekpoma Branch and the former YLF Chairman of NBA Uromi Branch – Christian Ayemere Esq. for their proactiveness and commitment towards the peaceful resolution of NBA Uromi Branch crisis.
5.0 BRANCH ELECTIONS
We report that the various Branch Elections held in some Branches in the West were peaceful. However some of them had some complaints and appeals to the Branch Elections Appeal Committee which had been resolved and the elections were held as scheduled peacefully with the emergence of
Omotayo Ogundiran: OGBOMOSO
A. Onoimoimilin: UROMI
Bolarinwa Odeyale: ABEOKUTA
Bisi Makanjuola: LAGOS
Efuwape Esq.: SAGAMU
Igho Diamond Esq: UGHELLI
5.1 NATIONAL OBSERVER REPORT ON NBA ABEOKUTA ELECTIONS
HELD ON THE 27TH DAY OF JUNE, 2023 AT THE NBA SECRETARIAT
3rd Vice President’s Representative: Abiodun Kolawole Esq. NBA Ikeja , Who physically was on ground to represent the 3rd Vice President to supervise the elections on 27/6/2023 heeding the call of members to be on ground to prevent any manipulations.
Bolarinwa Odeyale, Esq was elected Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abeokuta Branch following the announcement of results at the then just concluded election on the 27th June, 2023. The elections commenced from 10:00am – 4:00pm with the presence of a National body observer who monitored and observed from the beginning till the end.
All the members who were eligible to cast their votes brought means of identification to the venue, accredited from the voters register compiled by the Election Committee 2023, checked their platforms for the names of all Contestants, write names of their choice on the ballot papers and dropped each office in the ballot boxes provided by the NBA Abeokuta Branch Election Committee 2023 Chaired by Chief Thomas Akintubuwa .
The voters were calm, excited, cooperative, responsive and super ready to exercise their franchise. We have members in private practice, Ministry of Justice and others in their respective areas of calling in the Legal profession who turned out en masse to perform their civic responsibilities..
Omolola Odutola, PPRO of Nigerian Police Force (NPF) Ogun State Command visited and expressed her view that the election conducted had a warm atmosphere, members were friendly and happy to see some of their Colleagues succeed. She further said that she promised to maintain an open door policy and promised a crime less state with the support of legal practitioners.
The National observer salutes the courage of members for the sacrifice made to use this Election 2023 as a yardstick to strengthen our democracy. Lawyers should be a touch light to the Society not a tail light and encourage the new Executive to pull the strength of all members in unity to ensure success in all ramifications.
The election produced other winners alongside Bolarinwa Odeyale, Esq who made up the next Executive to run the helm of affairs of the Branch.
The Election of the Bar conducted by the Election Committee 2023 was transparent, peaceful and in compliance with the provisions of NBA Unified Bye Laws. I hereby give kudos for a job well done to the entire members of the NBA Abeokuta Election Committee 2023.
The members of the branch and Electoral Committee welcomed the representative from the National Vice President Mandy Asagba, Esq the 3rd Vice President who was unavoidably absent but represented by Abiodun Kolawole, Esq (Aka. Iya Gani Fawehinmi).
No agents present during the credible election which signified the level of trust and confidence placed on the members of the Electoral Committee 2023 for the branch but there were members sitting from beginning till the end serving as observers were served light refreshment and l sincerely applauded all the members and Contestants. The serene atmosphere, maturity and cordiality demonstrated during this election is a good pillar of democracy.
6.0 NBA INEC ACCREDITED DOMESTIC ELECTION OBSERVER
Observer: Amanda Demechi-Asagba
3rd Vice President
Member NBA Ikeja
Presidential Elections held on 25/2/2023
We arrived the 1st polling booth at 8am
Ajao PU 008, the INEC Officials didn’t come until 8:50 am.
They set up and commenced accreditation at 8:48am using the BVAS Machine. No manual accreditation using the voters register. No voter sensitization/ instructions
The process was seamless and peaceful
except for a few registered voters who had used the same polling unit in the past, but the BVAS machine did not have their details and the INEC officials could not help them with information as to the way forward. Out of frustration they walked away. At the end of the day, transmitting the result online became an issue as the server was not connecting.
2nd Polling Station Ajao PU 011 they arrived late about 8:30 am. They set up pasting the voters register, sensitised the voters on the process and commenced accreditation at 9:30am as the registered
Voters sought to see the result sheet for all the elections for House of Rep, Senate and Presidential which were not available. The voters were sceptical and refused INEC officials from commencing the process on the basis that why vote when the result sheet was not available which leaves room for manipulation. There was argument and commotion until the polling officer had to confirm from the INEC Officer that it will get to them before 2pm.
Dr. George Okpagu was very worried on the issue of non availability of Result sheet and is ready and willing to testify if need be
He can be reached on 08037115828
Mrs Ekuma Lydia also volunteered to speak and testify if need be
She can be reached on 08037275416
3rd Polling Station Ajao PU 012
INEC Officials arrived at 8:30am.
They set up – pasting voters register, the voting unit and the ballot boxes. A short presentation was done sensitising the voters in English. Some voters complained that they didn’t understand English but Yoruba and others Hausa. They could only translate in Yoruba while none could translate in Hausa.
At this unit they had manual accreditation and the BVAS accreditation
There was also no result booklet which left the voters in a state of scepticism.
The result booklet was later provided at about 2pm. Voting ended at about 3pm and counting commenced till 4pm. However recording the votes on the register took over one hour thirty minutes while uploading took forever after several hours of trying without luck, the officials were asked to proceed to the ward centre at Ajao Estate Grammer School. At about 8pm the uploading for House of Rep and Senate went through online and about 9pm the Presidential went off line and this created another scepticism. Voters and Party Agents refused to leave until it went online. We were all there till almost midnight when some Police Vehicles and other military vehicles came and asked the polling officials to get into the vehicles to leave. However, while the voters protested peacefully demanding to ensure the results were uploaded online, the INEC Officers had disappeared with the BVAS Machines.
5.1 Complaint by Polling Officers
It is worrisome to note that the Polling Officials were only paid N1000 as feeding allowance which as at 9pm on election day they were yet to be paid from the 24th day of February, 2023 that they arrived. They were also made to sleep outside within the school premises on mats. They were very hungry, thirsty and tired but had to work and very long hours at that. This is man’s inhumanity to man, the height of indignity. It is common knowledge that buying and selling is not allowed on election day, so why would INEC not provide refreshments? Would this not be leaving room for compromise?
Other Polling Units visited in Ajao Estate
Ajao PU 002, they had the result sheet. The process was peaceful
PU 003 was also peaceful though no result booklet for Presidential election
Ajao Fatai Irawo.PU 019. Very peaceful and calm until the issue of refusal to write the result for labour party with pen which was missing on the result sheet.
Ajao PU 026 also peaceful but same issue of omission of Labour Party on Result sheet.
Ajao PU 001 Peaceful and no result sheet available for Presidential but later provided
Ajao PU 022. Result sheet available People with printout but without Voter’s Card were not allowed to vote
Ajao PU 020 PeacefulNo result sheet for Presidential but later provided
Ajao PU 008Peaceful
Ajao PU 009 20 Lateef Salami Street Code 04Peaceful, result sheet available
Ajao PU 010 PeacefulYet to transition result online as at 8:30 pm
Ajao PU 032 23/25 Lateef Salami Street Ajao Peaceful Presidential result sheet not available but later provided Later saw some fierce looking boys hanging around
5.3 OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Need for translation in the 3 major languages of all instructions and sensitization.
Greater sensitization on the thumb print especially on the use of the index finger as some votes were rejected for thumb prints that crossed the line
Need to paste the instructions at strategic points and ensure voters go through them as they arrive
Need for Polling officials and INEC Officers to be courteous and civil to voters and treat them with respect and decency.
INEC to ensure polling officers are given refreshment and Hotel accommodation and or decent accomodation
Payment of allowance of polling officials and overtime allowance.
Need to train the polling official
adequately
Need to provide adequate data for the official or have encrypted data on the BVAS Machines to avoid using or sharing data which is likely to expose INEC results to harking.
SERVER Connectivity should be adequately provided.
INEC to ensure that the online transmission is done at the polling unit as provided in section 25(1) (a)
The mass movement of well over 20 units to the ward leaves room for manipulation.
Some INEC Officials disappeared from the ward centre in Ajao Estate with the BVAS Machines without uploading the official result in the presence of the party representatives and voters. This must be avoided in future if the election must be free and fair.
Where a party who was on the ballot paper was omitted on the result sheet, it is common sense that it was an omission which should be taken care of by INEC. However this created so much trouble and almost resulted in a fight as the party faitfuls insisted that the result be recorded with Pen bit the INEC supervisors at the ward refused to which I had to engage the INEC officials on the implication of their action insisting that they call their superior officer as not recording the votes amounts to disenfranchisement and may result in the cancellation of the elections at those units 019 and 026.
INEC needs to ensure uniformity in listing parties on the ballot paper. Voters complained that on 2 parties’ logos the party’s name and initials were not included. Which created confusion for the voters as they were confused. Voters believed it was deliberate. At every point the party’s logo must include the party name to avoid such confusion in future.
Why were the result booklets for the Presidential votes missing in virtually all the polling units? Why were the polling officials unable to upload the Presidential result online? These were issues that created doubts in the minds of the people as to the fairness of this election and must be addressed. Why did the INEC Officers disappear with the BVAS Machines without uploading the results in the presence of the Party Agents and Voters? These are all fundamental issues that affected the credibility of these elections.
5.4 Observer: Amanda Demechi-Asagba
3rd Vice President
Member NBA Ikeja
Gubernatorial Elections held on 18/3/2023
We visited 3 Units PU 011, PU 012 and PU O13 in Ajao Estate
INEC Officials, despite showing them my Observer I D, resisted video recording of the process, stating that INEC instructed them not to allow video recording.
There was voter intimidation, inducement, provocation, harassment, abuse and threats. Followed with stoning and gunshots to forcefully cart away the result sheets
The Police at these Polling Units were not armed, so they just stood watching the hooligans intimidate the people.
Many were threatened and sent back home.
I was insulted and threatened. My daughters phone was snatched by Hooligans in the full glare of all. Voting took place and votes were counted
Result from PU 012
Votes – March 18, 2023
House
Booth: 1
ZLP: 1
Void: 1
PDP: 1
LP: 72
APC: 23
Governor
Invalid: 1
ZLP: 1
PDP: 2
ADC: 1
LP: 69
APC: 26
The Polling officers were not allowed to fill result sheets, neither were the results uploaded. I personally wept for my Country Nigeria. It was really bad. It was a case of Hooligans on the loose. The Party Chieftains didn’t care, they went all the way out leading the thugs on.
We noted in particular the fact that the 3 polling units visited were located in front of the house of Party Chieftains who rather than protect voters opened the gate where the voters sought refuge for the Hooligans to attack the voters.
There was voter apathy as many for fear of the threats didn’t come out to vote. Their fears were confirmed as those that went had tales of woe to tell.
7.0 EVENTS AND COURTESY VISITS
7.1 NBA State of the Nation Dialogue
30/1/2023 at the NBA HOUSE
7.2 NBA Press Conference 31/01/2023
at the NBA House
7.3 NBA YLF Seminar on 1/2/2023
7.4 Visit to HAG and Bolanle Raheem’s family on 27/12/2022 cancelled at the Instance of the 1st Vice President ( Linda Bala Esq.) and on 29/12/2022 aborted half way for non communication by the 1st Vice President
7.5 Formal Handover & Inauguration Ceremony of the new Governing
Council of the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum on January 16, 2023
at the Westwood Hotel, 22 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
7.6 Late Bolanle Raheem’s NBA Night of Tributes and Service of Songs on 16th January 2023 at the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island Lagos and Redeem Church Park View Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos
7.7 Institute for African Women In Law IAWL
Report Launch on Women in Law and Leadership on 18th January, 2023
7.8 National Executive Committee
Courtesy Visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ) Chairman Prof Mahmood Yakubu on 01/02/2023
7.9 National Executive Committee at Valedictory Court Session in honour of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court on 09/02/2023
7.10 Late Chief (Alhaji) Olalekan Yusuf, SAN’s 8th day FIDAU Prayer at his Residence at Opebi on 26/01/2023
7.11 National Officers at 2nd Vice President’s Father In- Law’s Late Engr. Michael Nwafor Nweke Service of Songs at Kubwa phase 3 Federal Housing Estate, Abuja on 4/02/2023
7.12 National Officers Celebrated Mr. President and the General Secretary on their birthday on the 6th and 7th of February respectively
7.13 I represented Mr. President at the Valedictory Court Session in Honour of late Olalekan Yusuf SAN on March 9, 2023 at the High Court of Lagos, Ikeja Judicial Division, Oba Akinjobi way, Ikeja.
7.14 27/4/2023 The National Executive Committee Meeting
7.15 15/5/2023 Unveiling of the NBA Conference Logo at the Secretariat Abuja
7.16 5/6 2023 Familiarisation visit to NBA Badagry Branch
7.17 6/6/2023 NBA Ikorodu Familiarisation visit / Law Week Annual Memorial Lecture in Honour of Chief Babatunde Olusola Benson SAN as the Chief Host
Theme: The 1999 Constitution, Restructuring and True Federalism: The Way Forward!
2023 and Beyond: The Imperatives of True Federalism
7.18 9/6/2023 NBA Ikeja Law Week Opening Ceremony Lecture and Cocktail
Theme: Earning Wealth and Keeping Fit in Challenging Times
7.19 11/6/2023 NBA Ikeja Law Week Thanksgiving Service at the Bar Centre Parish.
Theme: Ministers in the Temple of Justice/ Champions of Justice Wemimo Ogunde SAN
and Earning Wealth and Keeping Fit in Challenging Times by Dr. Wole Olufon
7.20 13/6/2023 NBA Ikeja Law Week
Female Lawyers in Legal Practice: Overcoming the Barriers of Gender Bias and Stereotypes
Growing Your Clientele and Proper Billing for Legal Services
Financial Planning for Lawyers
7.21 14/6/2023
Legal Clinic 2. Variety Nite
7.22 15/6/2023- 16/6/ 2023 Visit to NBA Ibadan/Egbe Amofin O’ odua Conference, Ibadan
7.23 21/6/2023
SPIDEL Conference 2023 at the Citadel, Oregun Ikeja
Theme: Post Election Nigeria: The Judiciary in the Eye of the Storm.
7.24 22/6/2023 At the SPIDEL Conference
7.25 22/6/2023 NBA Lagos Law Week Elders Dinner
7.26 23/6/2023 NBA Lagos Law Week OO7 Closing event
7.27 25/6/2023 NBA National Executive Committee Meeting Abuja
7.28 July, 2023 Section on Business Law (SBL) Conference at Eko Hotel Victoria Island, Lagos
7.29 7/7/2023 Familiarisation visit to NBA Ota Branch
7.30 16-19 July, 2023 Abuja Section on Legal Practice (SLP)
7.31 27/6/2023 NBA Abeokuta Election supervision and monitoring
7.32 20/6/23 SPIDEL Conference 2023 at the Citadel, Oregun Ikeja
Theme: Post Election Nigeria: The Judiciary in the Eye of the Storm.
7.33 22/6/2023 SPIDEL Conference
7.34 22/6/2023 NBA Lagos Law Week Elders Dinner
7.35 23/6/2023 NBA Lagos Law Week OO7 Closing event
7.36 9 June 2, 2023 Visited The Magistrate Court, Botanical Gardens, Ebute Metta. We saw the denigration of Lawyers, not allowed to park their cars within the premises even while the parking lot was practically empty
7.37 25/6/2023 NBA National Executive Committee Meeting Abuja
2nd Quarter/ Third NEC Meeting.
7.38 19/6/2023 Visit to High Court Ikeja, where we saw Lawyers and litigants hanging on the corridors outside the court rooms. When asked why they were all there, they said the court was taking a child witness. We also noticed that lawyers had no designated bathroom. They’re asked to use the public toilet at a fee.
7.39 Visit to Federal High Court on 20/7/2023
Court 2 was filled to the brim, the Registrars were kind enough to get lawyers and litigants extra seats on the 3rd Vice President’s request seeing a great number of Lawyers, including self standing.
She asked the registrar to ensure such does not repeat itself. She tried calling the CJ of the Federal High Court but didn’t get through to His Lordship. This was Court 2 before Hon. Justice G. O Olotu.
7.40 21/7/2023 Courtesy Visit with The NBA President to the New Inspector General of Police (IGP) KAYODE EGBETOKUN
7.41 3/8/2023 Visit to Chairman NBA Jos Chairman Izang Aware and Wuyep Kastomai
7.42 3/8/2023 Visit to FIDA Jos
7.43 4/8/2023 Visit to High Court of Justice, Jos, particularly the Senate and House of Reps Election Tribunal sitting at the High Court
7.44 7/8/2023 Visit to NBA Ikeja
7.45 NBA National Executive Committee Meeting on 15/8/2023
7.46 National Officers Visit to the Chief MKO Abiola Stadium FCT Abuja
to inspect the readiness for the NBA AGC Conference 2023 with the TCCP Alternate Chairman and members
8.0 RELEGATION OF THE BAR/VIOLATION OF NBA CONSTITUTION
Members we are engaging and or have engaged during the course of our visits to the various branches have noticed with dismay that:
The Protocol at Judiciary events has on their own volition decided to acknowledge the President of the Bar last on their Protocol list, this is contrary to the Provisions of 9 (5) (a) (vi)
(vi) Acting as the principal spokesman of the Association;
At some events they do not recognise the Chairmen of Branches or even make sitting provision for them. This calls for concern and should be addressed
Non recognition of National Officers at NBA events ;
where the Vice Presidents and other National Officers are not recognised except they call for recognition. See Section 9 (5) (d) (i) provides
The Third Vice President:
shall in the absence of the President, First Vice President, and Second Vice President preside at all meetings in which the President is empowered to preside by the provisions of this Constitution;The BAR is the last hope of Nigerians. We must resist any and every attempt to undermine the Bar.
3.Non Funding for logistics for carrying out the Vice President’s duties: particularly with regards to periodic visits to NBA Branches in the assigned regions.
4.Use of non National Executive Committee officers to carry out the duties and functions of Executive Officers
5.Use of non Executive Officers for NBA National Executive Committee Courtesy Visits
9.0 CLARION CALL ON AGM
Our members nationwide call on AGM to condemn the following:
to make a decisive statement backed with action condemning the insensitive and anti people policies causing the people of Nigeria great and unbearable excruciating pain and hardship. The ripple effect of these policies will be more insecurity as the government is forcing the people to survive by any means possible. Rather than fight corruption, they are fighting the people of Nigeria. The situation at hand is affecting all except the Political Lords, their cohorts and the super rich. If indeed lawyers are the voice of the people and the defender of the defenceless then there is no better time to act and save our people.
To condemn the assault by the DSS on the Correctional Centre Officers and all their excesses, particularly with regards to disobedience to court orders. Their impunity is an affront on Nigerians.
A call on Mr. President His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the 10th Assembly to cut the cost of governance and stop the insensitive mega hikes and the wasteful spending of taxpayer’s money. It’s too heavy and suicidal for Nigerians. The intended monthly palliative of N8000 is the height of humiliation of Nigerians against the backdrop of the mega palliatives and exorbitant official vehicles for Lawmakers and other political office holders. This is the height of oppression of the Nigerian people.
Condemn the confiscation of Lawyers phones at the Police Stations and Police Commands. The Phone is a Lawyers private property and work tool, this act is invading one’s privacy and should be stopped. We are partners in the Justice system, so one would expect lawyers to be accorded this respect. For as long as the Police is not asked to drop their guns in the court Premises, then they should reciprocate this. The law only allows the Police to dispossess alleged criminals of their personal belongings and not innocent civilians and or Lawyers carrying out their Professional duties. This act renders lawyers vulnerable as anything can happen while there and one has no means of calling for help.
To condemn the act of the Police getting involved in debt recovery matters. Debt recovery falls under civil jurisdiction and not criminal. They should hands off all recovery matters and release with immediate effect all Nigerians detained for failure to pay debt.
To condemn the incessant amendments of the NBA Constitution and urged that amendment should be carried out when it is extremely necessary and in the interest of the larger members of the Bar and not to EMPERORISE the NBA
Demand that the memorandum members sent in for the proposed amendment be published for all to see.
For the NBA to have equal representation, every region should be represented by a vice president fully empowered and funded to carry out such representation to present the case of his region and ensure equitable distribution of the positions, resources and every benefit of the Association. This is Getting it Right!!!
To condemn the practice that has rendered lawyers poor and their time valueless. The Chief Justice of Nigeria should be called upon to issue a practice direction for time scheduling for every case in order to stop the practice of keeping lawyers as spectators in the courtroom wasting precious time that cannot be paid for. No lawyer should be made to wait in court for more than one hour for his case to be called. Anything short of this in the prevailing economic situation would be tantamount to deliberate impoverishment of lawyers and should be resisted.
Judges should be encouraged to always communicate the days they may likely not be sitting to Counsel and their dockets should not be packed full for the day to accommodate all matters promptly.
To condemn the act of sending lawyers out of the court room to hang around the corridors with litigants, correctional centre warders and defendants. How Honourable can the profession be in these circumstances? All in the name of taking Child witness. Since the courts were built without envisaging a waiting room for lawyers then if the profession is indeed Honourable then such cases should be scheduled to come first in the morning in order to preserve the honour and dignity of lawyers.
To recognise lawyers who are 30 years and above post call as Senior Counsels of Nigeria and accord them privileges. To treat every senior member of the Bar with respect in line with the ethics of the profession which seems totally eroded in the face of high respect for Silks and little or no respect for Senior Counsels of the Bar. They hereby call for the recognition and acknowledgement of Senior Counsel of Nigeria from 30 years and above henceforth and hereby urge the AGM to so declare.
To condemn the act of carrying out courtesy visits by the Nigerian Bar Association with non elected officers of the Bar.
To condemn Non inclusion of National Officers in their relevant Committees.
To condemn the act of using non National Officers to carry out the duties and responsibilities of National Officers thus rendering Elected National Officers mere figureheads
To condemn the act of not allowing National Officers to carry out their constitutionally assigned responsibilities and relegating National Officers at NBA Events and treated as subservient.
10.0 CONCLUSION
From the foregoing Mr. President and distinguished and esteemed Members, it is our candid suggestion that we take a critical look at all complaints, the requests made and the recommendations as we the Excos are expected to serve the members of the Association and see how to live up to their expectations. They are our Masters and their wish within the ambit of our Constitution is our command and mandate.
We are grateful to you, our distinguished Colleagues/Masters, for the opportunity to serve. We are committed to building an association that we all will be proud of – a world Class Organisation with enduring impact on our members, the Nigerian citizenry, the Nigerian Government and the world at large. We solicit the cooperation and collaboration of Chairmen of Branches, past National Officers, learned Silks, revered elders and respected colleagues especially those in the Western Region, appealing that they call our attention to concerns requiring prompt attention to enable us serve the NBA better in accordance with our campaign promises.
Thank You.
AMANDA DEMECHI-ASAGBA
3RD VICE PRESIDENT,
NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (NBA)
August 31, 2023
+234 803 535 3306
