Although
remote working was practiced before the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, in
recent times it has become increasingly popular in various industries as a
means of ensuring that business stays open in spite of movement restrictions
that were introduced to curtail the spread of the virus.

Remote
working has thus far received a favourable response from both employers and
employees and as such some companies are considering making it a permanent
arrangement by looking into having remote working policies. Remote working
gives employers the opportunity to access a larger talent pool and can help
them in saving cost.

There
are certain legal considerations that employers of labour need to take note of
when employing remote labour.

 

1.    CYBERSECURITY RISKS AND ACCESS TO
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Remote
working relies heavily on the use of technology to facilitate communication
between employers, employees and clients. Employers need to ensure that
necessary steps are taken to address the issue of cybersecurity risks and data
breaches especially when sensitive documents have to be accessed from home or
remote locations. Access to such documents must be restricted only to
authorized staff.

The
Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019 requires that those involved in data
processing or the control of data develop security measures to protect data.
This would involve protecting systems from hackers, setting up firewalls,
storing data securely with access to specific authorized individuals, employing
data encryption technologies, developing organizational policy for handling
personal data (and other sensitive or confidential data), protection of
emailing systems and continuous capacity building for staff.

Employers
must realize that by virtue of the provisions of the NDPR 2019, there is a duty
of care owed to a data subject in respect of their personal data. By extension,
employees who are authorized to have access to such information in the course
of their work would also be expected to handle such personal data with care.

2.    ELIGIBILITY FOR REMOTE WORK

It must
be noted that not all jobs can be done remotely. Thus, employers would need to
clearly state whether or not a particular role can be carried out remotely in
their remote working policies in order to avoid confusion.

3.    MEASURING PRODUCTIVITY AND
OVERTIME

Work
done in the office premises often takes place during defined hours. Time spent
working in addition to these defined working hours would be considered overtime
and, depending on the agreement of parties, employees may be compensated for
such additional work.

Due to
the flexibility introduced by remote working, it is generally misconstrued that
remote workers do less work than those working within office premises. However,
studies have shown that employees working remotely do more work, attend more
meetings and oftentimes attend to work demands at odd hours. Therefore,
employers may need to factor guidelines for the measurement of productivity and
compensation for overtime in their remote working policies.

4.    REMUNERATION

Employers
are expected to continue paying wages as agreed on. However, in recognition of
the hardships that the pandemic may have caused the business, parties may be
required to modify the employment contract through renegotiation of terms.

 

For
more information, contact:

GRF
Dalley & Partners

Lagos Office:
Gabsdall House (2^nd – 4^th Floor)
26, Igbosere Road

Port Harcourt Office:
13, Finima Street,
Old G.R.A.

Tel: +23414549824
Email: inq@grfdalleyandpartners.com

See the NBA Conference Report Below 

Depth, vision, capacity, indispensable experience, resilient consistency, positive frequency, tenacity of  goodwill, consistency of drive for the well being and progress of the Bar and a whole lot more of good forms, define the quality endowment of the formidable Mr. Dele Adesina, SAN, who is contesting for the position of President, Nigerian Bar Association.

On the scales of experience and exposure to the dynamics of the highly esteemed Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Adesina (SAN) is a perfectly round peg in a round hole who is embellished with incontestable and crystal clear distinction in height, like mount Everest among other mountains of the earth. Matchlessly colossal and towering in glistering gloss of pure gold of experience, Mr. Dele Adesina (SAN) obviously and deeply sight-grasps the past (in indispensable knowledge of ‘the way and how’ of the NBA), understands the present (in indispensable knowledge of challenges and the path to overcoming them), and sees further far into the future for the good of all (hence, his overture towards securing the good future of the Bar). Mr. Adesina (SAN) understands the journey. He knows the flanks and terrain. Reiteratively speaking, indispensible is his experience at this time in the life of the Nigerian Bar.

Taking off from the humble grounds of civil service as a state counsel prior to his overtures towards private practice, and making splendid contributions to intellectual discourse in law through his lectures and write-ups, Mr. Adesina (SAN) has navigated through all flanks of the esteemed Nigerian Bar Association with records of phenomenal success. Now, in 2020, Mr. Dele Adesina (SAN) aspires to lead the Nigerian Bar Association in the capacity as President. Surely, the crown does not just only look good, but looks sparklingly best on Mr. Dele Adesina’s head. 

Mr. Adesina’s loyalty to the profession is amazing—with a spice and taste of folk like heroics in his salvaging of the wig and gown in the heat of arson driven mob rage during a political crisis in the 80’s. What manner of passion or goodwill this is(?) may be a question arising within those who come across this phenomenal deed in his well packaged profile. An answer to the question is definitely bound to be found in ‘the will to rescue’ what he deemed to hold in principal value amongst his material fabrics. Yes! ‘Let every other garment burn, but not my wig and gown” is, perhaps, the resolution within Mr. Adesina’s mind under a state of tension as he helplessly watched his properties face destruction by fire at that challenging time of his history. Let Mr. Adesina (SAN) be reminded of this heroic in his noble quest to lead the highly esteemed Nigerian Bar Association—and have his spirit awakened to maintain this outstanding consistency of ‘will to rescue’ for transposition into his anticipated era as President. It comes as no surprise, however, that his motto, which mirror’s his ‘will to power’, is “securing the future of the Bar”. In this stance, he is trust worthy.

Another shining exemplary instance where he demonstrated goodwill, passion, and drive towards the Bar was while he served as the General Secretary of the NBA. At that time in issue—which was dark in the annals of the NBA—the Chairman of Onitsha Branch of the NBA (Mr. Barnabas Igwe) and his wife (Mrs Abigail Igwe/also a lawyer), were cold bloodedly murdered. In the annals of NBA officially rising to the occasion through its officers when it mattered, reportedly, with the support and approval of the overall leadership, Mr. Dele Adesina practically moved the Secretariat to Onitsha. NBA was so moved to operate like a double edged sword. Aside from making attempts to get justice on one hand, Mr. Adesina, responsibly, was instrumental and pivotal to “securing the future” of children of late Barnabas and Abigail Igwe. On the march, he was able to move the mass, weight and currents of the NBA to raise a sum of N20,000,000 (twenty million naira) as endowment for the upkeep and education of the orphaned children. There are a plethora of inspiring demonstrations of good and humane leadership by Mr. Dele Adesina (SAN) at the local and national levels of NBA administration.

Mr. Dele Adesina has definitely seen what many other’s don’t or haven’t, and he requires our assistance and assurance through voting in his favor to assume that position of authority which will enable him launch his good ‘will to power’ and secure the best possible visions he has perceived and conceived for the highly esteemed Nigerian Bar Association. Every vote in his favor matters. Therefore, as we move to vote in the coming election, let it echo in a sonorous orchestral harmony within us that “the crown does not just only look good, but looks sparklingly best on Mr. Dele Adesina’s head”.

Mr. Adesina’s aspiration is not limited to just being the NBA President for purpose of executing the professional society’s development agenda. In his mission statement, it is clearly spelt out that the NBA will also be driven to the point of influencing, and contributing to, nation building. This is proof of capacity for innovation, dynamism and positive community influence. This is believable; particularly wherein one peruses through the indelible scripts of his history and profile to savor his time at the phenomenal Ikeja Bar as Chairman where he was tasked with standing alongside his progressive likes in strong opposition against military dictatorship with success. Undisputedly, Mr. Adesina (SAN) is capable and ready—more than ready! Therefore, let our votes be ready to roar victoriously because ‘the crown does not just only look good, but looks sparklingly best on Mr. Dele Adesina’s head’. 

Mr. Dele Adesina’s overtures are well spelt out in beams of bright sparkling light under the administration of esteemed Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) as NBA President. There are many positive impacts to highlight. Is it in respect of the establishment and support of diversity and specialization? Or, is it with regard to the focus on seeing to the rising of the standard of legal education by direct investment in form of four law schools (as it then existed)? TAKE NOTE, as a matter of profound and indelible legacy, that Mr. Dele Adesina (SAN) was part of the team that secured the establishment of NBA as a body with juristic personality and perpetual succession in 2002. What is more, he was part of the team that established the stamp and seal policy to check the invasion of fake lawyers and to promote professionalism. Being part of the above listed success trains is further proof of his overtures towards keeping and maintaining a vision – OF SECURTY. There is so much more on the score cards of experience which drum thunderously in Mr. Dele Adesina’s favor. His candidature is such a massive swagger ginger to the mind which seeks genuine and realistic progress of the Bar. Hence; absolutely—and without doubt, “the crown does not just only look good, but looks sparklingly best on Mr. Dele Adesina’s head”. 

Dexterous on the flanks of intellectual writing, Mr. Adesina has shed very intensely luminous rays of light through his publications and lectures on vital issues concerning law and the legal profession. The count of these works is over two score (40+) within and outside Nigeria. Attentively glazing into his vision which is driven by “visionary, selfless and exemplary leadership”, one is drawn towards his profile and mission statement wherein no self seeking engineered propaganda is visible. Visible on all fronts are facts which sound loud in his vision statement. Mr. Adesina’s works, journey, and sacrifice, speak for him in thunderously vociferous magnitude; yet, calm in consistency of impact and wowing impression, like sweetly scented breeze of a flowery garden. As a matter of fact and no figment of fantasilized imagination,   Mr. Adesina (SAN) is WELL INFORMED about the association which he presently aspires to lead. His standing is pure ASSURANCE. His candidature is the REAL DEAL! Once again, reiteratively speaking, ‘the crown does not just look good, but looks sparklingly best on Mr. Dele Adesina’s head.

The promised destination of consolidated glory is at hand for the Nigerian Bar Association with Mr. Dele Adesina as the National President. This is a central awareness of a multitude of highly esteemed lawyers from Gracious Silks to New Wigs, who have chosen to add their voices to support Mr. Dele Adesina (SAN) in campaign. The graceful multitude, known as TEAM DASAN (DELE-ADESINA-SAN) and publicly marshaled by Mr. Adesina Adegbite (Former National Welfare Secretary of the NBA), have been a spectacular propeller—blazing indefatigably with blistering momentum, boisterous glee, contiguous optimism, inviolable harmony, and an apparently indestructible spirit of progression towards a golden goal.

The high powered team DASAN train is endowed with a limitless expansive space to accommodate as many as would like to support the great course of progression into a better secured future of the Bar. For those who have not yet come on board DASAN EXPRESS, cast away all doubts concerning Mr. Dele Adesina’s candidature, take a decision for DASAN (if you have not done so), reflect deeply and resolve to align with  Mr. Adesina’s aspiration. VOTE RIGHT! Your vote is your power to empower the best and contribute to the consolidated future security and greatness of the highly esteemed Nigerian Bar Association.

All along in the NBA, Mr. Dele Adesina (SAN) has been there, serving meritoriously. Obviously, he is very fit to be the next President of NBA. As for those who are buying a misconception that Mr. Dele Adesina (SAN) is riding on a tribal chariot, please think twice and CAST AWAY such misleading misconception as they come your way. Mr. Dele Adesina (SAN) is a bar man of exquisite open mindedness and humane grandeur—further finely defined in Spanish letters’ construct as DASAN El Magnifico! To the Young Lawyers, because you are the FUTURE, it is most beneficial that you observe scales of ‘experience’ and ‘service value’ in the history of the NBA administration as you choose whom to vote for. Mr. Dele Adesina (SAN) is a perfect example of a leader to support and follow. On a concluding note, I strongly affirm that there was never, and there is not, A SINGLE DOUBT: ‘the crown does not just only look good, but LOOKS SPARKLINGLY BEST ON DELE ADESHINA’S HEAD!’.

Preceding the onset
of colonialism and subsequent introduction of English-type courts by the
British, the concept of Law, settlement of dispute, or conflict resolution and
justice was not unknown to what was to become Nigeria (1). 

Before the fusion of the Southern and Northern territories in 1914, the territories consisted of politically and legally independent tribes which had set-in-place mechanisms for addressing conflicts, such as mediation, adjudication, reconciliation, and negotiation as well as cross examination, which offered great prospects for peaceful co-existence and harmonious relationships post-conflict than the modern method of litigation settlements in law courts (2). The English Legal System was introduced first to
the Lagos colony of Nigeria in 1863. Pursuant to Section 71 the Supreme Court Ordinance
of 1876, a person could only qualify to practice law in Nigeria if they
have been called to bar or admitted as solicitors in England, Scotland or Ireland
(3). 

 

Christopher Alexander
Sapara Williams was the first qualified indigenous lawyer called to the English
bar in 1879, he later became Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association in 1900.
Although this was prior to the formal establishment of the Nigerian Bar
Association, history has it that lawyers in Nigeria had already been organizing
themselves and holding meetings periodically to deliberate on issues or matters
of interest and matters pertaining to the legal profession (4).
The Legal Profession is one of the oldest professions in modern Nigeria (5).

Although legal
practice in Nigeria dates as far back as the 19^th century, it was
only until about five decades ago, precisely 1959, that the Nigerian Bar
Association (NBA) came into being (6).
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is the non-profit, umbrella professional
association for all lawyers who complete and meet all the licensing
requirements for admission to the Bar in Nigeria. The Nigerian Bar Association
has 125 active branches across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory
of Nigeria. The current president of the Nigerian Bar Association is Paul
Usoro, SAN. 

Below is a list of
chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association before 1959:

S/N	NAME	DATE
	Christopher Sapara Williams	1900 -1915
	Sir Kitoyi Ajasa	1915 – 1937
	Eric Olawale Moore	1937 – 1944
	E.J. Alex Taylor	1944 – 1950
	Sir Adeyemo Alakija	1950 – 1952
	Jubril Martin	1952 – 1959

The three branches of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Ebonyi State have in their joint meeting held on 17th July, 2020 resolved amongst other things to align with the candidature of Dele Adesina SAN as their sole candidate for the position of President in the forthcoming national election of NBA slated to hold on 29th and 30th July, 2020.

The decision to align with the candidature of Dele Adesina, SAN was reached by the leaders and members of the three branches numbered over 200 in attendance in a joint meeting held at Citi Hub Event Center, Abakaliki.

According to Messrs Ogbonnaya Okorie, Michael Odi Njoku and Uchenna Collins Igba who are chairmen of Abakaliki, Afikpo and Onueke branches respectively, the above decision was informed by the sterling track records of the learned Silk, the wealth of knowledge and experience he acquired in various leadership roles he has played for the progress of the bar.

Another reason is that the emergence of Dele Adesina, SAN who is the adopted candidate of Egbe Amofin (umbrella body of Yoruba lawyers) will ensure equity and fairness vis a vis the zoning formula provided in the NBA Constitution, 2015 (as amended).

The joint meeting of Ebonyi Bar is the first of its kind and was well attended by the leaders and members of the three branches.

Among the leaders who attended the meeting include Mr. Emeka Anosike (National Financial Secretary of NBA), Mr. R.O Umahi Nweze, Chief Goddy Ogbaga (former Minister of State for Power and Steel), Mazi Eziaku Eze ( former chairman, Abakaliki Branch of NBA), Chief Stanley Nkaa (former Chairman, Afikpo Branch of NBA), Mr. Festus Nweke, JP (former chairman, Abakaliki Branch of NBA) among other senior members and stakeholders of the three branches.

The motion to align with the candidature of Dele Adesina, SAN as a sole candidate for the position of the President was moved by Mr. Emeka Odom, Secretary, Onueke Branch and seconded by Mr. C.I Okwor of Abakaliki Branch before it was adopted by the overwhelming members of the three NBA branches in Ebonyi State.

In their remarks, the chairman of Abakaliki, Ogbonnaya Okorie, the chairman of Afikpo, Sir Michael Odi Njoku and the chairman of Onueke branch, Colins Uchenna Igba, urged members who were yet to verify their data on NBA portal to do so to enable them massively vote for their candidate.

1. Ogbonnaya Okorie, Chairman and Nnaemeka Nwambam,
Secretary, Abakaliki Branch.

2. Sir Michael Odi Njoku, Chairman and Samuel Egwu Ohia,
Secretary, Afikpo Branch.

3. Colins Uchenna Igba, Chairman and Emeka Odom,
Secretary, Onueke Branch.

OMAPLEX LAW FIRM (O. M. ATOYEBI, SAN & PARTNERS)  PREPARES TO LAUNCH IT’S  VIRTUAL INTERNSHIP IN NIGERIA.

INTRODUCTION
The world is fast becoming a Technological zone; running businesses online, solving issues with technology, etc., and the Legal world cannot be left behind. OMAPLEX is regarded as one of the world’s leading innovative Law Firm presently in Nigeria known for its best practice in Technology Law. 
The Firm has successfully taken the business of the Legal profession miles ahead with its technological visibility most especially its newest innovation of Virtual Internship representation in Nigeria.
THE BIRTH OF VIRTUAL INTERNSHIP
Internship is an opportunity offered by an employer to potential employees, usually undergraduates or fresh graduates, to obtain work experience for a fixed period; usually between a month and three months.
It provides students with practical skills, firsthand workplace experience and greater knowledge of the industry, real-world experiences and helps them make connections before heading out into their chosen field in exchange for the employer benefiting from the labour.
Recently due to the COVID- 19 pandemic, lots of Companies have begun to take advantage of the convenience offered by technology to have their employees work remotely within the confines of their homes. During this period, we have witnessed Digital technology dramatically changing a lot of activities. There is a swift shift in the ways students navigate their learning experience with online courses, and study groups which has brought a new level of convenience to students’ lives. 

One experience expected to be least transformed by technology is Internship. Based on this, OMAPLEX Law Firm is readily poised to take more advantage of technology by creating virtual internship for interested individuals to learn the required skills for a highly successful chance with the legal profession, from home.

PURPOSE AND BENEFITS OF THE VIRTUAL INTERNSHIP
Purpose

The virtual internship by OMAPLEX Law Firm is a work experience program whereby Participants (interns) gain experience while working virtually in the Firm.

The Virtual Internship intends to provide various opportunities for  participants to learn more about  the  operations of a Legal Business, by  carrying out basic activities that may include mastering the skill of Proof reading documents, Drafting, Presentations/Proposals, Research, sorting through documents and more. 

One of the skills and knowledge that Participants are expected to gain is an opportunity to expand their knowledge of and experience with Technology thereby helping with the development of skills in time management and problem solving . Also, the internship is intended to  equip  participants with a range of skills that will help them network and build valuable connections in the legal industry which can also be a valuable addition to their Curriculum Vitae, thereby giving them a front over their counterparts who will not key into this laudable scheme. 

Benefits
1. The opportunity to telecommute: participants can intern with the firm without having to leave their home and still gain the experience needed for a competitive edge. 

2. Flexibility: which means the internship program can be worked easily according to their schedule.

3. A chance to develop knowledge and skills in the multifaceted spheres of the legal industry.

4. Exploring different areas of law to see which is likely to be pursued.

5. Acquiring insights into the way the legal field works and what challenges it faces daily.

6. The opportunity to create a network of contacts.

7. Gaining valuable work experience to set them apart from other candidates.

8. Acquiring practical knowledge of the courses being taught in the university.

CONCLUSION
With the invention of this cutting-edge technology cum knowledge initiative, OMAPLEX Law Firm is looking to give back by training more persons who are interested in the delicate nuances of the legal profession and practice anywhere in the world without having the need to be physically present. The benefits to be tapped are not exhaustive and as indicated above, it is a life-changing avenue which only participants can truly appreciate the priceless value, as it sets them on the part to attaining not only academic and professional excellence, but also gaining a remarkable degree of expertise and peerless proficiency in the niche that this opportunity will aid them to couch for themselves.

About Us
OMAPLEX LAW FIRM is one of the leading law firms in Nigeria that came about as a result of merging of great law firms established with the purpose of bringing specialists that have gained experience for over 10 years in different areas of law practice in order to provide the highest level of technical legal expertise to our clients.
legal@omaplex.com.ng

Incase you are asked of his record and experience, tell them this and many more.

The administration of Dele Adesina as Chairman NBA Ikeja Branch stood tall first and foremost to unite the Branch and reposition the Branch for vibrancy and dynamism which has remained the hallmark of Ikeja Bar till today. The administration stood tall to check the excesses of military dictatorship and include strict compliance to the Rule of Law. The administration also at various times led delegations to the State House of Assembly to render sound legal advice on momentous issues.

The administration of Wole Olanipekun SAN as president and Dele Adesina SAN as Secretary, formed some of the major corner pieces on which the NBA holds itself today.

Dele Adesina SAN as General Secretary was instrumental to the registration of the NBA with the Corporate Affairs Commission as a Juristic person.

Dele Adesina SAN as General Secretary was instrumental to the introduction of the stamp and seal policy to check incidences of fake lawyers and to promote professionalism by members.

As General Secretary, Dele Adesina revived and published 8 volumes of the Nigerian Bar Journal. The editorial board of which was headed by Mallam Yusuf Ali SAN and Prof. Ernest Ojukwu SAN

Dele Adesina SAN was instrumental to the initiative for the setting up of NBA Continuing Legal Education programme for the first time in 2003 and Prof. Ernest Ojukwu SAN was appointed to pilot it.

When Dele Adesina was Secretary of NBA that administration with the approval of NEC and the AGC established the Section on Legal Practice (SLP) and Section on Business Law (SBL) and constituted the pioneer Council for the two Sections under the leadership of Mallam Yusuf Ali SAN and George Etomi Esq.

Dele Adesina’s administration as General Secretary was the first to focus on the falling standard of Legal Education in Nigeria by making a symbolic cash grant of Four Million Naira with the approval of NEC to the 4 (four) campuses of the Nigerian Law School existing at the time because NEC discovered following exhaustive discussions on the issue that inadequate funding was one of the major challenges of the institution. This marked the first and only direct pro-active/intervention of the NBA in Legal Education in Nigeria.

As part of strategic programs to address the welfare of members, the administration established 2 insurance schemes with Great Nigeria Insurance Company Limited, a leading insurance company in Life Insurance Policies (1) Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy and (2) Group Life Assurance Policy. Under the Group Personal Accident Policy, a member was entitled to payment of N200,000 in the event of any accident resulting in disability and N20,000 for medical expenses, for the Group Life Assurance Policy, a member was entitled to the sum of N200,000 in the event of death. Payment was made payable to the deceased dependants.

The administration set up a reward system as standard policy for remuneration of junior lawyers in Nigeria, breaking the country in to 3 Zones. Zone A comprised of Lagos, Abuja and Port-hacourt. Zone B comprised majorly of State Capitals while Zone C comprised of other areas or locations.

The history of the NBA will not be completely told without the mention of the legendary role played by Dele Adesina in 2002 when the Igwes were gruesomely murdered on the street of Onitsha. The mass protests by the Nigerian lawyers led by Dele Adesina as General Secretary shook the Nation and prompted the Government to take action against the killers.

These and many more are the track record and experiences that Dele Adesina SAN will bring on board to further reposition the NBA. The key members of that administration are with Dele Adesina SAN because they know that he made excellent contribution to the success of the reforms of NBA. Most definitely, if we are looking for the true definition of the word “reformer”, then we must look no further than the Dele Adesina SAN himself.

*Team DASAN*

After a careful and measured assessment of the three Candidates cleared by the ECNBA to contest, the Executives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA-YLF) Ikeja Branch under the leadership of Yusuf Temilola NURUDEEN, Esq. have resolved to endorse Deacon Dele Adesina, SAN (DASAN) as the next President of the Nigerian Bar Association, 2020-2022.

We came to this conclusion having felt the pulse of the over 500 young Lawyers practicing within the Ikeja Branch who believed that Deacon Oladele Julius Adesina, SAN has a clear vision and the courage needed to surmount the herculean tasks that lie ahead of the next NBA President. It is no more a secret that DASAN is genuinely committed to preserving the sanctity of the Nigerian Bar having been tirelessly faithful to the cause of ‘PROMOTING THE RULE OF LAW’

Beyond the fact that he is a prominent member of our Branch, we cannot think of a finer and a more prepared candidate for the NBA Presidency, other than DASAN. From his service to the Ikeja Branch as the Publicity Secretary, Secretary and Chairman respectively, and later National General Secretary of the NBA under the leadership of Chief Wole Olanikpekun, SAN, DASAN has acquired a great deal of experience which has now made him the most experienced and the most prepared for the tasks of the office of the NBA President, particularly at this critical period of our National life. He has also served on various committees of the NBA where he has shown both skill and dedication to a dignified professional body of our dreams. Through his activities, he has gained respect from the public and respectable members of the legal profession.

The NBA-YLF, Ikeja Branch Executive notes with dismay and great concern the increasing and pervasive violation of human rights, the attendant unwarranted harassment of lawyers across the Federation and poor remuneration of young lawyers. Thankfully, the proven track records of DASAN leaves us in no doubt that the learned silk has the wisdom of Solomon and dynamism of the youth to pragmatically implement innovative ideas that would bring these malaises to a long-desired end for the betterment of the Bar at large.

Deacon Dele Adesina, SAN is a man of courage. As the General Secretary within 2002 to 2004, he spoke truth to power. One of such instances was when the NBA stood against the harassment and killing of two lawyers in Onitsha, Anambra State by some men of the Nigerian Police Force. Deacon Dele Adesina, as General Secretary of the NBA swiftly intervened by issuing a strong statement on behalf of the NBA and that culminated in a protest with thousands of lawyers in attendance. The protest was led by Dele Adesina SAN. As a result, the then IGP was forced to apologise for the dastardly act of his men and officers and, the culprits in the rank and file were sacked.

This and many more reasons informed the decision of the Executive of the NBA-YLF Ikeja Branch to endorse Deacon Dele Adesina, SAN as the next President of the NBA. He his matured beyond pompous platitudes. As young Lawyers, he offers us hope and convictions. We have accessed his manifesto. We have decided to scorn the riches of bondage and pain. We believe it is time to wrestle our destinies from pretentious ‘messiahnic tendencies’, the time not to kowtow to the yearnings of deep pockets.

The NBA at this crucial time in the history of this country needs a leader who shares the vision of its founding fathers and the average expectations of the general Bar. The time NBA must be seen to rise in defence of the rule of law and violation of rights of its members, protect and fight for the rights of Nigerians. The reason the great Aka Bashorun (of blessed memory) is said to be arguably the best President NBA ever had was because he fearlessly defended the rule of law and made NBA a formidable force to be reckoned with even by the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.

No doubt, Deacon Dele Adesina, SAN is a man of integrity, enviable character, excellent credentials, profound knowledge of the law and requisite experience and courage that outshines those of the other candidates. DASAN brings a sensitive, articulate, and intelligent voice to the Nigerian Bar and he has the strength to stand up to the forces that have had a stranglehold on the Nigerian Bar Association for the past decades.

It is with profound enthusiasm that the NBA-YLF Ikeja Branch presents to you; fellow young Lawyers, revered learned seniors and distinguished Senior Advocates of Nigeria the best man for the job. He is fit and proper with pragmatic approaches to bring about the NBA of our dreams.

With Deacon Dele Adesina, SAN *THE BAR SHALL RISE AGAIN AND OUR FUTURE SHALL BE SECURED*

SIGNED:

Yusuf Temilola NURUDEEN, Esq.
Chairman,
NBA-YLF, Ikeja Branch

Opeyemi Ayodele OKEOWO
Publicity Secretary,
NBA-YLF, Ikeja Branch.

July 11, 2020