Dear colleagues,the latest development on the postponement of the election has given us more steam to keep pushing for a cause very dear to our heart.
I am grateful for all supporters of PU for their consistency,persistence and enthusiasm in this process. Like we say,we will leave no one behind and no vote behind. I can assure you that we mean it and we will remain steadfast to that until the end.
We appreciate all our supporters and we are proud of you especially the calmness we have exhibited amidst the turmoil of the electoral process and the muds thrown at us. We have emerged stronger and more resolute to ensure that our vote do not only count but are counted.
Desperation has set in as we can all see from the unfortunate fake news that broke out this morning and another follow up notice alleging that some lawyers are agitating for the return of Chams. That is a malicious propaganda and a figment of the imagination of the writer who has failed to understand that we are confident of winning irrespective of the vendor because our candidate is the most qualified, most competent,most capable for the job and presently the most popular. We will not be shaken because we have seen worse accusations.
This election is a call for duty and we will continue to heed to it until we see the new regime we all desire.
I will enjoin all PU supporters to continue to remain calm no matter what stone is thrown at us.It is not in our character to deviate from issues and we will remain like that to the end. In view of the new dates for verification and election, let us continue to work as a team to ensure that we all verify.Let us encourage and remind ourselves that we are pursuing a noble cause.
I have never been more optimistic about the end.If we all take this remaining one step to ensure that all our supporters and allies complete their verification,we will have a happy ending where we will have a bar that will PUt you first.
My name is Anthony Atata and I will vote for Paul Usoro SAN
1. It is a matter of record that yesterday, lawmakers and staff of the National Assembly were prevented from entering the National Assembly Complex by heavily armed security agents of the Department of State Services (DSS). All entries to the Complex were blocked. The National Assembly, the seat of democracy in Nigeria, was under lockdown. Senators and Members of the House of Representatives were prevented from gaining access.
2. The ensuring standoff was a show of shame that played itself out over several hours in full view of the country. In no circumstances should this have happened. And we as a nation reaped the bitter fruits instantaneously, as evident in media images relayed around the world, images that shame us as a democratic nation. The siege was also an act of cowardice by those seeking to carry out an illegal impeachment of the leadership of the Senate in flagrant disregard of the law. People who seek control at all costs, by whatever means, never minding the injury to democratic norms.
3. I have to say that this is not about me – Abubakar Bukola Saraki as an individual. It is not about Ike Ekweremadu, nor is it about Yakubu Dogara. I am speaking for my colleagues when I say that this is about the soul of Nigeria, what we represent as a country, and our standing in the comity of nations. This is a country where so much is expected of us, so many rungs of the ladder that we are supposed to have ascended as a nation. Instead we are wallowing in impunity and illegal show of force, all of which retard our progress.
4. This is most disheartening. I don’t get any joy in saying: I said so. I don’t. However, some of you may recall that about two years ago, I stated that there was a government within this government, to a purpose that was not in the interest of what the people voted for. I said it then, and now we are beginning to see the manifestations of that government within a government. It beats one’s imagination how the head of an agency could have authorized the brazen assault on the legislature that we saw yesterday. Despite the threat to our lives, we shall continue to fight impunity and injustice in this country.
5. Happily, by the actions that Nigerians took yesterday, they demonstrated our strong resolve as a nation not to give ground to oppression. The legislature, more than any other institution in this country, more than any other arm of government, represents the will of the people. We are elected by the people, and an assault on the legislature is an assault on the people of Nigeria. The forcible shutdown of the legislature was an unconscionable assault on a national institution, and thanks to all your efforts, the aggressors have been put to shame.
6. The resistance mounted by staff of the National Assembly, my colleagues in both chambers and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) who refused to leave the entrance of this Complex until the siege was broken, strengthens my faith in the people of this country. The rain fell, the sun rose, but Nigerians stood their ground in defence of democracy. With the strength of will demonstrated by everyone against unwarranted and unconstitutional militaristic might, the siege could not stand.
7. By this, we have shown that Nigerians can resist government within government in whatever guise, and this is humbling for me. Those who sought to attack the National Assembly under my leadership for their selfish ends have only affirmed my belief in this country. They attempted to execute an illegal impeachment of the leadership of the Senate without the backing of the law, but they faltered. I am confident that, together, we shall always defeat acts of unconstitutionality. The rule of law shall always prevail.
8. I want to thank Nigerians, Senators, Members of the House of Representatives and National Assembly Staff, for standing up to be counted for democracy during yesterday’s siege. I thank the thousands who monitored the situation on radio, television and social media, voicing their outrage at the siege, thereby sending a clear message to those that hatched the plot that the Nigerian public would not buy this act of gangsterism using instruments of state such as the DSS.
9. I also thank the international community – particularly the European Union – and the international press, for their prompt reactions to the invasion of the National Assembly. CSOs and Socio-cultural groups were emphatic in their statements during the crisis, and we very much appreciate their vigilance.
10. Among the many that come up for special mention, I believe that Honourable Boma Goodhead, a member of the House of Representatives, stands out. She looked a masked security operative in the eye and dared him to shoot. She let it be known that Nigerians would not stand for the barricade at the National Assembly, that we would not be cowed. It was another pointer to what is possible in this country when women take their place in leadership.
11. I applaud all who kicked against the atrocity and who stood firm until sanity prevailed. I am proud of how everyone conducted themselves in what was no doubt a tense standoff. The principled stance and defiant reactions to the ugly incident, proved crucial to the failure of the plot. This is what we have been saying about the power of the people. The role of the people in defending democracy is paramount.
12. I thank the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, for his handling of the situation we were all confronted with yesterday. His decisive action went a long way towards restoring confidence. It sent a powerful message – that the DSS cannot be recklessly deployed against institutions of our democracy. The path of leadership is not by party, and we must commend it wherever it is found. Mr. Acting President did the right thing. However, the damage control so far does not address the question of how this atrocity happened in the first place.
13. This is an incident concerning which we have it on good authority that it has been in the planning for months, and yet it was allowed to happen. How is it that such an atrocity was not prevented? How is it that the masterminds were not deterred? Very serious questions remain that can only be answered by a full investigation. We call for an investigation, and we demand that all perpetrators are brought to book. We owe it to ourselves to ensure that such a situation never occurs again. Many agencies have abused their powers and acted outside the ambit of the law on occasion. Where abuses occur, similar actions must be taken immediately and full investigation instituted.
14. I must say that when we fought for Change, we could not have envisaged a scenario such as unfolded yesterday – an atmosphere where people cannot tolerate dissent, or mere differences of opinion as to the future of our dear country. This is not the Change we fought for. We did not fight for instruments of state to be used to oppress Nigerians and their lawmakers. I know that I, certainly, did not fight just so the legislature could be undermined and subjected to this onslaught.
15. There are many lessons to be drawn from the ugly incident we all witnessed yesterday. For one, government must ensure that security agencies remain neutral and act in line with the position of the constitution as well as their enabling laws. Heads of Agencies should be accountable, and those who step out of line must be held responsible for their actions. Enough with impunity. Enough with the reckless and senseless deployment of militaristic force. Enough.
16. In this dark cloud, we can see the silver lining, and that silver lining is the commitment of Nigerians to defending their hard-won democracy. I am more than encouraged by the strength, the determination and the resolve of ordinary Nigerians to see to it that democracy survives and thrives in this country. I am also strengthened by the determination of the media to report and analyse the truth as they see it.
17. I want to reassure Nigerians that, on our part, we remain committed to working for a country governed by the rule of law. Our desire is to have a society where there will be equity and justice, not oppression. We stand committed to doing our utmost as lawmakers to ensure that the responsibility and functionality of governance are met. Although we are on annual break, we are daily reviewing the situation and are alive to the responsibility to take action as necessary. Unfortunately, yesterday’s shutdown prevented us from meeting with INEC, as scheduled, to address funding concerns. We will continue to look into the matter. In the spirit of that, we also appeal to Mr. President to sign the 2018 Electoral Act Amendment Bill which has been sent for his assent.
18. I remain confident in the support of my colleagues and their focus on the job at hand, which is to serve the Nigerian people. My confidence is unshaken. I remain committed to the success of the historic 8th National Assembly, and to the continued progress of our country.
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My dear brothers, sisters & colleagues, let me start by thanking you for keeping faith with our NBA reform mission & vision particularly in these very trying verification times. I feel your verification pains & despair having experienced the agonies of the exercise personally & first hand.
I am however strengthened by your words & messages of encouragement, hope, resoluteness, steadfastness, faith & belief not just in our mission but more importantly in our ultimate success & triumph.
I am touched by the hands of friendship, fellowship & assistance that you stretch to our colleagues who are lost in the maze of verification. I am particularly moved & heartened by the calls I have received from our members offering me assistance through the verification exercise; most of the callers didn’t even know that they were talking with me, the flag bearer & symbol of our collective struggles.
From the depths of my heart, I thank you all & plead with you not to despair & or slacken in these trying moments; eternal vigilance & resilience must be & remain our watchwords. Ultimate victory, by God’s Grace, is assured if we persist & do not give up. May God bless & protect us all even as I wish us all a blessed & fulfilling week ahead.
The
Nigerian Postal Service Act, Cap N127 of 1992 has over the years, enjoyed a
revered membership among the ranks of old, tired and impractical laws in the
Nigerian Legal Regime. Enacted in 1992, the Act established the Nigerian Postal
service (NIPOST), a corporate entity with the exclusive privilege of conveying
letters from one place to another where postal communication has been
established. The Act was not the first legislation concerned with postal
services, it in fact repealed the then existing “Nigerian Postal Service
Department”.
However,
in recent times the NIPOST although still barely clinging to life, has been in
a debilitating condition, with each passing day a loss of its relevance in the courier
service industry. It is argued that a lot of factors including the rise of many
international courier service companies such as FedEx, DHL and so many others;
not forgetting the rise of many local logistics companies such as EFEX, GIG and
so many more, might have contributed to the decline of our national postal
service authority. Another factor that definitely brought this reality, was the
poor administration and archaic regulatory procedures infused in the service.
In truth, the Government absolute ownership and administration of such a
pivotal department particularly in light of changing systems of Government from
the military era to democracy was instrumental to NIPOST decline.
Thankfully,
a BILL before the Senate for an ACT to repeal Sections 43-51 of the Nigerian
Postal Service Act 1992 and the establishment of the Nigerian Postal Services
Commission, passed third reading and is well on the way to become law. On 19th,
July, 2018, Nigeria Postal Services Act CAP N127 LFN 2004 (repeal and
re-enactment) Bill, 2018 (SB. 106 & 437) was read the THIRD time and
PASSED.
The
courier service sector will in no distant time witness a massive reform. From
the existing law, NIPOST which is a government owned corporation responsible
for providing postal service in the country has been acting as both operator
and regulator, a situation that has clearly impacted negatively on the growth
of the public angle of the sector. According to the Honorable Minister for
communication Abdu-Rheem Adebayo Shittu esq.
“when
the Bill is signed into law, NIPOST will concentrate on its functions as an
operator in the Nigeria’s postal system, hence the need for the reforms so that
it can make its pitch for a share of the deregulated Courier and Logistics”.
A
perusal of the bill in contrast with the
existing laws reveals some unique changes.
First,
in Section1 (One), is the establishment of the Nigerian Postal Services
Commission, this commission is otherwise, according to the bill, known as “the
Agency”, basically this Bill seeks to establish the Nigeria Postal Services
Commission which shall be responsible for regulating the Courier Service
Industry in Nigeria in order to take its supervision and control away from
NIPOST which is a player in the industry in line with the present National and
global policy of liberalization and commercialization for effective service
delivery and to bring the Courier Service Industry in Nigeria to international
standards. A laudable strike.
The
functions of the Agency include the following –
(a) regulate
the operation and business of Courier and Postal Services in Nigeria;
(b) receive
applications and grant approvals, licences and renewals to deserving and
competent persons applying to operate Courier Services in Nigeria.
(c) set
standards, guidelines and rules for the operation of Courier and other Postal
Services in Nigeria.
(d) the
Protection and promotion of interests of consumers against unfair practices
including but not limited to matters relating to unauthorized opening of sealed
articles, theft, loss, diversion of and damage to parcels.
(e) ensuring
that licensees implement and operate at all times within the purview of their
licence, terms and conditions having regard to best international practices and
indications,
(f) the
promotion of fair competition in the Courier Service industry and protection of
Courier Service Providers against anti-competitive and unfair practices.
(g) fixing
and collecting of fees in grant of licences and other regulatory services
provided by the Agency.
(h)making and
enforcement of sanctions against breaches of the provisions of this Act or Regulations
made there-under for service providers.
(J) the
formulation and management of Nigeria’s inputs into the setting of international
standards for effective Courier and Postal Services operations.
(j)
encouraging and promoting infrastructure sharing amongst licensees and
providing guidelines thereon.
(1t)
examining and resolving complaints, objections and disputes between licenced
operators, customers and any other person involved in the courier and Postal
services industry using such dispute resolution methods as the Agency may
determine from time to time including mediation and arbitration.
(I)
designing, managing and implementing universal Courier practices, strategies
and programmes in accordance with Federal Government’s general policies and
objectives. (m) advising the Minister on the formulation of the general policy
for the communication industry with emphasis on Courier service operations in
the exercise of the minister’s functions and responsibilities.
(n)implementation
of the Government’s general policies on courier services and the execution of
all such other functions and responsibilities as are given to the Agency under
this Act or incidental or related thereto.
(0) generally
advising and assisting the Courier Services industry and its Practitioners with
a view to the development of the industry and attaining the objectives of this
Act and its subsidiary legislation.
(P)
representation of Nigeria at proceedings of international organisations on
matters relating to the Courier and Postal Services industry and other matters
ancillary and connected thereto.
(q) the
Agency shall at all times carry out its functions and duties and exercise its
powers under this Act efficiently, effectively and in a nondiscriminatory and
transparent manner and in a way that is best calculated to ensure healthy
growth of Courier Service Operations in Nigeria subject to the regulatory
controls specified in this Act, and its subsidiary legislation.
Furthermore,
the Bill attempts to remove all regulatory powers whatsoever from NIPOST, as
seen in the repealed Sections 43-51 of the extant act, which gives powers to
NIPOST to grant, renew, and revoke licenses on other courier service
organizations. These powers have been bestowed solely on the Commission as
indicated in the proposed part V (sections 18-30) of the Bill.
Most
particularly, Section 18 of the Bill provides that –
(1)
Subject to the Provisions of Subsection (2) of this section, no person shall
operate Courier Services in Nigeria unless the person
(a) is registered as a company under or Pursuant to the Companies
and
Allied Matters Act; and
(b) is licensed as a Courier Services Operator under the
provisions of this
Act or any Regulation made there under
(2)
Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, a company wishing to operate
courier services may apply to the Agency within six months of the commencement
of this Act to be licensed under the provisions of this Act
(3) A
person not licensed under the provisions of this section shall cease to operate
Courier Services in any part of Nigeria.
In
conclusion, it must be understood that the Bill does not repeal the existing
Act. It simply broadens the spectrum that cuts through regulation of the
courier service industry. The sections repealed in the Bill are selectively
chosen to quash all existing regulatory powers of the NIPOST. The Bill cleverly
segregates Operation from Regulation. When it becomes Law, NIPOST shall become
just like the other courier service companies hustling for a robust customer
base, hence, testifying to governmental liberalization in the sector.
My first close encounter with Paul Usoro, SAN, left in me till this very moment, an indelible pictorial imprint reminiscent only of one of the scenes in Frederick Forsyth’s books.
It was in the Supreme Court of Nigeria, sometimes around April, 2015. As usual, the court was filled to the brim and everyone waiting eagerly for 9.O’clock for the court to start the business of the day. I was on the first seat on the third row flipping through my file when suddenly I felt a cool gentle breeze blow beside me with this flowing gown almost brushing my shoulders with this harmless gentleness.
I quickly looked up, only to see a very tall, elegant gentleman, wearing a pair of glasses on this almost infectious smile, which he shared generously with everyone that looked his way, as he gradually stepped down towards the front pew with such tenderness as if his feet sought the permission of the ground before each step was taken. I was taken by the rare mixture of aura, charisma with simplicity that this man exudes. At this time I stopped what I was doing and paid a closer attention to this angelic being.
As he stepped towards the front row almost all the lawyers in the courtroom, Senior Advocates inclusive, as if in a rehearsed uniformity rose up on their feet as they exchanged pleasantries one after another with this extraordinary Nigerian.
Few minutes later, the court began sitting. The head of the panel appealed to the Seniors in court to allow motions to be taken first before going into the hearings. Incidentally, my motion was the first on the list. Men and brethren, I almost missed my appearance because I was still lost in the imagination of what had transpired a moment before, I quickly returned to my consciousness and apologized profusely to the court.
After my motion I decided to wait and listen to this angelic being argue his case. By the time the man was done, it dawned on me that the elegance and charisma of Paul Usoro, SAN are nothing compared to his intellectual sagacity and content.
I decided to do one more thing: approach him, greet him and attempt a conversation with him because I know how inaccessible some SANs can be. When I approached Paul Usoro SAN, his humility and simplicity broke me down finally. He came close to me, bent over with his ears close to my mouth so I could whisper directly into his ears, pulled his hand around my neck and responded to all my questions. Thereafter, bade me good bye with a gentle path on my back.
Fast forward to 2018. When I heard that he was contesting for the position of NBA President, I came for one of his meetings. As I listened to him, I saw vision, sincerity, love for the Bar, determination to help lawyers, particularly the young lawyers grow a good practice, I decided to pitch my tent with him. Join me, let’s vote Paul Usoro, SAN as president of the NBA.
It is granted that election all over the world is all about interests and the forthcoming NBA election is certainly not an exception. Already there are alignments along tribal, ethnic, regional and other related lines, the most popular of these alignments being the new phenomenon of adoption. The danger of this phenomenon is that it not only shields the adopted son from unbiased and critical assessment of his leadership capital thereby leading to the enthronement of mediocrity, a cost the Bar cannot afford at this time, it also has the imminent danger of enthroning a government that thrives on patronage, settlement and compensation of a few rather than loyalty and service to the Bar, since what was needed to truly represent and serve the Bar was lacking ab initio. But here is the man that, despite all his detractors have cooked, brewed, concocted and thrown at him, they have not for once doubted his leadership capacity and competence to deliver; neither have they challenged the fact that he is visionary and that his desire to move the Bar forward is cast in stone. These qualities in him they have acknowledged, for which, by the way, I must thank them. But rather they have resorted to matters extraneous to these qualities in a desperate attempt to demarket this perfect gentlemen and strangulate his rising intimidating profile. At this juncture, gentlemen of the Bar, it becomes pertinent to ask ourselves this salient question: What exactly is our interest? What future do we seek for our beloved NBA? This is important because the future of the Bar that we seek is in our hands to create today. Would you rather vote adoption at the expense of vision, capacity and a brand new Bar? Vote Paul Usoro, SAN!!!
What are the challenges? What are their strengths? Which areas require attention and improvements? One way to start assessing the man to take the NBA to the height it should be is to take their leadership style and plans to get a general idea of how they work, the potentials they hold and the results they can deliver.
Once you have completed the check, read about the major characteristics of their dominant style.
Are these qualities helping or hindering their leadership? Once you’ve determined this, check the results and successes in their vocation, you can decide your next NBA President based on their leadership abilities. Identifying the problems of any institution is one of the leadership qualities that defines transformational leadership. Followers need to be encouraged to express their potentials by the creation of opportunities. Effective leaders offer new orientations with ample support to achieve these goals.
Paul Usoro, SAN has identified the present challenges that has crippled the profession. He has shown that these challenges are not insurmountable. He is now proffering solutions on how to deal with them. His solutions are practical, workable and achievable within the short tenure. Paul Usoro, SAN is all out to create an all-inclusive Bar.
A Bar that put you first. Would you look to someone for guidance and leadership if they did not truly care about the goals of the group? Paul Usoro, SAN has shown that he cares by his history and reputation in the profession acquired through years of commitment and experience. Vote for the man who understands the demographics of lawyers in relationship to the challenges of employment and remuneration in the legal profession.
The Lagos Justice Innovating Conference #LIJC2018 is the biggest conference of its scale and calibre, organised by HiiL. The event brings together people at the top of their game in the legal and justice sector, in and outside of Nigeria, to address how the Nigerian Justice system could be improved, and to tackle making justice more user-friendly in Nigeria, by combining data and innovations.
For speaker, media, or sponsor enquiries, contact Olufunbi Falayi at olufunbi.falayi@hiil.org and HiiL Business Development Manager connor.sattely@hiil.org.
Nigeria office of HiiL can be reached at +234 70 33 579 178 and enquiries directed to Olufunbi Falayi.
The Hague office of HiiL can be reached at +31 70 762 0700 and enquiries directed to Connor Sattely.
PROGRAMME
10:00- 10:15 — Opening remarks Sam Muller – CEO HiiL and Yemi Osinbajo – Vice Preident of Nigeria
10:15 – 10:30 — Welcome address HE Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) – Governor of Ondo State
10:15 – 10:25 — Justice Reforms Olasupo Shasore (SAN) – Former Attorney-General for Lagos State
10:25 – 10:40 — Measuring Justice introduction Sam Muller – CEO HiiL
10:40 – 11:15 Presentation of justice findings Dr. Rodrigo Nunez, Justice Sector Advisor
11:15 – 12:00 Panel discussion on findings
Yemi Osinbajo
Rotimi Akeredolu
Olasupo Shasore M
Moderator: Sam Muller
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 1:15 Justice Accelerator Introduction Connor Sattely, Business Development Manager, HiiL Justice Accelerator
1:15 – 2:00 Innovator pitches 1
Jury Members
James Peter – VP New market initiatives, Legalzoom (USA) (Jury Chairman)
“PURIFICATION” which is synonymous with the mention of the name Paul Usoro S.A.N. as a candidate for the office NBA President in this year NBA election is SIGNIFICANT in the sense that right from his days as a Law Student President in the University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife he stood for justice and purity in the process leading to the award of Law Degree when in July 1980 he wrote to the Dean of Faculty of Law University of Ife reporting leakages and malpractices in examinations administered in the Faculty particularly in the Part III class.
This led to setting up of a Panel to investigate the report In demonstration of his avowed principle of PURITY he boldly revealed the names of students and lecturers involved in the malpractices. One would wonder how an undergraduate student got this type of courage to insist on PURITY at that stage of his training He was not deterred by the clear risk of intimidation by the “LEAGUE” of lecturers who may have frustrated his quest of becoming a lawyer by reason of mentioning the names of lecturers in the faculty as persons involved in the malpractices It was Mr Usoro’s complaint that gave rise to the popular case of AKINTEMI V ONWUMECHILI 1985 1 NWLR Pt. 1 page 68 In that case the Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Investigation Panel which found merit in Mr Usoro’s complaint.
In my candid view there can’t be a better time for our Association (N.B.A.) to have an outstanding, courageous and pure person like Mr. Usoro S.A.N. as its President I urge that we ensure by our votes to have PUSAN as our President for the purification of the Bar and the administration of justice in On Nigeria.
S. Oyawole, Esq. is a member of the Jos Branch of the NBA
