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2018 NBA Election: Presidential Candiates; Welfare of Lawyers and Nba Activities (Part 2)

by Legalnaija | Jun 5, 2018 | Uncategorized

The second part of our
qualitative assessment of the respective profiles of the 4 (four) NBA Presidential
Candidates is centered on their contributions to lawyer welfare and respective law
reform contributions as stated in their profiles available online via the
following links; Mr.
Paul Usoro, SAN, FCIArb; Prof.
Ernest Ojukwu, SAN; Mr.
Arthur Obi Okafor, SAN FCIArb and Mazi
Afam Osigwe, LLM, FCIArb.

The first part was an assessment
of their backgrounds and is available here.

Paul
Usoro SAN

Contributions
to Lawyer Welfare

1. New hires in PUC being post NYSC enjoy six
figures start salaries (minimum of N150,000 and are encouraged to tap into the
sustainable growth scheme of the firm.

2. Young Lawyers benefit from
the Firm’s annual Profit Sharing and Bonus schemes.

3. Paul invests in the
mentorship and growth of young lawyers in PUC.

4. Youth Corpers in PUC paid a
minimum of N50,000 monthly and Law School interns have a N20,000 farewell
allowance.

5. From 2008 – nine (9) years
and counting, PUC sponsors the Lawyers’ Table Tennis Open (Mfon Usoro Cup),
nicknamed the largest sporting event among lawyers, for male and female
lawyers. LTTO is a Table Tennis tournament open to lawyers from within and
outside Lagos. Travel and accommodation cost for out-of-town lawyers

are
underwritten by PUC. Prizes include fully paid return flight ticket to the
International Bar Association (“IBA”) Conferences for male and female champions
respectively plus attractive prizes for 2nd and 3rd positions.

6. Sponsorship of lawyers for
international LLM programs and capacity building trainings.

Law
Reform Contributions

EXTANT LEGISLATION

Drafting and legislative advocacy
for industry and National Assembly of the following extant legislation and
subsidiary legislation by Paul directly and PUC:

1. Nigerian
Communications Act 2003.

2.
Nigerian
Communications (Enforcement Processes etc.) Regulations, 2005.

3.
Annual
Operating Levy Regulations, 2014.

4.
Mobile
Number Portability Regulations, 2014.

5. Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency
Act 2007.

6. Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003.

7. Coastal and Inland Shipping Cabotage (Bareboat
Registration) Regulations 2005.

8. Coastal and Inland Shipping Cabotage (Ship Detention
Order) Regulations 2005.

9. Council
for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria Act 2007.

10. Council
for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (Annual Subscription and
Other Fees) Regulations, 2010.

11. Council
for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria Act (Professional
Misconduct and Discipline Regulations) 2010.

12. Council
for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria Act 2007 (Registration of
Freight Forwarders) Regulations 2010.

13. Council
for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria Act (Organs and Offices of
the Council Regulations) 2010.

OUTSTANDING BILLS

14.
National Transport Commission Bill (undergoing
legislative processes).

15.
Ports and Harbours Authority Bill (undergoing
legislative processes).

A draft for a Law Establishing a
Liability Regime for Land Transport in Nigeria (Work in Progress).

PROF.
ERNEST OJUKWU, SAN

Contribution
to lawyer welfare

·
No Information Provided On Public Profile

Law
Reforms

·
Draft
Bills

1.
He drafted the Nigerian Bar Association Continuing Legal
Education Rules and set up the Institute of Continuing Legal education in 2007.

2.
As Chairman of NBA
Law Reform Committee, he produced a new Legal Practitioners Bill in 2004 under President Wole Olanipekun, SAN.

3.
In 2006, the NBA
under the leadership of President
Olisa Agbakoba SAN requested an amendment in place of a completely
new Act and Professor Ojukwu submitted
an amended Legal Practitioners Act which was submitted to the National
Assembly.

4.
In 2011, the NBA
under the leadership of President
JB Daudu SAN set up a new Committee to draft a new Legal
Practitioners Act. Professor
Ojukwu produced a new draft for the Committee pending before the
National Assembly today.

5. Professor Ojukwu also submitted to the NBA, draft bills on Legal Education and Legal Services Commission.
Submitted to National Assembly.

ARTHUR OBI-OKAFOR, SAN

Contributions To Lawyer Welfare

·
The sole sponsor of Eastern Bar Forum Unity Football
Tournament.

Law Reforms

–
No Information Provided On Public Profile

MAZI AFAM OSIGWE

–
No Information Provided On Public Profile

Our 2018 NBA Elections
Qualitative Assessments of Presidential Candidates continues tomorrow. YOU MAY ALSO DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT HERE

@Legalnaija

Temidayo Adewoye wins N250, 000 at the maiden edition of Babalola’s Law dictionary Quiz Competition

by Legalnaija | Jun 4, 2018 | Uncategorized

Temidayo
Adewoye of Perchstone & Graeys wins N250, 000 at the maiden edition of
Babalola’s Law dictionary Quiz Competition

In a keenly contested Law quiz competition held at the Onikan Youth Centre, Lagoson the 1st day of June 2018, Temidayo Adewoye, an associate at the law firm of Perchstone & Graeys edged 9 other participants to emerge the winner of the maiden edition of the Babalola’s Law dictionary Quiz Competition for young lawyers.

In the words of the Editor of Babalola’s Law Dictionary – Olumide Babalola, the competition was organized to deepen the culture of reading amongst young lawyers especially as it pertains to legal/procedural words and terminologies.

The competition had 10 finalists but Temidayo Adewoye emerged the Winner carting home the ultimate prize Money of N250, 000 (courtesy the firm of Olumide Babalola LP) and law Pavilion electronic report while Morisola Alaba emerged the 1st runner up with N150, 000 and Abdulateef Abdul Olasubomi came 2nd runner up with prize money of N100, 000 courtesy the firm of Esher and Makarios.

The competition judges were Faruq Abbass, (managing partner of Abdul Salam & Co.); Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo Of Tayo Oyetibo LP; Issa Adedokun, former Chairman NBA YLF Ikeja; Ope Odejayi (Mrs) (Legal officer at CBN); Omolade Lawal (From Lawpavilion); Adedunmade Onibokun (publisher of LegalNaija blawg); Busola Ajala (Legal officer at 9Mobile) and Faith Obafemi (Blockchain and crypotcurrency Lawyer).

The event which is billed to be an annual affair had all the contestants smiling home with FWLR Law reports and practice books donated by Mr. Bimbo Atilola of Hybrid Consult, Mr. Taiwo Kupolati Of Renaissance publishers and Mr. Lere Fashola of Legal Blitz Ltd (Publishers of Esq. Magazine).

Photos – Public Hearing of the Petroleum Industry Bills

by Legalnaija | Jun 4, 2018 | Uncategorized

OPENING REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, HIS EXCELLENCY, (DR.) ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, CON, AT THE 3-DAY PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY BILLS, HELD AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX, ABUJA – JUNE 4, 2018.

PROTOCOL.

1. It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this 3-Day Public Hearing organised by the Senate Committee on the Downstream Petroleum Sector for the consideration of the Petroleum Industry Bills.

2. Specifically, this Public Hearing seeks further input on: the Petroleum Industry Administration Bill 2018; the Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill 2018; and the Petroleum Host and Impacted Communities Bill 2018. Together, the Bills are part of a combo that was virtually comatose for over a decade as the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), before we took the radical approach of breaking the single Bill into workable parts, for greater ease of passage into law.

3. As some of you may recall, the 8th Senate had promised to set in motion an agenda for the comprehensive reform of the Nigerian oil and gas industry, and to do so through an unbundled package of Bills. Our reform agenda is driven by the need to overhaul a system that has led to corruption being endemic in the petroleum industry.

4. We are also motivated by the desire to usher in an internationalised framework that allows Nigeria to compete globally in terms of this industry. This would lead to the development of the local market; and the efficient use of this depleting resource, the ebb and flow of which have been so indelibly tied to the economy of the country. It is high time we stabilised the system, and to stabilise it for good.

5. With all this in mind, we took two critical decisions when we commenced work in the 8th Senate in 2015:

i. The first was to split the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into five (5) Bills, namely: the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, the Petroleum Industry Administration Bill, the Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill, the Petroleum Host and Impacted Communities Bill, and the Petroleum Revenue Management Bill.

ii. The second decision was to encourage private member sponsorship of the Bills.

6. We recently passed the PIGB but at point of harmonization review, certain minor observations were made which we immediately directed our conference committee to act on. We are hopeful to have it back on the floor for adoption in a week. It is my expectation that, when work is concluded on the trio of Bills under consideration at this hearing, the Senate will start the process on the Petroleum Revenue Management Bill, which would reshape how we utilise the resources we earn from oil and gas.

7. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, permit me to outline the key provisions of the Bills under consideration at this Public Hearing. The objective of the Petroleum Industry Administration Bill is to transform the administration of the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors of the Nigerian petroleum industry:

i. Firstly, the Bill creates a framework that will free up acreages that are not being developed by current license and lease holders, thereby creating opportunities for new investors. This will bring substantial new investment to our oil and gas industry.

ii. Secondly, it ensures effective management of the environment by petroleum operators and administrators.

iii. Thirdly, it provides a framework to unleash midstream activities which will open up the market for the supply of gas and other downstream products, for economic growth. Above all, I believe the most important feature of this Bill is that it provides much needed legal backing for the deregulation of our downstream petroleum sector.

8. Regrettably, our existing fiscal framework for the petroleum industry is outdated. The Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill, therefore, aims to fix the anomalies, especially with regard to our royalty and tax regimes. For instance, billions of dollars have been lost through non-invocation of provisions in subsisting laws, at those times when crude oil price crosses certain thresholds. The Bill will fix this as well as remove difficulties and uncertainties surrounding our tax assessment and collection system. Additionally, it will remove distortions created by the Associated Gas Framework Agreement; and provide comprehensive fiscal terms for the development of our abundant natural gas resources. Perhaps the most critical objective of the Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill is that it will enhance our international competitiveness and make Nigeria a choice destination for oil and gas investors.

9. Last but not least, is the Petroleum Host and Impacted Communities Bill, which provides for a legal framework for the development of the petroleum host and impacted communities. It is a pan-Nigeria Bill that will cater for communities that are hosts to upstream assets, as well as significant midstream and downstream assets and infrastructure.

10. The Petroleum Host and Impacted Communities Bill is unique because it overcomes the pitfalls of past efforts; and is structured to bring funding for the development of host communities, under the direct control of the communities themselves. We expect the Bill to make for greater harmony and partnership among the various stakeholders in the sector. I urge everyone to pay particular attention to presentations by representatives of host communities.

11. In closing, let me state that the outcome of this Public Hearing is very important to our economy and to the livelihood of all Nigerians as well as the interests of investors. We have the task of delivering these Bills which, together, will enhance the growth of our oil and gas industry, modernise our fiscal system and enhance competitiveness, while creating harmony for all stakeholders.

12. It is our expectation that, with your active participation, we will have Bills that truly reflect the aspirations of Nigerians. We have an opportunity to show that the momentous passage of the PIGB was by no means a one-off. Let us power ahead with the radical transformation of our oil and gas sector.

13. On that note, I wish you successful deliberations, as I now formally declare open the Public Hearing on the Petroleum Industry Bills.

Thank you.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE

2018 NBA Elections: Comparison of NBA Presidential Candidates Backgrounds (Part 1)

by Legalnaija | Jun 4, 2018 | Uncategorized

With
few weeks to the expiration of the tenure of office for the President of the
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); Mr A.B. Mahmoud SAN, the time has come to vote
among others, the next President of the Nigerian Bar Association and in accordance
with the internal zoning arrangement of the Association, the position of the
NBA President has been zoned to the Eastern part of Nigeria comprising of
Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo States.

This
report examines and compares the respective profiles of the 4 (four) candidates,
thereby allowing lawyers, the opportunity to independently vet & select the
most capable to lead the Bar. These 4 candidates include Mr.
Paul Usoro, SAN, FCIArb; Prof.
Ernest Ojukwu, SAN; Mr.
Arthur Obi Okafor, SAN FCIArb and
Mazi
Afam Osigwe, LLM, FCIArb. Also the information
contained in this report has been sourced from the profiles independently
released to the public domain by these candidates.

The
categories of our comparison include –

i.
Candidate
Background/Active Law Practice

ii.
Welfare Support for young
lawyers

iii.
NBA Activities

iv.
Advocacy Experience &
Skills

v.
Corporate Governance &
Leadership

vi.
Law Reforms

vii.
Papers Presented &
Scholarly Works

It
is trite that the President of the Bar Association must not be selected merely
by whims but by careful examination of the Candidates. The next President of
the NBA must have the qualities of an exemplary leader and a rich background of
legal advocacy and competence; he also must be honest; have a passion for the
welfare of lawyers and quite knowledgeable in corporate governance. It is also
most important the next president of the Bar understands finance and how to
open Nigerian lawyers to more international and local opportunities.

The
big question however remains “who is the right candidate to lead the Bar
Association?

This first part shall be examining the Background and Active Law Practice of all four (4) Presidential Candidates, Please find same below –

BACKGROUND AND ACTIVE LAW PRACTICE

PAUL USORO, SAN

1. Born on 07 September 1958.

2.       Bachelor of Laws, 1981 from the
University of Ife, Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) Osun State,
Nigeria.
3.       Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1982.
4.       Senior Partner and founder of Paul Usoro
& Co (PUC).
5.       PUC is a top commercial law firm founded
in 1985 in Kaduna. Now headquartered in Lagos with offices in Abuja and Uyo.
6.       Firm employs over 38 lawyers excluding
corpers.
7.       Notary Public from 23 June 2003.
8.       Heads the Advocacy and Dispute Resolution
Practice Group and the Communications Section of the Firm.
9.       Fellow of the Chartered Institute of
Arbitrators. 2001
10.     Elevated to the Inner Bar as a Senior
Advocate of Nigeria in 2003.
11.     Attends International Bar Association
Conferences
12.     Attends Nigerian Bar Association
Conferences
13.     Actively participated in the activities of
the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.
14.     Paul was Awardee of the Corporate
Governance Rating System (GCRS) “Rating Certificate” by the Board of the
Nigerian Stock Exchange and The Convention on Business Integrity. February
2018.
15.     He has acquired leadership, finance and
corporate governance skills from the executive trainings in world’s top
institutions attended over the years some of which are listed below:

• Making Corporate Boards More Effective,
Harvard Business School, Boston, USA (November 2014),

• Audit Committees in a new Era of
Governance Harvard Business School, Boston, USA, (July 2013),

• Leadership Best Practices, Harvard
Business School, Boston, USA,

• Finance for Executives Program at the
Fontainebleau Campus of INSEAD, France (April 2017) and,

• Finance and Accounting for the
Nonfinancial Executive, Columbia Business School in New York, USA (March 2018).

16. 36 years of active legal practice

PROF. ERNEST OJUKWU SAN

1.
Born on September
23 1960.

2.
He attended the Methodist
College, Uzuakoli and Government College, Umuahia.
3.
Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws Degrees
in 1983 and 1987 respectively from Obafemi Awolowo
University, Ile-Ife where he received the
4.
Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984.
5.
Elevated to the Inner Bar as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria on 12 July 2014.
6.
In 1988, he established Eleuthera Chambers
with his friends.
7.
Former Deputy Director General, the Nigerian Law School,
Augustine Nnamani Campus, Agbani Enugu.
8.
Associate Professor and Dean Faculty of Law, Abia State University, Uturu from
1995-2001.
9.
Partner at the Law Firm of Ojukwu, Faotu and Yusuf (OFY Lawyers).
10.
1985 –
2016 (Law Lecturer in academic institutions)
11. 3 years of active law practice.

ARTHUR OBI-OKAFOR, SAN

1. Born on the July 18 1965.

2. First school leaving
certificate from all Saints Primary School, Onitsha, Anambra state, in 1976
3. Secondary
school education at St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Awka-Etiti in Anambra State
where he obtained his West African School Certificate in 1981.
4. 1984,
Ordinary Certificate in Business Administration at School of Accountancy and
Business Studies, Uyo, Cross River State (an affiliate of Calabar Polytechnic
at that time); now Uyo City Polytechnic in Akwa Ibom State.
5. Bachelor
of Laws degree in 1990, from the University of Calabar.
6. Called
to the Bar in 1991.
7. Established
the law firm of Arthur Obi Okafor & Associates in 1995.
8. Elevated
to the Inner Bar in 2010.
9. 27 years of active law
practice.

MAZI AFAM OSIGWE

1.       Born on 25 of October 1972.
2.       Attended Dennis Memorial Grammar School,
Onitsha.
3.       Studied law at the University of Nigeria,
Enugu and graduated in 1997.
4.       Called to the Nigerian Bar in September
1999.
5.       In 2002 founded his firm, the Law Forte
(Legal Practitioners, Corporate Consultants and Notary Public).
6.       Notary Public in 2006.
7.       Master of Laws Degree (LL.M), from the
University of Jos in 2010
8.       Master of Laws (LLM) from the Centre for
International Legal Studies, Austria (in collaboration with the Lazarsky
University, Poland).
9.       Diploma in International Commercial
Arbitration.
10.     Fellow of the Chartered Institute of
Arbitrators (UK) in 2011.
11.     Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of
Chartered Arbitrators in 2017.
12.     Member, International Bar Association.
13.     Member, Nigerian Institute of Management.
14.     Associate Member, American Bar Association.

15.     Member, Institute of Chartered Mediators
& Conciliators.
16.     19 years of active law practice.

Over the next few days, we
would be sharing other comparisons between the profiles of the NBA Presidential Candidates. Kindly read, evaluate
all contestants and share.

YOU MAY ALSO DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT HERE

@LEGALNAIJA

15 countries to show presence at 3rd ICC Africa confab holding 18th to 19th of June, 2018

by Legalnaija | Jun 3, 2018 | Uncategorized

Fifteen
countries to show presence at 3rd ICC Africa confab…to hold 18th to 19th of June, 2018

Not less
than 350 participants representing about 15 countries will be present at the
3rd International Chambers of Commerce (ICC) Africa Conference on International
Arbitration which is scheduled to hold on Monday June 18th and Tuesday 19th,
2018 at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The
conference is an annual event at which the African arbitration community
updates itself on developments in the region and is also a great opportunity
for participants to network and develop excellent business and professional
relationships.

Aelex Partner, Funke Adekoya, SAN who is also the chairperson of
the conference said the conference, which is the most important gathering for
the African arbitration community will provide invaluable updates on
developments in the region, during a series of panel discussions with a faculty
of prominent speakers and thought leaders.

According
to her, ICC’s annual Africa conference, held in English and French, is the key
forum for understanding international commercial arbitration in Africa.

“This
conference provides an indispensable update on developments in the region and
is becoming the most important gathering for the African arbitration community.
Not only does it offer a line-up of top-class speakers, topical discussions and
relevant news, but also an excellent opportunity to network,” Adekoya said.

The event
will kick off on Monday 18 June 2018, with a session focusing on, ICC
Arbitration: Innovation on the Basis of the Tradition for Quality. This will
introduce the latest strive of the ICC International Court of Arbitration for
enhancing time and cost efficiency to a fast track arbitration for smaller
claims while ensuring fundamental quality features.

Another
session will focus on Clause and Effect: Seating your Arbitration in Africa.
This session will discuss how African jurisdictions have responded to the
requirements of an arbitration friendly environment and its impact upon
arbitration on the continent.

In
addition to these, there will be an engaging session on International
Arbitration Awards: First Bus Stop or Last Station. Panellists will discuss
this topic against the backdrop of domestic and international legislation, conventions
and proposed initiatives.

Another
engaging session focusing on Africa Rising – Stemming the Flight of Arbitral
Disputes, will stress on attendant issues resulting in the delocalisation and
flight of arbitral disputes from Africa.

Panel
Discussions on this session will include identification and discussion of
attendant factors that weigh against seating arbitrations in African
Jurisdictions. Panellists will offer perspectives and bring their individual
jurisdictional experiences to bear on discussions and explore how the
challenges can be surmounted, if not eliminated, so that arbitration can take
its rightful role as a Catalyst for economic growth in Africa.

After the long day of impactful activities, the day will end with
a cocktail.

Tuesday 19 June 2018 will kick off with a session focusing on
Supporting the Arbitral Process. This session will consider and identify the
various bodies which support arbitration and the entire arbitral process.

Speakers
will discuss the significant role the State plays in arbitration by providing
enabling legislation that validates and legitimizes arbitration. The
Judiciary’s role during the arbitral process regarding issues such as challenge
of arbitrators, interim measures and enforcement of awards will also be
discussed. The role played by arbitral institutions will also be examined.

It is
expected that the outcome of the session will be an identification of whether
arbitration in Africa receives sufficient support and also proffer any
suggestions on how arbitral process can be better supported.

There
will also be panel discussions on the session Arbitrability in Africa: New
hopes or Lost Opportunities. Discussions on this session will focus on whether the
approaches to arbitrability taken by African jurisdictions give rise to new
hopes (increased use of African seats) or lost opportunities (reluctance to
arbitrate in African jurisdictions).

Participants
are in for an interesting session on ECOWAS Energy Protocol “Reality or Mirage”
as panel discussions on this session will focus on the effectiveness and/or
potential impact of the Protocol on energy related disputes in the West African
sub region.

In a bid
to understand the damages tool being developed by the ICCA-ASIL Damages Task
Force which allows everyone easy access to complex damages analysis, there will
be a session focusing on Damages tools – Globalizing the Analysis of Damages.

During
this interactive session, distinguished legal and economic experts will explain
the tool and demonstrate how it works by illustrating the lifecycle of a
damages case, before asking the audience for feedback.

Paul Usoro SAN Charges NBA To Regulate and Protect The Practice

by Legalnaija | May 31, 2018 | Uncategorized

Learned Silk, Paul Usoro held an interactive session with Members of the NBA Sagamu Branch on Tuesday. The well attended session dealt with issues around the welfare of young lawyers, protection/promotion of the rule of law and many more.

During the session, Paul Usoro SAN summarized the challenges around the welfare of the young lawyers into three factors; Greed, Economic and Lifestyle (lack of financial orientation).

“We talk about Continuing Legal Education without talking about law office management and financial education for lawyers to help our understanding of the law practice business. I see no reason why senior lawyers should be greedy. Having practiced what I preach since 1984, I believe I have the moral right to address my colleagues. I assure you that all I have spoken about, I have the capacity to do, because at some point in my career, I have had to practice them,” Usoro said.

He also explained the need for the NBA to regulate the practice of law by protecting the business of law for lawyers.

Usoro stated “There are many non- lawyers taking over our businesses. Companies in Nigeria have non-Lawyers in their legal departments. Nigerian lawyers are excluded from major transactions under the lame excuse that “we have no experience”. I have been there before and I proved a point with the auction of our GSM Spectrum. The same goes for the NCC Act. I believe we can all do well as I did if given the opportunity.”

Speaking on the issue of public interest and protection/promotion of the rule of law, Usoro explained that there are so many things the government characterize as unlawful activities which are in reality not unlawful. He used the BVN as a case study.

“I could talk about the BVN suit where the government says accounts without BVN contain proceeds of unlawful activities. That is not howsoever true”.

The interactive session was quite enlightening with the participation of several key members from the association led by the branch Chairman, Prince Deborah Oduguwa, to proffer solutions for the benefit of the Nigerian Bar.

Gloria Ekaette Etekamba Umoren wrote!!!!

by Legalnaija | May 31, 2018 | Uncategorized

Paul Usoro SAN is a gentleman to the core!The epitome of how a member of the learned profession should be.Unlike some,he didn’t become a lawyer by accident! Unlike others, he is a unifier! Both the younger and older members of the profession are at ease with him.He has the charisma! Even though he has been supportive of the NBA from when he was called, today he is not taking advantage of it!

He has come out to lead when he is ready to make the sacrifice! His contribution to legal jurisprudence is legendary! Even teachers rely on his cases to impact knowledge! Others cite his cases as authorities! His practice cuts accross different segments of the profession! At the time little was known about Telecommunications he delved into the foray and became an authority! He thrives best in challenging environments.Today’s NBA needs a man with this pedigree! A man of the people! No wonder he says he will put the interest of lawyers first as our leader!I believe him! He has without doubt the richest profile! He has the capacity to lead! I stand with Paul Usoro SAN to restore dignity to the Bar!

Citizen Particpation Key In Developing Democratic Institutions And A Succesful Democracy | Senator Gbenga Ashafa

by Legalnaija | May 29, 2018 | Uncategorized

As we mark the 2018
Democracy day of our dear country Nigeria and the 3^rdyear
anniversary of the President Muhamadu Buhari led, All Progressives Congress
administration, I would like to thank all Nigerians for your support this far.
Your constructive criticism, your alternative opinions, your support for the
institutions and policies of government and prayers have been the needed
impetus for those of us in government to do more.

In the past 3 years, the
Buhari/Osinbajo led government has reconstructed a foundation of socio-economic
growth and development founded on the ideals of our constitution (Unity and
Faith, Peace and Progress) and the ideals of our party.

We are gradually beginning
to experience prudence and attitudinal change in public service, a stiff fight
against corruption, massive infrastructural development particularly in the
areas of rails, roads, power and housing. There is also a sincere battle against
insecurity and a commitment to creating a country that holds the promise of a
secure future for our teeming young population.

In this final lap of this
administration’s first term, I think it would be wise for Nigerians to realise
that Democracy is founded on people representation and a balance of opinion on
one hand as well as establishment of strong institutions on the other. In
essence, we must continue to engender the National conversation with a view to
ensuring that our aggregate opinions are always represented and the sanctity
our National Institutions are always protected. The key to this is
participation.

Consequently, as we
gravitate towards the political season I urge all Nigerians to participate
actively in the entire process. Please be reminded that participation is as
much a duty as it is a right. We must therefore all be invested in ensuring
that the solid foundations built by this administration are consolidated upon.

As I conclude, I urge all
Nigerians to remember that sustainable development can only be achieved in an
atmosphere of peace. We must therefore come together to ensure that there is no
hiding place for criminals seeking to destabilise this country through
bloodletting and violence.

Happy Democracy day Nigeria,
together we can do more.

Signed:

Senator Gbenga B. Ashafa

HAPPY DEMOCRACY DAY

by Legalnaija | May 29, 2018 | Uncategorized

Happy Democracy Day Nigeria #ThisIsNigeria

Our Constitutional Democracy

by Legalnaija | May 29, 2018 | Uncategorized

This is the foundation of
Nigerian Democracy as provided by our Constitution. Learn, participate in
governance and share. #Nigeria
#Democracy #RuleofLaw #Justice #govt #legalnaija