The extraordinary heritage of gold is one with unique qualities. As an enduring element found naturally in a distinct yellow color, gold is resistant to rust, tarnish, and corrosion. It is learnt, gold is very strong, it is also the most malleable of all precious metals, and this is how I see one of the presidential aspirant to the NBA.
You see, gold comes in arrays of forms such as yellow gold, white gold, white gold with black rhodium, rose, vermeil, etc, and so is this gentleman.
Long before biblical times, gold was held in awe by those who came in contact with it, it has been used to trade and was currency well before the present legal tender. Gold has been used for jewelry, used for dentistry, home decor and the interior of palaces and holy shrines. It is a symbol of love, marriage and fidelity and has been for hundreds of years. The period of the gold standard spelt prosperity for the United States, which at the time was stabilizing its economy with gold. The preservation of and stabilization of the economy with gold did reward the more productive nations.
Amongst other things, it discouraged inflation and government budget deficits and debt, which can’t exceed the supply of gold. This gold standard has spurred exploration. It’s why Spain and other European countries discovered the New World in the 1500s. They needed to get more gold to increase their prosperity. It also prompted the Gold Rush in California and Alaska during the 1800s. These features endowed on gold surpasses other minerals and precious stones irrespective of their glitters and use.
The antecedents of Paul Usoro, SAN unveils him as the pure gold in issue. With his personal thriving and contributions to the legal society and the economy, his value and worth continues to soar above the rest of the presidential aspirants. His quality and expertise led him into servicing various clients in the banking sector. This appreciating value has led to his ability to maintain old and new clients who have continually valued his service compared to others’. Having dominated the Communications and Maritime sectors, nothing is best compared to PU than gold. A man who harmers on good quality delivery of work and effective planning and has equally demonstrated same.
No doubt, there is a lamentable need for a responsive member-oriented and vibrant Bar that will, in addition to propagating the fundamental objectives of NBA, also represent the interest of majority of members. That’s why PU is set, amongst others, with reforms to:
a. bring transparency to the NBA; b. engender confidence in the NBA; c. institutionalize the NBA; and d. give the NBA moral equity.
The Bar needs a reserve of high quality material if it must flourish and appreciate in value; it must attain perfection, nothing is better than pure gold, none as *Paul Usoro, SAN* as the *NBA president!*
Paul Usoro, SAN . is the right candidate ✅✅✅Kunle Edison
As ECNBA/Crenet resume verification, they must ascertain these two things publicly to ensure transparency
Pursuant to Paragraph 7 of the Statement of the President of Nigerian Bar Association dated 6th of August 2018 postponing the verification, stating as follows “Upon collation of all data from the submitted forms, CRENET shall thereafter review and verify the details with support from the annual Practicing fees list, NBA Bar services Unit and Supreme Court records”
As a follow up to the many unanswered question previously raised, Some of the candidates are still weary of the probability of finding names that were not otherwise qualified to be on the list. Crenet must do these two things publicly to allay their fears.
The ECNBA must remain faithful to the agreement in the last stakeholders meeting of 6th August 2018 in ensuring that Crenet receives the original lists (Voters register, Original Annual Practicing Fees list and the Original Supreme Court records i.e the bank statement as agreed to ascertain that those who paid not later than march 31st are on the list) and prevent interested parties from getting involved in the collation.
Crenet must ascertain and state publicly that they have received the original Annual Practicing fees list, Voters List and the original supreme court records(the bank statement as agreed to ascertain that those who paid not later than march 31st are on the list)
To ensure transparency, the ECNBA must comply with the above publicly
My family and I, express our commiseration with the wife and family of the late Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Rivers State, Chief, Hon. Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma, SAN, the Port Harcourt Branch of the Nigeria Bar Association, and the good people and the Government of Rivers State, on the sad demise of their illustrious Son.
Hon. Aguma was a quintessential gentleman who, until his sudden demise, served his people with a great sense of responsibility, passion and competence as the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Rivers State. His death is certainly a colossal loss, not only to his immediate family but to the people of Rivers State, and indeed the legal profession. We would sorely miss you, Brother Silk.
It is my fervent prayer that God accepts Hon. Aguma in paradise and rests his soul well. May God also grant his family and relations the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. Adieu Emmanuel.
Once again, accept our heartfelt and sincere condolences.
The event will see legal and justice sector experts, both within and outside Nigeria, discuss how the Nigerian justice system can be improved.
The HiiL Justice Accelerator (HJA), a part of the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL), will host the Lagos Justice Innovating Conference on the 21st of September 2018 at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, to discuss how the justice system could be made more accessible and user-friendly, through the combination of big data, technology and innovations in Nigeria.
This conference is described as the biggest of its kind and caliber to take place in the country, the conference will combine data and innovation to not only figure out ways to improve Nigeria’s justice system but also tackle making justice more friendly.
In panel discussions at the conference will be legal and justice sector bigwigs within and
outside Nigeria such as the Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice for Lagos State – Mr. M. Adeniji Kazeem, Joe Odumakin – President, Women Arise for Change; Anthony Ojukwu – Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC); James Peters – Vice President, New Market Initiatives, LegalZoom; Michel Deelen – Netherlands Deputy Ambassador, Laure Beaufils – British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Criminal Intelligence Investigation Department – Yetunde Longe, Lola Vivour Adeniyi – Coordinator, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT)
and more.
Speaking on the significance of the event, HiiL’s CEO Sam Muller said, “The data we will share at this event on Nigerian justice needs will be a gamechanger for anyone working on justice in this country. What makes it even better: the region’s best justice innovations are there too. This could be a historic moment of a new justice movement in Nigeria.”
Sam Muller and Vice President His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN will give the opening remarks at the event while His Excellency Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, Governor of Ondo State will give the welcome address.
Asides the panel discussions, other events lined up during the conference includes the release of the Justice Needs and Satisfaction Survey (JNS), a first of its kind, massive survey of the justice needs of the average Nigerian. Also, the best Nigerian justice innovators from the 2018 Innovating Justice Challenge will pitch their innovations for a chance to win 20,000 EUR in funding from the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law.
Event Details
Date: 21s t of September, 2018
Time: 9am
Location: Landmark, VI, Lagos State Registration: www.innovatingjustice.com/lijc
About HiiL Justice Accelerator (HJA)
The HiiL Justice Accelerator is a part of the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) based in the Netherlands. The HJA scouts and supports the best justice innovators around the world in order to create justice for all. Particularly in Africa and the Middle East but also across the world, through local partners and supporters. By offering seed funding as well as follow up funds, HJA funds justice entrepreneurs with cash they need to grow their innovation. Through HJA’s acceleration programmes and business services justice innovators get the right help to scale their innovations.
For more information or questions, please contact:
Olufunbi Falayi
Innovating Justice Agent, West Africa olufunbi.falayi@hiil.org
Leadership is wrought with highs and lows, bright and dim days. Times are when the moments swell with an air of success and shone on by fortune’s sun; yet at other times, challenges may whirl in like a storm or the bubble of many years’ work prickled by a thorn of chance. Yet and in all these, a leader maintains the same comportment as when the organization was in great shape.
Leadership position is a very complex affair and leadership must be by example if one is to have his team suspended in high spirit for a very long time and deliver on their given tasks. The team naturally follow his lead as his undaunted character and firm resolve automatically rub off on them; and its ripple effect accordingly affects the morale and sales of the organization.
Leadership isn’t everything, leadership by example is. He lives out that which he expects to see in his team. His competence and influence endears him to all and his team pick up on his positive cues. This is a leader who in fact, has advised a wide range of blue chip Nigerian and foreign companies in the areas of project finance and development, equity raising,infrastructure development and management buy-outs.
This is a leader who knows the nitty-gritty of corporate investments and negotiations, using his financial skills to earn multiple returns for clients.
The largest Bar in Africa, having been faced and battered over the years with a lot of challenges, needs to take its rightful place among the distinguished body of professionals. This is only possible with great hands with an excellent track record of success even in challenging circumstances; a leader who is led by high and tested principles and work ethics. A leader who is himself an example to all.
Leadership is no gamble; its either by example or its nothing.
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.
Everyone who faces a conflict or crime should have access to legal support that is effective, safe, understandable, affordable and perhaps most importantly, available when it’s needed.
Hiil has made it their mission that by 2030, 150 million people will be able to prevent or resolve their most pressing justice problems.
Hiil is coming to Lagos for the Lagos Justice Innovating Conference which is the biggest conference of its scale and organised by HiiL. It brings together people at the top of their game in the legal and justice sector, in and outside of Nigeria. If you want easy access to justice for all Nigerians or you play a role in the system of justice administration or you will like to play a role in bringing innovation to the justice system, then make it a date on Friday, September 21, 2018 and join us at the Landmark Event Center, Lagos.
To register, follow the link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lagos-innovating-justice-conference-tickets-44788815553
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.
