Emulate the virtues of Fawehinmi: Emir Sanusi tasks lawyers

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged lawyers to emulate the virtues of the late Gani Fawehinmi. He described Fawehinmi as an embodiment of good character and virtues. Sanusi spoke on Wednesday at the 21st Memorial Lecture of Fawehinmi, organised by the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch in Lagos, as the chairman of the occasion. The lecture’s theme, `Bretton Woods and the African Economies: Can Nigerians Survive Another Structural Adjustment Programme’, sparked interesting discussions. According to Sanusi, the legal profession is currently lacking the good character and virtues that the late Fawehinmi embodied. Sanusi also announced that he would no longer offer advice to President Bola Tinubu’s administration on how to tackle the country’s economic challenges. He stated that he had initially tried to help the government but had now resolved not to do so again. “I can give a few points here about what we are going through and how it was predictable and avoidable. “But I am not going to do that because I have chosen not to speak on the economy, reforms or to explain anything because if I explain it, it will help this government. “But I do not want to help this government. “They are my friends but if they do not behave like friends, I will not behave like a friend,” he said. Sanusi added that he will only speak about the state of the economy whenever he is ready to do so. Human Rights Lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), expressed regret over the situation in Rivers, which he said had two speakers. Falana emphasised that this situation must not be allowed to continue. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), described Fawehinmi’s legacy as one of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice for the common man. Keyamo was represented by Mr Henry Agbebire, a Director in the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). He reiterated his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote fairness, human rights, and socio-economic advancement. Keyamo also commended the NBA Ikeja branch for ensuring that the spirit of Fawehinmism lives on. Other prominent guests at the event included the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), and the Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro

#ENDBADGOVERNCE Arrests: NCoS Refutes Claims of Juvenile Detention in Adult Facilities

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has countered reports suggesting it detained minors involved in recent #EndBadGovernance protests within adult custodial facilities in Abuja.  Following the protests, 76 individuals were arraigned, with the court ordering separate detention for underage defendants in a juvenile center and adult detainees in standard facilities. Speculations surfaced that the Kuje Correctional Centre lacked juvenile-specific accommodations, raising concerns over possible mixed detentions.  NCoS responded, clarifying that its policies and the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 strictly prevent juveniles from being housed alongside adults.  It further stated that overcrowded facilities have the authority to reject new inmates, ensuring adherence to proper procedures. The NCoS urged the public to disregard misinformation, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to best practices and the protection of detainees’ rights.

Ondo Guber: Police cautions against fake news

The police in Ondo have warned fake news purveyors and other mischief makers ahead of the state’s November 16 off-cycle governorship election. The police stated that such action could cause a breakdown of law and order as the state prepared for the gubernatorial election. “The police command emphasises the importance of verifying information before sharing or reposting, as constructive engagement is essential for fostering a peaceful environment during this pivotal time in the history of the state,” the police said in a statement by its spokesperson Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya. The police said it had observed two trending old videos and misleading content being shared with intent to incite unrest and violence. While explaining that one of the videos depicting flooding in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state, was “irresponsibly circulated”, the police added that the action also threatened the integrity of democracy and could deprive the political parties of a level-playing field in the forthcoming election. “Such actions are not only misleading but pose significant risks, especially during this crucial electoral period, as the spread of misinformation can undermine public trust, incite violence, jeopardise public safety, and threaten the integrity of our democracy—ultimately depriving the people of a level playing field for the exercise of their civic rights and responsibilities. “In a similar event, a story alleging the amputation of fingers from a corpse at a mortuary in Ajowa-Akoko was found to be false, as confirmed by the divisional police officer who visited the morgue,” the police said. The police urged the electorate to remain critical of the information they encounter and distance themselves from those who seek to exploit the current situation for personal gain. “Finally, while assuring the citizens of the force’s readiness, in collaboration with sister security and safety agencies, to ensure free, fair, and safe elections, the commissioner of police, CP Abayomi Oladipo Peter, wishes to state that the command under his watch will not stand idly by while agents of calumny operate,” it added. The police stressed that they would not hesitate to respond appropriately and within the law to threats to the peace of the election. Eighteen political parties have fielded gubernatorial candidates for the upcoming election.

NBA-NEC removes SPIDEL’S leadership

The leadership of the Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) has been removed by a unanimous vote of the Nigerian Bar Association’s National Executive Council (NBA-NEC). All the court cases that the outgoing SPIDEL executives filed are to be withdrawn, according to a caretaker committee that has been constituted. This was the outcome of the most recent NEC quarterly meeting, which took place in Jos. The caretaker committee is comprised of Ben Oji of the Warri Branch, Funke Aderemi of the Ilorin Branch, Yakubu Philemon, SAN of the Abuja Branch, and Eva Amadi of the Port Harcourt Branch. The committee was also mandated to withdraw all court cases filed by the removed SPIDEL leaders. The NBA NEC further proscribed the Forum of Body of vice chairmen and any other forum or body unknown to the NBA constitution. Additionally, the NEC passed a vote of confidence on the NBA executive committee led by President Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN. Maikyau had accused SPIDEL chairman, John Aikpokpo-Martins of taking unauthorized actions beyond the section’s mandate. He consequently ordered officials to halt activities pending a meeting on February 1st. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has scheduled its 2024 national officers elections to take place on July 20th.

NBA threatens legal action over UK lawyers practice in Nigeria says FG undermines its legal professionals

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) through it’s President, Yakubu Maikyau, has rejected Federal Government’s bilateral agreement with the United Kingdom, which henceforth allows English lawyers to practice in Nigeria without any hindarance. The NBA maintained that the action will undermines the Nation’s legal professionals, adding that it is a move that will enhances increase in the importation of legal services to Nigeria to their disadvantage. Opposing the agreement, the association, therefore, threatened to resist it by all means necessary within the ambit of the law. He therefore, referred the deal as a “tragic reminder of our colonial past,” as he wondered why the Nigerian government would take such a decision with likely monumental impact without consulting with the NBA. The Federal Government and the United Kingdom government, had Tuesday, formalized a new trade agreement to boost trade and investment between both countries. The agreement themed, “the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP)” focused unlocking new opportunities for UK and Nigerian businesses. Addressing the press, Wednesday, Maikyau said, “We want to make it very clear that the ETIP agreement, in so far as it relates to legal services is unacceptable in its entirety. The NBA will take all necessary measures provided by our laws in support of our position on this matter.” He said the agreement “will compromise our legal space.” “It is indeed unfortunate that this tragic reminder of our colonial past is being gleefully celebrated at the highest level of the Government of Nigeria. What is more disheartening is the fact that a decision of this magnitude that adversely affects the well-being and livelihood of millions of Nigerians, could be taken without any consultation, especially with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). “For the avoidance of doubt, the NBA had no foreknowledge or inclination of the text of the said agreement. We could not therefore have contributed to it. I have since assuming office as President of the NBA clearly opposed any agreement that will compromise our legal space at all the meetings. Speaking further on the implications on the profession, Mr Maikyau said the British government would not undermine its own body of legal professionals in such a manner as the Nigerian government has done. “It is truly tragic that while the government of the UK is seeking opportunities for its own lawyers beyond its constrained environment, the government of Nigeria is attempting to deprive Nigerian lawyers and their millions of dependants of means of livelihood.