COLUMNISTS

PROF MIKE OZEKHOME, CON, SAN, FCIArb, PH.D. LLD

Constitutional Democracy, means a system of government, in which political and governmental power, is defined, limited and shared by a grundnorm called the Constitution, which provides inbuilt checks and balances. This column seeks to fiercely discuss constitutional, legal and political issues, with a view to strengthening, deepening and widening the plenitude and amplitude of democracy and good governance, without fear or favour. The writer of this column, Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is a Constitutional Lawyer, Human Rights Activist, Pro-Democracy Campaigner, Notary Public and Motivational Speaker. He co-founded the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Nigeria’s pioneer human rights league, on October 15, 1987, the Universal defenders of Democracy (UDD), in 1992, and with Chief Gani Fawehinmi and others in 1998, the Joint Action Committee of Nigeria (JACON), to push out the military. In his early days, he lectured at the University of Ife. Prof Ozekhome is an author of many books. He is also a Special Counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), at The Hague.

JOY HARRISON-ABIOLA MBA, MCMI, FSM

Law firms must pay attention to developing business best practices, and the multidisciplinary competences required to run a successful business. “FROM THE BACK OFFICE” explores these concepts and ways to re-engineer the contribution of the legal management professionals within law firms. Joy Harrison-Abiola, is an adept Organisation Development, Leadership and Business transformation professional with a mission to “humanise the workplace and empower individuals to reach their full potential.” The natural outcome is increased organisational efficiency, and higher levels of success for all. With over 25 years’ experience, she possesses a demonstrated track record of advocating and interacting with law firm leaders, to institutionalise business best practices in their law firms. She is a trusted advisor to several law Partnerships, providing subject-matter input into strategy formation and implementation. Joy Harrison-Abiola worked at Dentons ACAS-LAW for 22 years, providing strategic oversight to the business aspects of the Firm. She is the co-founder and President Emeritus of the Association of Law Firm Administrators, Nigeria; Chairperson of the IBA Law Firm Management CEO Subcommittee; Founding Member of the International Relations Committee (Africa) - Association of Legal Administrators Illinois USA; Fellow, Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (Chartered); Board Advisor, Business Africa Online; Member of Faculty, Centre for Organisational Leadership and Development; Executive Director, Catalyst for Peace and Justice; Founder Jenet-Serem Empowerment Foundation.