NBA Set to Host Lawyers at its 55th Annual General Conference
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is holding its 55th Annual General Conference with the theme “Lawyers and National Development” from August 21st – 28th, 2015 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja Mr. Dele Oye Chairman of the Technical Committee on Conference Planning explained that the choice of this year’s theme is based on the fact “that without law and order, meaningful development is no more than a mirage”. The Conference will officially commence with an opening ceremony on Sunday August 23rd 2015 from 5pm- 7pm at the same venue. President Muhammadu Buhari will officially declare the conference open, the Chief Justice of Nigeria Hon. Justice Mahmud Mohammed GCON will be the Chairman and Dr. Willy Mutunga the Chief Justice of Kenya will deliver the Keynote address.
The conference is projected to have three plenary showcase sessions and about 40 breakout sessions. One of the Showcase Sessions is titled “The Role of Law in National Development” it will feature Bukola Saraki the Senate President as session chair and a key note speech will be delivered by the Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN. The purpose of this showcase session is to enable the audience understand the policy direction of the new administration on the reform of laws necessary for economic growth and reinforcement of legal and institutional framework of key justice institutions in Nigeria. The Vice- President’s keynote address will provide insight on issues such as crime, safety, security, access to justice, corruption, judicial reform and fundamental human rights, other panelists are J.B Daudu, SAN, Elijah C. Banda, SC, Nene Amegatcher, President of the Ghana Bar Association, Rev. Father George Ehusani, Saudatu Mahdi and Hon. Justice Kashima Zannah. The Chief Judge of Borno State will give a special presentation on the Judicial E-Platform. The session will be moderated by Olawale Fapohunda, former Attorney- General of Ekiti State.
Another showcase session will focus on the “Contribution of Lawyers in Public Office to National Development” it will be chaired by H. E Abubakar Atiku, GCON, Former Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and moderated by Augustine Alegeh SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association with Panelists Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Donald Duke, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN,Senator Godswill Akpabio, Henry Seriake Dickson, Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, Governor, Ben Ayade, Nyesom Wike, Simon Lalong, Governor, MA Abubakar, Governor, Bauchi State, Senator Umar Dahiru Tambuwal, Solomon Arase Esq and Danladi Kifasi. This session aims to share the experience of lawyers in the executive and legislative arms of government. It will showcase key achievements of the lawyers who were former office holders and provide a platform for current office holders to share their vision for their individual portfolios.
At the third showcase session participants will deliberate on “Providing Legal Support for Talent Based industry: Special focus on Movies, Music, Comedy and Sports”, it will be chaired by Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN and Adewunmi Ogunsanya and moderated by Olu Akpata and Mena Ajakpovi. Speakers at the session are Richard Mofe Damijo, Veteran Actor and Producer, Yahaya Maikori, Peter McInerney, Russell Roberts, Amaju Pinnick, Mo Abudu, Afam Ezekude, Charles Igwe, Ali Baba, Kunle Afolayan, Ihkane Akhigbe, Tilewa Adebajo and Ikechukwu Obiaya. This session will critically appraise the challenges impeding the development of the industry and proffer solutions from legal and regulatory perspectives.
Other interesting sessions delegates at the Conference should look forward to are the “Anti-Corruption: Fresh Strategies New initiatives Presented by the NBA Anti-Corruption Commission and chaired by T.J Onomigbo Okpoko, with Chris Uche, SAN, Godwin Obla, SAN, Ibrahim Lamorde, Okey Igbudu,Esq, May Agbamuche- Mbu and Christopher Olayinola Ogundare as speakers and moderated by Dr.T.C Osanakpo SAN Chairman of the NBA Anti-Corruption Commission. There is a national consensus that corruption is damaging the social and institutional fabric of Nigeria. There is however a difference in opinion as to how to reduce corruption and mitigate its effects. This session will discuss practical approaches to tackling corruption systematically in the public and private sectors.
“Legal and Regulatory Framework of the Petroleum Industry in Nigeria: Review of Existing Laws and The Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB)” which will be chaired by Ibe Kachikwu, with remarks by Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, Lucius Nwosu, SAN,Senator Magnus Abe, Yinka Omorogbe,Tunji Mayaki , Peter Esele and Niyi Ayoola Daniels will speak at the session, This Session will review key fiscal, commercial and regulatory changes proposed by the PIB, and discuss how the PIB may address the challenges facing Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
“Sustaining the Gains of the 2015 General Elections” which will have Professor Attahiru Jega as session chair, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, Dafe Akpedeye SAN, Momodu Kassim Momodu, Obafemi Adewale, Festus Okoye, Lai Mohammed, Olisa Metuh, Professor Gloria Richards- Jackson, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, ,Momodu Kassim Momodu, Obafemi Adewale, will speak at the session. Speakers at this session will share their perspectives on issues of integrity and credibility of the polls in what was a hard-fought and contentious electoral contest. There will also be an assessment of the electoral process and lessons learned for future elections in Nigeria
“Generational Shift and Opportunities in Emerging Areas of Legal Practice” presented by the Young Lawyers Forum, it will be chaired by Okey Wali, SAN, Immediate Past President, Nigerian Bar Association with J. S Okutepa, SAN, Babatunde Fagbohunlu, SAN, Uwa Ohiku, Nella Andem Ewa- Rabana, SAN, Onofiok Luke, Olumuyiwa Akinboro, Esq, Seun Abimbola, Esq, Linus Okeke as speakers. In an era where the public’s ability to purchase legal services has become more limited, where established lawyers are increasingly challenged to make a living, and where the legal system’s resources are becoming overwhelmed, young lawyers in particular must adapt to these developments. The panel will discuss new opportunities that exist in the traditional and non- traditional areas of legal practice.
“Arbitration Practice in Nigeria: Prospects and Pitfalls” which will be chaired by Hon. Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa President of the Court of Appeal, it will be Moderated by, Agada Elachi Esq, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch, Hon. Justice Peter Obiora, Hon. Justice Goodluck Olasumbo, Mohammed Dele Belgore, SAN, Dorothy Ufot, SAN, Ade Okeaya- Inneh SAN,Paul Idornigie, Tunde Ogowewo and Oba Nsugbe QC are the speakers at this session.” The arbitration option is now widely seen as offering a viable alternative to the litigation and the traditional long delays in resolving commercial disputes. Notwithstanding the increasing acceptability of arbitration over litigation, there are a number of challenges facing Arbitration as a means of resolving commercial disputes This session will discuss the state of arbitration in Nigeria and examine the cultural, legal and institutional challenges.
Legislative Advocacy and its impact on Administration of Justice Reforms” chaired by Rt Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Paul Erokoro, SAN, Senator Bala Ibn-Na’ Allah, Deputy Leader of The Senate , Senator Ita Enang, Senator Khariat AbdulRazaq, Hauwa Skekarau, Patrick Obahiagbon, Bethel Amadi, Pan African Parliament and Ayodeji Odu are the speakers at this session. Nigeria is in the midst of a major transformation of its justice sector. There are series of legislative reforms that should dramatically improve public security and the administration of justice over the next decade. These reforms include significant changes in criminal procedure, new measures to promote greater access to justice (for both offenders and crime victims), new functions for the police, and tougher measures for combating organised crime including kidnaping and terrorism. There has also been the significant strengthening of anti-corruption legislation.The Speakers will review these developments and discuss practical ways of sustaining the interest of the legislature in the justice sector.
The President of the NBA will inaugurate the Lawyers in Legislature Forum at this session.
“Uplifting ethical standards in the Legal Profession” chaired by Mrs. Hairat Balogun, Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, Odein Ajumogobia, SAN, Oladejo Lamikanra, SAN, Fubara Anga, Esq, Patrick Ediale, Esq, Alex Muoka, Esq will speak at this session, which will be moderated by Dele Oye. There have been concerns about falling ethical standards in the legal profession. This session will examine reasons for falling standards, including the adequacy of existing rules of professional conduct and enforcement mechanisms. There will be a discussion on the activities of the Section on Legal Practice and Development Law. The President of the NBA will inaugurate the Council of the Section at this session.
“Current developments in Judicial Reforms in Nigeria” presented by the Judges Forum, it will be chaired by the Honourable Justice Ibrahim Mohammed Tanko of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, other speakers expected at the event include Hon. Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, President Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Auta, Chief Judge Federal High Court, Hon Justice Kashima Zannah, Chief Judge of Borno State: Oluwafunmilayo Olajumoke Atilade, Chief Judge Lagos High Court, Hon. Justice Isaq Bello, Chief Judge FCT High Court. Oby Okwusogu SAN, Joseph Otteh, Chidozie Ogunji Esq, John Aikpo kpo-Martin Esq. The need to reform the judiciary has permanently been a subject of national discussion since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. Several high level committees were set up by successive governments to review the judiciary. Many of the problems identified include long delays in hearing cases; poor conditions of service, obsolete rules of procedure and integrity issues.
While the reports of these committees have largely gone unimplemented there have been many interesting and useful initiative -ranging from an increasingly merit- based system for appointment of judges, recognition of ADR as a strategy to decongest courts, reduce delays and promote out-of-court settlements, review of rules of procedure and the use of technology to mention a few. This session will discuss these developments and the nature of their impact on the administration of justice system
“The Role Of Banks in National Development” presented by the NBA Secretariat will be chaired by Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Governor Central Bank of Nigeria, the speakers at the session will include Obinna Nwosu, Awa E. Kalu, SAN, Abosede 'Debola Osibogun, Oyetola Oshobi, Esq, Odoemena Chidozie Esq and Anthony Okorodas. The role of banking institutions in the development of Nigeria’s economy is well recognised but inadequately emphasized. Playing multiple roles, they have helped promote, nurture, support and monitor a range of activities, though their most important function has been as drivers of industrial development. This session will discuss how to enhance the role of Banks and other Finance Institutions in promoting economic and social development.
“Entrepreneurship and Manufacturing: Key Drivers of Sustainable National Development” chaired by Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, other speakers at the session include Ibrahim Boyi, PAN Limited Remi Okunlola, Hon. Sergius Ogun, Chris Okeke, Adepeju Adebajo, Adebola Williams, and Opeyemi Awoyemi. This session will examine the challenges that inhibit the creative and productive potential of enterprising Nigerians and prescribe solutions that Lawyers, Policy Makers, and other critical stakeholders can deploy in order that the country can take advantage of her vast resources, geo-strategic advantage and large population in driving inclusive socio-economic development.
“The Office of the first lady: an important institution in governance or an additional cost of governance” facilitated by Women Lawyers Forum it will be chaired by Stella Ugboma other speakers include Nana Oye Lithur, Minister for Gender, Children & Social Protection, Ghana, Hon. Abike Dabiri –Erewa, Yunus Ustaz Usman SAN, Onari Duke, Former, First Lady Cross River State and Chioma Nwigwe. The national debate over what role the President's wife should play rages on. Traditionally, First Ladies have been expected to be whenever possible, seen and not heard. But critics say that role is outdated: In a time when women have made huge gains in public life. One reason for the controversy is that the job itself is unclear. The First Lady is not on the government payroll, yet she influences the President. She has a budget, a staff, and an office in the Presidency. But unlike the Presidency, her job is not defined in the Constitution. As a result, each Presidential wife has had to shape the role herself. The role of the First Lady has evolved over the years. The office without doubt has become more visible with each passing administration. The session will review both sides of the debate on the appropriate role of the office of the first lady
There will be a Lawyers in Government Dinner hosted by Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, Former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and a Dinner talk by Mrs. Hairat Balogun on the topic “Uplifting ethical standards in the Legal Profession”. The Conference will not focus solely on academic learning as a lot of entertainment has been planned both at the conference venue and Friendship Centres. There will be performances by famous musicians such as PSquare, Korede Bello, Kris Daniel and Burna Boy. There will also be Class Reunion Sessions, Football and Excursions.
On August 27th 2015 the NBA will hold its Annual General Meeting. At that meeting the amendment of the NBA Constitution will be discussed and there will be elections into the General Council of the Bar. Statutory Reports of the Council of Legal Education, Corporate Affairs Commission, Legal Aid Council, National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and the Law Reform commission will also be considered.
To close the conference, there will be an NBA President End of Conference Dinner on August 27th 2015 and a Press Conference will be held on August 28th 2015, a Communique will be released thereafter.