INTRODUCTION
The Section of Legal Practice held its 3rd Annual Conference at the Hamdala Hotel, Kaduna from 3rd to 6th November 2009 with the theme 'Legal practice: Changing times, changing strategies'. The conference was attended by over 450 delegates from nearly all the states from the Federation. Delegates at the various session discussed (1) the need to enhance the status of judicial officers at the lower Bench to ensure the integrity of the judicial system. (2) The need to adopt new billing strategy by lawyers to avoid breaching the Rules of Professional Ethics, (3) The seemingly criminality of the financial transaction which may have an adverse effect on the Country’s economy. (4) The need for lawyers to be conversant with the Rules of Professional Conduct and comply with same, (5) Discuss the relationship between senior and junior lawyers in the way Law Firms and Chambers are established and run and; finally discussed the use of land as means of creating wealth in the Country. At the end of the three-day conference, the Section resolved as follows-
1. That the Section deprecates the attitude of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and security agencies which have turned themselves into debt recovery agents and emphasized that financial transactions between banks and their customers are contractual which cannot be criminalised by mere imputation of the regulatory agencies.
2. The Section also calls on the Federal Government to take appropriate steps that will address the inadequacies and lapses in the current regulatory regime and introduce legislations that will forestall further crisis in the Banking industry
3. The Section frowns at imposition of stringent conditions for Bail to accused persons on offences that are ordinarily bailable and recommends to judicial officers to follow laid down precedents that recognises bail as a right.
4. The Section encourages Government at all levels to put in place measures that will enhance proper and systematic registration of landed properties and eliminates the bottleneck that hinders proper capital flow.
5. The Section condemns inadequate remuneration of judicial officers by some states, especially at the magistracy level, and recommends that state governments should ensure adequate welfare for their magistrates as incentives for delivery of service.
6. The Section calls on the various governments to, as a matter national Responsibility, look into the demands of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria with a view to halting the ongoing strike which has paralysed activities at all the Courts in the Country.
7. The Section tasks members of the Legal Profession to continuously update their knowledge through continuous Legal education and other activities capable of expanding the frontiers of their skills in order to remain competitive in this era of fledgling globalised economy.
8. The Section observes that with the changing times and globalisation, lawyers should adopt such principles of charging that will enhance the good of the profession, access to justice and maintenance of justice.
9. The Section emphasizes the importance of adherence by lawyers to the Rules of Professional Ethics while stressing that the future of the profession rests on unqualified observance of these rules.
10. The Section observes that the present regime of remuneration of the juniors is undignified and a denigration of the public perception of the status of a Legal Practitioner and recommends that the senior members should pay the junior ones wages that takes cognisance of the present economic
realities.
11. The Section tasks the senior members of the profession to embrace the culture of mentoring the junior ones in order to instil in them enduring virtues as worthy legacy for the profession.
12. The Section states that partnership may assist successful practice in this era of specialisation and global approach to the practice of Law.
13. The Section acknowledges the fact that the 2007 Rules of Professional Ethics as seen currently is inadequate, it however noted that the rules were enacted after 12 years of its being drafted and therefore needs to be updated and recommended that the copies of the rules be distributed to all branches for transmission to members.
14. The Section advocates mutuality of respect between the Bar and the Bench and advises both not to employ indecent language which undermines the sanctity of the Court and exposes the profession to public odium and ridicule.
15. The Section expresses its gratitude to His Excellency Arc, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, for his support in making the conference a success and also expresses its thanks to the Governors of Rivers, Osun and Delta States, who are ably represented by their Deputies, for their collaboration and participation in all the activities at the conference.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
RETRACTION AND APOLOGY ON YOUR LEAD STORY CONCERNING MY PERSON
O.A. AKINLAJA & CO.
L.L.B (Hons.) B.L.
JULIUS CAESAR CHAMBERS
Solicitor & Advocates of the Supreme Court of Nigeria
Tel: 08037121762, 07028058008
Office Address:
201, Ojo Igbede Road
Ajangbadi Ojo
Lagos State
13th October, 2009
Adesina Ogunlana Esq.
Editor-in-Chief
Squib Magazine
197A Ikorodu Road,
Palm-grove, Lagos.
Dear Sir,
RETRACTION AND APOLOGY ON YOUR LEAD STORY
CONCERNING MY PERSON
That I bought your Squib Magazine on Tuesday 13th October, 2009 and on the front-page was my picture with the Question, When Can Lawyers dress Shabbily? At page four (4) of the Magazine at line 11, you made this statement, “looking frankly humble in his dirty habiliments.”
You also wrote, Akinlaja, a habitually dirty dresser had an excuse “I left home very early, around 6:00am and did not notice that my Suit was dirty.” Of course that a story best told to the Marines.”
That in the story proper at page 8 at line 14 to 21, you wrote and I quote “Mr. Olusesan Akinlaja (1991) cut such an extremely shabby appearance, that he could easily be mistaken for a tramp about loud or an academic who had just embarked on a journey of innocuous insanity.”
That describing me further at Page 22, you wrote “Akinlaja shoes were a pair of Tennis footwear, of course had no socks on. His trousers a blue khaki jeans shared no affinity with his jacket and was dirty. But the light blue stripped jacket, Akinlaja had on was even dirtier, grimer actually is the word; his shirt lost its whiteness may be as way back in time as 2007 and his bib, wrinkled and browned as it were, would serve as fair camouflage for an aparo (patridge).”
At page 43, you wrote further “To complete the story of his shabbiness, Akinlaja presented an unshaven cheeks and chin which sprouted short white hairs” At page 48, you wrote as follows:
Indeed Akinlaja was an unsightly figure on the said day. “Yet this was a legal practitioner who on the sheer terrible sight he presented on that day, properly deserved a suspension from the profession except it be proven that he was suffering from insanity.
That I have read through your Magazine and being a graduate of English Language, it is to be taken that you understood all the words deliberately used by you in that Magazine.
That I am using this medium to demand an apology from you to be published in three subsequent editions of Squib Magazine and a sum of Two Million Naira as General Damages from you for the exceptional embarrassment you caused me, my Chambers and all persons who are related to me either professionally or otherwise; knowing fully that I am also an Author.
That you have only 7 days to make amend after which I shall sue you in the High Court of Lagos State for Libel. That I know you to be a fighter and shall be glad to cross word(sic) with you legally.
Thanks.
Yours sincerely,
L.L.B (Hons.) B.L.
JULIUS CAESAR CHAMBERS
Solicitor & Advocates of the Supreme Court of Nigeria
Tel: 08037121762, 07028058008
Office Address:
201, Ojo Igbede Road
Ajangbadi Ojo
Lagos State
13th October, 2009
Adesina Ogunlana Esq.
Editor-in-Chief
Squib Magazine
197A Ikorodu Road,
Palm-grove, Lagos.
Dear Sir,
RETRACTION AND APOLOGY ON YOUR LEAD STORY
CONCERNING MY PERSON
That I bought your Squib Magazine on Tuesday 13th October, 2009 and on the front-page was my picture with the Question, When Can Lawyers dress Shabbily? At page four (4) of the Magazine at line 11, you made this statement, “looking frankly humble in his dirty habiliments.”
You also wrote, Akinlaja, a habitually dirty dresser had an excuse “I left home very early, around 6:00am and did not notice that my Suit was dirty.” Of course that a story best told to the Marines.”
That in the story proper at page 8 at line 14 to 21, you wrote and I quote “Mr. Olusesan Akinlaja (1991) cut such an extremely shabby appearance, that he could easily be mistaken for a tramp about loud or an academic who had just embarked on a journey of innocuous insanity.”
That describing me further at Page 22, you wrote “Akinlaja shoes were a pair of Tennis footwear, of course had no socks on. His trousers a blue khaki jeans shared no affinity with his jacket and was dirty. But the light blue stripped jacket, Akinlaja had on was even dirtier, grimer actually is the word; his shirt lost its whiteness may be as way back in time as 2007 and his bib, wrinkled and browned as it were, would serve as fair camouflage for an aparo (patridge).”
At page 43, you wrote further “To complete the story of his shabbiness, Akinlaja presented an unshaven cheeks and chin which sprouted short white hairs” At page 48, you wrote as follows:
Indeed Akinlaja was an unsightly figure on the said day. “Yet this was a legal practitioner who on the sheer terrible sight he presented on that day, properly deserved a suspension from the profession except it be proven that he was suffering from insanity.
That I have read through your Magazine and being a graduate of English Language, it is to be taken that you understood all the words deliberately used by you in that Magazine.
That I am using this medium to demand an apology from you to be published in three subsequent editions of Squib Magazine and a sum of Two Million Naira as General Damages from you for the exceptional embarrassment you caused me, my Chambers and all persons who are related to me either professionally or otherwise; knowing fully that I am also an Author.
That you have only 7 days to make amend after which I shall sue you in the High Court of Lagos State for Libel. That I know you to be a fighter and shall be glad to cross word(sic) with you legally.
Thanks.
Yours sincerely,
Julius Akinlaja Esq.
Solicitor
SAID STORY CAN BE ACCESSED AT:
(Vol 10 No 6) POSTING SCHEDULE OF MAGISTRATES FOR THE YEAR 2009/10
Office of the Hon. Chief Judge
High Court of Lagos State,
Lagos
2nd October 2009
Ref. No. CJL/JUD/006/VOL.VII/13
TO:
All Magistrates
Lagos State Judiciary
CIRCULAR
POSTING SCHEDULE OF MAGISTRATES FOR THE YEAR 2009/10
1. The following postings are hereby published for general information and due compliance.
2. All Magistrates are to compile a list of part-heard matters in their Courts and forward same to DCR (Legal) High Court, Ikeja for necessary action.
3. The Magistrates who are yet to go on their Year 2009 annual leave are to liaise with the DCR (Admin.), Ikeja so as to arrange for the persons that would relieve them.
4. This posting takes effect 7 (seven) days after the receipt and acknowledgment on record of this Circular by Magistrates to enable proper compliance with the directive in paragraph 2 above.
HON. JUSTICE (MRS.) I.E. AKANDE
CHIEF JUDGE OF LAGOS STATE
NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION NBA ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE 2009: THE MOTHER OF ALL CONFERENCES By: Ademola A. Adewale
The recently concluded NBA Annual General Conference 2009 which held between the 15th - 21st August 2009 in the city of Lagos after about decades absence from the nation's commercial capital was indeed a major milestone in the annals of Annual Conferences of the NBA; it can without any fear of contradiction, be aptly dubbed the mother of all conferences.
It was on all accounts an outstanding success establishing a superlative template from which all other Bar Conferences will henceforth be assessed. Indeed, the next annual Bar Conference scheduled to hold in 20101n the nation's capital Abuja has its work clearly cut out.
The 2009 Lagos Conference was a classic even if rare show of our greatness as a nation and the limitless potentials of visionary leadership and planning when displayed with unwavering commitment. In the process many myths were shattered and stereotypes debunked. For a long time Lagos had been denied the Hosting rights to the conference in favour of much smaller states/cities on the nebulous claim of being a security nightmare yet Ten Thousand Sharply dressed brief case carrying lawyers swooped on the City at the peak of the conference, there were no single reported incident of armed robbery, mugging and bag snatching, there were of course myriad incidents of missing phones, wallets and pilfering as could be expected of such an occasion even in safe Geneva and Dubai. Equally shattered was the notion that the ordinarilly challenging traffic situation in the city will go hay wire if a large number of people and vehicles were to congregate in any part of the city famed worldwide for its intractable snarling traffic known in local palance as "hold up" or "go slow" with skilful and astute traffic management Lagos miraculously managed to have some semblance of order in the notoriously busy Victoria Island/Lekki corridor. That is inspite of throwing 40 Lagabus buses all fully conditioned into the mix. Throughout the duration of the conference branded buses were available to transport delegates from the venue of the Conference at Eko Holiday Inn and Suites to various locations in the State as far flung as from Ajah – to Toll Gate and from Festac to Ocean View parking lot from 7am - 10pm daily with the result that many mobile delegates found it convenient to park their cars at the Hotel throughout the conference shuttling between the conference and Hotel rooms in the fully air-conditioned buses. On the first working day of the conference, there was a General/Lunch. Even earlier on Sunday the 16th August there was a well attended cocktail party where sumptuous refreshment were served. Then throughout the duration of the conference there was affordable foods and drinks at the Friendship Centre at the Ocean View by the Bar Beach specially set up for the conference. A resident DJ. was also on hand to dish out both the latest and current musical vibes interlaced with ever green hits of the days of yore.
Conference materials in terms of publications, magazines, leaflets and even CD's and D.V.D's were available in over abundance. As for vendors of Books, Law texts, Robes, wigs and all manner of professional accessories, shirts, collars, collarettes, Bibs, wind collars, trousers etc they made impressive sales all throughout the conference and many of them must still be smiling, all the way to the Banks several days after.
As is usual with all Bar Conferences long lost friends, colleagues were reunited with new friendships, alliances and partnerships struck. Talking about reunions the 1986 set of the Nigerian Law School to which I proudly belong held its annual re-union dinner which to me was one of the high points of the conference. More will be said about this reunion later.
In the area of lectures, seminars, workshops, symposia and the intellectual and professional education that is the hallmark of the Legal Profession, the 2009 Bar. Conference raised the standard to the next level with an impressive array of very erudite and reputable Guest Lecturers and Discussants who had achieved distinction in their specializations from where they educated their colleagues. The choice of topics spanned a wide range of issues of the day from electoral reforms, toe- commerce, admissibility of electronic generated evidence, Legal framework for the convergence of digital technology and ICT, Trial by Media. Constitutional amendment etc were not any less impressive. There was a deluge of conference materials with every conferee leaving the conference with huge wad of legal literature and materials.
Daily, conference halls were set up with a bottle of water on every seat and legal literature, while in the area of sanitation the activities of LAWMA Lagos State Waste Management Authority were commendable, almost every 5 minutes; LAWMA cleaners went round the halls picking up litter and debris and dropping them into large black cellophane bags and carting them away at regular intervals. Mobile toilets were also available for free to everyone pressed to answer the call of nature.
Over all it was a grand performance by every one connected with the organization of the 2009 Bar Conference, the Lagos State Government, the Conference Planning Committee, the Local Organisation Committee and the 3 branches of the NBA in Lagos State.
Indeed it will take a book-like report to fully capture the essence of the conference all that can be attempted in this short article is to highlight some of the more memorable events and to capture the highlights of the conference on a day to day basis.
It was on all accounts an outstanding success establishing a superlative template from which all other Bar Conferences will henceforth be assessed. Indeed, the next annual Bar Conference scheduled to hold in 20101n the nation's capital Abuja has its work clearly cut out.
The 2009 Lagos Conference was a classic even if rare show of our greatness as a nation and the limitless potentials of visionary leadership and planning when displayed with unwavering commitment. In the process many myths were shattered and stereotypes debunked. For a long time Lagos had been denied the Hosting rights to the conference in favour of much smaller states/cities on the nebulous claim of being a security nightmare yet Ten Thousand Sharply dressed brief case carrying lawyers swooped on the City at the peak of the conference, there were no single reported incident of armed robbery, mugging and bag snatching, there were of course myriad incidents of missing phones, wallets and pilfering as could be expected of such an occasion even in safe Geneva and Dubai. Equally shattered was the notion that the ordinarilly challenging traffic situation in the city will go hay wire if a large number of people and vehicles were to congregate in any part of the city famed worldwide for its intractable snarling traffic known in local palance as "hold up" or "go slow" with skilful and astute traffic management Lagos miraculously managed to have some semblance of order in the notoriously busy Victoria Island/Lekki corridor. That is inspite of throwing 40 Lagabus buses all fully conditioned into the mix. Throughout the duration of the conference branded buses were available to transport delegates from the venue of the Conference at Eko Holiday Inn and Suites to various locations in the State as far flung as from Ajah – to Toll Gate and from Festac to Ocean View parking lot from 7am - 10pm daily with the result that many mobile delegates found it convenient to park their cars at the Hotel throughout the conference shuttling between the conference and Hotel rooms in the fully air-conditioned buses. On the first working day of the conference, there was a General/Lunch. Even earlier on Sunday the 16th August there was a well attended cocktail party where sumptuous refreshment were served. Then throughout the duration of the conference there was affordable foods and drinks at the Friendship Centre at the Ocean View by the Bar Beach specially set up for the conference. A resident DJ. was also on hand to dish out both the latest and current musical vibes interlaced with ever green hits of the days of yore.
Conference materials in terms of publications, magazines, leaflets and even CD's and D.V.D's were available in over abundance. As for vendors of Books, Law texts, Robes, wigs and all manner of professional accessories, shirts, collars, collarettes, Bibs, wind collars, trousers etc they made impressive sales all throughout the conference and many of them must still be smiling, all the way to the Banks several days after.
As is usual with all Bar Conferences long lost friends, colleagues were reunited with new friendships, alliances and partnerships struck. Talking about reunions the 1986 set of the Nigerian Law School to which I proudly belong held its annual re-union dinner which to me was one of the high points of the conference. More will be said about this reunion later.
In the area of lectures, seminars, workshops, symposia and the intellectual and professional education that is the hallmark of the Legal Profession, the 2009 Bar. Conference raised the standard to the next level with an impressive array of very erudite and reputable Guest Lecturers and Discussants who had achieved distinction in their specializations from where they educated their colleagues. The choice of topics spanned a wide range of issues of the day from electoral reforms, toe- commerce, admissibility of electronic generated evidence, Legal framework for the convergence of digital technology and ICT, Trial by Media. Constitutional amendment etc were not any less impressive. There was a deluge of conference materials with every conferee leaving the conference with huge wad of legal literature and materials.
Daily, conference halls were set up with a bottle of water on every seat and legal literature, while in the area of sanitation the activities of LAWMA Lagos State Waste Management Authority were commendable, almost every 5 minutes; LAWMA cleaners went round the halls picking up litter and debris and dropping them into large black cellophane bags and carting them away at regular intervals. Mobile toilets were also available for free to everyone pressed to answer the call of nature.
Over all it was a grand performance by every one connected with the organization of the 2009 Bar Conference, the Lagos State Government, the Conference Planning Committee, the Local Organisation Committee and the 3 branches of the NBA in Lagos State.
Indeed it will take a book-like report to fully capture the essence of the conference all that can be attempted in this short article is to highlight some of the more memorable events and to capture the highlights of the conference on a day to day basis.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
NBA LAGOS BRANCH ELECTION: HOW CHIJIOKE OKOLI EMERGED CHAIRMAN
On Tuesday, the 14th July 2009, the N.B.A Lagos branch conducted general elections into her Executive Committee. A large majority of the people who participated in the elections as voters, observers and monitors believed that the process was free and fair. There are a few others however who had reservations about the wholesomeness of the elections that led to the emergence of the new leaders, who are as follows Chijioke Okoli Esq Chairman, S.B. Onu Esq General Secretary, John I. Duru Esq 1st Vice-chairman, Olufunmi Oluyede 2nd vice chairman, Geraldine Wey (Miss) Treasurer, Marian Jones Financial Secretary, Joyce Oduah Social Secretary, Nelson C.S. Ogbuanya Esq Publicity Secretary, Elubode B. Omoboriowo Esq 1st Asst. Secretary, Theodore Ezeobi Jnr. Esq 2nd Asst. Secretary, Chinedu Nnagozie Nduka Esq. Asst Financial Secretary, Sessi Sonayon Akojenu Asst. Publicity Secretary, A.B. Oyewo Esq Ex Officio and Gregory Ayodele Dasilva Esq Ex officio respectively.
To the doubters, the presence of “strange faces”, rather un-lawyerly looking types who turned up in batches and groups, with some of them speaking poor English to vote convinced them that not all the voters in the elections were lawyers, talk less of being members of the Lagos branch of the NBA.
But the school who believed in the fairness and freeness of the electoral process and which include Taiwo Taiwo and Gboyega Kolade (2nd and 3rd runner up chairmanship candidates), relied on the facts that all voters were duly accredited and majority of them known by other lawyers present.
In the 14 man Executive only six posts were contested to wit, Chairman, 1st vice chairman, 2nd vice chairman, General Secretary, Treasurer and Financial Secretary.
In four of the contests, to wit 2nd vice chairman, General Secretary, Treasurer and Financial Secretary, the ‘duellists’ were only two per post, male and female!
Interestingly in three of the four contests, the ladies triumphed. In the contest for Treasurer, Geraldine Wey floored Prince Sunday Abimbola, while for the post of Financial Secretary Mrs. Mariam Jones crushed Uchechukwu Isaac Obi and in the 2nd Vice chairman tussle Funmilayo Oluyede (Mrs) set Seth Amaefule aside to clinch the post.
However in the very important post of General Secretary, Sunday Bassey Onu a male powered beyond flouncy Mrs. Omohafe Theresa Opara to occupy the seat.
Even in the 1st vice chairman position where two of the candidates were men, the only female there, Rose Agbo could not her ground as John Duru defeated both her and Mike Olufemi Idowu, the other male contestant.
As well known, there were four contestants in the race for chairman-Kolade Adegboyega, Chijioke Okoli, Taiwo Taiwo and Dayo Onakoya.
Right from the “kick-off” of the race, it was clear that Onakoya who predictably came last would not make it, no thanks to a reticent personality of the candidate and a near mute campaign strategy that became energized too late in the day.
The other three candidates were always within the range of possibility of success. Initially, the clear favourite was Kolade, hotly pursued by both Taiwo and Okoli. Few weeks to the election though Kolade’s pace slackened and it appeared quite strongly that Taiwo, better accepted to older Yoruba lawyers had caught up with him.
On the contrary, Okoli’s fortunes appeared to have dwindled with the bolstering of Taiwo’s chances. As it turned out to be, that was a mere appearance. Working resolutely on the political field, physically and via e-communications, the- ‘be-hatted’ Okoli who looks like an entertainment impresario and saunters along like a happy strolling tourist, in the long-run simply out-campaigned his opponents even as he richly benefited from the fact that while has three opponents are Yoruba he is Igbo.
The soft spoken Okoli would however not agree that his ethnicity played a significant role in his victory. In an informal chat with the editor of this magazine, a few days after his victory he disclosed “Right from the on-set I prepared my campaign to meet with only one Yoruba candidate eventually on the field. Look at it, I won 45% (actually 48%) of the votes. Was it possible that if two of the other guys had stepped down from the race, would all their supporters have voted for the only one Yoruba remaining?”
Some observers attributed Okoli’s victory to the massive support he allegedly received from principals of ‘big’ commercial practice firms like Babalakin & Co., Okeke & Ajumagobia and Aluko & Oyebode, who brought their lawyers in numbers to vote in Okoli a commercial/corporate practice lawyer like themselves in as chairman. Even the Olasupo Sasore S.A.N the Attorney General of Lagos State a commercial law practitioner was also said to have influenced certain voters from the Ministry of Justice in the direction of Okoli.
That Okoli, would be the most likely candidate one to gain the chair became clear on Monday the 13th July 2009, when the well attended Annual General Meeting of the Lagos branch held. While the crowd paid no attention at all to Onakoya and gave a diminished regard to Kolade, Taiwo was met with occasional shouts of approval but Okoli was serenaded with irrepressible and continuous roars of affirmation “The Chair!”, “The Chair!”, by his supporters at the meeting. And chairman indeed he became the next day by scoring 335 votes in the contest to Taiwo’s 250 Kolade’s 109 and Onakoya 40.
The just concluded elections of the Lagos Bar is one which many Yoruba lawyers especially the older ones find galling. They see the out-come of the election as proof that “the Igbos have taken over our (read Yoruba) bar”.
Said one such embittered Yoruba irredentist lawyer “if you look at the list of the new leaders of NBA Lagos, you will not be unreasonable to think it is the list of the leaders of NBA Owerri, Onitsha or Enugu-most of the leaders are from the East and only one Yoruba person is holding any senior position”
However there are observers that such a lamentation as above is unfounded since Igbo and other non Yoruba lawyers appear to be more active in the affairs of the “Premier Branch”. Said one such observer “Don’t mind all those of our people complaining now. Do we attend the monthly meetings more than the Igbos? Even in the elections only 9 Yorubas were in the race out of 24 contestants. Out of those 9, three contested for Chairman, why another three contest for Ex-officio, so what chances do we have. In the very important office of General Secretary, was there any Yoruba candidate there?
Out of the six posts declared uncontested, there was only one Yoruba among those returned-un-opposed. Why didn’t the Yoruba contest in those other posts? On the day of the election was the venue not overtaking by the Igbos?
To the doubters, the presence of “strange faces”, rather un-lawyerly looking types who turned up in batches and groups, with some of them speaking poor English to vote convinced them that not all the voters in the elections were lawyers, talk less of being members of the Lagos branch of the NBA.
But the school who believed in the fairness and freeness of the electoral process and which include Taiwo Taiwo and Gboyega Kolade (2nd and 3rd runner up chairmanship candidates), relied on the facts that all voters were duly accredited and majority of them known by other lawyers present.
In the 14 man Executive only six posts were contested to wit, Chairman, 1st vice chairman, 2nd vice chairman, General Secretary, Treasurer and Financial Secretary.
In four of the contests, to wit 2nd vice chairman, General Secretary, Treasurer and Financial Secretary, the ‘duellists’ were only two per post, male and female!
Interestingly in three of the four contests, the ladies triumphed. In the contest for Treasurer, Geraldine Wey floored Prince Sunday Abimbola, while for the post of Financial Secretary Mrs. Mariam Jones crushed Uchechukwu Isaac Obi and in the 2nd Vice chairman tussle Funmilayo Oluyede (Mrs) set Seth Amaefule aside to clinch the post.
However in the very important post of General Secretary, Sunday Bassey Onu a male powered beyond flouncy Mrs. Omohafe Theresa Opara to occupy the seat.
Even in the 1st vice chairman position where two of the candidates were men, the only female there, Rose Agbo could not her ground as John Duru defeated both her and Mike Olufemi Idowu, the other male contestant.
As well known, there were four contestants in the race for chairman-Kolade Adegboyega, Chijioke Okoli, Taiwo Taiwo and Dayo Onakoya.
Right from the “kick-off” of the race, it was clear that Onakoya who predictably came last would not make it, no thanks to a reticent personality of the candidate and a near mute campaign strategy that became energized too late in the day.
The other three candidates were always within the range of possibility of success. Initially, the clear favourite was Kolade, hotly pursued by both Taiwo and Okoli. Few weeks to the election though Kolade’s pace slackened and it appeared quite strongly that Taiwo, better accepted to older Yoruba lawyers had caught up with him.
On the contrary, Okoli’s fortunes appeared to have dwindled with the bolstering of Taiwo’s chances. As it turned out to be, that was a mere appearance. Working resolutely on the political field, physically and via e-communications, the- ‘be-hatted’ Okoli who looks like an entertainment impresario and saunters along like a happy strolling tourist, in the long-run simply out-campaigned his opponents even as he richly benefited from the fact that while has three opponents are Yoruba he is Igbo.
The soft spoken Okoli would however not agree that his ethnicity played a significant role in his victory. In an informal chat with the editor of this magazine, a few days after his victory he disclosed “Right from the on-set I prepared my campaign to meet with only one Yoruba candidate eventually on the field. Look at it, I won 45% (actually 48%) of the votes. Was it possible that if two of the other guys had stepped down from the race, would all their supporters have voted for the only one Yoruba remaining?”
Some observers attributed Okoli’s victory to the massive support he allegedly received from principals of ‘big’ commercial practice firms like Babalakin & Co., Okeke & Ajumagobia and Aluko & Oyebode, who brought their lawyers in numbers to vote in Okoli a commercial/corporate practice lawyer like themselves in as chairman. Even the Olasupo Sasore S.A.N the Attorney General of Lagos State a commercial law practitioner was also said to have influenced certain voters from the Ministry of Justice in the direction of Okoli.
That Okoli, would be the most likely candidate one to gain the chair became clear on Monday the 13th July 2009, when the well attended Annual General Meeting of the Lagos branch held. While the crowd paid no attention at all to Onakoya and gave a diminished regard to Kolade, Taiwo was met with occasional shouts of approval but Okoli was serenaded with irrepressible and continuous roars of affirmation “The Chair!”, “The Chair!”, by his supporters at the meeting. And chairman indeed he became the next day by scoring 335 votes in the contest to Taiwo’s 250 Kolade’s 109 and Onakoya 40.
The just concluded elections of the Lagos Bar is one which many Yoruba lawyers especially the older ones find galling. They see the out-come of the election as proof that “the Igbos have taken over our (read Yoruba) bar”.
Said one such embittered Yoruba irredentist lawyer “if you look at the list of the new leaders of NBA Lagos, you will not be unreasonable to think it is the list of the leaders of NBA Owerri, Onitsha or Enugu-most of the leaders are from the East and only one Yoruba person is holding any senior position”
However there are observers that such a lamentation as above is unfounded since Igbo and other non Yoruba lawyers appear to be more active in the affairs of the “Premier Branch”. Said one such observer “Don’t mind all those of our people complaining now. Do we attend the monthly meetings more than the Igbos? Even in the elections only 9 Yorubas were in the race out of 24 contestants. Out of those 9, three contested for Chairman, why another three contest for Ex-officio, so what chances do we have. In the very important office of General Secretary, was there any Yoruba candidate there?
Out of the six posts declared uncontested, there was only one Yoruba among those returned-un-opposed. Why didn’t the Yoruba contest in those other posts? On the day of the election was the venue not overtaking by the Igbos?
Monday, August 10, 2009
THE ADDRESS OF THE CHAIRMAN TO MEMBERS AT THE 2009 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION. IKEJA BRANCH, ON 1ST JUNE 2009
Distinguished colleagues, it is my honour to preside over the 2009 Annual General Meeting of this Great Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association. You will recall that almost a year ago you elected this Executive hereinafter referred to as 'the Exco' to steer the ship of the Branch for the next two years with a dear mandate to move the Branch forward.
Looking back now I sincerely believe that you did not make any mistake by entrusting your mandate to us because this Exco has faithfully executed your mandate in all ramifications.
1. ABUJA CONFERENCE 2008
We came in to office few weeks to the 2008 Annual General Conference, we quickly put in place a Conference Committee to prepare the ground for our members to have a swell time at the Abuja Conference. Testimonies abound that the get-together and victory parties organised by the branch were clear departures from our past experiences to date and the only consolation members had at the failed 're-branded' Bar Conference of 2008.
2. CO-OPTION
In order to give our colleagues from the Official Bar a sense of belonging, certain positions were allotted to them, and for the first time in the history of the Branch, the Official Bar at the Federal level is represented on this Exco in the person of Mr. Shehu Gado of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Lagos Zonal Office.
3. GROUP LIFE INSURANCE SCHEME
The first major programme embarked upon by the Exco is the Group Life Insurance scheme with LASACO Life Plc, which on payment of an annual premium of N5,000.oo (five thousand naira) the beneficiaries of a participant will be entitled to Nl,000,000.00 (one million naira) in event of death or permanent disability. In event of accident a beneficiary will be entitled to N100, 000.00 (one hundred thousand Naira) for medical treatment. I must commend our members for their co-operation and understanding in this regard, it has gone a long way to make the implementation easier than envisaged.
4. JUNIOUR LAWYERS' EMPLOYMENT SCHEME
This is another programme we consider of high priority in the administration. Junior counsel in need of employment are required to submit their C.V at the Bar Centre, thereafter it has become the duty of the Exco to look for employment for as many as possible. Through this Scheme, many have benefited and will still benefit. We are grateful to the Welfare Secretary, Adesina Ogunlana Esq., for publishing the list of employable junior counsel free of charge in the Squib magazine on weekly basis.
5. GANI FAWEHINMI LECTURES 2009
We were all witnesses to the successful hosting of this year's Annual Gani Fawehinmi's programme. The proposals for the 2010 edition in ready, the highlight includes instituting the Gani Fawehinmi Award in all least 5 categories. The aim of this is to move this Fawehinmiism to the next level from its sixth year.
6. SETTING UP OF LEGAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
This committee was conceived to meet the desire of the branch to be proactive in legal and legislative matters. It was designed to fashion out a position for the branch whenever a draft Bill is forwarded to us for our contribution, or we see the need to react to sorh6 topical national or state legal issues. We can not just continue to play the Ostrich by criticising laws as promulgated while burying our heads in the sand when the law was passing through the debates in the legislature. The Committee under Mr. Adewale Ademola has been up and doing and has performed well to justify its creation.
7 IKEJA BAR WON THE ELECTION FOR THE POSITION OF 2ND VICE PRESIDENT
It is also a fact that the branch presented two candidates for positions at the last national elections and we were able to wrest the position of the 2nd Vice President in a hotly contested election at Abuja in 2008. This has gone a long way to send a strong signal that Ikeja is ready to take its rightful place in the leadership of the Bar at national level and effect the much needed change the Bar is yearning for now.
8. WEEKLY KEEP FIT PROGRAMME
This programme is aimed at enhancing the physical wellbeing of our members. I wish to commend members who have shown commitment to the programme and to encourage others to be part of it. The venue is the Police College, Ikeja, every Saturday 7.30 to 10am except environmental Saturdays.
9. HOSTING OF ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE 2009
As you aware your branch spare headed the bid to host the 2009 Annual Conference in Lagos, the bid has succeeded all hand is now on deck to organise a pace setting conference and set a new standard in Bar conferencing, we will continue to be the arrowhead.
10. REVIVAL OF THE BAR NEWS
Within the past eleven months we have been able to revive the Bar News, the newsletter of our branch for the purposes of dissemination of information and mobilisation of our members.
11. UNPRECEDENTED INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP
As a result of the foregoing, there has been unprecedented growth in the number of our financial members both within and outside the country. This is remarkable because the practice in the past is to see people corning to pay their dues or be paid for few weeks to the election date.
In response to this development, we now hire chairs and canopies to cope with the upsurge.
12. BUILDING THE SECRETARIAT
This project is very dear to the heart of this administration. The Building Committee under Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, has reached an understanding with the Skye Bank Plc which is to build the structure on a modified Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis. We have designed a four storey edifice including a pent house with a gym. The designs have been submitted to our partnering bank and a meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday 2nd June 2009 for the clearing of any grey area in the arrangement and to agree on final terms so work can commence in earnest on the construction.
13. UPDATING THE BRANCH LIBRARY
Since the time of our assumption of office, we have been considering how to enhance the use of our library. To this end, we resolved that as much as possible new books will be acquired from time to time to update the library; this we have done. Lately we purchase the latest editions of the Laws of the Federation for the use of our members and any moment the latest edition of Laws of Lagos State and some other essential practice texts will be made available in the library.
We also have an understanding with Odade Publishers to allow our accredited members to pay for the Laws Of the Federation in three (3) installments.
14. LAW BOOKS ACQUISITION PROGRAMME FOR JUNIOR COUNSEL
As part of our action plans to assist our junior colleagues, we have commenced a pilot project whereby such counsel can pay for the subscription for the Supreme Court Report in three equal installments. We are indebted in this regard to Mr. Layi Babatunde, SAN, for this indulgence. Forms for the subscription is available with the Bar Clerk.
15. OUR WEBSITE
The branch's website, www.nbaikeja.org is now hosted and work is on to update the information on the branch activities on the site. I am using this opportunity to call on members who have not completed the necessary forms in order to have their names registered on the online membership register to see the Bar Clerk as soon as possible.
16. COMMENTS/VIEWS ON NATIONAL ISSUES
The Branch has been vocal on national end sundry issues. This accord with the usual principled and unequivocal stand of the branch which has now become our trade mark.
17. MR. PETER OKOH’S MACEDONIAN CALL
The above named member wrote to the Branch for assistance to enable him to acquire an artificial limb consequent upon his natural leg being amputated as a result of diabetes. Members generously responded to the appeal by the Exco and the sum of N250,000.00 (two hundred and fifty thousand naira) was donated to an elated Mr. Okoh.
18. LAPTOP ACQUISITION SCHEME
This scheme had an initial take off hitches which have now been surmounted by giving opportunity to as many financier Companies as possible to partner with us so we can pick the most competitive prices and qualitative products for our members. Before the next meeting members would have been able to collect their laptops, and we appeal to beneficiaries to ensure that cheques for the installments do not bounce.
18. LAW WEEK 2009.
We are all witnesses to the successful execution of the 2009 Law Week programmes which ended with the hosting of Gov. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, to a well attended dinner at Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja on 1st May 2009. this is the first of its kind, we are poised to do more.
19. MONTHLY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
In order to identify with our members, we introduced monthly birthday celebrations whereby the branch sponsor birthday cake for members celebrating their birthdays on a monthly basis.
20. HUMAN RIGHTS FRONT
The Human Rights Committee under the 1st Vice Chairman has been doing a good job. The branch is working out a scheme with the authorities of the Ikoyi Prisons which will assist those that are in the prisons for no just cause to regain their freedom.
These are some of the things we have been able to accomplish within the past eleven months to which we are all witnesses.
We are grateful for the support received from our members who have willingly made themselves available some even their hard earned resources for the advancement of the Bar.
ON A NOTE OF APPRECIATION
We are particularly appreciative of our elders and Bar leaders who have been there for us all the time, particularly; Prince Adedoyin Awosanya, who despite his state of health was able to make it to our Football match during the Law Week, he was also at the Dinner later same evening, Chief V. A Odunaiya, Chief. Bisi Adegunie, Mr. Dosu Ogunniyi, Chief 0!u Oyelumade, en. Dele Adesina, SAN, Alhaji (Chief) Lekan Yusuf, Otunba (Dr.) Bisi Ade-Ademuwagun, Mr. Layi Babatunde,SAN, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, Chief. Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, Pastor Adekunie Ojo, Mr. Femi Falana, Hon. Justice Dolapo Akinsanya (rtd), Mr. Supo Shasore, SAN, Mr. Lawal M. Pedro, SAN, Dr. Muiz Banire, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, Prince Adesegun Ajibola, Hon. Justice Bunmi Oyewole, Hon. Justice Suyi Olateru-OIagbegi to mention but a few.
We are also grateful to people who have served selflessly in one committee or the other during the period under review, may God continue to reward you for such selfless service.Permit me at this point to acknowledge the members of the Executive who have worked tirelessly to
Looking back now I sincerely believe that you did not make any mistake by entrusting your mandate to us because this Exco has faithfully executed your mandate in all ramifications.
1. ABUJA CONFERENCE 2008
We came in to office few weeks to the 2008 Annual General Conference, we quickly put in place a Conference Committee to prepare the ground for our members to have a swell time at the Abuja Conference. Testimonies abound that the get-together and victory parties organised by the branch were clear departures from our past experiences to date and the only consolation members had at the failed 're-branded' Bar Conference of 2008.
2. CO-OPTION
In order to give our colleagues from the Official Bar a sense of belonging, certain positions were allotted to them, and for the first time in the history of the Branch, the Official Bar at the Federal level is represented on this Exco in the person of Mr. Shehu Gado of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Lagos Zonal Office.
3. GROUP LIFE INSURANCE SCHEME
The first major programme embarked upon by the Exco is the Group Life Insurance scheme with LASACO Life Plc, which on payment of an annual premium of N5,000.oo (five thousand naira) the beneficiaries of a participant will be entitled to Nl,000,000.00 (one million naira) in event of death or permanent disability. In event of accident a beneficiary will be entitled to N100, 000.00 (one hundred thousand Naira) for medical treatment. I must commend our members for their co-operation and understanding in this regard, it has gone a long way to make the implementation easier than envisaged.
4. JUNIOUR LAWYERS' EMPLOYMENT SCHEME
This is another programme we consider of high priority in the administration. Junior counsel in need of employment are required to submit their C.V at the Bar Centre, thereafter it has become the duty of the Exco to look for employment for as many as possible. Through this Scheme, many have benefited and will still benefit. We are grateful to the Welfare Secretary, Adesina Ogunlana Esq., for publishing the list of employable junior counsel free of charge in the Squib magazine on weekly basis.
5. GANI FAWEHINMI LECTURES 2009
We were all witnesses to the successful hosting of this year's Annual Gani Fawehinmi's programme. The proposals for the 2010 edition in ready, the highlight includes instituting the Gani Fawehinmi Award in all least 5 categories. The aim of this is to move this Fawehinmiism to the next level from its sixth year.
6. SETTING UP OF LEGAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
This committee was conceived to meet the desire of the branch to be proactive in legal and legislative matters. It was designed to fashion out a position for the branch whenever a draft Bill is forwarded to us for our contribution, or we see the need to react to sorh6 topical national or state legal issues. We can not just continue to play the Ostrich by criticising laws as promulgated while burying our heads in the sand when the law was passing through the debates in the legislature. The Committee under Mr. Adewale Ademola has been up and doing and has performed well to justify its creation.
7 IKEJA BAR WON THE ELECTION FOR THE POSITION OF 2ND VICE PRESIDENT
It is also a fact that the branch presented two candidates for positions at the last national elections and we were able to wrest the position of the 2nd Vice President in a hotly contested election at Abuja in 2008. This has gone a long way to send a strong signal that Ikeja is ready to take its rightful place in the leadership of the Bar at national level and effect the much needed change the Bar is yearning for now.
8. WEEKLY KEEP FIT PROGRAMME
This programme is aimed at enhancing the physical wellbeing of our members. I wish to commend members who have shown commitment to the programme and to encourage others to be part of it. The venue is the Police College, Ikeja, every Saturday 7.30 to 10am except environmental Saturdays.
9. HOSTING OF ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE 2009
As you aware your branch spare headed the bid to host the 2009 Annual Conference in Lagos, the bid has succeeded all hand is now on deck to organise a pace setting conference and set a new standard in Bar conferencing, we will continue to be the arrowhead.
10. REVIVAL OF THE BAR NEWS
Within the past eleven months we have been able to revive the Bar News, the newsletter of our branch for the purposes of dissemination of information and mobilisation of our members.
11. UNPRECEDENTED INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP
As a result of the foregoing, there has been unprecedented growth in the number of our financial members both within and outside the country. This is remarkable because the practice in the past is to see people corning to pay their dues or be paid for few weeks to the election date.
In response to this development, we now hire chairs and canopies to cope with the upsurge.
12. BUILDING THE SECRETARIAT
This project is very dear to the heart of this administration. The Building Committee under Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, has reached an understanding with the Skye Bank Plc which is to build the structure on a modified Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis. We have designed a four storey edifice including a pent house with a gym. The designs have been submitted to our partnering bank and a meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday 2nd June 2009 for the clearing of any grey area in the arrangement and to agree on final terms so work can commence in earnest on the construction.
13. UPDATING THE BRANCH LIBRARY
Since the time of our assumption of office, we have been considering how to enhance the use of our library. To this end, we resolved that as much as possible new books will be acquired from time to time to update the library; this we have done. Lately we purchase the latest editions of the Laws of the Federation for the use of our members and any moment the latest edition of Laws of Lagos State and some other essential practice texts will be made available in the library.
We also have an understanding with Odade Publishers to allow our accredited members to pay for the Laws Of the Federation in three (3) installments.
14. LAW BOOKS ACQUISITION PROGRAMME FOR JUNIOR COUNSEL
As part of our action plans to assist our junior colleagues, we have commenced a pilot project whereby such counsel can pay for the subscription for the Supreme Court Report in three equal installments. We are indebted in this regard to Mr. Layi Babatunde, SAN, for this indulgence. Forms for the subscription is available with the Bar Clerk.
15. OUR WEBSITE
The branch's website, www.nbaikeja.org is now hosted and work is on to update the information on the branch activities on the site. I am using this opportunity to call on members who have not completed the necessary forms in order to have their names registered on the online membership register to see the Bar Clerk as soon as possible.
16. COMMENTS/VIEWS ON NATIONAL ISSUES
The Branch has been vocal on national end sundry issues. This accord with the usual principled and unequivocal stand of the branch which has now become our trade mark.
17. MR. PETER OKOH’S MACEDONIAN CALL
The above named member wrote to the Branch for assistance to enable him to acquire an artificial limb consequent upon his natural leg being amputated as a result of diabetes. Members generously responded to the appeal by the Exco and the sum of N250,000.00 (two hundred and fifty thousand naira) was donated to an elated Mr. Okoh.
18. LAPTOP ACQUISITION SCHEME
This scheme had an initial take off hitches which have now been surmounted by giving opportunity to as many financier Companies as possible to partner with us so we can pick the most competitive prices and qualitative products for our members. Before the next meeting members would have been able to collect their laptops, and we appeal to beneficiaries to ensure that cheques for the installments do not bounce.
18. LAW WEEK 2009.
We are all witnesses to the successful execution of the 2009 Law Week programmes which ended with the hosting of Gov. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, to a well attended dinner at Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja on 1st May 2009. this is the first of its kind, we are poised to do more.
19. MONTHLY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
In order to identify with our members, we introduced monthly birthday celebrations whereby the branch sponsor birthday cake for members celebrating their birthdays on a monthly basis.
20. HUMAN RIGHTS FRONT
The Human Rights Committee under the 1st Vice Chairman has been doing a good job. The branch is working out a scheme with the authorities of the Ikoyi Prisons which will assist those that are in the prisons for no just cause to regain their freedom.
These are some of the things we have been able to accomplish within the past eleven months to which we are all witnesses.
We are grateful for the support received from our members who have willingly made themselves available some even their hard earned resources for the advancement of the Bar.
ON A NOTE OF APPRECIATION
We are particularly appreciative of our elders and Bar leaders who have been there for us all the time, particularly; Prince Adedoyin Awosanya, who despite his state of health was able to make it to our Football match during the Law Week, he was also at the Dinner later same evening, Chief V. A Odunaiya, Chief. Bisi Adegunie, Mr. Dosu Ogunniyi, Chief 0!u Oyelumade, en. Dele Adesina, SAN, Alhaji (Chief) Lekan Yusuf, Otunba (Dr.) Bisi Ade-Ademuwagun, Mr. Layi Babatunde,SAN, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, Chief. Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, Pastor Adekunie Ojo, Mr. Femi Falana, Hon. Justice Dolapo Akinsanya (rtd), Mr. Supo Shasore, SAN, Mr. Lawal M. Pedro, SAN, Dr. Muiz Banire, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, Prince Adesegun Ajibola, Hon. Justice Bunmi Oyewole, Hon. Justice Suyi Olateru-OIagbegi to mention but a few.
We are also grateful to people who have served selflessly in one committee or the other during the period under review, may God continue to reward you for such selfless service.Permit me at this point to acknowledge the members of the Executive who have worked tirelessly to
Sunday, April 5, 2009
CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE PRELIMINARY REPORT ON 2009 NBA ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE
The Conference Planning Committee (CPC) for the 2009 Annual General Conference (AGC) headed by Mrs. Funke Adekoya SAN was inaugurated by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association on the 18th of December 2008.
The task given to the CPC upon its inauguration was to ensure a seamless organization and execution of a successful Annual General Conference for the year 2009. Clearly from the "Roadmap" presented by the President summarizing his programmes for the NBA during his tenure, it is certain that hosting a successful AGC is non-negotiable. The Chairperson and all members of the CPC have thus taken this assignment as a task that must be performed and executed successfully, and to the satisfaction of our members.
The President and the entire members of the Executive Committee have indeed given the CPC full support and backing in this arduous task.
OBSERVATIONS ON PREVIOUS CONFERENCES
In an effort to fully appreciate and accommodate all facets of issues and challenges faced in the hosting of previous conferences, the CPC reviewed the various AGC Reports of past conferences, received extensive feedbacks from members and sought to identify the areas of challenges and concern with respect to previous conferences. Some of these include the following:
1. A continuously increasing number of members attend our AGC conference from year to year thus creating planning challenges.
2. Conference venues in most states of the federation appear inadequate to accommodate the increasing turnout of participants hence facilities are stretched.
3. Many participants register late thus occasioning logistics and planning challenges to being able to make adequate provision for required conference materials and other conveniences.
4. Many of our members attend the AGC without necessarily registering or paying registration fees, thus stretching the already burdened facilities provided.
5. Failure of service providers, event managers to deliver on negotiated contracts as, and at when due (e.g. Insufficient and Late delivery of conference materials).
6. General logistics problems.
7. Accommodation challenges
8. Conflict of responsibilities and task between CPC and Local Organizing
Committees (LOC)
9. Inadequate Funding,
10. Certification of participants for MCLE credits.
Many other challenges identified can be subsumed under one of these basic heads, We however believe that these challenges can be proactively addressed, courageously tackled, and commitedly resolved with the support and cooperation
of all our members so that we can truly have a befitting AGC as desired by all. The
CPC hereby assures the NBA of its commitment to this task. This we have started
addressing through different Sub-Committees already established, and charged
with different responsibilities towards the 2009 conference.
The challenges and experiences of the past AGCs have confirmed some realities we
will all have to accept about out AGCs. For instance;
i. The number of participants at our conferences has continued to increase. Consequently, it appears impracticable to hold any general dinner for all participants during the AGC, rather we are considering a shift to ticketed Sectional, Forum and Committee Dinners or Lunches for members, to hold separately so as to have a manageable crowd attending each dinner. The logistics is already being worked out by the appropriate sub-committee. This will also strengthen participation at Section programmes and their membership.
ii. It is proposed that Registration forms be made available to branches as early as March 2009. with early registration to close by end of June 2009 and provision for late registration at full rate closing by end of July 2009. Subject to the total number of registered participants as at this date, in relation to available conference facilities, we may have to close registration totally, or if allowed, at a premium,
iii. It should be made clear that anybody who registers late may not be guaranteed availability of conference materials, as these require long term planning and execution.
iv. Early planning, funding and execution is critical to the success of the AGC, hence the recommended timeline should be strictly followed.
CONFERENCE DATES, THEME AND SPEAKERS
It is proposed, subject to the ratification of NEC that the 2009 AGC will hold from the 24th to 28th August 2009.
In choosing a theme, the CPC considered the thrust of the President's vision for the
AGC as contained in his Roadmap, which is "......the future of the Lego/ Profession".
The CPC also received suggestions from the 1st Vice President and other members of the Executive, and a number of our members. We sincerely appreciate your immense contribution. Our eventual choice of a theme was therefore inspired by a combination of these shared ideas, and the current socio-economic challenges confronting our nation and the legal profession in general. The CPC therefore proposes as the theme for the 2009 AGC "Under Developed Nations, Failed Economies and the Future of the Legal Profession".
Many distinguished personalities are being considered as keynote Speaker for the 2009 AGC. These include Kofi Annan, Thabo Mbeki, Emeka Anyaoku, Wole Soyinka, a retired/serving Justice of the Supreme Court of distinction, Bayo Ogunlesi (CEO, Credit Suisse, Newyork), the President of Barbados, etc. The eventual choice will however be selected by the CPC based on the relevance of the Speaker to the conference theme, personality of the Speaker and availability of the Speaker for the
proposed dates, among other things. A final choice will be made in the next few days to enable us make early contact and obtain, necessary assurances/confirmation of attendance.
Other session Speakers and topics ore equally being worked out with the various Sections, specialized Forum and recognized special Interest groups within the NBA,
for their input.
CONFERENCE HOST
For the first time in the recent history of the NBA, the choice of an eventual host for the AGC has been thrown open to competitive bidding by interested branches. This is pursuant to the dispassionate posture of the President to the effect that the paramount consideration should be organizing a befitting conference wherever it may be achievable. As a result, the CPC invited bids from interested branches to be submitted at the NBA secretariat. The bids were expected to contain all relevant information and data to support and justify a possible selection of a host city for the AGC. At the close of bids, two bids were received; a joint hosting bid submitted by Abeokuta Branch on behalf of all branches in Ogun state, and a joint bid submitted by Lagos branch on behalf of all branches in Lagos state.
The CPC in selecting a choice of host was guided by a need to be transparent, fair
and objective in its assessment. To this effect the following guidelines were established:
- Evaluation of bids shall be subject to the satisfaction of the mandatory conditions set out by the CPC -as Bid selection criteria, and the degree to which the bids meet other prescribed desirable criteria.
- The CPC raised an Ad-hoc Bid Evaluation Sub-Committee to visit the proposed venues in the respective bids and verify all claims and representations made by the Branches in their Bids.
- The Bid Evaluation Committee was to be constituted by CPC members ordinarily based outside of the South West and with minimal association with the bidding branches. This was to ensure clear objectivity and transparency in the eventual recommendations to the CPC.
- Where the bidders fait to meet the minimum standards set out by the CPC in its Bid Section Criteria, a fresh call for bids may be made.
Upon the submission of the report of the Bid Evaluation team, the following observations were made by the CPC on the bids:
ABEOKUTA BID LAGOS BID
The bid proposed to host the AGC in the The bid proposed to host the AGC in the
cities of Abeokuta Ijebu-Ode, Shagamu city of Lagos and limit its conference
and Ota venues And hotels to the Lekki/Victoria
Island corridor only.
We received the assurances of the A.G. We received the assurances of the A.G.
of OGSG's commitment to support a of LASG's commitment to support a
successful hosting successful hosting
Att. Gen. assured the Govt will provide The Att. Gen., and Commissioner
new air conditioned coaches to move for Transport assured the release
conferees between venues and hotels of 50-100 BRT buses to convey
conferees throughout the days of
the AGC to and fro from hotels
and venues.
He further assured dedicated ferry
services would be equally made
available to move conferees to
Lekki
Opening ceremony is to be held The Bid proposed the KFA Events
at MKO Abiola stadium covered Place Lekki, an air conditioned
seats which seats 5000 with Marquee Hall with 3500 sifting
additional provision of a large capacity expandable to 7500
canopy to accommodate any seats, conference style.
overflow on the stadium grounds. At a meeting with the A.G and
The Cultural Center is proposed as S.G., the CPC was informed of,
main working session venue with and shown an architectural plan
its 3 Halls, the largest of which of a large 10,000 sealer capacity
seats 1200 in amphitheatre style. hall, billed for construction at
Bishop's Court Hal! is proposed for Akodo Beach, Lagos and
Showcase sessions/Dinner. It seats expected to be completed
1500 in banquet style, or 2200 in soonest, being a prefabricated
conference seating design for assembly (construction
is however yet to start)
Lagoon Restaurant with 1500
seating for conference style/1000
dinner style is proposed for
sessions/dinners. Other proposed
venues are:
Eko Hotel Hall which sits over 500
The Civic Center, V.I.
Muson Center with 4 halls. VCP
Hail, Meadown Hall, Lekki, Liberty
Holt, Lambogini Hall Lekki, Alpha
Plaza Hall Lekki, Bellisimo Hotel Hall
Lekki, Peninsula Resort (2 Halls),
Blissful Event Center. All the above
have individual sitting capacity of
between 400 and 1000 persons for
business sessions.
On accommodation, a total of 26 The provided list of hotels in the
hotels were listed available in Lekki/V.I region show a combined
Abeokuta, but additional 46 later total of over 3000 rooms, but most
listed as also available, all offering are expensive with prices from
a total of 900 Rooms. Of these N15,000 - N35.000 for classes of
Gateway Hotel (180 Rooms) is double rooms. The hotels however
closed for renovation, Obasanjo assured of discounts of 30-35% on
Library Hotel (100 Rooms), and normal rates. However, several
Golf Club Hotel (150 Rooms) are budget hotels were also identified
under construction. There were within reasonable rates within
verbal assurances the 3 hotels will Lekki.
be ready for use by August. Additionally, Chief B.O. Benson
A total number of 764, and 433 SAN offered 1500
rooms were reported to be Conferees/Junior Lawyers
available in Ijebu-Ode and Ota accommodation at B. 0. Benson
respectively but the host team Estate.
suggested using Abeokuta only
for accommodation, for better
coordination of logistics.
The A.G. assured adequate The A.G., Commissioner of Police,
security provision and and Solicitor General assured the
transportation logistics CPC of full security provisions and
transport logistics.
There were assurances that
hosting within the Lekki axis only
suggests participants will be
moving against the flow of traffic
Formal letters from the Lagos
Ministry of Transport, FRSC
conveyed assurances of their full
cooperation on traffic
management and provision of
transport services.
RECCOMMENDAT10NS
1. The CPC observed that the proposal by the Ogun state branches to host the AGC in the cities of Abeokuta, Ota and (Jebu-Ode may present extreme logistics and security issues, whereas the limiting of conference venues to Lekki/V.I. coupled with the current pace of development and expansion of the V.I./Lekki Expressway may reduce traffic concerns posed by Lagos and overall logistics problems.
2. Accommodation provision can hardly be fully adequate in any jurisdiction, but the facilities in Abeokuta are grossly inadequate compared to Lagos with most of the largest hotels in Abeokuta unavailable for now.
3. Apart from the Opening ceremony venues proposed by the bidders, only 4 Halls were found to be readily available in Abeokuta for sessions and some had inadequate toilet facilities, whereas Lagos has over 10 proposed
conference venues, some with multiple room facilities capable of
simultaneous use.
4. Although the A.G. of Ogun state gave express assurances of the support of the Government of Ogun state and Its people, Lagos not only presented assurances of its Government via its Attorney General, but equally presented documentary evidence of such assurances from relevant Commissioners, Agencies (MOT, FRSC). Obas of Lagos, Ikorodu, Badagry, Commissioner of Police, senior members of the Bar in the state, etc.
5. Both Bids obviously still have several areas requiring attention, but the CPC weighed which possible host has more likelihood of meeting the set objectives and standards before August 2009, and ore of the opinion that Lagos state presents a more certain measure of deliverables given the information, evidence and coordinated support presented so far.
Consequently, It is the recommendation of the CPC that Lagos be awarded the hosting rights for the 2009 NBA Annual Genera! Conference subject to the ratification of NEC.
CONCLUSION
It is our intention to urgently seek audience with the Governor of Lagos state to convey the recommendation of NEC to him personally and obtain his express assurances to ensure necessary facilities; logistics and support promised are
delivered.
A guideline for the operation of the LOC Is being formulated by the CPC to ensure a
seamless organization and avoid the conflict of roles experienced In the past.
Once again we thank you for the opportunity to serve the Bar and solicit your individual and collective support to ensure a successful AGC.
SIGNED
MRS FUNKE ADEKOYA SAN OLUSEUN ABIMBOLA ESQ
Chairperson Secretary
The task given to the CPC upon its inauguration was to ensure a seamless organization and execution of a successful Annual General Conference for the year 2009. Clearly from the "Roadmap" presented by the President summarizing his programmes for the NBA during his tenure, it is certain that hosting a successful AGC is non-negotiable. The Chairperson and all members of the CPC have thus taken this assignment as a task that must be performed and executed successfully, and to the satisfaction of our members.
The President and the entire members of the Executive Committee have indeed given the CPC full support and backing in this arduous task.
OBSERVATIONS ON PREVIOUS CONFERENCES
In an effort to fully appreciate and accommodate all facets of issues and challenges faced in the hosting of previous conferences, the CPC reviewed the various AGC Reports of past conferences, received extensive feedbacks from members and sought to identify the areas of challenges and concern with respect to previous conferences. Some of these include the following:
1. A continuously increasing number of members attend our AGC conference from year to year thus creating planning challenges.
2. Conference venues in most states of the federation appear inadequate to accommodate the increasing turnout of participants hence facilities are stretched.
3. Many participants register late thus occasioning logistics and planning challenges to being able to make adequate provision for required conference materials and other conveniences.
4. Many of our members attend the AGC without necessarily registering or paying registration fees, thus stretching the already burdened facilities provided.
5. Failure of service providers, event managers to deliver on negotiated contracts as, and at when due (e.g. Insufficient and Late delivery of conference materials).
6. General logistics problems.
7. Accommodation challenges
8. Conflict of responsibilities and task between CPC and Local Organizing
Committees (LOC)
9. Inadequate Funding,
10. Certification of participants for MCLE credits.
Many other challenges identified can be subsumed under one of these basic heads, We however believe that these challenges can be proactively addressed, courageously tackled, and commitedly resolved with the support and cooperation
of all our members so that we can truly have a befitting AGC as desired by all. The
CPC hereby assures the NBA of its commitment to this task. This we have started
addressing through different Sub-Committees already established, and charged
with different responsibilities towards the 2009 conference.
The challenges and experiences of the past AGCs have confirmed some realities we
will all have to accept about out AGCs. For instance;
i. The number of participants at our conferences has continued to increase. Consequently, it appears impracticable to hold any general dinner for all participants during the AGC, rather we are considering a shift to ticketed Sectional, Forum and Committee Dinners or Lunches for members, to hold separately so as to have a manageable crowd attending each dinner. The logistics is already being worked out by the appropriate sub-committee. This will also strengthen participation at Section programmes and their membership.
ii. It is proposed that Registration forms be made available to branches as early as March 2009. with early registration to close by end of June 2009 and provision for late registration at full rate closing by end of July 2009. Subject to the total number of registered participants as at this date, in relation to available conference facilities, we may have to close registration totally, or if allowed, at a premium,
iii. It should be made clear that anybody who registers late may not be guaranteed availability of conference materials, as these require long term planning and execution.
iv. Early planning, funding and execution is critical to the success of the AGC, hence the recommended timeline should be strictly followed.
CONFERENCE DATES, THEME AND SPEAKERS
It is proposed, subject to the ratification of NEC that the 2009 AGC will hold from the 24th to 28th August 2009.
In choosing a theme, the CPC considered the thrust of the President's vision for the
AGC as contained in his Roadmap, which is "......the future of the Lego/ Profession".
The CPC also received suggestions from the 1st Vice President and other members of the Executive, and a number of our members. We sincerely appreciate your immense contribution. Our eventual choice of a theme was therefore inspired by a combination of these shared ideas, and the current socio-economic challenges confronting our nation and the legal profession in general. The CPC therefore proposes as the theme for the 2009 AGC "Under Developed Nations, Failed Economies and the Future of the Legal Profession".
Many distinguished personalities are being considered as keynote Speaker for the 2009 AGC. These include Kofi Annan, Thabo Mbeki, Emeka Anyaoku, Wole Soyinka, a retired/serving Justice of the Supreme Court of distinction, Bayo Ogunlesi (CEO, Credit Suisse, Newyork), the President of Barbados, etc. The eventual choice will however be selected by the CPC based on the relevance of the Speaker to the conference theme, personality of the Speaker and availability of the Speaker for the
proposed dates, among other things. A final choice will be made in the next few days to enable us make early contact and obtain, necessary assurances/confirmation of attendance.
Other session Speakers and topics ore equally being worked out with the various Sections, specialized Forum and recognized special Interest groups within the NBA,
for their input.
CONFERENCE HOST
For the first time in the recent history of the NBA, the choice of an eventual host for the AGC has been thrown open to competitive bidding by interested branches. This is pursuant to the dispassionate posture of the President to the effect that the paramount consideration should be organizing a befitting conference wherever it may be achievable. As a result, the CPC invited bids from interested branches to be submitted at the NBA secretariat. The bids were expected to contain all relevant information and data to support and justify a possible selection of a host city for the AGC. At the close of bids, two bids were received; a joint hosting bid submitted by Abeokuta Branch on behalf of all branches in Ogun state, and a joint bid submitted by Lagos branch on behalf of all branches in Lagos state.
The CPC in selecting a choice of host was guided by a need to be transparent, fair
and objective in its assessment. To this effect the following guidelines were established:
- Evaluation of bids shall be subject to the satisfaction of the mandatory conditions set out by the CPC -as Bid selection criteria, and the degree to which the bids meet other prescribed desirable criteria.
- The CPC raised an Ad-hoc Bid Evaluation Sub-Committee to visit the proposed venues in the respective bids and verify all claims and representations made by the Branches in their Bids.
- The Bid Evaluation Committee was to be constituted by CPC members ordinarily based outside of the South West and with minimal association with the bidding branches. This was to ensure clear objectivity and transparency in the eventual recommendations to the CPC.
- Where the bidders fait to meet the minimum standards set out by the CPC in its Bid Section Criteria, a fresh call for bids may be made.
Upon the submission of the report of the Bid Evaluation team, the following observations were made by the CPC on the bids:
ABEOKUTA BID LAGOS BID
The bid proposed to host the AGC in the The bid proposed to host the AGC in the
cities of Abeokuta Ijebu-Ode, Shagamu city of Lagos and limit its conference
and Ota venues And hotels to the Lekki/Victoria
Island corridor only.
We received the assurances of the A.G. We received the assurances of the A.G.
of OGSG's commitment to support a of LASG's commitment to support a
successful hosting successful hosting
Att. Gen. assured the Govt will provide The Att. Gen., and Commissioner
new air conditioned coaches to move for Transport assured the release
conferees between venues and hotels of 50-100 BRT buses to convey
conferees throughout the days of
the AGC to and fro from hotels
and venues.
He further assured dedicated ferry
services would be equally made
available to move conferees to
Lekki
Opening ceremony is to be held The Bid proposed the KFA Events
at MKO Abiola stadium covered Place Lekki, an air conditioned
seats which seats 5000 with Marquee Hall with 3500 sifting
additional provision of a large capacity expandable to 7500
canopy to accommodate any seats, conference style.
overflow on the stadium grounds. At a meeting with the A.G and
The Cultural Center is proposed as S.G., the CPC was informed of,
main working session venue with and shown an architectural plan
its 3 Halls, the largest of which of a large 10,000 sealer capacity
seats 1200 in amphitheatre style. hall, billed for construction at
Bishop's Court Hal! is proposed for Akodo Beach, Lagos and
Showcase sessions/Dinner. It seats expected to be completed
1500 in banquet style, or 2200 in soonest, being a prefabricated
conference seating design for assembly (construction
is however yet to start)
Lagoon Restaurant with 1500
seating for conference style/1000
dinner style is proposed for
sessions/dinners. Other proposed
venues are:
Eko Hotel Hall which sits over 500
The Civic Center, V.I.
Muson Center with 4 halls. VCP
Hail, Meadown Hall, Lekki, Liberty
Holt, Lambogini Hall Lekki, Alpha
Plaza Hall Lekki, Bellisimo Hotel Hall
Lekki, Peninsula Resort (2 Halls),
Blissful Event Center. All the above
have individual sitting capacity of
between 400 and 1000 persons for
business sessions.
On accommodation, a total of 26 The provided list of hotels in the
hotels were listed available in Lekki/V.I region show a combined
Abeokuta, but additional 46 later total of over 3000 rooms, but most
listed as also available, all offering are expensive with prices from
a total of 900 Rooms. Of these N15,000 - N35.000 for classes of
Gateway Hotel (180 Rooms) is double rooms. The hotels however
closed for renovation, Obasanjo assured of discounts of 30-35% on
Library Hotel (100 Rooms), and normal rates. However, several
Golf Club Hotel (150 Rooms) are budget hotels were also identified
under construction. There were within reasonable rates within
verbal assurances the 3 hotels will Lekki.
be ready for use by August. Additionally, Chief B.O. Benson
A total number of 764, and 433 SAN offered 1500
rooms were reported to be Conferees/Junior Lawyers
available in Ijebu-Ode and Ota accommodation at B. 0. Benson
respectively but the host team Estate.
suggested using Abeokuta only
for accommodation, for better
coordination of logistics.
The A.G. assured adequate The A.G., Commissioner of Police,
security provision and and Solicitor General assured the
transportation logistics CPC of full security provisions and
transport logistics.
There were assurances that
hosting within the Lekki axis only
suggests participants will be
moving against the flow of traffic
Formal letters from the Lagos
Ministry of Transport, FRSC
conveyed assurances of their full
cooperation on traffic
management and provision of
transport services.
RECCOMMENDAT10NS
1. The CPC observed that the proposal by the Ogun state branches to host the AGC in the cities of Abeokuta, Ota and (Jebu-Ode may present extreme logistics and security issues, whereas the limiting of conference venues to Lekki/V.I. coupled with the current pace of development and expansion of the V.I./Lekki Expressway may reduce traffic concerns posed by Lagos and overall logistics problems.
2. Accommodation provision can hardly be fully adequate in any jurisdiction, but the facilities in Abeokuta are grossly inadequate compared to Lagos with most of the largest hotels in Abeokuta unavailable for now.
3. Apart from the Opening ceremony venues proposed by the bidders, only 4 Halls were found to be readily available in Abeokuta for sessions and some had inadequate toilet facilities, whereas Lagos has over 10 proposed
conference venues, some with multiple room facilities capable of
simultaneous use.
4. Although the A.G. of Ogun state gave express assurances of the support of the Government of Ogun state and Its people, Lagos not only presented assurances of its Government via its Attorney General, but equally presented documentary evidence of such assurances from relevant Commissioners, Agencies (MOT, FRSC). Obas of Lagos, Ikorodu, Badagry, Commissioner of Police, senior members of the Bar in the state, etc.
5. Both Bids obviously still have several areas requiring attention, but the CPC weighed which possible host has more likelihood of meeting the set objectives and standards before August 2009, and ore of the opinion that Lagos state presents a more certain measure of deliverables given the information, evidence and coordinated support presented so far.
Consequently, It is the recommendation of the CPC that Lagos be awarded the hosting rights for the 2009 NBA Annual Genera! Conference subject to the ratification of NEC.
CONCLUSION
It is our intention to urgently seek audience with the Governor of Lagos state to convey the recommendation of NEC to him personally and obtain his express assurances to ensure necessary facilities; logistics and support promised are
delivered.
A guideline for the operation of the LOC Is being formulated by the CPC to ensure a
seamless organization and avoid the conflict of roles experienced In the past.
Once again we thank you for the opportunity to serve the Bar and solicit your individual and collective support to ensure a successful AGC.
SIGNED
MRS FUNKE ADEKOYA SAN OLUSEUN ABIMBOLA ESQ
Chairperson Secretary
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A BID FOR THE HOSTING OF THE 2009 NBA CONFERENCE BY LAGOS, IKEJA & IKORODU BRANCHES OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (DOCUMENTARY BID & EVIDENCE) JANUA
1.0 Introductory Remarks
There are three Branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) within Lagos State in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These are the Lagos, Ikeja and Ikorodu Branches, and these three Branches have played important roles in the Association.
Lagos Branch is the oldest Branch of the NBA and its membership has produced numerous Bar Leaders, Benchers, notable politicians, administrators, academics and presently a Governor who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Ikeja Branch is commonly referred to as "The Tiger Branch" because of the dynamic role played by its leadership at the vanguard of democratic struggles. Some of its prominent members were imprisoned, and prevented from legitimate exercise of their .fundamental rights by military rulers. Ikorodu Branch, the youngest of the three, has played effective and supportive role in democratic rule and in the choice of leadership of the Bar, and has also been a consistent critic of dictatorial regimes.
These three Branches over the years maintained a synergy, which is complementary to one another and has served to ensure that Lagos State is governed by responsible leaders. Hence the peace and tranquility experienced in the State despite its population and volatility due to its multifarious religion and ethnicity. Lagos State is home to all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, ethnicity and religion. It is in furtherance of this uniqueness that these three NBA Branches have decided to put in a Joint Bid to host the forthcoming NBA Conference with the resolve that the conference would be the best so far organized in the history of the Bar Association.
Furthermore, we will project the concept of tourism, relaxation, entertainment and education subsumed in this Bid with great emphasis on the tourism potentials of Lagos State otherwise called the Centre of Excellence. The Conference Local Organizing Committee proposes to adopt the model of the International Bar Association Conference, which was held in Cancun, Mexico in 2003. The Conference will be sea-based, that is, on the ocean corridor. It will be a truly holiday Conference with free breakfast, lunch and dinner for all conferees.
2.0 THE BID
Lagos State has an Economic Free Trade Zone, an Energy City, a surface rail system, and a ferry service to maximize all potential areas of transportation and ensure smooth flow of commuter traffic within the State. A visitor to the State will readily observe that there are massive road construction projects in all parts of the State; traffic lights at road intersections; luxury bus shuttle services on dedicated lanes by the Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and operated by the LAGBUS Asset Company, construction of jetties for ferry services in Marina, Badore, Ipakodo, Ibeshe and Mile 2, a surface rail service between Orile and Badagry to ease the
vehicular traffic in that axis, which is also the gateway to other neighbouring countries of Benin, Togo and Ghana, and a well coordinated landscaping with the planting of trees and flowers to give good aesthetic value to the atmosphere. All these are put in place as pre-conditions for its mega city status.
As a result of the one city nature of this State and to further synergize the collaboration of its legal community of conservatives and radicals, past and present leadership the Lagos, Ikeja and Ikorodu Branches bid to host the 2009 NBA Conference in this City of Excellence. We agree that a bid of this nature is unique and assure all our friends and conferees that the Conference on its part,-by God's grace (Insha Allah) will also be unique.
The Local Organizing Committee will adopt the Cancum Model. Cancun in Mexico is a global tourist haven. The city is located by the ocean shore and over the years the Mexicans have developed the region into a serene tourist centre to which people flock throughout the year to relax and spoil themselves. Like Cancum, the Lekki /Ajah axis of Lagos inclusive of Akodo, was developed from a virgin area and reclamation from the local community.
The 2009 Conference is conceptualized around tourism, relaxation and casual appearances throughout the seven days. Shuttle buses will be provided for conferees to commute from nearby venues and for city tours, which will take place everyday.
Provisions would be made for our foreign guests to ensure that they all savour the rich culture, tradition and way of life of our people. A tour of Badagry will showcase the slave trade route and human trafficking of millions of Nigerians and Dahomeians through Iberefun in Badagry and other locations in that axis. Tourists will visit the "Point of No Return", the first storey building in West Africa and, maybe, drink from the well, the water of which makes its consumer forget the past.
3.0 PAST CONFERENCE
The 2009 NBA Conference will be a non-election Conference. In past Conference of this nature, minute organizational details have been ignored. This has resulted in chaos, shortage of conference materials, poor accommodation and little education due to the rowdy nature of the venues. To avoid such organizational pitfalls, superb arrangements are being made and reliable guarantees have been obtained.
The Lagos State Government is building a 10,000 seater Millenium Conference facility in Lekki-Epe expressway which it has promised to make available to the NBA to host the opening and closing ceremonies of the Conference. To complement this edifice would be Recreational Centres where food and drinks will be served free-of-charge to Conferees. To ensure abundant supply of delicacies, cuisines, and drinks, the hospitality industry in Lagos State typified by the various food outlets have been mobilized to be present at the venues. Sponsorship (in principle) of events by multinational companies, banks, telecommunication companies, beverage producers and breweries have been obtained and conferees are assured that there will be abundant supply of "Conference Materials" throughout the duration of the Conference.
4.0 WHY LAGOS?
Lagos was renowned, until recently, for its chaotic traffic condition. But a traveler through Lagos today will easily observe the beautification of the city since the inception of the present administration. What is now evolving is a functional city.
To ease the problem of mass transportation, "BRT" buses have been provided on
dedicated lanes to ease commuter movement and at the barest cost.
This improvement is a well coordinated State Government and private sector partnership (PSP) initiative involving trade unions and employers Associations. It is an on-going process with the State Government adding an average of 200 buses to operate this service every three months. Lagos is a city that works 24 hours of the day.
Again, why Lagos and not elsewhere? Because Lagos State has the largest concentration of hotels, resorts, pleasure spots, night clubs and recreational facilities, and the safest city in Nigeria today to host an average of 10,000" delegates. Moreover, Lagos is the home and practice base of over 60% of lawyers in Nigeria.
5.0 THE CRITERIA
5.1 SECURITY:
The Lagos State Police Command is the best equipped in Africa. Its Rapid Response Squad (RRS) is the. benchmark which is copiously adopted by other States in Nigeria. Officers and men of the Nigerian Police in Lagos State have the best standard of living compared to their contemporaries in other States.
They are best equipped with state-of-the-art vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, and equipment. The State Government recently donated crime-fighting equipment to the Nigerian Army to complement the Police. Also this is the only State in Nigeria where the Governor goes around without the offensive ear-splitting noise of the siren and a retinue of vehicles in a motorcade, which constitute nuisance and typifies third world mentality. This is because; the city is safe round the clock.
To complement the efforts of the' Nigerian Police and Nigerian Army in law enforcement and control, the State Government established other outfits to enforce the law at the local and ward levels such as the neighborhood watch organizations. To emphasize this aspect of law enforcement in the State, there is the LASTMA (Lagos State Traffic Management Authority) to maintain orderliness of traffic, and the KAI (Kick Against Indiscipline) which ensures clean environment and orderliness of people and commercial activities.
5.2 CONFERENCE CENTRE AND ACCOMMODATION
The Conference Centre, meetings of Sections and accommodation for conferees are proposed to be located on the Ikoyi-Victoria Island-Lekki-Ajah corridor. Of course there are adequate numbers of equally comfortable hotels for lodging of conferees in the Mainland and Ikeja parts of Lagos which will be made available to those who may choose such other places.
The recently renovated Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island is a tourist delight. ThisDay Newspaper rated this Hotel as No. l in Nigeria. This Hotel's Conference, lodging, and recreational facilities are second to none in Nigeria, and will rival anyone of its kind in the world. To complement the Federal Palace Hotel, within a 2 minute walk is the ever imposing structure of the No 1 entertainment centre in Nigeria the Silverbirds Galleria. There are Cinema Halls, Gift Shops and Restaurant within the Galleria.
In the same vicinity about three minutes drive from the Hotel is the Lagoon Restaurant that operate a serene night life of Brazilian, Mexican, Lebanese and local cuisines by the waterfront supported by a Jazz Band to add to the pleasure of conferees, their spouse friends and perhaps "Conference Materials". During the day, the- Lagoon Restaurant has a hall that sits 3,000 persons and four complementary restaurants. It is a popular conference venue for banks, oil companies and Section of the NBA.
The Eko Hotel and Suites which includes the Karamo Lodge, has 4-star accommodation for its guests with complementary service including Ocean View
Plaza located one minute walk from the Atlantic Ocean. Recently-two Protea Hotels have begun operations in the same area. These hospitality facilities are part of the backdrop of a beautiful landscape known as Victoria Island. The Ajose Adeogun Street is a beautiful sight as night because of the vast resources deployed by Zenith Bank to emphasis its corporate presence on that road. At is a safe place to stroll and commute at night in choice companionship. As we move towards Lekki we are welcomed by B'Jay Restaurant owned by ever young Ms Bimbo Johnson. This outfit is unique because of its state of art rooms and also popular due to its "Happy Hour" occasions when customers pay half price for food and drinks. Two blocks from B'Jays is the Jazz Club to cater for the quiet, subtle music of mature minds. As we move down the road, we arrive at Shoprite.
This sprawling Shopping Mall, an initiative of the hospitality Guru, Toyin Amusan is the one of its type in Nigeria. The mall has an array of shops, cinemas, supermarkets, eateries, electronics shops, ATM Banking outlets, pharmacies, and a parking lot for 2,500 cars. It is a tourist delight.
As we move further into Lekki, one would observe a beautiful modem housing estate otherwise referred to as Lekki Phase 1. More than 10,000 citizens reside in this area. Lekki Phase 1 is a well planned estate with hotels, banks, mosques and churches, play centers, and shops adjourning the Lagos Lagoon. It is home to the evolving middle class in Lagos States.
A drive along the Lekki/ Ajah/ Epe road is a tourist attraction. The breeze is cool
all day round because of its parallel location to the Atlantic Ocean. Several beaches such as Lekki Beach, Oniru Beach, Alpha Beach, Elegushi Beach have motorable access to this road. Several hotels that offer accommodation at the rate of between N5,000 to N7,000 per night are located along this road. Again, Chevron Complex, Victoria Garden City Housing Estate (acclaimed to be the best planned private estate in Nigeria) are located along this road. On this road also is the Peninsular Resort owned by the most revered humanist Alhaja Ahmed Onibudo. The facilities provided in this Resort are breath-taking due to its location, recreational facilities such lawn tennis courts, table tennis, swimming pool, state-of-the-art gymnasium, well paved lawn and decent environment. There are three dining halls and restaurants for guest and accommodation facilities for 1,000 guests. There are also meeting and conference rooms for 1,000 to 2,500 guests. The food is served by well dress and extremely friend staff and bartenders of the Resort. Still along that road (Lekki/Ajah/Epe) there are several hotels and lodges to carter for an average of 2,000 guests at an affordable rate to junior lawyers.
Eleko Beach and the Akodo Tourist Resort are accessible from this road. The Eleko Beach. Over the years has been vastly developed by the Oil Companies and the Chinese. The Free Trade Zone of Lagos State is in this axis. The Beach hosts an average of 5,000 picnickers during Xmas, New Year and Easter celebrations and would serve as Tourist/Exhibition Centre during the 2009 NBA Conference Suya and palm wine would be served round the clock.
Over the years the Akodo Tourist Resort has hosted State Governors, Diplomats, Local Government Chairman's and' Tourist from other countries and families who resolved to leave the hustle and bustle of city life. The Resort adjoins the Atlantic Ocean and its customers have 24 hours to the ocean with lifeguards, security men, and a Police Post always on hand. This Resort is being upgraded by the Lagos State Government to cater for the need of over 2,000 lawyers who may choose to reside there during the Conference. It possesses first class conference facilities and serves very delicious sea food because of its closeness to the sea. The ocean surge is Cancum-like, and a relaxation spot for Junior lawyers.
The Conference Centre to host the opening and closing ceremonies and major events for the conference would be sited in the Akodo/Eleko Axis of the State. This is to ensure the maximum utilization of tourist facilities and promote tourism in the Centre of Excellence. Presently the Thursday Newspapers has a world class Conference Centre with capacity for 10,000 seated audiences along this corridor.
It has for Committee meeting halls each with capacity for an average of 2000 seated guests, car park to conveniently park 1,500 cars, and a large open ground where vendors of law books and other materials of interest can display their wares. But beyond this, as stated above, the government of Lagos State is now at an advanced stage in building an International Event Centre on the Lekki Expressway, (see the Architectural Design attached as annexure ...... to our letter)
we have assurance that it will be completed by middle of this year and that as a mark of honour to the NBA, the State Governor His Excellency B.R Fashola S.A.N. roposes that the NBA Conference shall be the first ever event to be hosted in the Centre.
At a glance these are some of the hotels and resorts available for the accommodation of the conferees:
Ikoyi Hotels (320 rooms)
Federal Palace Hotel (400 rooms)
Eko Hotels and Suites (520 rooms)
C.T. Lodge Hotel (80 rooms)
Sabitex Hotel (78 rooms)
Alpha Beach Hotel (52 rooms)
Royal Garden Guest House, (70 rooms)
Peninsula Hotel (205 rooms)
Royal Cedars (92 rooms)
S.B.I. Hotels (46 rooms)
Protea Hotel Lekki. (120 rooms)
Eko Tourist Resort (80 rooms)
Ganab Hotel (70 rooms)
Piccadilly Suites (150 plus rooms)
Hotel Chillovile (38 rooms)
Budget Hotel (67 rooms)
Eldom Hotel (53 rooms)
Lekki Astoria Hotel (75 rooms)
Hotel Bellissimo (176 rooms)
Biscourt Apartment (76 rooms)
V.C.P. Hotel (150 rooms)
Mainland Hotel, Oyingbo (200 rooms)
Onikirp Hotel Yaba (60 rooms)
New Castle Hotel, Anthony Village (100 rooms)
Protea Hotel Maryland (220 rooms)
Protea Hotel Ikeja (220 rooms)
Sheraton Hotels and Towers Ikeja (480 rooms)
Airport Hotel Ikeja (160 rooms)
Novotel Hotel (500)
To mention but a few.
6.0 THE STATE GOVERNMENT
The Governor of Lagos State. His Excellency Babatunde Raji Fashola is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He is the first and only Senior Advocate of Nigeria to be elected as Governor of a State in Nigeria,
Our State Governor is typified today as a hard-working, industrious, well focused, humanitarian person who, with his Executive, is working tirelessly to ensure that Lagos State emerges the best City-State in Africa in the next ten years. The Fashola administration is fully in support of the bid for the hosting of the 2009 NBA Conference. HRM, Alaiyeluwa Oba Rilwann Akinolu, the Oba of Lagos and his white cap chiefs, HRM the Anyangbure of Ikorodu, his Olori and chiefs, HRM the Menutoyin of Badagry, HRM the Oba Elegushi, all have given their royal support and blessing to this forthcoming Conference. Conferees have been assured of good hospitality in their various domains, traditional entertainments and performance to showcase the rich culture of the people of Lagos State.
5.3. FINANCIAL PLAN
The financial plan for the hosting of the Conference in Lagos involves a partnering of the three Branches of the NBA in the State with the State government and private sector organization to source needed funds and materials to cater for the welfare, security, and recreational needs of the conferees. The State Government proposes to partner with private estate developing Firms to mobilize all available accommodations for the lodging of the conferees. To this end the already completed 1,500 capacity Lekki Resort Estate which has been completed but still awaiting allocation, has been reserved for use of lawyers during the Conference. Also a respected Bar Leader and past President of the NBA, Chief B. 0. Benson has promised to lodge 1,000 lawyers in his private estate during the period. We have also obtained approval in principle of Banks, Oil Companies, Multi-Nationals, Airlines, Embassies, Eateries, and Hotels for events sponsorship, good transportation to guarantee a hitch free Conference.
The International Bar Association, the Commonwealth Bar Association, the African Bar Association, Lawyer to Lawyer Network and the American Bar Association have agreed to participate actively in the 2009 Conference if hosted in Lagos State. Come to Lagos, have fun and let us spoil you a little more.
THE BID (EPILOGUE)
The bid is being supported by documentary and photographic impressions of limited circulation as required by the Nigerian Bar Association. However, the Local Organizing Committee would also submit an electronic bid for wide circulation. This is a motion picture-in CD to graphically illustrate the tourism potentials of Lagos State, available for NEC members to ensure wide circulation with the support of majority of our members at home and in the diaspora. The 2009 conference is billed to surpass anyone of its kind in the history of the NBA and even the IBA Conference held in Durban, South Africa.
7.0 CONCLUSION
The Lagos, Ikeja, and Ikorodu Branches of the Nigerian Bar Association have by the foregoing statement of their bid expressed their strong desire and preparedness to host the members of the Bar to a most relaxed, and holiday-like conference, the kind that will make lawyers yearn to return to Lagos again in no distant time. Our statement of bid is our creed. Hold us to it, and members of the Nigerian Bar. Association would be glad you did.
Chief Kunle Uthman
Chairman, Joint Bid Committee
Mr. Nurudeen Ogbara
Secretary, Joint Bid Committee
There are three Branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) within Lagos State in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These are the Lagos, Ikeja and Ikorodu Branches, and these three Branches have played important roles in the Association.
Lagos Branch is the oldest Branch of the NBA and its membership has produced numerous Bar Leaders, Benchers, notable politicians, administrators, academics and presently a Governor who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Ikeja Branch is commonly referred to as "The Tiger Branch" because of the dynamic role played by its leadership at the vanguard of democratic struggles. Some of its prominent members were imprisoned, and prevented from legitimate exercise of their .fundamental rights by military rulers. Ikorodu Branch, the youngest of the three, has played effective and supportive role in democratic rule and in the choice of leadership of the Bar, and has also been a consistent critic of dictatorial regimes.
These three Branches over the years maintained a synergy, which is complementary to one another and has served to ensure that Lagos State is governed by responsible leaders. Hence the peace and tranquility experienced in the State despite its population and volatility due to its multifarious religion and ethnicity. Lagos State is home to all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, ethnicity and religion. It is in furtherance of this uniqueness that these three NBA Branches have decided to put in a Joint Bid to host the forthcoming NBA Conference with the resolve that the conference would be the best so far organized in the history of the Bar Association.
Furthermore, we will project the concept of tourism, relaxation, entertainment and education subsumed in this Bid with great emphasis on the tourism potentials of Lagos State otherwise called the Centre of Excellence. The Conference Local Organizing Committee proposes to adopt the model of the International Bar Association Conference, which was held in Cancun, Mexico in 2003. The Conference will be sea-based, that is, on the ocean corridor. It will be a truly holiday Conference with free breakfast, lunch and dinner for all conferees.
2.0 THE BID
Lagos State has an Economic Free Trade Zone, an Energy City, a surface rail system, and a ferry service to maximize all potential areas of transportation and ensure smooth flow of commuter traffic within the State. A visitor to the State will readily observe that there are massive road construction projects in all parts of the State; traffic lights at road intersections; luxury bus shuttle services on dedicated lanes by the Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and operated by the LAGBUS Asset Company, construction of jetties for ferry services in Marina, Badore, Ipakodo, Ibeshe and Mile 2, a surface rail service between Orile and Badagry to ease the
vehicular traffic in that axis, which is also the gateway to other neighbouring countries of Benin, Togo and Ghana, and a well coordinated landscaping with the planting of trees and flowers to give good aesthetic value to the atmosphere. All these are put in place as pre-conditions for its mega city status.
As a result of the one city nature of this State and to further synergize the collaboration of its legal community of conservatives and radicals, past and present leadership the Lagos, Ikeja and Ikorodu Branches bid to host the 2009 NBA Conference in this City of Excellence. We agree that a bid of this nature is unique and assure all our friends and conferees that the Conference on its part,-by God's grace (Insha Allah) will also be unique.
The Local Organizing Committee will adopt the Cancum Model. Cancun in Mexico is a global tourist haven. The city is located by the ocean shore and over the years the Mexicans have developed the region into a serene tourist centre to which people flock throughout the year to relax and spoil themselves. Like Cancum, the Lekki /Ajah axis of Lagos inclusive of Akodo, was developed from a virgin area and reclamation from the local community.
The 2009 Conference is conceptualized around tourism, relaxation and casual appearances throughout the seven days. Shuttle buses will be provided for conferees to commute from nearby venues and for city tours, which will take place everyday.
Provisions would be made for our foreign guests to ensure that they all savour the rich culture, tradition and way of life of our people. A tour of Badagry will showcase the slave trade route and human trafficking of millions of Nigerians and Dahomeians through Iberefun in Badagry and other locations in that axis. Tourists will visit the "Point of No Return", the first storey building in West Africa and, maybe, drink from the well, the water of which makes its consumer forget the past.
3.0 PAST CONFERENCE
The 2009 NBA Conference will be a non-election Conference. In past Conference of this nature, minute organizational details have been ignored. This has resulted in chaos, shortage of conference materials, poor accommodation and little education due to the rowdy nature of the venues. To avoid such organizational pitfalls, superb arrangements are being made and reliable guarantees have been obtained.
The Lagos State Government is building a 10,000 seater Millenium Conference facility in Lekki-Epe expressway which it has promised to make available to the NBA to host the opening and closing ceremonies of the Conference. To complement this edifice would be Recreational Centres where food and drinks will be served free-of-charge to Conferees. To ensure abundant supply of delicacies, cuisines, and drinks, the hospitality industry in Lagos State typified by the various food outlets have been mobilized to be present at the venues. Sponsorship (in principle) of events by multinational companies, banks, telecommunication companies, beverage producers and breweries have been obtained and conferees are assured that there will be abundant supply of "Conference Materials" throughout the duration of the Conference.
4.0 WHY LAGOS?
Lagos was renowned, until recently, for its chaotic traffic condition. But a traveler through Lagos today will easily observe the beautification of the city since the inception of the present administration. What is now evolving is a functional city.
To ease the problem of mass transportation, "BRT" buses have been provided on
dedicated lanes to ease commuter movement and at the barest cost.
This improvement is a well coordinated State Government and private sector partnership (PSP) initiative involving trade unions and employers Associations. It is an on-going process with the State Government adding an average of 200 buses to operate this service every three months. Lagos is a city that works 24 hours of the day.
Again, why Lagos and not elsewhere? Because Lagos State has the largest concentration of hotels, resorts, pleasure spots, night clubs and recreational facilities, and the safest city in Nigeria today to host an average of 10,000" delegates. Moreover, Lagos is the home and practice base of over 60% of lawyers in Nigeria.
5.0 THE CRITERIA
5.1 SECURITY:
The Lagos State Police Command is the best equipped in Africa. Its Rapid Response Squad (RRS) is the. benchmark which is copiously adopted by other States in Nigeria. Officers and men of the Nigerian Police in Lagos State have the best standard of living compared to their contemporaries in other States.
They are best equipped with state-of-the-art vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, and equipment. The State Government recently donated crime-fighting equipment to the Nigerian Army to complement the Police. Also this is the only State in Nigeria where the Governor goes around without the offensive ear-splitting noise of the siren and a retinue of vehicles in a motorcade, which constitute nuisance and typifies third world mentality. This is because; the city is safe round the clock.
To complement the efforts of the' Nigerian Police and Nigerian Army in law enforcement and control, the State Government established other outfits to enforce the law at the local and ward levels such as the neighborhood watch organizations. To emphasize this aspect of law enforcement in the State, there is the LASTMA (Lagos State Traffic Management Authority) to maintain orderliness of traffic, and the KAI (Kick Against Indiscipline) which ensures clean environment and orderliness of people and commercial activities.
5.2 CONFERENCE CENTRE AND ACCOMMODATION
The Conference Centre, meetings of Sections and accommodation for conferees are proposed to be located on the Ikoyi-Victoria Island-Lekki-Ajah corridor. Of course there are adequate numbers of equally comfortable hotels for lodging of conferees in the Mainland and Ikeja parts of Lagos which will be made available to those who may choose such other places.
The recently renovated Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island is a tourist delight. ThisDay Newspaper rated this Hotel as No. l in Nigeria. This Hotel's Conference, lodging, and recreational facilities are second to none in Nigeria, and will rival anyone of its kind in the world. To complement the Federal Palace Hotel, within a 2 minute walk is the ever imposing structure of the No 1 entertainment centre in Nigeria the Silverbirds Galleria. There are Cinema Halls, Gift Shops and Restaurant within the Galleria.
In the same vicinity about three minutes drive from the Hotel is the Lagoon Restaurant that operate a serene night life of Brazilian, Mexican, Lebanese and local cuisines by the waterfront supported by a Jazz Band to add to the pleasure of conferees, their spouse friends and perhaps "Conference Materials". During the day, the- Lagoon Restaurant has a hall that sits 3,000 persons and four complementary restaurants. It is a popular conference venue for banks, oil companies and Section of the NBA.
The Eko Hotel and Suites which includes the Karamo Lodge, has 4-star accommodation for its guests with complementary service including Ocean View
Plaza located one minute walk from the Atlantic Ocean. Recently-two Protea Hotels have begun operations in the same area. These hospitality facilities are part of the backdrop of a beautiful landscape known as Victoria Island. The Ajose Adeogun Street is a beautiful sight as night because of the vast resources deployed by Zenith Bank to emphasis its corporate presence on that road. At is a safe place to stroll and commute at night in choice companionship. As we move towards Lekki we are welcomed by B'Jay Restaurant owned by ever young Ms Bimbo Johnson. This outfit is unique because of its state of art rooms and also popular due to its "Happy Hour" occasions when customers pay half price for food and drinks. Two blocks from B'Jays is the Jazz Club to cater for the quiet, subtle music of mature minds. As we move down the road, we arrive at Shoprite.
This sprawling Shopping Mall, an initiative of the hospitality Guru, Toyin Amusan is the one of its type in Nigeria. The mall has an array of shops, cinemas, supermarkets, eateries, electronics shops, ATM Banking outlets, pharmacies, and a parking lot for 2,500 cars. It is a tourist delight.
As we move further into Lekki, one would observe a beautiful modem housing estate otherwise referred to as Lekki Phase 1. More than 10,000 citizens reside in this area. Lekki Phase 1 is a well planned estate with hotels, banks, mosques and churches, play centers, and shops adjourning the Lagos Lagoon. It is home to the evolving middle class in Lagos States.
A drive along the Lekki/ Ajah/ Epe road is a tourist attraction. The breeze is cool
all day round because of its parallel location to the Atlantic Ocean. Several beaches such as Lekki Beach, Oniru Beach, Alpha Beach, Elegushi Beach have motorable access to this road. Several hotels that offer accommodation at the rate of between N5,000 to N7,000 per night are located along this road. Again, Chevron Complex, Victoria Garden City Housing Estate (acclaimed to be the best planned private estate in Nigeria) are located along this road. On this road also is the Peninsular Resort owned by the most revered humanist Alhaja Ahmed Onibudo. The facilities provided in this Resort are breath-taking due to its location, recreational facilities such lawn tennis courts, table tennis, swimming pool, state-of-the-art gymnasium, well paved lawn and decent environment. There are three dining halls and restaurants for guest and accommodation facilities for 1,000 guests. There are also meeting and conference rooms for 1,000 to 2,500 guests. The food is served by well dress and extremely friend staff and bartenders of the Resort. Still along that road (Lekki/Ajah/Epe) there are several hotels and lodges to carter for an average of 2,000 guests at an affordable rate to junior lawyers.
Eleko Beach and the Akodo Tourist Resort are accessible from this road. The Eleko Beach. Over the years has been vastly developed by the Oil Companies and the Chinese. The Free Trade Zone of Lagos State is in this axis. The Beach hosts an average of 5,000 picnickers during Xmas, New Year and Easter celebrations and would serve as Tourist/Exhibition Centre during the 2009 NBA Conference Suya and palm wine would be served round the clock.
Over the years the Akodo Tourist Resort has hosted State Governors, Diplomats, Local Government Chairman's and' Tourist from other countries and families who resolved to leave the hustle and bustle of city life. The Resort adjoins the Atlantic Ocean and its customers have 24 hours to the ocean with lifeguards, security men, and a Police Post always on hand. This Resort is being upgraded by the Lagos State Government to cater for the need of over 2,000 lawyers who may choose to reside there during the Conference. It possesses first class conference facilities and serves very delicious sea food because of its closeness to the sea. The ocean surge is Cancum-like, and a relaxation spot for Junior lawyers.
The Conference Centre to host the opening and closing ceremonies and major events for the conference would be sited in the Akodo/Eleko Axis of the State. This is to ensure the maximum utilization of tourist facilities and promote tourism in the Centre of Excellence. Presently the Thursday Newspapers has a world class Conference Centre with capacity for 10,000 seated audiences along this corridor.
It has for Committee meeting halls each with capacity for an average of 2000 seated guests, car park to conveniently park 1,500 cars, and a large open ground where vendors of law books and other materials of interest can display their wares. But beyond this, as stated above, the government of Lagos State is now at an advanced stage in building an International Event Centre on the Lekki Expressway, (see the Architectural Design attached as annexure ...... to our letter)
we have assurance that it will be completed by middle of this year and that as a mark of honour to the NBA, the State Governor His Excellency B.R Fashola S.A.N. roposes that the NBA Conference shall be the first ever event to be hosted in the Centre.
At a glance these are some of the hotels and resorts available for the accommodation of the conferees:
Ikoyi Hotels (320 rooms)
Federal Palace Hotel (400 rooms)
Eko Hotels and Suites (520 rooms)
C.T. Lodge Hotel (80 rooms)
Sabitex Hotel (78 rooms)
Alpha Beach Hotel (52 rooms)
Royal Garden Guest House, (70 rooms)
Peninsula Hotel (205 rooms)
Royal Cedars (92 rooms)
S.B.I. Hotels (46 rooms)
Protea Hotel Lekki. (120 rooms)
Eko Tourist Resort (80 rooms)
Ganab Hotel (70 rooms)
Piccadilly Suites (150 plus rooms)
Hotel Chillovile (38 rooms)
Budget Hotel (67 rooms)
Eldom Hotel (53 rooms)
Lekki Astoria Hotel (75 rooms)
Hotel Bellissimo (176 rooms)
Biscourt Apartment (76 rooms)
V.C.P. Hotel (150 rooms)
Mainland Hotel, Oyingbo (200 rooms)
Onikirp Hotel Yaba (60 rooms)
New Castle Hotel, Anthony Village (100 rooms)
Protea Hotel Maryland (220 rooms)
Protea Hotel Ikeja (220 rooms)
Sheraton Hotels and Towers Ikeja (480 rooms)
Airport Hotel Ikeja (160 rooms)
Novotel Hotel (500)
To mention but a few.
6.0 THE STATE GOVERNMENT
The Governor of Lagos State. His Excellency Babatunde Raji Fashola is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He is the first and only Senior Advocate of Nigeria to be elected as Governor of a State in Nigeria,
Our State Governor is typified today as a hard-working, industrious, well focused, humanitarian person who, with his Executive, is working tirelessly to ensure that Lagos State emerges the best City-State in Africa in the next ten years. The Fashola administration is fully in support of the bid for the hosting of the 2009 NBA Conference. HRM, Alaiyeluwa Oba Rilwann Akinolu, the Oba of Lagos and his white cap chiefs, HRM the Anyangbure of Ikorodu, his Olori and chiefs, HRM the Menutoyin of Badagry, HRM the Oba Elegushi, all have given their royal support and blessing to this forthcoming Conference. Conferees have been assured of good hospitality in their various domains, traditional entertainments and performance to showcase the rich culture of the people of Lagos State.
5.3. FINANCIAL PLAN
The financial plan for the hosting of the Conference in Lagos involves a partnering of the three Branches of the NBA in the State with the State government and private sector organization to source needed funds and materials to cater for the welfare, security, and recreational needs of the conferees. The State Government proposes to partner with private estate developing Firms to mobilize all available accommodations for the lodging of the conferees. To this end the already completed 1,500 capacity Lekki Resort Estate which has been completed but still awaiting allocation, has been reserved for use of lawyers during the Conference. Also a respected Bar Leader and past President of the NBA, Chief B. 0. Benson has promised to lodge 1,000 lawyers in his private estate during the period. We have also obtained approval in principle of Banks, Oil Companies, Multi-Nationals, Airlines, Embassies, Eateries, and Hotels for events sponsorship, good transportation to guarantee a hitch free Conference.
The International Bar Association, the Commonwealth Bar Association, the African Bar Association, Lawyer to Lawyer Network and the American Bar Association have agreed to participate actively in the 2009 Conference if hosted in Lagos State. Come to Lagos, have fun and let us spoil you a little more.
THE BID (EPILOGUE)
The bid is being supported by documentary and photographic impressions of limited circulation as required by the Nigerian Bar Association. However, the Local Organizing Committee would also submit an electronic bid for wide circulation. This is a motion picture-in CD to graphically illustrate the tourism potentials of Lagos State, available for NEC members to ensure wide circulation with the support of majority of our members at home and in the diaspora. The 2009 conference is billed to surpass anyone of its kind in the history of the NBA and even the IBA Conference held in Durban, South Africa.
7.0 CONCLUSION
The Lagos, Ikeja, and Ikorodu Branches of the Nigerian Bar Association have by the foregoing statement of their bid expressed their strong desire and preparedness to host the members of the Bar to a most relaxed, and holiday-like conference, the kind that will make lawyers yearn to return to Lagos again in no distant time. Our statement of bid is our creed. Hold us to it, and members of the Nigerian Bar. Association would be glad you did.
Chief Kunle Uthman
Chairman, Joint Bid Committee
Mr. Nurudeen Ogbara
Secretary, Joint Bid Committee
Saturday, February 14, 2009
LAWYERS IN THE DOCK By Lekan Daramola Esq.
Ordinarily, as you entered the Court, you'd have thought that they were accused persons, nay privileged ones as they were all sitting. But yet the toga of criminality couldn't have been taken away from them, as they were all sitting in the dock!
Dock ordinarily, is a place meant for the accused persons in the courtroom. According to the Black's Law Dictionary, the dock refers to the enclosure, in a criminal court, in which the prisoner is placed during trial. But alas, it became a place for no other set of persons than Lawyers - Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.!
Why did the honourable, gentlemen of the bar have to sit in the dock? They were neither charged for any criminal conduct nor were they being kept there in lieu of their clients. They had to sit there because there were no seats for them at the bar!
On the fateful day, 5th November, 2008 there were 52 cases before Candide - Johnson, J, of the Ikeja High Court. Apparently, you should expect about 100 Lawyers in Court at the rate of 2 per case i.e. one each for Claimant and Defendant respectively.
Unfortunately however, there were less than 60 seats in the courtroom. The number is inclusive of the 6 for the inner bar mainly meant for SANs, and about 6 that were bad.
As the Lawyers were not sure of when their matters would be called, they awaited their turns eagerly. Hence, while some could find seats, others stood up, while about 5 Lawyers found themselves seats in the dock. Hence, they became accused persons, momentarily!
Knowing the implication of such act they would not have been so seated, but they had no choice. According to some of them, afterall, it's better than standing up throughout the proceedings of the day. Among the Lawyers who witnessed this scene were Ayo Olanrewaju, Olasupo Ojo and Victor Kolade.
We suggest that the issue of availability of seats in the High courtrooms should be taken seriously by the authorities that be, to avoid the type of embarrassing scene painted above.
The situation gets more worrisome as, faced with similar scenario recently. Marsh, J, had to enlist the support of the NBA Ikeja branch Chairman, Dave Ajetunmobi Esq. to assist him in appealing to the relevant authorities to ensure that comfortable seats are made available to Lawyers in court. Though the chairman promptly rushed to the C.J's office, no succour has come the way of the Lawyers yet. Hope somebody is listening now?
Dock ordinarily, is a place meant for the accused persons in the courtroom. According to the Black's Law Dictionary, the dock refers to the enclosure, in a criminal court, in which the prisoner is placed during trial. But alas, it became a place for no other set of persons than Lawyers - Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.!
Why did the honourable, gentlemen of the bar have to sit in the dock? They were neither charged for any criminal conduct nor were they being kept there in lieu of their clients. They had to sit there because there were no seats for them at the bar!
On the fateful day, 5th November, 2008 there were 52 cases before Candide - Johnson, J, of the Ikeja High Court. Apparently, you should expect about 100 Lawyers in Court at the rate of 2 per case i.e. one each for Claimant and Defendant respectively.
Unfortunately however, there were less than 60 seats in the courtroom. The number is inclusive of the 6 for the inner bar mainly meant for SANs, and about 6 that were bad.
As the Lawyers were not sure of when their matters would be called, they awaited their turns eagerly. Hence, while some could find seats, others stood up, while about 5 Lawyers found themselves seats in the dock. Hence, they became accused persons, momentarily!
Knowing the implication of such act they would not have been so seated, but they had no choice. According to some of them, afterall, it's better than standing up throughout the proceedings of the day. Among the Lawyers who witnessed this scene were Ayo Olanrewaju, Olasupo Ojo and Victor Kolade.
We suggest that the issue of availability of seats in the High courtrooms should be taken seriously by the authorities that be, to avoid the type of embarrassing scene painted above.
The situation gets more worrisome as, faced with similar scenario recently. Marsh, J, had to enlist the support of the NBA Ikeja branch Chairman, Dave Ajetunmobi Esq. to assist him in appealing to the relevant authorities to ensure that comfortable seats are made available to Lawyers in court. Though the chairman promptly rushed to the C.J's office, no succour has come the way of the Lawyers yet. Hope somebody is listening now?
Monday, February 9, 2009
THE STRIKE: HOW THE BAR BROKERED PEACE IN LAGOS STATE
When the latest strike of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) started on December 1 2008 many assumed it would end within a matter of days or at most two weeks. The popular thinking was that the striking workers would call off their strike, if for no other reason, than to ensure that they received their December salaries.
Nothing of that sort happened however, as the nationwide strike limited only to all the high courts in the country lasted all through December 2008 without any sign of let-up.
At the national level, the Nigerian Bar Association appointed Femi Falana esq a well known activist and counsel to organised labour, and a few others to, on her behalf, mediate between the JUSUN and the Federal Government.
In the main, the workers were asking for an improvement in their take home pay as well as unified salary scheme. As the strike dragged on through December it was getting clear that the two sides were falling shy of reconciliation. While the workers appeared adamant on their demands the Federal Government was equally unyielding citing constitutional impediments to satisfying the workers’ demands.
Seeing the way things were going the leadership of the bar in Lagos State, mainly the chairman of the branches, Lagos Ikeja and Ikorodu became uncomfortable with the stand-off. Their distress was understandable. Lagos had the largest number of lawyers in the country, as well as the largest Judiciary.
Even by the middle of December, the strike had started squeezing the pockets of many Lagos lawyers as all the state courts remained closed down. Litigation lawyers were particularly hit as ordinarily elusive clients (when it comes to fee paying) became even more elusive.
The main job of finding a solution to the impasse in Lagos State eventually rested on Dave Ajetomobi, the chairman of NBA Ikeja. Ajetomobi sitting a top Ikeja branch was the most centrally placed of the chairmen, and the most accessible to both the workers and the state Government which also has its secretariat in Ikeja.
Enjoying the mandate of the other two leaders (Bola Baderinwa of Lagos branch and Tony Ibeh of Ikorodu branch), Ajetomobi first met with Supo Sasore S.A.N the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice informally in Abuja to discuss a way forward out of the strike.
Later he led a 2 man delegation on 6th January 2009 to have an hour long meeting with the Attorney-General and Lawal Pedro S.A.N, the Solicitor-General of the State on the issue.
At this meeting, Sasore and Pedro were unanimous on the point that the State Government would not discuss or negotiate or accept any demands of workers in the face of an on-going strike as doing that “well encourage other sectors, who may be feeling aggrieved to embark on strike actions to press home their demands.” The two top government officials however assured the bar mediator’s team that the Governor (Babatunde Fashola SAN) was favourably disposed to look into the workers’ demands.
On the 8th January 2009, the Ajetomobi team met with five leaders and representatives of the Lagos Judiciary Workers including Segun Omoboye secretary of the Lagos branch of JUSUN and Dele Ismail Adesina a senior staff. The mediator’s efforts at persuading the workers to go back to work as requested by the state government yielded fruit but the success did not come easy.
The representatives of the workers came to the meeting divided. While some wanted the strike to continue until JUSUN, the national body directed otherwise, others wanted the strike to be called off straight away and independently of JUSUN.
After long, hot and acrimonious arguments and debates between the two camps of the workers, the Ajetomobi team managed to persuade the two sides to a common ground, to wit, Lagos State Judiciary workers will go back to work, once there is documentary evidence to show that the state Government will indeed enter who meaningful discussions with them over their demands.
The workers insisted on documentary evidence because of their experience after the March 2007 strike which lasted a month. To end that strike, the State Government under Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Asiwaju of Lagos, had met with the general body of the workers and not just the leaders. At the end of the meeting, the government promised to give 6 buses to the workers as staff buses and ten thousand naira each per month, as “litigation allowance” however while the government released the buses (5) to the workers, no money was ever paid. When workers demanded for this, government bureaucrats demanded for documents to prove that the government promised to make such payments to workers. Unfortunately the workers could not produce any such documents.
While some of the workers’ representatives said it was not necessary to get the Fashola administration to write out its understanding with them, the other part insisted on it. After some reflection, the Ajetomobi team got round the problem-the NBA as mediator would write the Attorney General on the matter and to which letter the office of the Attorney would give a quick reply. The NBA’s letter and the A.G’s reply would serve sufficiently as documentary proof of the reality of the resolution of the strike crisis in Lagos State.
In the evening of 8th January 2009, the office of the Attorney-General received the letter from the NBA Ikeja branch. See Bar & Bench News ‘Exhibit 1’. On the second day, in the afternoon, the reply of the Attorney General came (see Bar & Bench News Exhibit 2) came to the NBA Ikeja secretariat. The workers became set to resume work, satisfied with the letter from the A.G to the chairman, NBA Ikeja.
Quite fortuitously too, that same day, news broke that the national leadership of the JUSUN had suspended the strike for 14 days. The coast then became very clear for the workers to return to their work. This they did, on Monday 12th January 2009.
It is now left to see what the Lagos State Government and the Judiciary workers would make of the truce brokered by the NBA on or before the 31st April 2009.
Nothing of that sort happened however, as the nationwide strike limited only to all the high courts in the country lasted all through December 2008 without any sign of let-up.
At the national level, the Nigerian Bar Association appointed Femi Falana esq a well known activist and counsel to organised labour, and a few others to, on her behalf, mediate between the JUSUN and the Federal Government.
In the main, the workers were asking for an improvement in their take home pay as well as unified salary scheme. As the strike dragged on through December it was getting clear that the two sides were falling shy of reconciliation. While the workers appeared adamant on their demands the Federal Government was equally unyielding citing constitutional impediments to satisfying the workers’ demands.
Seeing the way things were going the leadership of the bar in Lagos State, mainly the chairman of the branches, Lagos Ikeja and Ikorodu became uncomfortable with the stand-off. Their distress was understandable. Lagos had the largest number of lawyers in the country, as well as the largest Judiciary.
Even by the middle of December, the strike had started squeezing the pockets of many Lagos lawyers as all the state courts remained closed down. Litigation lawyers were particularly hit as ordinarily elusive clients (when it comes to fee paying) became even more elusive.
The main job of finding a solution to the impasse in Lagos State eventually rested on Dave Ajetomobi, the chairman of NBA Ikeja. Ajetomobi sitting a top Ikeja branch was the most centrally placed of the chairmen, and the most accessible to both the workers and the state Government which also has its secretariat in Ikeja.
Enjoying the mandate of the other two leaders (Bola Baderinwa of Lagos branch and Tony Ibeh of Ikorodu branch), Ajetomobi first met with Supo Sasore S.A.N the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice informally in Abuja to discuss a way forward out of the strike.
Later he led a 2 man delegation on 6th January 2009 to have an hour long meeting with the Attorney-General and Lawal Pedro S.A.N, the Solicitor-General of the State on the issue.
At this meeting, Sasore and Pedro were unanimous on the point that the State Government would not discuss or negotiate or accept any demands of workers in the face of an on-going strike as doing that “well encourage other sectors, who may be feeling aggrieved to embark on strike actions to press home their demands.” The two top government officials however assured the bar mediator’s team that the Governor (Babatunde Fashola SAN) was favourably disposed to look into the workers’ demands.
On the 8th January 2009, the Ajetomobi team met with five leaders and representatives of the Lagos Judiciary Workers including Segun Omoboye secretary of the Lagos branch of JUSUN and Dele Ismail Adesina a senior staff. The mediator’s efforts at persuading the workers to go back to work as requested by the state government yielded fruit but the success did not come easy.
The representatives of the workers came to the meeting divided. While some wanted the strike to continue until JUSUN, the national body directed otherwise, others wanted the strike to be called off straight away and independently of JUSUN.
After long, hot and acrimonious arguments and debates between the two camps of the workers, the Ajetomobi team managed to persuade the two sides to a common ground, to wit, Lagos State Judiciary workers will go back to work, once there is documentary evidence to show that the state Government will indeed enter who meaningful discussions with them over their demands.
The workers insisted on documentary evidence because of their experience after the March 2007 strike which lasted a month. To end that strike, the State Government under Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Asiwaju of Lagos, had met with the general body of the workers and not just the leaders. At the end of the meeting, the government promised to give 6 buses to the workers as staff buses and ten thousand naira each per month, as “litigation allowance” however while the government released the buses (5) to the workers, no money was ever paid. When workers demanded for this, government bureaucrats demanded for documents to prove that the government promised to make such payments to workers. Unfortunately the workers could not produce any such documents.
While some of the workers’ representatives said it was not necessary to get the Fashola administration to write out its understanding with them, the other part insisted on it. After some reflection, the Ajetomobi team got round the problem-the NBA as mediator would write the Attorney General on the matter and to which letter the office of the Attorney would give a quick reply. The NBA’s letter and the A.G’s reply would serve sufficiently as documentary proof of the reality of the resolution of the strike crisis in Lagos State.
In the evening of 8th January 2009, the office of the Attorney-General received the letter from the NBA Ikeja branch. See Bar & Bench News ‘Exhibit 1’. On the second day, in the afternoon, the reply of the Attorney General came (see Bar & Bench News Exhibit 2) came to the NBA Ikeja secretariat. The workers became set to resume work, satisfied with the letter from the A.G to the chairman, NBA Ikeja.
Quite fortuitously too, that same day, news broke that the national leadership of the JUSUN had suspended the strike for 14 days. The coast then became very clear for the workers to return to their work. This they did, on Monday 12th January 2009.
It is now left to see what the Lagos State Government and the Judiciary workers would make of the truce brokered by the NBA on or before the 31st April 2009.
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