ZYNGA NEWS

Distinguished Colleagues, The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, (ECNBA), has issued ECNBA Notice No. 5 reiterating the ban on campaign by candidates and supporters in the forthcoming elections of National Officers and NBA Representatives to the General Council of the Bar. The Notice states that "...persons who have been issuing online posts, and messages with subtle campaign themes and innuendos are hereby warned to desist immediately." According to the ECNBA, until the Electoral Committee declares "...campaigns open and set out the limited scope of such a campaign as provided in our Constitution, and relevant guidelines, no prospective candidate nor his/her supporters shall post, issue, print, publish, or display any campaign material, nor embark upon a campaign visit under any guise.  Where evidence of such infraction is provided to the ECNBA, such a candidate shall be disqualified forthwith and shall not participate in the elections." The ECNBA

The Nigerian Bar Association's, Institute of Continuing Legal Education announces a 10 day training programme to begin on 3rd April, 2024. The Board Chairman, NBA-ICLE, Tobenna Erojikwe, who announced the 10-day Civil Litigation Training programme noted that it would be facilitated by an array of renowned legal practitioners and jurists from Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The training programme, scheduled to commence on the 3rd of April, 2024, will be held on select dates throughout April and the 2nd of May, 2024, with each session running from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Facilitators lined up to take on various topics at the training sessions include, retired Justice Buba, Justice Dimgba, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), and Chief Akinlolu Olujimi (SAN), British/Nigerian King’s Counsel (KC) Oba Nsugbe, the Canadian/Nigerian KC Ugorji, among others. The training will feature comprehensive exploration of civil litigation practices, covering various aspects of the legal process and equippi

In a unanimous vote, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has removed the leadership of the Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) of the association. This decision was taken during the recent NEC quarterly meeting held in Jos.  A motion moved by NBA Gwagwalada Branch and seconded by a co-opted member from the Maiduguri Branch called on the president to preside over NEC meeting and ratify all actions taken regarding SPIDEL. The motion also called for an investigation into SPIDEL’s leadership and their suspension.  This was reinforced by other NEC members underscoring the need to uphold the recommendations. Additionally, the NEC passed a vote of confidence on the NBA Executive Committee led by President Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau SAN. Meanwhile, the NBA NEC has scheduled it's 2024 National officers election to take place on the 20th of July, 2024. It will be recalled that Maikyau had accused SPIDEL Chairman, John Aikpokpo-Martins

A two day free masterclass webinar, organised by the In-house and Government counsel forum of the Nigerian Bar Association Lagos Branch begins today, 28th of February, 2024. The webinar with the topic: Code & Counsel: Crafting an AI Roadmap for Legal Excellence is put in place to further broaden the minds of legal practitioners on the Integration of Artificial Intelligence into legal workflow, up skill legal practitioners on the current trends and developments in Legal Artificial Intelligence among other key considerations and guidelines for drafting AI policies. CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER FOR THE TRAINING; Nigerian Bar Association Lagos Branch In-House and Government Counsel Forum Master Class . Topic:  Code & Counsel: Crafting an AI Roadmap for Legal Excellence * Day:  Feb. 28 & 29 2024 Time:  03:00 - 06:00 PM West Central Africa   Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctcuuuqTkqGdAAO14jjvAd5J_128INGUN3   A confirmatory

NOTICE OF SPECIAL COURT SESSION AND DAY OF TRIBUTE IN HONOUR OF LATE ARAKUNRIN OLUWAROTIMI ODUNAYO AKEREDOLU SAN, CON. TAKE NOTICE that the Valedictory Court Session and Day of Tribute in honour of our very own Late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu comes up today, Monday, 19th February, 2024. As a result of same, the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division will not be sitting on Monday, 19th February, 2024 in honour of our late Arakunrin. Wishing us all a pleasant week ahead. *OLUWATOBI FATOKI ESQ.* (Publicity Secretary, NBA Ibadan Branch).

The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) has convened an Extra-ordinary General Meeting (EGM) this Sunday to address concerns raised in a recent letter by the NBA President. The agenda circulated by NBA-SPIDEL Secretary, Funmi Adeogun indicates the emergency Zoom meeting will focus on debating the scope of issues mentioned in the NBA President’s correspondence and determining a decision and plan of action. Key stakeholders are expected to attend alongside executive council members to discuss communication strategies around NBA matters. Though the specifics of the NBA President’s letter were not stated, the urgent EGM points to serious issues warranting an emergency intervention by the NBA’s public interest section. Insiders say the meeting may center on recent regulations and directives that have caused discontent among legal practitioners nationwide. With NBA-SPIDEL playing a pivotal role in advocacy, observers are keen to see the outcom

  The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ado-Ekiti branch, has tasked the federal and state governments to swiftly find solutions to the current security challenges currently facing the country. It described the recent attacks and killings in some states as serious threats to security across the nation. A statement by the chairman of the branch, Lawrence Fasanmi, also condemned the kidnapping of six pupils, three teachers and the bus driver of the Apostolic Faith Group of Schools in Emure-Ekiti. While commending the Ekiti state government for swinging into immediate action towards apprehending the perpetrators of the evil deeds, the branch called on government at all levels to formulate policies towards curbing insecurity. The NBA advised government to deploy technology and adequate manpower to fight the emerging security threats. “Our prayers are with the parents and authorities of the Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure Ekiti and we trust God for the safe release of the abducted pup

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Maikyau SAN, has directed the association’s Public Interest and Development Law Section (SPIDEL) to immediately suspend its ongoing public interest lawsuits and advocacy interventions. In a letter dated 31st January, 2024, Maikyau accused SPIDEL Chairman, John Aikpokpo-Martins of undertaking unauthorized actions beyond the section’s mandate that undermine the NBA leadership.  He cited several recent high-profile SPIDEL legal cases and demands made to government agencies and directed SPIDEL officials to halt further activities pending a meeting on February 1st and approval from NBA’s National Executive Council (NEC).  Maikyau stressed that SPIDEL lacks constitutional powers to unilaterally represent the NBA or take actions without authorization. Sources describe the crackdown as a fallout of SPIDEL’s surging activist profile that has rattled influential figures.  Critics say forcing SPIDEL to cease its public interest work spel

  Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, has been relieved of his membership in the National Judicial Council (NJC), authoritative sources have confirmed. The decision was communicated via a letter to the incumbent NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN, signed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and NJC Chairman, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.  He cited Mr. Akpata’s recent involvement in partisan politics as reason for the termination. Sources close to Mr. Akpata indicate he was taken aback by the decision and believes it is beyond the powers of the Chief Justice of Nigeria to unilaterally remove a member of the NJC on grounds of political involvement. His camp argues that this prerogative lies with the individual member.  They cited the example of former NJC member and Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar, who voluntarily resigned his role in 2015 to pursue his political ambition. While said to be deeply troubled by the turn of events, Mr. Akpata is reluctan

The federal high court sitting in Abuja on Friday, 15th December, 2023, (coram) Hon. Justice G. K. Olotu has ordered the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission to without delay register the Nigerian Law society, a rival body of Nigerian Bar Association as a legally recognized body. Delivering it's judgment in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/482/2023 filed by Chief Bolaji Ayorinde SAN & 5 ORS V. Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) favour of the Plaintiffs, the Court, rejected the argument of CAC in both the Preliminary Objection and the substantive Suit and held that, the right to peaceful assembly and association guaranteed under Section 40 of the CFRN 1999 covers the kind of association the Plaintiffs intend to register. On the defendants claim of lack of spread and national character, the court also held that it cannot find anywhere under sections 823, 824 and 825 of CAMA where spread and national character was stated as pre-conditions for registration of an incorporated

The executive committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch, has sympathized with victims of Tuesday’s explosion at Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo State capital. The association in a statement by its publicity secretary, Oluwatobi Fatoki, Esq. said the chairman of the association, Folasade Aladeniyi and other members of the executive committee of the Bar reached out to legal practitioners residing and practicing around the axis of the explosion. The association revealed that some legal practitioners from the Ibadan branch of the  NBA, including, the former Governor of old Oyo state, Chief Bola Ige, former deputy governor of Oyo state, Iyiola Oladokun, Niyi Akintola (SAN), Niyi Farinto, Ayo Arowosafe among others, were affected by the explosion. The executive committee of the NBA commended the swift action of the state government, security agencies, fire brigade, medical practitioners, Red Cross and others in ameliorating the effect of the blast on the  victims. The NBA cha

Dame Pauline Tallen, a former Minister of Women Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has tendered a public apology to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over her statement declaring a court judgment as “kangaroo” which she said was misconstrued.    Published in the Punch and Guardian newspapers on Tuesday, Tallen clarified that her criticism of the Federal High Court decision sacking Adamawa APC governorship candidate, Sen. Aishatu Binani, was quoted out of context. The former Women Affairs Minister who recently lost her defamation suit against the NBA, stated that her outburst after the court ruling was not meant to disrespect the judiciary or undermine its integrity. “The said statement was, by and large, misconstrued and quoted out of context, as it was not in any way or by any stretch of the imagination, intended to malign or undermine the integrity of the nation’s judiciary,” she wrote. The former minister gave assurances that her comments were not a call for civil disobedie

  Distinguished Colleagues,   The ADR Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice (NBA SLP) chaired by Isaiah Bozimo (SAN) is conducting a survey to deepen our collective expertise in Alternative Dispute Resolution.   The survey aims to identify the ADR topics that are most pertinent to legal practitioners.  Your input is welcome and essential, as it will help tailor future events and articles to serve your interests and needs better.  The survey is concise and should take no more than 5 minutes to complete.  Here is the link for your convenience: https://forms.gle/bUFaAnFwSQ64dZYx7 .  Please also consider sharing this survey with other legal professionals in your networks.  The broader the participation, the richer the insights that will be gained by the committee.  Many thanks in advance for your timely and valuable contribution to this important initiative.  Best regards,  Charles Ajiboye,Esq.  National Assistant Publicity Secretary,NBA

PROCEDURE FOR ONLINE APPLICATION FOR STAMPS Distinguished Colleagues, In furtherance of the current ongoing efforts to digitize the NBA Secretariat, I am pleased to inform you that application for stamp should now be made online via the NBA Portal.  While all manual applications previously received before this publication will be processed, it is advisable that subsequent application for stamp should be done online through the portal. Please find below the step-by-step process for applying for stamps on the NBA Portal: PAID STAMPS APPLICATION: Step 1:  Login: Access your portal and navigate to the payment section, then choose “Stamp and Seal.” Step 2:    Pack Selection: Select the desired number of packs from the dropdown options and proceed by clicking on the “Next” button. Step 3:    Preview and Payment: Review your selection and proceed to make the payment for your stamp. Step 4:    Select “Stamp Application.” Step 5:     Click on the three-dot menu under the “Action” column. Step 6

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau SAN, has set up two key committees to organize the Annual General Conference (AGC) 2024 and review lawyers’ fees. This year’s NBA Conference is scheduled to hold in Lagos as the new 17-member planning team begins preparations to build on the success recorded at the 2023 edition. Both appointments by newly elected NBA President Yakubu Maikyau is aimed at setting the stage for transformational outcomes in the association. READ DETAILS OF THE COMMITTEE: NOTICE OF CONSTITUTION OF ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE AND NATIONAL REMUNERATION COMMITTEE Distinguished Colleagues, I had earlier had the privilege to communicate the decision of the National Executive Committee that the NBA Annual General Conference (AGC) 2024 will be held in Lagos State. In a bid to have another epoch making AGC, building on the immense success of the AGC2023, the President of the NBA, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau,OON, SAN has

 By: Tolu Mustapha  The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN has led the General Secretary, Adesina Adegbite, the 3rd Vice President, Amanda Demechi-Asagba, the Welfare Secretary, Chinyere Obasi and members of the NBA on a condolence visit to the family of former NBA President and Governor of Ondo State, late Arakurin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, CON, SAN at the family’s residence in Ibadan. While condoling with the family, Mr. Maikyau noted that the former NBA President “was one of the most influential and courageous Presidents ever to lead the NBA.”  The NBA President prayed that “God Almighty will comfort the hearts of all members of his family, his colleagues and friends.”  The NBA delegation was received by Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, wife of the former governor and other members of the Akeredolu’s family.  Joining the National Officers on the visit were the Chairpersons of the Ibadan, Ikeja, Lagos, and Ikorodu Branches of the N

The 2024 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association will hold in Lagos. Rising from the National Executive Committee Meeting held on Friday 22nd, December 2023, the Nigerian Bar Association declared 23rd August, 2024 as the commencement date for the Annual General Conference of the Association. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN., also declared that Lagos is the destination for the year 2024 Annual General Conference (AGC) of the largest gathering of lawyers will hold from Friday 23rd to Friday 30th August, 2024.  

  Dear Colleagues, On behalf of the President of the NBA and the Board of the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE), I am happy to announce that the NBA-ICLE has secured a fully funded Oil & Gas and Energy Transition Academy hybrid (in-person and virtual) training for 1,000 lawyers in the South-South zone of Nigeria.  The training which is funded by the NCDMB will be facilitated by the Energy Law and Policy Faculty of the NBA-ICLE.  It is scheduled to take place in the 1st quarter of 2024 in Bayelsa State. We are delighted at this opportunity which is the outcome of several months of interactions and negotiations between the NCDMB and the Board of NBA-ICLE.  The understanding between the NCDMB and the NBA is that this hybrid training will be the first of many which will cover the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria and that the NCDMB will cover all training expenses including honoraria for facilitators, cost of transportation and accommodation for delegates etc. Eligibil

The National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA-NEC), has revealed that, the lawyers new scale of charges have been gazetted. The implication now is that it is a Professional Misconduct for a Lawyer to charge arbitrary fees contrary to the Act. The Lawyers Remuneration Committee also recommended that Branches should have a Remuneration Committee to monitor compliance and complaints. The general Secretary reported that the Car sticker will soon be rolled out with Lawyers name, Branch and other personal details. NEC further reported that the NBA App is now available on Google playstore. Members of the association are encouraged to Download the new app and transact all businesses with the National Secretariat including but not limited to payment of BPF, registration for AGC, Find a Lawyer, Complaints, Recommendations, etc. Other key discuss and approval at the meeting include, the payment of N14,223,640.44 to vendors owed by 2022 ECNBA.

  Dear Colleagues , NOTICE OF A PRACTICE DIRECTION BY THE CHIEF JUDGE OF OYO STATE FOR THE SUSPENSION OF OPERATION, COMPLIANCE AND APPLICATION OF PRE – ACTION PROTOCOLS AS PROVIDED FOR IN ORDER 3 OF THE OYO STATE HIGH COURT CIVIL PROCEDURE RULES 20223. You will recall that NBA, Ibadan Branch held a Press Conference on 7th November, 2023 at Aare Afe Babalola Bar Centre, and subsequently released a Communique demanding from the Oyo State Judiciary among other things; the total withdrawal or suspension of the  Pre   Action   Protocols  and  the   Practice   Direction   2022 Claims   Specific   Pre-Action   Protocols  brought about by the  New High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2022  which has hindered and restricted access to Court. Sequel to the facts stated above, the leadership of Oyo State Judiciary invited the Executive Committee Members of Ibadan Bar to a peace meeting held on  8th November, 2023  at the High Court Complex, Ring Road, Ibadan, wherein the need to withdraw or suspend