ADESINA OGUNLANA LAUDS NBA BENIN BRANCH ON STANCE OVER KIDNAPPING

Mr. Adesina Ogunlana, immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch , Convener of Citizens' Rally against Oppression and presidential aspirant on platform of ProgressiveBar2020 in the forthcoming 2020 national elections of the Nigerian Bar Association has lauded the Benin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association  (Lio n Bar) for her stance over the exarcebrating level of kidnapping of lawyers and Judges with the widely-publicised condemnation of the    worsening and deteriorating security situation in Edo State as exemplified with the kidnap of HON. JUSTICE NWOSU-IHEME, PhD, Justice of the Court of Appeal, Benin Division owing to the activities of armed bandits who have laid siege in the entire state which is no longer safe for indigenes and foreigners.

This was made known in a press statement issued by Ayo Ademiluyi, the Secretary of the Citizens' Rally against Oppression and Director of Media, Strategy, Publicity and Communications of ProgressiveBar2020.


It would be recalled  that about a month ago, the Benin Bar called off the boycott of courts in respect of cases of Armed Robbery and Kidnapping which was in force since 17th of April, 2019. The Resolution leading to the boycott was prompted by the rising trend of kidnap of Lawyers and other indigenes of Edo State and the rampant incidence of Armed Robbery which in fact needed a declaration of as state of emergency in the state.

It would also be further recalled that few days ago, Honourable Justice Abdu Dogo of the Federal High Court, Akure division, was a guest to the armed bandits who abducted him around Ibilo axis in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

Also in  broad daylight wanton operation on the busy Ramat Park few weeks ago leading to the abduction of the Chief Medical Director of the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital and the killing of police officers attached to him. HON. JUSTICE NWOSU-IHEME, PhD, Justice of the Court of Appeal, Benin Division was on 30th October, 2019 about noon abducted by gunmen along Benin-Agbor Road; His Lordship’s orderly was not spared as he was brutally gunned down while other occupants of the vehicle were hit by bullets but receiving treatments at the hospital.

The Lion Bar has relaunched its call on the Government at all levels particularly Edo State to as a matter of urgency overhaul the security architecture of the State. The Benin Bar has stated that  security of lives and property is the responsibility of Government. Our Judicial Officers must also be given adequate security in their homes, work place and on the whole on a journey. Lawyers and indeed other citizens must be adequately protected.

Mr. Ogunlana saluted the appeal of the Benin Bar  to the abductors to release His Lordship, HON. JUSTICE NWOSU-IHEME, PhD unconditionally and unhurt. Mr. Ogunlana lauded the stance of the Benin Bar  not hesitate to resume our Boycott of Courts should Government fail to secure the release of His Lordship within Seventy-Two (72) Hours.

Hon. Justice Iheme

Mr. Adesina Ogunlana expressed solidarity with  the Nigerian Bar Association (Lion Bar), Benin Branch as it holds  an Extra Ordinary Emergency Meeting on Friday the 1st day of November, 2019 at 2:00pm at the NBA, Benin Bar House, G.R.A., Benin City to resolve on the position of the Branch on the growing level of insecurity .

Mr. Ogunlana call on both the leadership and members to resolve to taking all means of mass resistance , within the ambits of the law , including but not limited to Street protests, court boycotts and other sundry actions to press home the demands on insecurity.

Mr. Ogunlana restated his historic RadicalAgenda for the Nigerian Bar Association to provide rock-solid leadership to the Nigerian Bar Association at this trying hour of national trauma with array of attacks being planned by all sections of the ruling class on the living conditions of Citizens in 2020 , a year of economic Armegeddon and beyond.

RADICAL AGENDA: ADESINA OGUNLANA GRACES NBA OTA BRANCH'S HISTORIC BAD ROADS PROTEST

Mr. Adesina Ogunlana , the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch , Convener of Citizens' Rally against Oppression and presidential aspirant in the forthcoming 2020 national elections of the Nigerian Bar Association graced the historic Bad Roads Protest called by the Ota Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association on Thursday, 31st October, 2019.

This was made known in a press statement issued by Ayo Ademiluyi, the Secretary of the Citizens' Rally against Oppression and Director of Media, Strategy, Publicity and Communications of the ProgressiveBar2020.

It would be recalled that trailing Mr. Ogunlana's phenomenal visit to Maiduguri, Borno State capital to join the Maiduguri Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association in their protest against Lawyers' harrassment , he was invited to grave the Bad Roads Protest by the Ota Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association in a reflection of the widening echo of his #RadicalAgenda for the Nigerian Bar Association.

Mr. Ogunlana , took to his popular Facebook page to narrate what transpired from the Frontline thus:

"Wow, what a  day!  Members of the NBA Ota Branch , Ogun state this morning  at about 8: 50 am  commenced a street protest  against the horrible conditions of roads in Ota Town ,specifically and in OGUN State in general  , marching , singing  , declaimjng, carrying placards and banners  and making speeches through major roads of the town in deplorable state from the OPEN GROUND,  opposite ACCESS  COLLEGE,  ending same at the Secretariat of the  Ota Local Government .

The exercise which attracted about 70 members and no less than 30 security personnel at its peak, ended at 11:08 am  and saw the protesters covering no less than four kilometres in their meandering movements .
Leading the charge was Isaac Ogbah, the Ota Branch Chairman , ably supported by his Secretary and other executives,  all who were happy with  the presence of the  TEAM RADICAL AGENDA at the protest . Torrents of approval of the action by the lawyers  came continuously from residents  and passers by,  followed by heart felt prayers and other  sundry expressions of good will.  It was also an occasdion for impassioned speeches  by Chairman Isaac Ogbah, Adesina ' Radical, Agenda' Ogunlana ( a sort of special guest of honour cum 'Aluta 'Mentor) Lady Ajose and several other members .


The  constant theme  of the speeches is the utter disgust with the horrible state of the towns roads and the irresponsibility if givernment jn that regard.  On at least five occasions  during the protests , the Branch issued 14 days' ultimatum to the FG and the OGUN State  government to fix the roads or else incur the wrath of the community"

ADESINA OGUNLANA LAUDS NBA BENIN BRANCH ON STANCE OVER KIDNAPPING

Mr. Adesina Ogunlana, immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch , Convener of Citizens' Rally against Oppression and presidential aspirant on ProgressiveBar2020 platform in the forthcoming 2020 national elections of the Nigerian Bar Association has lauded the Benin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association  (Lio n Bar) for her stance over the exarcebrating level of kidnapping of lawyers and Judges with the widely-publicised condemnation of the    worsening and deteriorating security situation in Edo State as exemplified with the kidnap of HON. JUSTICE NWOSU-IHEME, PhD, Justice of the Court of Appeal, Benin Division owing to the activities of armed bandits who have laid siege in the entire state which is no longer safe for indigenes and foreigners.

This was made known in a press statement issued by Ayo Ademiluyi, the Secretary of the Citizens' Rally against Oppression and Director of Media, Strategy, Publicity and Communications of #ProgressiveBar2020.


It would be recalled  that about a month ago, the Benin Bar called off the boycott of courts in respect of cases of Armed Robbery and Kidnapping which was in force since 17th of April, 2019. The Resolution leading to the boycott was prompted by the rising trend of kidnap of Lawyers and other indigenes of Edo State and the rampant incidence of Armed Robbery which in fact needed a declaration of as state of emergency in the state.

It would also be further recalled that few days ago, Honourable Justice Abdu Dogo of the Federal High Court, Akure division, was a guest to the armed bandits who abducted him around Ibilo axis in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

Also in  broad daylight wanton operation on the busy Ramat Park few weeks ago leading to the abduction of the Chief Medical Director of the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital and the killing of police officers attached to him. HON. JUSTICE NWOSU-IHEME, PhD, Justice of the Court of Appeal, Benin Division was on 30th October, 2019 about noon abducted by gunmen along Benin-Agbor Road; His Lordship’s orderly was not spared as he was brutally gunned down while other occupants of the vehicle were hit by bullets and are receiving treatment at the hospital.

The Lion Bar has relaunched its call on the Government at all levels particularly Edo State to as a matter of urgency overhaul the security architecture of the State. The Benin Bar has stated that  security of lives and property is the responsibility of Government. Our Judicial Officers must also be given adequate security in their homes, work place and on the whole on a journey. Lawyers and indeed other citizens must be adequately protected.

Mr. Ogunlana saluted the appeal of the Benin Bar  to the abductors to release His Lordship, HON. JUSTICE NWOSU-IHEME, PhD unconditionally and unhurt. Mr. Ogunlana lauded the stance of the Benin Bar  not hesitate to resume our Boycott of Courts should Government fail to secure the release of His Lordship within Seventy-Two (72) Hours.

Mr. Adesina Ogunlana expressed solidarity with  the Nigerian Bar Association (Lion Bar), Benin Branch as it holds  an Extra Ordinary Emergency Meeting on Friday the 1st day of November, 2019 at 2:00pm at the NBA, Benin Bar House, G.R.A., Benin City to resolve on the position of the Branch on the growing level of insecurity .

Mr. Ogunlana calsl on both the leadership and members to resolve to taking all means of mass resistance , within the ambits of the law , including but not limited to Street protests, court boycotts and other sundry actions to press home the demands on insecurity.

Mr. Ogunlana restated his historic#RadicalAgenda for the Nigerian Bar Association to provide rock-solid leadership to the Nigerian Bar Association at this trying hour of national trauma with array of attacks being planned by all sections of the ruling class on the living conditions of Citizens in 2020 , a year of economic Armegeddon and beyond.

NBA OTA LAWYERS PROTEST OVER BAD ROADS

ADESINA OGUNLANA SET TO HONOUR NBA OTA BRANCH'S CALL TO JOIN HER MASS PROTEST OVER TERRIBLE ROADS AS RADICAL AGENDA FOR NBA GAINS WIDER ECHO

Mr. Adesina Ogunlana, immediate past Chairman of the Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association , Convener of the Citizens' Rally against Oppression and presidential aspirant with ProgressiveBar2020  in the forthcoming 2020 national elections of the Nigerian Bar Association is set to honour the call of the Ota Branch of the  Nigerian Bar Association to join her  mass protestcalled to protest the state of terrible roads within her jurisdiction scheduled to hold on Thursday, 31st October, 2019.

This was made known in a press statement issued by Ayo Ademiluyi, the Secretary of the Citizens' Rally against Oppression and the Director of Media, Strategy, Publicity and Communications of ProgressiveBar2020.

It would be recalled that Mr. Ogunlana's phenomenal trip from his Lagos base to Maiduguri , Borno State to join the historic protest of the members of the Maiduguri Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association against police harrassment of lawyers has widened the echo of his RadicalAgenda for the Nigerian Bar Association as he is innundated with calls by more Branches of the Nigerian Bar Association to come and help provide such exemplary and striking leadership for their branch-based struggles. One of such Macedonian calls( an allusion to the Biblical cry of people of Macedonia to Paul the Apostle to come to their aid) is the call of the Ota Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, based in Ogun State on Mr. Ogunlana to honour their mass protest over terrible roads within their jurisdiction with his presence on Thursday, 31st October, 2019.

Mr. Ogunlana restated his RadicalAgenda for the Nigerian Bar Association to reposition the Association as a vanguard of the social justice movement  ahead of the mass resistance that is bound to break out at the face of the looming attacks on living conditions in 2020, the forthcoming year of ecomonic Armegeddon.

ADESINA OGUNLANA GRACES NBA MAIDUGURI BRANCH'S PROTEST, HARASSED MEMBER RELEASED

Mr. Adesina Ogunlana, the immediate past Chairman of the Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association and presidential aspirant in the forthcoming 2020 national elections of the Nigerian Bar Association graced the mass protest called by the Maiduguri Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association to demand end to harassment of her members by the officials of the Nigerian Police Force.

This was made known in a press statement issued by Ayo Ademiluyi, the Director of Media, Strategy, Publicity and Communications of the #ProgressiveBar2020.

It would be recalled that Mr. Ogunlana took a noon flight from Lagos to Maiduguri on Sunday, 27th October, 2019 and was warmly received by the leadership of the Maiduguri Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association.

Adesina Ogunlana with Sadiq Kachalla

It would also be recalled that the Maiduguri Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association scheduled a protest for Monday, 28th October, 2019 against police harrassment of her member, A. Kachallah Esq., who was unlawfully detained by officers of the Nigerian Police Force.

Taking to his popular Facebook wall, Mr. Ogunlana narrated the proceedings of the protest thus:

"At about 9:10 am , Mr Mohammed Umaru, the Chairman of NBA Maiduguri , sitting with his Executive members  addressed the  Branch members gathered at the Bar Centre, numbering about 65 . He spoke on the  previous efforts on the issue at hand and read out the contents of the protest  letter the Branch  would be submitting  to the Borno state Police Command , to the rousing approval of the memers.

He annnounced in the presence of colleagues from outside jurisdictions like Ikeja (my humble self), Abuja and Damaturu . Our colleague from Abuja , Aljali Askira , Esq and my humble self, with the kind permission of the Chairman gave short solidarity remarks. The Chairman announced that  members  would move to the Police Command headquarters by way of motorcade and that placards would not be on display.

Members complied  gladly .
Soon, the body of lawyers was soon on its way to the Police Headquarters .
Some thirty minutes later, , the Deputy Commissioner,  Administration, standing in for the Commissioner and leading several  other senior officers  received  us ( no less than 80 lawyers ) under a tree . The chair man read the letter out to the police authorities and it was received. 

Protesting members of Maiduguri branch of NBA at Borno State HQ

.At the direction of the Chairman , all the lawyers except about 13 including 'Lagos Lawyer' took their leave.  Those of us left behind now went to discuss  with the police leadership , numbering about 16.
The meeting presided over by a very calm and amiable Deputy Commissioner, Operations , Abdu Umar  lasted some 70 minutes. Both parties directly  in dispute , Sadiq Kachalla Esq and  Superintendent of Police  Hussain  Lumbo Bulama were present and told their stories.

Summarily, the lawyer who is also a university lecturer  said he came to the  police station in response to his client's call and was even resolving the issue betwen his client and the complainant when  DPO  Bulama questioned his participation and personality , threatening him with a lock up  and proceeded to do exactly so . The DPO 's story in brief was that he ordered the lock up of the lawyer  because he was railing at him and abusing him ( in his own office) .

X-Section of NBA Maiduguri members after the protest

Every body at the meeting realised that  the DPO was at fault . DCP Abdu Umar blamed him squarely saying his conduct did not display level headedness and professionalism and went on to offer apologies on behalf of the  Police Command to the Bar . An intervention from me  that the DPO apologised there and then to Kachalla Esq to end the rift permanently  was rebuffed by  D P O Bulama to the disappointment  of all.  The Bar is determined thereupon to take up the matter against 'the D P O exclusively ."

In the meantime, Mr. Kachallah has been released

.Mr. Ogunlana , who took turns to take photographs with members of the Branch has restated his RadicalAgenda for the Nigerian Bar Association and has assured that the Nigerian Bar Association, under his watch will lead the Bar to resist all forms of Oppression, be they anti-civil liberties, economic, political or in form of constitutional breaches.

ADESINA OGUNLANA CALLS FOR WITHDRAWAL OF CHARGES AGAINST LAWYER SLAMMED FOR TERRORISM IN CROSS RIVERS STATE

Mr. Adesina Ogunlana, the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, Convener of Citizens' Rally against Oppression and presidential aspirant in the forthcoming 2020 national elections of the Nigerian Bar Association,
has called for the withdrawal of charges bordering on  terrorism against Mr. Joseph Odok, a legal practitioner , allegedly based on crisscrossing the Cross Rivers State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade.

Adesina Ogunlana

This was made known in a press statement issued by Ayo Ademiluyi, Secretary of Citizens' Rally against Oppression and  the Director of Media, Strategy,  Publicity and Communications of #ProgressiveBar2020.

It would be recalled that according to media reports, Mr.
Joseph Odok, a Nigerian lawyer and a well-known critic of the governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade, has been charged with terrorism.

Mr Odok could be sentenced to death if found guilty.

The lawyer was brought before the Federal High Court, Calabar, on Tuesday, 27th October, 2019 by the police in Cross River after spending several days in detention.

He is also charged with cybercrime for allegedly accusing the chief of staff to Mr Ayade of being a cultist.

He pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge.

Justice Simon Amobeda ordered that Mr Odok be remanded in Calabar prison pending when his bail application would be heard on October 29.

Mr. Ogunlana expressed reservation at the posture of clampdown on civil liberties by the Governor of Cross Rivers' State, Ben Ayade. It would be recalled that with the case of Joseph Odok, the cases of persons charged with offences bordering on opposition to the Cross Rivers' State Governor has become two as Agba Jalingo is still in prison custody. He called for the immediate withdrawal of charges against the two citizens.

Gov. Ben Ayade 

Joseph Odok

Mr. Ogunlana expressed the fact that the refusal, neglect and failure of the Cross Rivers State Governor to desist from attacking civil liberties will leave the Citizens' Rally against Oppression in conjunction with other civil society groups no option but to kick start mass actions against the descent to dictatorship and tyranny in Cross Rivers State.

He also restated his Radical Agenda for the Nigerian Bar Association to reposition the Association as a vanguard of the social justice movement that can lead resistance against wanton violations of fundamental  rights.

ADESINA OGUNLANA DEBUNKS RUMOURS ABOUT WITHDRAWAL FROM PRESIDENTIAL RACE , CLARIFIES ON ABSENCE FROM EGBE AMOFIN MEETING

Mr. Adesina Ogunlana, the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch and presidential aspirant in the forthcoming 2020 national elections of the Nigerian Bar Association has debunked rumours that he has withdrawn from the presidential race in the forthcoming 2020 national elections of the Nigerian Bar Association.

This was made known in a press statement issued by Ayo Ademiluyi, Director of Media, Strategy, Publicity and Communications of ProgressiveBar2020.

He took to his popular Facebook wall, where he commented thus:

"Our polite attention has been drawn to claims and insinuations  in certain quarters that  our absence at the meeting of the EGBE AMOFIN,  the Yoruba Ethnic Lawyers' Group on Saturday 25/10/19 was consequent upon our decision to withdraw from the presidential race of the NBA ; in favour of a perticular aspirant.

Dear colleagues, kindly disregard such wild and baseless claims.THE RADICAL AGENDA IS STILL VERY MUCH ON ..
We have not and will not withdraw from the race. Those who attended the the EGBE meeting were so entitled to for it is a mechanism they are comfortable with and approve of in realising their ambition. We wish them luck .
On our part, we will not run our race by the clock of others, especially the clock of OLIGARCHS who as a matter of the very dynamics of their existence stultify popular choices in the entrenchment and promotion of hidden parochial interests. We,  who intensely desire to break new grounds, hand over power and responsibilities to the true owners of our dear Association,  the Masses of Legal practitioners  cannot tread old paths of elitist cliqueism to arrive at such a democratic landing .
Meanwhile our huge appreciation and gratitude to several well wishers  who anxiously asked after us at the said EGBE MEETING . Thank you ."

END LAWYERS' HARRASSMENT: ADESINA OGUNLANA SET TO JOIN NBA MAIDUGURI BRANCH' S MASS PROTEST OVER MEMBER'S UNLAWFUL DETENTION

Mr. Adesina Ogunlana, the immediate past Chairman of the Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association , Convener of the Citizens' Rally against Oppression and presidential aspirant in the forthcoming 2020 national elections has taken a Sunday afternoon flight from Lagos to  Maiduguri, Borno State to join the Maiduguri  Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association' mass protest  over the continuing, unlawful detention of one of her members ,  Lawyer, Sadiq Mohammed Kachallah.

This was made known in a press statement issued by Ayo Ademiluyi, the Director of Media, Strategy, Publicity and Communications of ProgressiveBar2020.

It will be recalled that  the  NBA Maiduguri branch has condemned in its entirety the unlawful, continuing detention of Sadiq Mohammed Kachallah, by the police.

Mr. Kachallah is being detained at the G.R.A. Police Station after securing his client’s release. Ironically, he was locked in the cell on the orders of the Divisional Police Officer, Hussani Sambo over yet-to-be-explained charges on Friday evening. Kachallah works with Audu Musa and Co.

“Its a sad day in the history of NBA Maiduguri branch”, the branch chairman, Muhammed Umaru said in a press briefing on Saturday morning.

”We vehemently denounce such brazen act of disregard for the law, human dignity. ”

To this end, Mr. Umaru has enjoined all members to converge at the Bar Centre by 8:00 am on Monday, 28th of October, 2019, for a peaceful demonstration against recent acts of unconstitutionality and unprofessional conducts perpetrated by the Nigeria Police against lawyers in Borno State.

”The branch will take further steps on Monday; we are not going to court, rather we will converge in our full lawyer’s regalia at the said station to address the DPO. Thereafter proceed to the office of Commissioner of Police in Maiduguri to tender our grievances.”

“I was at the police station this morning to see him ( Kachallah) around 8 am, he was brought out of cell, Sadiq Kachalla said he only told the DPO, certainly as a lawyer will say, that his client is entitled to bail and that the offence is a bailable offence. This prompted his illegal arrest.”

” We will seek redress in a court of law.” The Chairman of Maiduguri Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association vowed.

Mr. Ogunlana restated the fact that the road of mass resistance is the way to go for the Branches of the Nigerian Bar Association at the face of harrassment of lawyers by law enforcement agencies, violation of fundamental rights, constitutional breaches and savage economic attacks, especially in the forthcoming year 2020, which is being prepared as a year of economic Armegeddon by all sections of the ruling class.

Mr.Ogunlana restated his Radical Agenda for the Nigerian Bar Association and assured that the Nigerian Bar Association , under his watch will be restored to her pride of place as in the days of yore,  as the vanguard of social justice and defence of the rule of law.

KOGI: ADESINA OGUNLANA CONDEMNS JUDICIAL IRRESPONSIBILITY, REITERATES THE NEED FOR RADICAL BAR LEADERSHIP TO LEAD STRUGGLE TO RESCUE RULE OF LAW

Mr. Adesina Ogunlana , the immediate past Chairman of the Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association , Convener of  Citizens' Rally against Oppression and presidential aspirant

in the forthcoming 2020 national elections of the Nigerian Bar Association has condemned

in strong terms the descent to judicial impunity in Kogi State. It would be recalled that the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Simon Achuba was unconstitutionally removed by the Kogi State House of Assembly as the Report of the Panel of Inquiry could not find the Deputy Governor of Kogi State guilty of  impeachable offences but still went ahead to suspend the Deputy Governor.

Mr. Ogunlana expressed shock and dismay with the unwarranted situation where the Honourable Chief Judge of Kogi State, who reportedly had been standing firm on the side of rule of law , surprisingly went ahead today  the  21st day of October, 2019 to swear in Mr . Onoja , the new Deputy Governor of Kogi State , nominated by the incumbent Governor of Kogi State.


This was made known in a press statement issued by Ayo Ademiluyi, the Secretary of Citizens' Rally against Oppression and Director of Media, Strategy, Publicity and Communications of #ProgressiveBar.

Mr. Ogunlana is of the view that the the swearing in of Mr. Onoja constitutes  unconstitutional authorisation  of the legislative rascality of the Kogi State House of Assembly and the Executive recklessness of the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

Mr. Ogunlana stated that  the futile impeachment proceedings initiated against Mr Simon Achuba by the Kogi State House of Assembly ended by operation of law (automatically) the moment the House received the Report of the seven-man investigation panel dated October 18, 2019 which completely exonerated Mr Achuba of (all) the five allegations of gross misconduct brought against him by the House.
Impeachment is not, and can never be deployed as a malignant weapon for insatiable political vendetta. It was not the intention of the framers of the 1999 Constitution to give a House of Assembly omnipotent powers in the process of removing elected governors and deputy governors. This is apparent from the role ascribed to the Chief Judge of a state and the institutional independence given to the seven-man panel under Section 188 of the Constitution.
There are only two definitive conclusions that the panel is mandated to reach under the Constitution, and they have variant implications. The panel must arrive at one of the two conclusions without ambiguity.
First, the panel can report to the House that the allegations of gross misconduct against a governor or deputy governor as the case may be, have been proved. In that case, the House “within fourteen days of the receipt of the report, shall consider the report, and if by a resolution of the House of Assembly supported by not less than two-thirds majority of all its members, the report of the panel is adopted, then the holder of the office shall stand removed from office as from the date of the adoption of the report.”. See Section 188 (9) of the Constitution.
Second, “Where the panel reports to the House of Assembly that the allegation has not been proved, no further proceedings shall be taken in respect of the matter.” See Section 188 (8) of the Constitution.

NBA Election 2020: Check Out the top Four potential Presidential Contenders BY BRIDGET EDOKWE · PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 · UPDATED SEPTEMBER 22, 2019

Full story at link below:

http://www.barristerng.com/nba-election-2020-check-out-the-top-four-potential-presidential-contenders/

Less than twelve Months to the end of the tenure of the current President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Paul Usoro SAN, the issue of his successor in office has been a prominent discussion among lawyers in Nigeria.

The Presidential Slot of the Association is expected to be zoned to the Western Zone of the Association in 2020 in accordance with the internal zoning arrangement of the Association. The Western Zone Consist of 6 Southwest States, Edo and Delta States.

To be qualified to contest for the leadership of the NBA next year, A lawyer must be 15 years and above at the Bar, come from the Western Zone, Be financially good member and be a member of the Association’s NEC for two years.

ADESINA OGUNLANA – THE SOCIAL CRUSADER

 Bold, Daring and a naturally inclined Social Justice Crusader, the immediate past Chairman of Ikeja Branch of the NBA is rumored to be aspiring to lead lawyers in 2020 as NBA President.

Mr Ogunlana became so popular in 2018 when he led Ikeja Branch to checkmate the lagos state government’s abusive policies and succeeded in getting an obnoxious Land Use Charge revoked by the Akinwumi Ambode led Lagos State government.

He was so popular then that many Nigerians mistake him for NBA President and many lawyers openly prayed that he get a chance to lead the NBA.

In a social media post sometime in 2018, he hinted that he may contest the number one post of the Association.

His brief profile states that he holds a BA in English from the University of Ife and an LLB from the Lagos State University. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1996 and has been in active legal practice since then. He is the Principal Partner of Winners Don’t Quit Chambers, a thriving law firm in Lagos and the publisher of the pro-integrity legal magazine, ‘The Squib’.

His major setback is that he is standing trial at the High Court by EFCC over some financial transaction during his reign as Ikeja NBA boss. Many lawyers also doubt his financial preparedness to vie in the very capital intensive NBA Presidential election.

The Radical Agenda is Coming: Is Ogunlana Declaring Interest for NBA Presidency? By Peters Ifeoma - September 18, 2019

Former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch, Mr. Adesina Ogunlana  has in a post titled THE RADICAL AGENDA IS COMING shared on his social media platform hinted that he may be contesting for the position of the President of the NBA come 2020.

Mr. Ogunlana who is popular for his radicalism wrote:

“Well I was in court this morning, then a colleague in hushed tone and guarded manner asked whether it was for real , I would be contesting for r the NBA PRESIDENCY next year . I teased him about his cautious approach and confirmed his question . Said I ‘ We will do it . I am comfortable with the usual types of presidential candidates in the NBA…..the rich, elitist , cosmopolitan crop. They all have the same things , same taste , same programmes . They don’t have what I have -THE RADICAL AGENDA . They don’t have our focus …the SALVATION of the Country . They don’t have our heart- the HEART for ACTION . They don’t have the willingness and readiness- the READINESS TO DIE FOR NIGERIA.TO SAVE HER.
Once again , I call on all legal practitioners who seek beyond mercantilist lawyering and primordial bread and butter practice to look our direction…the direction of the RADICAL AGENDA”

For us, this is a clear declaration of interest for the topmost position in NBA leadership. Do you have a contrary view?

Send your press release/articles to: info@dnlpartners.com . Follow us on Twitter at @Dnl_Legalstyle and Facebook at DNL Legal and Style

Ex-NBA Boss Urges Legal Practitioners To Protest Disrespect By Executive Ogunlana also faulted the Presidency and executive arm of government for failing to comply with the court order and planning to re-arraign Sowore before another judge.

Immediate-past Chairman of the Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Adesina Ogunlana, has condemned the flagrant disregard of a court order by the Department of State Services by refusing to release pro-democracy campaigner and Publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, from detention.

Ogunlana also faulted the Presidency and executive arm of government for failing to comply with the court order and planning to re-arraign Sowore before another judge.

Ogunlana, who is the Convener of Citizens' Rally against Oppression, urged all legal practitioners in the country to protest recent actions aimed at belittling the profession.

He also called on the National President of the Nigerian Bar Association to lead the action in resisting the move against the constitution.

He said, “There is a need to reposition the Nigerian Bar Association as a social force against impunity.

“Lawyers must arise through their branches of the Nigerian Bar Association to pass resolutions at their October 2019 monthly branch meetings to organise series of civic actions to protest the rape of the independence of the judiciary as witnessed in the last one week.

“The Paul Usoro-led national leadership must spring into action on this latest attack on the judiciary by issuing a strong worded statement against the attack and also take a decisive resolution up to declaration of mass protests, judiciary strike and court boycott until sanity is restored.”

The DSS plans to secretly arraign Sowore before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu on a fresh seven-count charge on Monday after refusing to honour last Tuesday’s order of Federal High Court, Abuja, directing Sowore to be released.

Lagos makes a U-turn, says killer cops’ll be prosecuted

Oluwatosin Omojuyigbe

The Lagos State Government has bowed to pressure to prosecute four cops, who were involved in the killing of two young men, who were labelled as phone thieves, in the Igando area of the state after it had said they had no case to answer.

Inspector Fabiyi Omomayara, Sergeant Olaniyi Solomon, Sergeant Solomon Sunday and Constable Aliyu Mukaila were captured on video shooting dead Segun Sholaja and Ogheneovo Ebobo after they had been arrested and restrained.

The clip, which went viral, drew wide criticisms as many called for the arrest and prosecution of the cops.

The Lagos State Police Command, in a swift reaction to the outrage, had subjected the policemen to orderly room trial, which found them guilty, and dismissed them and arraigned them for murder.

The case file was subsequently duplicated and sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.

However, the DPP, in its advice dated September 16, 2019, with reference number CB: 3514/LSXD4/Vol.6/31, exonerated the cops, saying the victims were hit by bullets during an exchange of gunfire with the police and taken to the Iba Police Station, where they died of gunshot injuries.

In the advice signed by the Director of the DPP, Babajide Martins, on behalf of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the DPP noted that the policemen had no case to answer as they acted in self-defence.

The families of the victims had accused Martins of being an accomplice in the murder of their sons and called for a review of the advice.

However, the Ministry of Justice, on Wednesday said fresh facts had shown that the cops were culpable and would be prosecuted.

Families kick as Lagos exonerates dismissed killer cops

Etim Ekpimah

The families of Ayodele Solaja and Ogheneovo Ebobo, who were killed by four policemen in Lagos, have accused the state Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Babajide Martins, of being an accomplice in the murder of their sons.

Inspector Fabiyi Omomoyowa, Sergeant Olaniyi Solomon, Sergeant Solomon Sunday and Corporal Aliyu Mukaila, had on August 19, 2019, on Ipaye Street, Iba, shot dead the already restrained youths, whom they accused of armed robbery, and filmed the incident.

The DPP, in a legal advice dated September 16, 2019, with reference number CB:3514/LSXD4/Vol.6/31, said the victims were hit by police bullets and were taken to the Iba Police Station, where they died of gunshot injuries.

In the advice signed by Martins on behalf of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adeniji Kazeem, the DPP noted that the policemen had no case to answer as they acted in self-defence.

The advice read in part, “After carefully considering the facts in the duplicate case file, this office is of the opinion that there are insufficient facts to establish a prima facie case of murder or involuntary manslaughter, contrary to sections 222, 223 or 224 (b) and punishable under Section 229 of the Criminal Law, Cap. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015, against pages B1 (Inspector Fabiyi Omomoyowa), B2 (Sergeant Olaniyi Solomon), B3 (Sergeant Solomon Sunday) and B4 (Corporal Aliyu Mukaila); so, they have no case to answer.

“Facts contained in the case file reveal that page A4 (Anagwu Valentine) was robbed of a Max iPhone and the sum of N200,000 by four armed men on August 16, 2019, on Ipaye Street, Iba town, Lagos. Valentine and Ifeanyi Michael reported the robbery to the police at  the Iba Police Station, which led to surveillance by the police patrol team comprising Omomoyowa, Solomon, Sunday and Mukaila.

“Valentine and Michael pretended to sell another phone to the gang of armed robbers on August 19 on Ipaye Street, Iba, Lagos; the policemen shot the two suspects and took them to the station, where they eventually died and taken to the morgue.

“In the light of the foregoing, this office is of the considered opinion that Omomoyowa, Solomon, Sunday and Mukaila have no case to answer.”

However, the counsel for the two families, Mr Adesina Ogunlana, wrote a petition against the DPP and the state Ministry of Justice over the the legal advice.

Ogunlana recalled that his letter dated August 29 to the DPP in which he highlighted his clients’ call for justice and their deep misgivings about the possibility of a cover-up of the murder of their children, saying that curiously, the DPP had failed to respond to the letter.

He said, “Even more curious is the legal advice issued by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions in this clear and sensitive matter of the extra-judicial killing of Segun Solaja and Ogheneovo Ebobo exonerating their killers.

“With due respect, we consider the exculpation of the killers in police uniform by the DPP as not only hasty and untidy, but a sordid arrangement that insults the intelligence of all right-thinking people and does no honour to the office of the DPP itself, talk less yours.

 “The truly disturbing legal advice on the issue is, in our humble view, a complete disregard for the onerous responsibilities of the office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, under which the Directorate of Public Prosecutions operates, to see to the due protection and promotion of the rights of all souls in the jurisdiction of Lagos State.”

Ogunlana said it was surprising that the DPP chose to ignore the footage of the daylight execution of the victims by the policemen.

He stated, “Can the office of the DPP claim ignorance of the widely disseminated reports of the dismissal of the four defendants from the Nigeria Police after an orderly room trial for their misconduct of executing Segun Solaja and Ogheneovo Ebobo extra-judicially after the defendants were found complicit of the crime of murder and consequently charged to court?

“Where the office of the DPP is aware of the facts above, why does it fail to interrogate the facts therein, juxtapose same with the ‘facts’ contained in the case file on this matter sent to her by the same police to avoid any chance of obtrusiveness?”

Segun’s father, Chief Mayowa Solaja, said the dismissed policemen were roaming the area and boasting that the victims’ families could do nothing to them, because they were poor.

NBA, others protest, warn Ambode against new land law

The Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja branch, on Tuesday made good its threat to protest against the Lagos State Land Use Charge Law 2018.

The NBA was supported by the National Conscience Party, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights and Joint Action Committee, among others.

The groups stormed the Lagos State Government’s secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, to protest against the new law, saying it had led to a hike in the levies charged by government on property.

The ‘Hell Tax Must Go’ protest started from the Lagos State Magistrate’s Court in Ikeja, from where the protesters marched to the Government House and the Lagos State House of Assembly complex in Alausa.

The protesters displayed placards, some of which read, ‘We are not selling houses,’  ‘Lagos is not only for the rich,’ and ‘Land Use Charge increment is wicked and oppressive.’

Submitting a protest letter to the Assembly, the Chairman, NBA, Ikeja branch, Adesina Ogunlana, said lawyers and members of the civil society organisations were opposed to the law, which he described as a “Pharaohoic tax regime,” asking the government to reverse it.

Ogunlana said Governor Akinwunmi Ambode must not take Lagosians who voted for him for granted by imposing heavy taxes on them.

“Must Lagos become a so-called paradise at the expense of the lives and limbs of Lagosians?

“Ambode should not let people regret voting for him the first time and go on to reject him for a second term,” Ogunlana said.

The NBA branch chairman pointed out that that taxes introduced by the present administration would further lead to job losses.

He said. “We urge that you suspend the application of Land Use Charge Law for immediate review.

“The truth is that the populace lacks the capacity to bear the tax burden imposed on them.”

Responding, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kehinde Bamigbetan, and the Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Senai Agunbiade, assured the protesters that government would respond positively to their demands soon.

Bamigbetan, said, “We have received your letter and I can assure you that we will address your demands. The governor is open to dialogue.”

Agunbiade, however, pointed out that if the protesters had attended the public hearing on the bill, their input would have been included before the passage.

“However, all the state lawmakers will look at your demands and respond appropriately,” he added.

NBA defies police order, protests Land Use Charge

In defiance of the arrest threat by the Lagos State Police Command, members of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja branch, and civil society groups, protested against the Land Use Charge Law of Lagos State, 2018.

The protesters, led by the NBA Chairman, Mr. Adesina Ogunlana, stormed Yaba, Ojuelegba and Agege areas of the state to kick against the charge which they described as “satanic.”

The members vowed to sustain the protest until the government reversed the law.

The association had promised on Wednesday to stage the protest to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari, who is on a two-day visit to the state.

Reacting to the move, the state police command had asked the NBA to shelve the protest, saying it was an attempt to disrupt the security put in place for the President’s visit.

The police threatened to arrest and prosecute the lawyers if they went ahead with the protest.

But the members came out in their numbers on Thursday to stage the protest as planned.

Amid solidarity songs, they rallied around Agege, Ojuelegba, as well as Tejuosho Market and bus parks, in Yaba, distributing flyers to traders, drivers, passersby and policemen.

The flyers read, ‘NBA Ikeja branch says no to oppresive taxes; Lagosians reject Land Use Charge 2018 in totality,’ ‘Gov. Ambode, don’t kill Lagosians with excessive taxes,’ ‘This is democracy not military government; resist oppression.’

Addressing members of the public during the protest, Ogunlana said the Land Use Charge was made without recourse to the plight of the masses.

He urged residents of the state to reject the charge and insist on its reversal.

He said, “Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja branch, supported by civil society organisations, is here to tell you that the Land Use Charge of Governor Ambode is a wicked, irresponsible, oppressive and toxic tax. It is unconstitutional, arbitrary and undemocratic. It is a stern contempt which the Ambode administration owes Lagos people. They think they can do anything and get away with it.

“We are opposing it and encouraging the people to do so. We are sure that that law will not apply in Lagos State. The people in government have forgotten that we voted for them. They promised that life would be better for us. They said accommodation and food would be cheaper for us.

“Now they have come with satanic taxes. They said they want a smart city; do they want to take our lives? Lagosians must reject these taxes. Reject Land Use Charge; it will cause inflation and problem in the society.”

The President, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Malachy Ugwummadu, said the Land Use Charge Law 2018 was passed with disregard for quality contributions from the public.

He said the NBA and other rights groups would resist any attempt to stifle criticisms of the law until the charge was reversed.

He said, “Our position has not changed and it is well founded. The whole tax regime was conceived in treachery, nurtured in mischief and delivered in perfidy. The only way to engage such indiscretion is to continually sentise the people to demand a reversal of the law.

“The whole trajectory shows lack of sincerity. The NBA that is championing this course, together with other civil society groups including CDHR, is saying that if the government wants quality inputs into the law, the people must be active participants.