CALL TO BAR: ADESINA OGUNLANA URGES NEW WIGS TO EMBRACE RADICAL AGENDA FOR A VIBRANT NBA AND SALVATION OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION

Mr. Adesina Ogunlana, the former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association and presidential aspirant in the forthcoming 2020 national elections of the Nigerian Bar Association has welcomed the new wigs who are being enrolled into the legal profession through the ongoing Call to Bar Ceremony to embrace his Radica lAgenda for the purposes of revamping the Nigerian Bar Association and salvation of the legal profession.

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

Mr. Ogunlana took to his popular Facebook wall to comment thus:

"Just about now , nearly 5000 lawyers have been released to the labour market , after about 18 years of education and training  and at huge personal and financial costs . But what really are their chances in the bloated labour market  in a beleaguered and horrible economy  and much fouled up socio-political space. Over the years, the political controllers of the nation have consistently acted against the larger interests of our country, raping and looting it and making it good only for themselves, families and cronies while millions of the  masses, who are victims  of their WICKEDNESS and  IRRESPONSIBILITY look on helplessly and in slavish acceptance .. 

This is the major and critical ERROR of the suffering masses  ....Except we wake up and challenge the ESTABLISHMENT, politicians and authorities will continue making our lives a hell....and Lawyers must lead the change in this regard .......the reason for the coming of the RADICAL AGENDA, which we represent and indeed profess as against the USUAL AGENDA  in the NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION. No bones about this, no apologies, no cause for alarm except for the ESTABLISHMENT and their MINIONS. Look at  our direction, the direction of the RADICAL AGENDA . Lets go for it together, get it together and RUN it together . It's doable, VERY, VERY DOABLE.

My name remains Adesina Ogunlana ....Radically Yours . Thank You...

ADESINA OGUNLANA GRACES MID-WEST BAR FORUM QUARTERLY MEETING IN BENIN CITY

Mr. Adesina with G.C Igbokwe SAN

Mr. Adesina Ogunlana,  former Chairman  of  the Ikeja  Branch  of the  Nigerian Bar Association  and presidential aspirant with #ProgressiveBar2020 and #RadicalAgenda2020 in the forthcoming general elections of the Nigerian Bar Association graced the Quarterly  Meeting  of the Mid-West Bar Forum  held at the Nigerian Bar Association, Benin Branch Bar Centre , Benin City.

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

With Chike Onyemenem SAN

With Joyce Oduah Esq.

Mr. Ogunlana  took to his popular  Facebook wall to narrate his participation at the Meeting and commented thus:

"...At the Midwestern Bar  Forum today . We had no chance at addressing the gathering  due to the rather charged political atmosphere,  prevalent therein .  Internal affairs, family matters .The RADICAL AGENDA  took the situation in good faith and in stride . After the meeting,  we dissolved in the crowd ,  passed on our message , re ignited with old friends who were delighted with our presence and made new friends . We shall be back, God

With Prince Collins Ogiegbaen, Chairman NBA Benin Branch

With Mr. Kunle Edun, National Publicity Secretary, NBA

willing"

With enthusiastic members of Young Lawyers Forum, Agbor Branch

ADESINA OGUNLANA CONDEMNS SOCIAL MEDIA AND HATE SPEECH BILLS

Adesina Ogunlana, former Chairman of the Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association , Secretary of Citizens' Rally against Oppression and  presidential aspirant in the forthcoming 2020 national elections of the Nigerian Bar Association has condemned the Social Media and Hate Speech Bills that are currently before the National Assembly.

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 ProgressiveBar2020.

Mr. Ogunlana stated that the provisions of the Bills run contrary to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended). He further added that the two Bills will limit the exercise of fundamental right to freedom of expression.

Mr. Ogunlana also supports all legal and civic actions , including but not limited to protest marches against the two anti-democratic Bills.

Mr. Ogunlana restated his Radical Agenda to the Nigerian Bar Association to re-position it as a vanguard of the social resistance movement against anti-democratic Bills such as the Social Media and Hate Speech Bills in the present year, in the forthcoming year 2020 and beyond.

ADESINA OGUNLANA WELCOMES RELEASE OF KIDNAPPED HONOURABLE JUSTICE CHIOMA NWOSU-IHEME JCA OF THE COURT OF APPEAL

Mr. Adesina Ogunlana, the immediate past Chairman of the Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Convener of Citizens' Rally against Oppression,  presidential aspirant with ProgressiveBar2020 in the forthcoming national elections of the Nigerian Bar Association welcomes the news of the release of Honourable Justice NWOSU-IHEME of the Court of Appeal, Benin Division abducted at gunpoint by kidnappers after the brutal killing of His Lordship's orderly in Benin City.

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

The news of the release was made available in  a press statement by D.O NOSIKE ESQ. , Chairman,  Nigerian Bar Association,  Owerri Branch, which narrated thus:

'Good evening  Learned Silks, distinguished seniors and colleagues. It's with a joyful heart and praises to God Almighty ,that I announce to us all that my Lord, Hon. Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme has been released. I thank God Almighty, and all of us, for our steadfastness, support and prayers. I wish to thank the State Government specially, for her immeasurable assistance. Good night all and God bless".

Mr. Ogunlana saluted in no particular order the ebullience of Benin (Lion Bar)  and Owerri Branches, the national leadership of the Bar  and the entire Bar for initiating series of actions including but not limited to court  boycotts among others to put pressure on the appropriate authorities to act.

He reiterated the need for the Bench to mutually replicate the passionate empathy the Bar displays for the travails of the Bench. He called on the Bench to stand with the Bar in similar periods of agony.

Mr. Ogunlana called for such mutual solidarity in the matter of the Branches of the Nigerian Bar Association in Rivers 'State , who are being misconceived by the Executive Governor, Mr. Nyesiom Wike as being intransigent  for  threatening to withdraw legal representation for suspects of kidnapping. He raised the need for the Bench  in the State to intervene to clarify the good intentions of the Bar in Rivers State.

Mr. Ogunlana restated his #RadicalAgenda for the Nigerian Bar Association to deepen the combativeness of the Bar to engage appropriate authorities on all issues ranging from kidnapping, insecurity, violation of fundamental rights, breach of constitutional provisions and attacks on the rule of law.

NWOSU-IHEME, JCA'S KIDNAP: ADESINA OGUNLANA APPLAUDS DECLARATION OF ONE WEEK COURT BOYCOTT BY OWERRI BRANCH

Iheme JCA

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 with ProgressiveBar2020 and  Convener of Citizens' Rally against Oppression and presidential aspirant with ProgressiveBar2020 has applauded  the resolution of the Emergency Meeting of the Owerri Branch of the  Nigerian Bar Association to embark on a total boycott of courts from  Monday, 4th  November, 2019  till and including Thursday, 7th November, 2019 to demand the release of  His Lordship,
Honourable  Justice Chioma Iheme-Nwosu of the Benin Division of the Court of Appeal .

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 ProgressiveBar2020.

Arising from the Emergency Meeting of the Owerri Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Branch resolved unanimously to embark on total boycotts of all courts within its jurisdiction from Monday, 4th  November, 2019 till and including the 7th November, 2019 commence boycott of courts .

Mr. Ogunlana stated that there is need for mutual solidarity and support between the Bench and the Bar in period of agony. Mr. Ogunlana stated that the willingness of the Benin Bar and the entire Bar at large ought to be returned in kind by the Bench when the time comes calling for the Bar. He asserted that members of the Bench must refrain from abusive and insultive relationship with the Bench in order to win each other's synergy in period of crisis.

Mr. Ogunlana restated the RadicalAgenda for the Nigerian Bar Association to reposition the Association as  a vanguard of the social justice Movement in the looming period of socio-economic attacks in 2020 and beyond.

#RADICAL AGENDA: ADESINA OGUNLANA WELCOMES NBA BENIN BRANCH'S EMERGENCY MEETING RESOLUTION FOR COURT BOYCOTT

Mr. Adesina Ogunlana, the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Convener of Citizens' Rally against Oppression and presidential aspirant with ProgressiveBar
2020 has saluted the resolution of the Emergency Meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association to embark on a total boycott of courts by Wednesday, 6th November, 2019  if at 5pm of Tuesday, 5th November, 2019, His Lordship,
Honourable  Justice Chioma Iheme-Nwosu of the Benin Division of the Court of Appeal is not released unconditionally.

Hon. Justice Iheme-Nwosu

 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 ProgressiveBar2020.

Arising from the Emergency Meeting of the Benin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, the meeting observed that the security of the State  has deteriorated and worsened as citizens now live in fear and panic.
Lives and properties are now at the mercies of bandits whose activities remain unabated and are increasing by the day. Judicial officers  and Lawyers are now targets of the gun totting bandits who hold sway even in the city centre and in broad daylight.

After the well-attended emergency meeting held on the 1st day  of November, 2019 at 2:00pm for the above reason particularly the abduction of His Lordship Hon. Justice Chioma Iheme-Nwosu, Justice of the Court of Appeal, Benin division, a hardworking Justice who is serving about  the third time in Edo State since about 2007 at the Court of Appeal, the Benin Bar resolved thus;

1. That the Government has invested so much in security, unfortunately the various security agencies have not lived up to its billing.

2. That there should be increase security personnel for Judicial officers in their homes, workplace and while in transit.

3 That if at 5pm of Tuesday, 5th November, 2019 His Lordship is not released unconditionally the Bar will embark on a total boycott of courts to commence on Wednesday 6th November, 2019. It will also pass a vote of no confidence on the various security heads in our State.The Benin Bar similarly resolved to condole with the Nigeria Police and particularly the immediate family of the slain Inspector of Police, orderly to His Lordship Hon. Justice Chioma Iheme-Nwosu PhD. It prayed for the repose of his soul.

Mr. Ogunlana stated that there is need for mutual support between the Bench and the Bar in this  period of agony. He stated that the willingness of the Benin Bar and the entire Bar at large ought to be returned in kind by the Bench when the time comes calling for the Bar. He asserted that members of the Bench must refrain from all abusive relationship with the Bench in order to win each other's synergy in periods of crisis.

Mr. Ogunlana restated the RadicalAgenda for the Nigerian Bar Association to re-position the Association as  a vanguard of the social justice Movement in the looming period of socio-economic attacks in 2020 and beyond.

ADESINA OGUNLANA WISHES ALL NBA MEMBERS A HAPPY NEW MONTH , URGES FULL PARTICIPATION AT SPIDEL CONFAB

Mr. Adesina Ogunlana, the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch and presidential aspirant with Progressive Bar
2020 in the forthcoming 2020 national elections has congratulated all members of the Nigerian Bar Association on the occasion of the new month of November, 2019.

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


Mr. Ogunlana wished all members of the Association abundance in their practice, good health and all of their heart desires.

Mr. Ogunlana equally called for full participation of members in the forthcoming Annual Conference of the Section on Public Interest and Development Law of the Nigerian Bar Association holding between the 5th and 9th November, 2019. He expressed the fact the Annual Conference provides the Association with the platform to review the state of the Nation vis-a-vis the quest for the promotion of the rule of law.

Mr. Ogunlana stated that the Annual Conference should be utilised to draw up a roadmap for stepping up the fight for the rule of law. He restated his RadicalAgenda for the Nigerian Bar Association to reposition the Association as a vanguard of the social justice movement.

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.