TheNewsGuru

Tag: Olumide Akpata

  • Justice Ariwoola: NBA speaks on expectations from acting CJN

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has opened up on its expectations from the newly appointed acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the NBA as saying Justice Ariwoola is expected to rebuild the almost dissipated confidence that Nigerians have in the Judiciary and the wider legal profession in Nigeria.

    NBA’s President, Olumide Akpata made this known in a statement while pledging the association’s resolve to work with the new acting CJN in cleansing the Augean Stable and addressing the ills that have continued to plague not just the Judiciary but the entire legal profession.

    Recall that Justice Ariwoola was sworn in on Monday as acting CJN by President Muhammadu Buhari, following the resignation of Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammed as CJN. Tanko resigned as CJN on health grounds.

    The NBA in the statement released by Akpata wished Tanko a quick recovery even as the association prayed for a well-deserved peaceful retirement for him.

    The statement reads: “The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has received the news of the resignation, on grounds of ill health, of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Dr. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, CFR.

    “We thank His Lordship for his lengthy service to the nation, and wish him quick recovery even as we pray for a well-deserved peaceful retirement. In the course of previous publications and communications, I have consistently appreciated the outgone Chief Justice of Nigeria for the cordial working relationship between the Bar and the Bench under our respective administrations. I must do so again today as he bows out

    “It is however impossible, to consider His Lordship’s retirement in isolation of the recent unprecedented developments at the Supreme Court where 14 Justices of the Court censured the outgone Chief Justice of Nigeria over His Lordship’s handling of their welfare and related issues. Beyond this, there is near universal agreement that public confidence in the Judiciary and indeed the legal profession is at an all-time low.

    “There is now more than ever the need for urgent reforms in the Judiciary and to rebuild the almost dissipated confidence that Nigerians have in the Judiciary and the wider legal profession in Nigeria. These should form the immediate first tasks for Honourable Mr. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who is expected to now take over as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.

    “The NBA welcomes the appointment of Honourable Mr. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola and pledges its readiness to work together with His Lordship and the Judiciary in cleansing the Augean Stable and addressing the ills that have continued to plague not just the Judiciary but the entire legal profession”.

  • SAD: Okowa’s aide, Otokhine dies in ghastly motor accident

    SAD: Okowa’s aide, Otokhine dies in ghastly motor accident

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has lost his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Political Matters, Mr Tony Otokhine to the cold arms of death.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Otokhine died in a ghastly motor accident while returning to Asaba from Benin City after attending the traditional marriage ceremony of Olumide Akpata, President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).

    Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr Ossai Success, who made this known via a Facebook post, narrated how they were together at the marriage ceremony.

    Success wrote: “I am pained right now: Mr Tony Otokhine just died. He was a Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Political Matters.

    “Just yesterday, we were together at President of Nigeria Bar Association NBA Olumide Akpata Traditional marriage ceremony in Benin City together with His Excellency Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and other dignitaries.

    “I remembered Tony telling me, Ossai look at RMD there, go and meet him and comment on the new comedy skit he just released with Mr Paul the comedian.

    “We laughed and immediately the governor stood up and that was how we came back to Asaba leaving him at the marriage.

    “I was shocked today to hear the sad news of his demise. Heard he had an accident today on his way back to Asaba and that was it.

    “Just like that he is gone, this is so sad. This is painful. Everyone who knows him can testify to the fact that he was so humble and so nice to people. I will miss him. What a sad news today. Nothing in this life that we are all killing ourselves for”.

    TNG, meanwhile, reports neither the family of the deceased nor the Delta State Government is yet to release an official statement on the death of the Governor’e aide.

  • NBA President set to tie knot with Osayamon Ogbebor

    NBA President set to tie knot with Osayamon Ogbebor

    President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Olumide Akpata, is set to tie the knot with Osayamon Ogbebor, as their photoshoot picture hit social media.

     

    While the traditional wedding is set on May 14, 2022 in the spouse’s compound at Ekenwan Road, Benin, Edo State, the reception will be held at the Air Force Military Base, Airport Road, Benin, Edo State.

     

    The couple will on October 2, 2022 proceed to Mauritius, which is a long way away for their white wedding ceremony.

     

    TheNewsGuru.com has it on good authority that the wedding of Akpata is now the talk of the town, especially among Nigerian lawyers.

     

    Akpata, 50, an intellectual and astute fiery brand city lawyer, and his bride, the vivacious Harvard schooled lawyer, Ogbebor, are already preparing for their big day.

     

    He became the NBA President after defeating two Senior Advocates of Nigeria in a keenly contested election.

     

    The NBA President is a senior partner and the head of the Templars law firm’s Corporate and Commercial Practice Group in Nigeria.

     

    In July 2020, he became the Nigerian Bar Association’s first non-Senior Advocate of Nigeria president, a feat that portrays his dexterity and audacious personality.

     

    Akpata is a man of many firsts and in picking a bride, he did not disappoint.

     

    His lovely spouse, according to TheNewsGuru.com investigation, also has a very outstanding and intimidating resume.

     

    The gorgeous bride, Ogbebor, is a senior executive and the Financial Markets Legal Adviser at the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc. She was born into the powerful Ogbebor Family of Bini Kingdom.

     

    The CSCS is Nigeria’s central securities registry, with permission to store, clear, and settle all transactions in the Nigerian capital market. For almost three years, the legal specialist has worked in the Legal, Company Secretariat, and Compliance Services Directorate.

     

    Ogbebor graduated from the University of Essex with a Bachelor of Laws degree. She subsequently went on to Queen Mary University of London, where she received her Master of Laws (LLM) degree in December 2017.

     

    Ogbebor most recently finished a Harvard Business School virtual course on “Sustainable Business Strategy” in March 2022. She is a member of several groups, including the Harvard Business School Online: Sustainable Business Strategy, February 2022 Group.

     

    Akpata had previously indicated in a popular SAVE THE DATE flier that he proposed “after a bit of hesitating” and that his partner answered “Yes!”

  • Electoral Amendment Act: Delay maybe a ‘smokescreen’ to keep present provisions for 2023 elections – NBA President

    Electoral Amendment Act: Delay maybe a ‘smokescreen’ to keep present provisions for 2023 elections – NBA President

    President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata has said the issues delaying the approval of the electoral bill may be a “smokescreen” to keep the present provisions for the 2023 elections.
    Recall the President’s Muhammadu Buhari had, in December 2021, withheld assent to the bill, stating that the clause recommending direct primary for political parties “violates the spirit of democracy”.
    Electronic transmission of election results and compulsory direct primaries for political parties are among the amendments proposed by the national assembly.

    Speaking at a town hall meeting held on the electoral bill and organised by Yiaga Africa, a civil society organisation, Akpata said it is disappointing to have such back-and-forth issues on the bill even though the president and the leadership of the national assembly belong to the same party.

    “I’m so disappointed with the ways things have panned out. Almost everything about that bill smells progress. Most of the provisions of the bill are pro-people. I see those provisions as incremental steps,” he said.

    “Everything rises and falls on leadership; leadership at the executive arm and in the legislature. We have a bill that has so many innovations that would advance the course of this nation and our people, including ensuring that INEC gets funding one year before the election.

    “People with disabilities are included in the process, including that you must submit the names of your nominees 180 days before the election. These are all all provisions that are responding to issues that have been highlighted in the process that are in need of fixing.

    “So, Mr President has pointed out these issues of direct or indirect primaries. He had decided that on the basis of that, he is sending it back to the national assembly.

    “I think that we can be forgiven when we conclude if this is a smokescreen of some sort and that there is a spanner thrown in the works to keep us in the moment, so that we will stay with the present dispensation, because this is something that could easily have been fixed.

    “Mr President is of the same party as those who control the national assembly. If our leaders are interested in the progress for the people and for the nation, these are house issues that could have been sorted out by those in charge of affairs in both arms of government.

    “Since the president has thrown in the charge about the direct and indirect primaries and if that provision is removed he would assent the bill, I welcome it to the members of the national assembly to take him at his words. Take out those provisions; we can deal with that further down the road. There is too much in that bill for the baby and the bath water to be thrown away.”

  • Multiple court judgments: NBA to interface with CJN over contradictory decisions

    Multiple court judgments: NBA to interface with CJN over contradictory decisions

    …says judgments evoke eerie and unwanted dark days

    Apparently disturbed by multiple judgements by courts of coordinate jurisdiction, arising from ex parte applications, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has vowed to interface with the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mohammed Tanko.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this is coming barely hours after Justice Tanko, who is also Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), summoned the Chief Judges of Rivers, Kebbi, Cross River, Anambra, Jigawa and Imo States to an emergency meeting.

    This is part of efforts to stem the recent wave of embarrassing and conflicting ex parte orders emanating from Judges in their jurisdictions.

    The NBA in a statement issued and signed by its President, Olumide Akpata wants to interface with the CJN on how to stem the ugly tide, which he said evokes eerie and unwanted dark days.

    Read full statement below:

    The @NigBarAssoc has observed with dismay the unfortunate and recurring trend of contradictory court decisions and orders, especially among courts of coordinate jurisdiction, typically arising from ex parte applications and almost always in political matters.

    While the Nigerian judiciary has in the past made invaluable contributions to the development of the country, there are nevertheless past failings which would hopefully remain permanently interred in the dark annals of history.

    It is in this regard that we view with concern the recurring contradictory decisions by our courts, based on apparently indiscriminate grant of orders and counter-orders, in a way that evokes memories of those eerie and unwanted dark days.

    We must of necessity reference the orders relating to the nomination of candidates by political parties for the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Anambra State and the equally embarrassing situation playing out in respect of the PDP leadership crisis that has seen three different contradictory rulings by courts of coordinate jurisdiction, in circumstances that leave a lot to be desired.

    These developments in our courts are antithetical to the actualisation of the just society and independent judiciary that we all aspire to, and they run contrary to everything we teach and hold dear as a profession. Indeed, they do nothing but bring the Judiciary and the entire system of administration of justice to ridicule.

    Before blaming the judges, we must first look inwards and call out our members, most of whom are senior members of the Bar, who continue to yield themselves to be used as willing tools by politicians to wantonly abuse the judicial process.

    In our view, these actions contravene the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2007 (“RPC”) especially the cardinal Rule 1 of the RPC which requires a lawyer to uphold and observe the rule of law, promote and foster the cause of justice, maintain a high standard of professional conduct, and not engage in any conduct which is unbecoming of a legal practitioner.

    We also concur with the Hon. Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme of the Court of Appeal in her condemnation of the indulgence by some judicial officers of politicians who go round the country shopping for judgments, and who thereby bring the Judiciary to public ridicule. Beyond that we shall say no more at this time.

    I will on behalf of the NBA, urgently seek audience with My Lord, the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria to address this issue holistically. the support of the Chairman of the NBA Judiciary Committee, Dr. Babatunde Ajibade, SAN as well as the Chairpersons of the NBA Section of Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) and NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Mr. Oluwaseun Abimbola, SAN and Dr. Monday Ubani for this proposed engagement.

    The NBA, as the prime defender of the integrity and independence of the Judiciary, cannot and will not be a spectator whilst our hard-earned democracy is threatened by the venal acts of a few. This is particularly so as the nation approaches its next round of general elections. It can no longer be business as usual.

    OLUMIDE AKPATA

    NBA President

    30 August 2021

  • Olumide Akpata sworn-in, takes charge as 30th NBA president

    Olumide Akpata sworn-in, takes charge as 30th NBA president

    Mr Olumide Akpata, Head, Corporate and Commercial Practice Group, Templars law firm, was on Friday sworn in as the 30th President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

    He was sworn-in by his predecessor, Dr Paul Usoro (SAN), at NBA’s Virtual Annual General Meeting.

    Akpata, who was declared the winner of the NBA 2020 Presidential Election by the Electoral Committee of the NBA, on 31 July, will pilot the affairs of the association for the next two years.

    In his inaugural address, Akpata thanked all his supporters and urged all NBA members to have faith in his administration which, he promised, would serve the interest of all.

    “Anyone who keenly followed the process that culminated in today’s event will attest to the fact that my election victory was neither my making nor that of any mortal.

    “It was divinely orchestrated by the Lord Almighty, the creator of the universe who oversees the affairs of men, and in whom we live and move and have our being.

    “I return all praises to Him.

    “The NBA under my administration shall take seriously our mandate of promoting and protecting the fundamental rights of the generality of citizens.”

    Akpata added that his administration would enter into partnership with the judiciary and other stakeholders in the Nigerian criminal justice sector to undertake a holistic reform agenda of the criminal justice system.

    “I welcome and accept, on behalf of the NBA, the recent call for collaboration in this regard by the honourable attorney-general of the federation.

    “Lastly, under my administration, the NBA Law Reform Committee will be adequately resourced to play its role as a liaison between the NBA and the National Assembly to represent the bar at National Assembly public hearings to make meaningful input into our laws for the betterment of the society and our profession.

    “I accept the invitation of the Senate president and the speaker of the House of Representatives to partner with the National Assembly to reform our laws through strategic amendments in order to bring the laws up to global standards.

    “Just yesterday, the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution announced the commencement of the process for the further alteration of the Constitution, and called professional bodies and interest groups to submit memoranda for that purpose.

    “This forms part of our first assignment, and I assure you that we will not be found wanting,” he said.

  • Buhari congratulates Olumide Akpata, pledges cooperation

    Buhari congratulates Olumide Akpata, pledges cooperation

    President Muhammadu Buhari has given an assurance to Olumide Akpata, the new president of Nigerian Bar Association of his administration’s cooperation.

    He said the cooperation will enable them address the broad range of challenges and opportunities facing the legal profession and the country.

    Buhari said this in a congratulatory message to Akpata.

    Akpata was elected with a huge majority at the weekened to become the 30th President of the NBA.

    He defeated two senior lawyers, Ajibade and Julius Dele Adesina.

    Buhari, in the statement by media adviser Femi Adeshina, wished Akpata every success in the new position.

    Buhari hoped Akpata will lead Nigerian lawyers to chart a path of professional development and fulfilment.

    “President Buhari trusts that Mr Akpata’s vast knowledge and experience in litigation, corporate world and engaging with government at different levels, will greatly benefit the Bar and indeed all Nigerians, who look up to the learned fellows as crucial stakeholders in a modern democracy”, Adesina wrote.

  • Olumide Akpata reacts after winning NBA president position

    Olumide Akpata reacts after winning NBA president position

    Olumide Akpata has reacted after winning the president position of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

    In what is his acceptance speech, Akpata stated that when he decided to throw his hat in the ring, he realised the election was really not about himself.

    “I was driven by the passion to use my time, talent and resources to improve our Association by making it fit-for-purpose, beneficial to all members and responsive to the needs of the society,” he stated.

    Read full speech below:

    On Wednesday 27 May 2020, I submitted my nomination form to signify the formal expression of my intent to contest for the office of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the foremost and oldest professional membership association in Nigeria and the most influential network of legal practitioners in Africa. Alongside the nomination form, I submitted a document embodying my Leadership Programme of Action for the NBA, if elected President. In that document, I pledged to use what I consider as my greatest personal attribute: discipline of execution, in carrying out the undertakings that I had given to the members; and I also promised to lay the foundation for the future profession that we all desire.

    On the strength of the foregoing pledge, I asked you to give me your mandate and join me in bringing about an Association that works for the majority of its members. Last night, you answered that call in an overwhelming and unequivocal manner when, at the end of a long and intriguing process, you made me the President-elect of the NBA (2020 to 2022). I write to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Let me assure you that I do not take for granted the hardwork, passion and commitment that you all invested into the process that has now culminated in my emergence as President-elect.

    When I decided to throw my hat in the ring, I was certain that the election was really not about me. I was driven by the passion to use my time, talent and resources to improve our Association by making it fit-for-purpose, beneficial to all members and responsive to the needs of the society. Throughout the electioneering process, I saw many Nigerian lawyers who had either lost faith, or never been interested in the NBA participate with utmost enthusiasm in the hope that things would become better. This further goes to show that the extraordinary movement that heralded this electoral victory was not, and could never have been about me.

    The victory of last night is for our young lawyers who have become disillusioned with the way the NBA has been run over the years and how the profession appears to be disconnected from the challenges that face them and their future. It is for the progressive senior lawyer who refused to accept the status quo and took firm steps to ensure that things are done better. It is for the corporate counsel, law officers, law teachers, the police and military lawyers, and lawyers in all components of the profession who for long have been treated as unequal members of an Association that ought to be the umbrella body for all legal practitioners.

    The victory of last night is for the lawyer with disability who has long suffered neglect and indignity by the profession. Above all, our victory is for non-lawyers and the general populace who took an unusual, but a special, interest in the conduct of our elections, thus lending credence to my long- held belief that the Nigerian society has always yearned for a legal profession and indeed a Bar that stands tall as an unwavering bastion of the rule of law, an advocate for the sanctity and independence of the judiciary, and a bulwark against tyranny and oppression.

    It is therefore with immense respect for you, a deep understanding of the value of your mandate, a demonstrable appreciation of the factors that have bedevilled our noble Association and with humility to the will of God, that I wholeheartedly accept this mandate from you. The outpouring of support is only indicative of the amount of work that needs to be done. The greatest appreciation that I can show to all of you is to keep to the various promises that I made, and this, I assure you that I would do.

    Regarding the electoral process, I am not unaware of the complaints by at least one of the Presidential candidates about the administrative issues surrounding the elections. As members of the legal profession, our electoral process ought to be and remain a standard for others to follow. I said this much in my second letter dated 29th July 2020 to the Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the NBA. I strongly believe that there is plenty room for improvement in our electoral process, and I commit to making this possible.

    In closing, I congratulate all the contestants for the various offices in the Association for the hardwork that they put in, and for the successful outing that they had. The expectations are high and together we have a duty to devise measures to tackle the problems of our noble Association. We need to hit the ground running.

    I also particularly my friends and learned seniors, Deacon Dele Adesina SAN, and Dr. Babatunde Ajibade SAN, against whom I had the privilege of contesting for the office of President of the NBA. One thing that remained unshaken throughout the election process was my utmost respect for these distinguished and respectable gentlemen. May I humbly assure them that my respect remains intact. The election is over but the work ahead of us is immense.

    We must now unite in order to achieve our common goal of revitalising the Bar and ensuring that our voice is firm and unshaken when we speak. I obviously cannot do this alone and will be counting on their support and counsel as we work towards Securing The Future through a United Bar that Works for All.

    I thank you, once again, for the confidence that you have reposed in me, and re- assure you that I shall do my best to deliver on your mandate. May God bless you all and the Nigerian Bar Association.

    Olumide Akpata

  • NBA 2020: Co-contestant, Babatunde Ajibade Congratulates Olumide Akpata

    NBA 2020: Co-contestant, Babatunde Ajibade Congratulates Olumide Akpata

    A contestant in the Nigerian Bar Association elections, Mr Babatunde Ajibade, has congratulated Mr Olumide Akpata who emerged as the 30th President of our association.

    In a statement personally signed by him on Friday, Ajibade said he was proud of the level of the debate and the quality of the ideas that were brought forth during the elections which held on the 29th and 30th of July, for the improvement of our association, the welfare of its members and the good of our society.

    He, however, pointed out that the processes leading up to and during the election itself have not been devoid of controversy, while also expressing hope that the repeated challenges with conducting objectively free and fair elections in the association will be resolved.

    “It is unfortunate that the process leading up to and during the election itself have, once again, not been devoid of controversy. It is my fervent hope that we will get over these repeated challenges with conducting objectively free and fair elections into the leadership positions in the association.

    “I remain resolute in my belief that we cannot succeed in addressing the challenges confronting our profession unless we unite and I urge the incoming President and his executive to take deliberate and proactive steps to unite the Bar,” Ajibade said.

    Speaking further, he thanked all those who supported his aspiration to be elected President of the association, noting that although they did not achieve the desired goal, the experience was rewarding and fulfilling.

    “I say a heartfelt thank you to all the persons too numerous to mention, who supported my aspiration to be elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association.

    “Though we did not get the result we wanted, the experience has been rewarding and fulfilling. I have met and established lasting bonds of friendship with colleagues from different parts of our great country Nigeria who share my values and aspirations for a better, stronger and united legal profession.

    “To all those who sacrificed their time and resources, both material and otherwise, I owe a lasting debt of gratitude. I pray that God will reward each and every one of you.

    “Thank you and God bless,” the statement read in part.

  • BREAKING: Electoral Committee officially announces Olumide Akpata as new NBA President

    BREAKING: Electoral Committee officially announces Olumide Akpata as new NBA President

    Nigerian lawyers have elected Mr. Olumide Akpata as the next President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA. The announcement was made at 12:56a.m., on Thursday, by Chairman of the NBA Electoral Committee, Taiwo Taiwo(SAN).

    Akpata won the election with over 50 percent of the total votes cast. His rivals for the office of NBA President were Deacon Dele Adesina(SAN) and Dr. Babatunde Ajibade (SAN).

    The NBA election, which commenced at 11 pm on Wednesday, ended at 11 pm on Thursday.

    Other winners are Mr. John Martin for NBA first Vice President; Second Vice President, Mr. Adeyemo Kazeem; General Secretary, Mrs Joyce Oduah; Assistant Secretary, Uchenna Nwadialo; Mr. Olukunle Edun, Welfare Secretary; Dr. Rapulu Nduka, Publicity Secretary and Assistant Publicity Secretary, Mr. Naza Afam. Olumide Akpata is a Senior Partner and Head of the Corporate and Commercial Practice Group at Templars Law Firm.

    Meanwhile, Dele Adesina, a candidate in the just concluded election had earlier petitioned the electoral committee of the association, alleging gross manipulation in the polls.

    In the petition addressed to Taiwo Taiwo, chairman, electoral committee of the NBA, Adesina claimed the ongoing poll is being marred by over-voting, disenfranchisement of some eligible voters and non-compliance with the provisions of the NBA constitution.

    He said the verified voters’ list was only published about five hours to the commencement of voting contrary to the provision of the NBA constitution (2015) as amended, which provided that the list be released not later than 28 days before the election.

    He also said the list contained 86 “names of lawyers under the subheading international diaspora” which is also a clear violation of association’s constitution.

    Adesina said over 4000 names of lawyers on the list were not ascribed to any branch of the NBA while many others found their names in branches they do not belong.