The Secretary, Local Organising Committee (LOC), NBA-SPIDEL yearly conference 2023, Mr. Chisom Onuoha(Left); LOC Chairman, Mr. Seyi Olawumi; NBA-SPIDEL chairman, Dr. Monday Ubani and Council Member, NBA-SPIDEL, Mr. Emeka Nwadioke at the press briefing on the forth coming conference in Lagos.
The Nigerian Bar Association, Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to respect the rule of law and avoid executive lawlessness and impunity.
The association also urged the President to develop a zero tolerance policy towards corruption and mismanagement of public funds. NBA-SPIDEL chairman, Mr. Monday Ubani gave this charge during a press briefing ahead of its yearly conference.
Ubani said: “These are acts that will bring his administration into collision course with the civil society and human rights community. If the government abides by the rule of law, respects human rights, ensures transparency and accountability as fundamental objectives of state policy, it should be rest assured of tremendous goodwill from majority of the citizens of Nigeria.”
He further applauded the suspension of the Central Bank Governor (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele and said that his tenure be thoroughly investigated for his alleged role in the mismanagement of the economy.
Speaking on the forthcoming conference with the theme ‘Post-Election Nigeria: The Judiciary in the eye of the storm’, Ubani noted that the theme borders on the Judiciary’s intervention in the electoral process.
“Presently, all eyes are fixed at the various Election Petition tribunals where those who were aggrieved with the outcome of the elections are venting their grievances lawfully and seeking judicial redress.
“Our faith in the judiciary should remain unshaken, as those who deserve justice shall certainly be served with justice without fear or favour,” he said.
The conference is to take place from June 20 to 23, 2023 at Citadel Complex, Oregun, Ikeja.
The conference, he said, will attract lawyers and judges from various States of the Federation. “It promises to be an intellectual feast featuring eminent jurists from the Bar and Bench.
“The keynote speaker is foremost human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), while the opening session will be chaired by former NBA president, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Justice Amina Augie of the Supreme Court will feature as a guest speaker during the opening ceremony,” he stated.
Also expected at the opening ceremony are the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti.
Senators and House of Representatives members are also expected at the opening ceremony.
The technical sessions will witness the presence of leading jurists and speakers such as Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Prof. Pat Utomi, Mr. Austin Alegeh (SAN), Chief J-K Gadzama (SAN), Prof. Ernest Ojukwu (SAN), Mr. Olumide Akpata, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), NBA President Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), Ms. Boma Alabi (SAN), Prof. Paul Ananaba (SAN), Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), Mr. Samson Itodo (YIAGA Africa), Mr. Festus Okoye (INEC), Justice Taiwo Taiwo (rtd.), Mr. Tobenna Erojikwe, Ebun Adegboruwa (SAN), Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri, Mr. Gilbert Tor, Mr. Chukwuka Ikwuazom (SAN), among others.