Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka Shares Insights on Period Leading to AGC.                             

In a comprehensive report presented during the AGC – PRE-NEC 2023, Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka, the 2nd Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), shed light on the activities and observations during the period leading to the event. Chukwuemeka outlined his experiences and insights, highlighting the apparent absence of assigned responsibilities and oversight roles within the Northern Region, as specified in the NBA 2015 Constitution, amended in 2021.

Absence of Assigned Responsibilities:

Chukwuemeka stated that he had not been assigned any responsibilities by the National Executive Council (NEC), National Executive Committee, or the President. Furthermore, he highlighted that he was not mobilized to carry out the oversight role assigned to the 2nd Vice President concerning branches within the Northern Region. This role is enshrined in Section 9 (5) (c) of the NBA 2015 Constitution, which was amended in 2021 to entrust the 2nd Vice President with this exclusive zonal supervisory jurisdictional role.

Activities and Engagements:

Chukwuemeka provided an overview of the Association’s activities during the quarter, including courtesy visits to national formations/agencies and offices, visits to honor late Jurists and colleagues, and participation in the NBA Section on Legal Practice Conference (SLP) held in July 2023. Despite not being included in courtesy visits, Chukwuemeka actively engaged in SLP activities and conferences, contributing to their success.

However, Chukwuemeka noted that there was limited activity reported from the branches, especially within the Northern Region. He highlighted a letter addressed to the President and copied to his office, which detailed concerning events involving Maxwell Opara Esq and the Department of State Security (DSS). The letter highlighted alleged assaults, defamation, and threats to Maxwell Opara’s life by the DSS.

Maxwell Opara’s Case and Request for NBA Assistance:

Chukwuemeka detailed Maxwell Opara’s situation, where he obtained a judgment against the DSS in favor of his client Mr. Chidiebere Echefu. Despite the court’s order for the DSS to release the client, the order was reportedly disregarded. Chukwuemeka also mentioned Maxwell Opara’s alleged assault by the DSS when visiting his client Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and subsequent legal action taken against the DSS.

Maxwell Opara sought NBA’s assistance to investigate threats, alleviate fears, issue public statements condemning intimidation, and protect lawyers’ lives while upholding the rule of law. Chukwuemeka highlighted the urgency of addressing these issues and emphasized the importance of protecting members who champion the rule of law and human rights.

Conclusion and Call to Action:

Chukwuemeka underscored the critical role of lawyers in promoting the rule of law and justice in society. He called on the AGC and NEC to stand up and protect individuals who face challenges in the pursuit of these ideals. Chukwuemeka also emphasized the need to fulfill the NBA’s constitutional obligation of maintaining and defending the integrity and independence of the Bar and the Judiciary in Nigeria.

Chukwuemeka urged the NEC to empower the Vice Presidents, especially the 2nd Vice President, to actively engage in oversight roles and assignments, as specified in the NBA constitution. He stressed the importance of addressing disobedience to court orders by government agencies and protecting lawyers’ rights.

In conclusion, Chukwuemeka expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and highlighted the need for collective efforts to uphold the principles of justice, integrity, and the rule of law.

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