A Treasurer Must Have An Eye For Detail—Mercy Ijato Agada

Vote Mercy Agada To Save Treasurer’s Office

Could you introduce yourself?
My name is Mercy Ijato Agada (Mrs), a native of Idoma in Benue State. I graduated from Kogi State University where I bagged an LL.B and I was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2007. Since my call, I have being in active practice to date. I am a member of NBA Otukpo Branch wherein I served the Branch as a treasurer and I am the immediate Chairman of Otukpo Branch. I have attended several NEC Meetings as an NEC member and several Annual General Conferences of the Nigerian Bar Association.

What position do you intend to vie for?
I intend to vie for the position of the NBA National Treasurer.

Why do you think so?
I know and I think I’m the best person for the position because I am very meticulous, accountable, and very detailed when it comes to the public fund. I was the treasurer of NBA Otukpo Branch and was able to manage the account of the branch prudently. While I was the treasurer of Otukpo Branch I pursued money due to the Branch rigorously and made sure I got positive results; also, while I was the Treasurer of Otukpo Branch I managed her resources prudently; I managed Otukpo Branch’s account for four years; from Treasurer to Chairman.

What do you think is the number one problem in the Bar?
The Bar needs quality leadership. The Bar needs leaders with sincerity of purpose, a leader that is firm and who can stand any weather, who can challenge the government where the government is not doing the right thing, a leader who is not compromising and a leader who has the welfare, interest and well being of lawyers at heart.

What plans do you have in place to address the problem of young Lawyers?
Year in year out Lawyers are being called to Bar without any package to help them to excel in the profession. Young Lawyers should undergo compulsory pupilage and mentorship. When I become the treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association I would advocate for a synergy between the Nigerian Bar Association and big Law Firms for mentorship of Young Lawyers. Yes, every young Lawyer cannot be mentored at the same time but when a handful is picked from all the branches of the Nigerian Bar Association, it will go a long way in improving the quality of Young Lawyers. Again, when I am elected as the National Treasurer I will facilitate and see to it that credit facilities are made available promptly to young Lawyers who intend to carry out a partnership.

On the issue of fake Legal practitioners, how do you think the issue can be addressed?
The Nigerian Bar Association has curbed the issue of fake Lawyers a great deal by the introduction of the use of Seal which has the name and Supreme Court Number of every Lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar. Notwithstanding more needs to be done because fake legal practitioners are still being caught. There should be a very stiff punishment for fake legal practitioners in order to deter others from engaging themselves in such an act.

Do you think the Nigerian Legal Profession is meeting up with the best global practices?
Before now there were no big Law Firms in Nigeria and most ‘big’ jobs or ‘juicy’ jobs were being handled by foreign Law Firms. The Nigerian Legal Profession has evolved and Nigerian Lawyers have acquainted themselves in so many new areas of law. There are so many capable hands now to handle cases and transactions that are complicated. I think the Nigerian Legal Profession is abreast with and is meeting up with the best global practices.

As the National Treasurer aspirant, what’s your take on the newly developed Supreme Court Legal Mail and how sustainable will it be?
The Supreme Court Legal Mail is a system that will serve as a means of communication between Judges, court staff and Lawyers, as well as between Lawyers. The Supreme Court Legal Mail is a welcome development. It is put up to enhance justice delivery in the Nigerian court. It’s cheap. The Supreme Court Legal Mail is not intended to be applicable to the Supreme Court alone but will be applicable to other courts in the near future. I think it will be sustainable.

How do you intend addressing the issue of police brutality of lawyers if elected?
The welfare of lawyers in Nigeria is my utmost concern. When a colleague is brutalized by the Police it means we are all brutalized, it concerns all of us. The public looses trust and confidence in us. When a Lawyer is brutalized necessary actions must be taken, the Police officer involved must be brought to book and the Lawyer must get justice.

What plan do you have in stock when you are elected to ensure that the health insurance policy of the NBA is improved?
The NBA health insurance policy is a laudable one. Some members of the Association have keyed into it and have benefited. When I am elected as the National Treasurer I will ensure that insurance benefits of members are attended to and paid timely.

What is your acceptability rating?
I’m on course. It’s not over until it’s over. The Election Guidelines provide for 27/28 July 2018 as the day of election and by 29th July my acceptability will be known. So far it has been good