The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Yakubu Maikyau SAN, has disregarded a court order issued by Justice Anthony Olotu Akpovi of the Delta State High Court on July 9th, 2024, which restrained the NBA from holding the NBA-SPIDEL Conference due to an ongoing leadership dispute within the section.
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The lawsuit, filed by the suspended Chairman of NBA-SPIDEL, John Aikpopo-Martins, Esq., on behalf of himself and members of the executive committee, stems from the NBA National Executive Council’s decision on February 29th to remove the executive members of SPIDEL and replace them with a caretaker committee led by Ben Oji.
Despite being served with a notice of the consequences of disobedience to the court order (Form 48) on Wednesday, July 17th, the NBA President proceeded to organize the conference at the NBA House in Abuja on Thursday, July 18th, flagrantly disregarding the court’s ruling.
The court had granted the interim injunction in the interest of justice, protection of the rule of law, and balance of convenience, ordering that the status quo remain and the NBA-SPIDEL Conference be postponed until further notice.
The conference, themed “Tax, Tariffs and the Taxpayer: Exploring the Impact on the Public and Economy,” featured keynote speaker Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about the NBA President’s actions, as his duty is to uphold the Rule of Law. This disregard for a competent court’s order has led to questions about why the executive, politicians, or ordinary Nigerians should obey the rules of law when those meant to protect it treat it with disdain.
According to our correspondent, the NBA President prevented a lawyer from asking a question during the conference, citing the lawyer’s improper attire as the reason for exclusion. This incident was reported in the event’s comment section.
Furthermore, Sylvester Udemezue, a Nigerian Law School Lecturer and self-proclaimed crusader of the Rule of Law, was among the panelists for the event.
Also, Yakubu Philemon SAN, the chairman of the organizing committee, thanked the participants and audience during his vote of thanks, stating that the conference was held despite rumors flying around social media. Presumably, he was referring to the court order, one conference attendee told our correspondent.
The NBA President’s decision to defy the court order has raised serious concerns about the state of the Rule of Law within the Nigerian legal community. The fact that the NBA, an organization that supposedly promotes the rule of law, is flouting a court order with impunity has sent shockwaves through the legal fraternity and the general public.
This blatant disregard for the judiciary’s authority by the NBA President sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the very foundation of the legal system. It raises questions about the integrity and credibility of the NBA as an institution that should be at the forefront of upholding and defending the rule of law.
The implications of these actions extend beyond the legal community, as it erodes public trust in the justice system and sends a message that those in positions of power can act above the law without consequence.
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