Thursday, June 30, 2016

‘Niki Tobi was a Man of Honour,’ says Gadzama


 

‘Niki Tobi was a Man of Honour,’ says Gadzama

Jun 23, 2016
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Chief J-K. Gadzama (SAN)Leading Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidential candidate and foremost arbitrator, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN) has described the death of former justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Niki Tobi as “very sad and shocking.”
“Justice Tobi was one of the best and brightest jurists this country has ever known,” said Gadzama. “He was a jurist of the finest refinement, a noble soul whose lucid and erudite judgements helped in shaping our legal architecture and jurisprudence.”
According to Gadzama, “Justice Tobi has left indelible prints on our legal landscape. His endearing humanism, courage, incorruptibility and patriotism came handy at crucial moments in our history when our judiciary was groping for direction and moral rectitude.”

Gadzama recalled with nostalgia “how the deceased judicial icon, as the pioneer Dean of Law, University of Maiduguri taught us the rudiments of law at the earliest part of our law degree programme.” In fact, because of Justice Tobi’s unparalleled devotion to his craft and to his students including Gadzama and his classmates as well as his contributions to the development of the law and society, Gadzama, in appreciation and to honor him even while the late justice was still alive, named the moot court in his J-K Gadzama Court as “Justice Niki Tobi Moot Court.”Gadzama said: “My only regret is that as a result of the prolonged sickness, the late jurist could not visit the moot court before he passed on to eternity,” adding that “He will be dearly missed by all who knew him intimately as a man of honour and a prodigious intellectual. Our deep sympathies go to the entire nation and especially to his immediate family. We will continue to remember them in our prayers.”








Tuesday, June 21, 2016

2016 NBA Presidency;Vote J.K.Gadzama,SAN


“I know that this man is the most suitable of all SANs today to head the Bar.
 He is very, very humble, he is very, very honest, he is very industrious and he is well learned and knowledgeable.
“This man is most resourceful, he is very innovative, he is a Bar man to the core, he believes in the rule of law and that is very important for our profession.
“He is a totally detribalised man, he is influential and connected and he has an intimidating stature.”

                      -------Afe Babalola,SAN

Thursday, June 16, 2016

A Group honours FTC CJ, Bello, Gadzama,

Group honours FTC CJ, Bello, Gadzama, others ON JUNE 16, 201612:41 AMIN LAW & HUMAN RIGHTS, NEWSCOMMENTS By Onozure Dania A NON-governmental organisation, Law, Media and Social Justice Development Initiative,  LMSJI, has honoured the Chief Judge of  Federal Capital Territory, Justice Ishaq Bello as an eminent Jurist, therefore conferring him with the Eminent Jurist Award. Also honoured was Chief Joseph-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, who was presented with Patron of Media Lawyers in Nigeria Award, while Prof. Paul Oboh Idornigie, SAN,  was presented with Patron of Social Justice in Nigeria Award. Mr Charles Odenigbo presenting an award to the special guest of honour, Justice Isaq Bello, Chief Judge of Abuja High Court while the Chairman of the event, Mr. Washed Odusile (r) applaud during the Law, Media and Social Justice Development round-table on Reporting Court Proceedings by the Media held in Abuja. Making the presentations, President of LMSJI and former Chairman,  Lawyers in the Media Forum, LIM,  Mr. Charles Odenigbo said: “ I want to use this platform to examine the operations of the judiciary in the Federal Capital Territory  and establish if it can be a model for other states to emulate. Our special report on the FCT judiciary shows some landmark achievements under the leadership of Justice Ishaq Bello “Justice Bello has activated two judiciary divisions in the FCT. These are the FCT High Court, Gwagwalada and Bwari judicial divisions. Both of them have Deputy Registrars and administrative staff. It saves the time and energy of litigants as well as those seeking to get affidavits and letters of administration. They do not need to go to Maitama again.” On Chief J-K Gadzama, Odenigbo said, “He has always stood as a pillar behind media lawyers in the country over the years. If not that the incumbent Chairman of LIM calls me ‘the father of modern LIM’, Chief J-K Gadzama would have been conferred with that title. He is indeed a father figure to us, always there to advise, protect and promote the interest of  media lawyers in the country. “He is always ready and willing to answer us  even at the shortest notice, in fact our relationship J-K  is like that of father and children, hence, we appreciate him with this Award as a symbol of our appreciation for his kindness and promotion of  social justice in the country. “Prof. Paul Idornigie, SAN,  my teacher at the Law School has carved a niche for himself as a perfect gentleman. An exemplary teacher of law, internationally renowned arbitrator and  a builder of human and material resources. A  lover and promoter of social justice. We also appreciate him,” Odenigbo said.  

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/06/group-honours-ftc-cj-bello-gadzama-others/

MANIFESTO-OF-CHIEF-J-K-GADZAMA-SAN-FOR-NBA-PRESIDENT-2016-.pdf


google below

MANIFESTO-OF-CHIEF-J-K-GADZAMA-SAN-FOR-NBA-PRESIDENT-2016-.pdf

Monday, June 13, 2016

NBA Presidency: South West Lawyers Forum support Gadzama, SAN

    (Nigeria) The bid by Chief Joe Gadzama, SAN, to lead the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, as its president received a major boost, weekend, with  the South West Lawyers Forum, SWF, pledging  to support him in the forthcoming NBA elections.
    Aside from other aspirants vying for different posts, Gadzama was the only presidential aspirant that addressed the forum.
    The pledge is coming against the backdrop of the adoption of Gadzama by North East Lawyers Forum as its sole candidate. A Screening Committee set up by the influential Arewa Lawyers Forum, ALF and chaired by Dr. Garba Pwul, SAN, had also recommended Gadzama for adoption by the ALF.
    Also at the weekend, two key pillars of Egbe Amofin O’odua, Chief Bandele Aiku, SAN and Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, gave their blessings to Gadzama’s presidential aspirations.
    Aiku had prayed for Gadzama and offered his blessings towards his ambition when the aspirant paid the  Egbe Leader a visit at his country home in Ibadan, Oyo State.
    On his part, Awomolo had in a letter he sent to the SWF, expressed “great pleasure” over current efforts to resuscitate the comatose umbrella union of Yoruba lawyers “after the last Bar election that caused the Egbe a humiliating defeat.”
    Throwing his clout behind Gadzama’s bid, the influential Egbe elder added: “Chief J. K. Gadzama, SAN is a good colleague and worthy of our relationship.” Gadzama had earlier addressed an audience at the Ibadan Branch of NBA.
    Responding to remarks by Gadzama at the forum’s meeting held at Ile-Ife, weekend, protem Chairman of the forum, Chief A. A. Ayodele said: “We have listened to our visitors, colleagues and their submissions. I want to assure you that the West will give you appropriate support.”
    He added that the forum would fashion out a “symbiotic relationship” with Gadzama for its support.
    Speaking earlier, Gadzama said that he had served the Bar under various regimes, adding: “I wear the shoe, I know where it pinches. I know the issues, I know the challenges. I want to sustain the work that Alegeh (SAN) has done. But apart from that, I want to give vibrant, courageous, purposeful leadership that will ensure that the NBA remains the conscience of the nation, the eye of the blind, the ear of the deaf, and the mouthpiece of the voiceless.”
    In a rousing speech punctuated by intermittent applause, he said: “I want to ensure that we have that kind of leadership whereby NBA can respond to issues and challenges that are being thrown up as a result of activities and upheavals in the polity and the economy especially now. When we became lawyers in 1986 I remember we met Alao Aka-Bashorun.
    “He wasn’t a Senior Advocate of Nigeria but he was one of the best performing lawyers. That is the kind of leadership I want to offer.
    “I have mentorship scheme. I have over 40 juniors in my office. I attend IBA conferences; I go there with not less than 10 lawyers to empower them. I will ensure that your welfare is taken care of; you will have baseline in terms of salaries; you will belong to committees; you will have mentorship scheme. You need to know who you will elect as your president because it is not about the NBA alone, it is about the nation; if the NBA is sick, judiciary must be sick, the nation must be sick. Don’t elect me without knowing what I have to offer.
    "I will professionalize the secretariat. One good aspect of a good leader is that you must be a good loser and a good winner. When I won in Abuja (Branch) I accommodated my opponent; when I lost in Ibadan in 2010 I raised the hand of Chef J. B. Daudu (SAN) and declared him winner, even though I was advised to the contrary. I am a good loser. I am a man of peace, I mean well for this country.
    “A lot of stories are being told about us which are all lies. But a lot was said about Buhari but he still became president; a lot was said about Alegeh, but he still became NBA President; a lot is being said about Gadzama but with your votes and by the grace of God, I will be elected to serve you.
    "My word is my bond. I am accessible. I am contesting out of my deep personal conviction and personal desire to serve you; nobody conscripted me. I will listen to you; I will lead by the majority for the welfare of the Bar and good representation of the Bar - with integrity, with courage, with vision, and for service.”
    Harping on the need for Yoruba lawyers to close ranks and mend the cracks threatening to tear them apart, Awomolo said: “I know that we as brothers and sisters are capable of solving our family misunderstanding. Let us remember to commend our elders, respect them and work for unity of our profession and members of the Egbe.”
    Awomolo who spearheaded the resurgence of NBA after its 1992 crisis that rendered it comatose for six years, added that “We must be honest, faithful to the corporate interest of the Egbe and the future to which everyone shall account for his/her role.”
    The NBA Electoral Committee recently issued what it termed “Preliminary Notice of Election 2016” slating July 23 and 24, 2016 as election dates. The election is by universal suffrage and electronic voting.

"Deeds are seeds and germinate in multiples" - Ogunlana Adesina (Nigerian lawyer & Thinker)
This is true of J-K. His good deeds will multiply for the benefit of the ENTIRE NBA.
Vote for a committed Barman!
Vote for unquestionable integrity and high moral rectitude!!
Vote for an accessible and caring leadership!!!
Vote J-K Gadzama for NBA President
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Friday, June 3, 2016

NBA poll: I’m the candidate to beat – Gadzama

NBA poll: I’m the candidate to beat – Gadzama


Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN contesting the Presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA during the Bar election slated for 23rd and 24th of July. In this interview with Correspondent EFE AGHALOKPE, he speaks on his ambition, judiciary, corruption and the recent hike in the pump price of fuel among other topical issues. Excerpts:
Can you tell us who Joe Kyari Gadzama (SAN) is?
I am a private legal practitioner and the Principal Partner and Founder of J-K Gadzama LLP with offices in Abuja, Lagos and Maiduguri, as well as affiliate offices in London, United Kingdom and South Florida, United States of America, USA. I hail from Lassa in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State but I was born in Mubi, Adamawa State on the 28th day of November, 1961. I graduated from the University of Maiduguri where I obtained the LL.B Degree in Law. I was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986 and I have been an active member of the Nigerian Bar Association since then. By God’s grace, I was appointed a Notary Public in 1996, conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1998, appointed Honourary Bencher in 2007, admitted to the Lincoln’s Inn (UK) in 2008 and became a Life Bencher in 2015. I am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and a CEDR accredited Mediator. I am a Member of the General Council of the Bar (Nigeria), the NBA General Practice Committee, National Executive Committee of the NBA and Member of the Council of Legal Education (2002 to 2003). I have also successfully served the Nigerian Bar Association in various capacities, notable among which are Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja branch; Chairman of the 2005 NBA Annual General Conference Planning Committee, Jos; Chairman of the Organising Committee of the 2006 Maiden Conference of the NBA Section on Legal Practice (SLP); Vice Chairman of the NBA Section on Legal Practice (SLP) and Pioneer Chairman of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) from 2006 to 2010.
How many years have you been into   practice as a lawyer?
By the grace of God, I have been in private legal practice for 30 years now, having been called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986.
Recently, you were recommended by a senior member of the Bar for your outstanding performance in the forthcoming NBA election. What is the reason for the endorsement?
The endorsement was by Chief Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo, SAN who is a great man of many parts. He has a good reputation, a strong past and he is well respected. He is our leader and mentor and above all, a devout Christian. While some say he truly answers his name; Solomon as he has Solomonic wisdom, I call him “The Shonekan of NBA” because he chaired and led the entire NBA, alongside other Bar leaders when the Association became comatose and was in crisis for six years between 1992 and 1998. With all sense of humility and seriousness, I believe his endorsement reflects the opinion of majority of members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). This is as a result of verifiable facts and objective assessment of my suitability for the office of the President of the NBA by her members, considering my competence and contributions to the development of law in Nigeria.
Recently, the fight against corruption was taken to the judiciary. Is it proper for this present administration to do such against the third arm of government?
I think there is a lot of misconception out there in the public about the fight against corruption. It has become an endemic problem which must be fought to a logical conclusion in the interest of the country at large and generations yet unborn. It must be noted that there is equality before the law and nobody is above the law. Just like in every sector, I admit that there are few bad eggs in the judiciary but I do not subscribe to the tagging of the entire judiciary as corrupt due to these few bad eggs. Corruption is a major problem of this country and the government must be supported in this fight and every citizen must play his role. The key point here is that the government must not intimidate the judiciary using the law enforcement agencies and the issue of corruption must be tackled in strict compliance with the rule of law.
One of the functions of the judiciary is administering justice to those who deserve it, but today the reverse is the case. They are used by the present administration to achieve certain objectives that violate human rights, what is your take in this? An instance is the court order that prevented the strike.
Just like I said before, there is a whole lot of misinformation and misconception about these sorts of issues in the public. The judiciary is the last hope of the common man in this country, just like in every other country. The role of the judiciary cannot be overemphasized and this explains why the independence of the judiciary must be guaranteed at all times. I admit that there might be a few bad eggs in the judiciary but I think the judiciary has also not fared too badly. The judiciary deserves commendation but there is still room for improvement. Some of these alleged human rights violations that you may be referring to have also been attributed to law enforcement agencies and as such, not necessarily from the judiciary. Human rights and the rule of law must at all times be respected and that should be sacrosanct. On the issue of the Court order granted by the National Industrial Court which you mentioned, although I do not have a copy of the application and the order itself, there may not be anything legally wrong with the order which restrained the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC from embarking on the strike. I say so because the Court in its wisdom relying on the facts and law presented before it found merit in the application and granted the said order. What we must all frown at, is the attitude of selective obedience of Court orders only when it is favourable.
If the judiciary at this stage is weak in administering justice, then what is the hope of the common man?
I do not agree with you that the judiciary is weak in administering justice. The judiciary has improved over time but there is still room for improvement. There are actually factors responsible for the slow dispensation of justice and disposal of cases which has resulted in the perception that the judiciary is weak. The delay in disposal of cases in our courts is caused by a number of factors. Firstly, the system of recording proceedings in long hand by our Judges is time consuming and is actually archaic. Also, some of our Judges appear to be over-laboured as they have large number of cases pending in their courts. Another factor is the use of technicalities and some legal procedures like interlocutory applications, preliminary objections, unnecessary adjournments etc by our lawyers. These and other reasons must be tackled and resolved for us to have speedy resolution of matters in our Courts.
The oil sector is said to be very corrupt. Do you believe that President Muhammadu Buhari who is also the Minister of Petroleum is doing enough justice to fix this sector?
Corruption is a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabric of the nation. It pervades all sectors in the country and not only the oil sector. Quite encouraging is the commitment that the present administration has shown in the fight against corruption and I call on every Nigerian to support the Federal Government of Nigeria in this crusade. A cardinal point that must be borne in this fight against corruption is that human rights must be respected at all times and the rule of law must be strictly complied with. I encourage all Nigerians to support the present administration, criticize constructively and contribute our own quota to the growth and development of the country. I am optimistic that with collective efforts and sincerity of purpose, the fight against corruption will be won and the oil sector will be fixed and well positioned for the overall benefit of all Nigerians.
What is the reason for the recent increase in the pump price of fuel in a country blessed with crude oil?
Nigeria is blessed with oil amidst several other natural resources and one would expect that her citizens will not be paying this high for this commodity. The present administration has tried to explain that the difficulty experienced by the marketers to access foreign exchange for the importation of fuel is responsible for this increase. The government has also made it abundantly clear that the subsidy regime was no longer sustainable and that explains why it was not captured in the 2016 budget. We have also heard terminologies like liberalization, deregulation, modulation etc. I may not be in a good position to accurately and extensively explain the root cause of this price hike which has increased the sufferings of all of us. One can heave a sigh of relief in view of the promise by the government to fix the refineries in the not too distant future. I believe government should devise a sustainable means of ensuring that we refine and produce enough fuel for local consumption, as this will obviate the necessity of importation on the long run. In the short term, the Government should quickly put in place adequate machinery to ensure that Nigerians start enjoying the palliatives which it has promised to provide to cushion the effect of the fuel price increase.

Afe Babalola endorses Gadzama for NBA president

Afe Babalola endorses Gadzama for NBA president


Afe Babalola endorses Gadzama for NBA president
Afe Babalola
Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) Aare Afe Babalola has endorsed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, for the presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at its Annual General Conference in August.
Babalola said he found Gadzama the most suitable out of the members of the Inner Bar seeking to become the NBA President.
He described the aspirant as experienced, learned, resourceful and innovative to lead the lawyers’ body.
The legal luminary gave the endorsement on Monday at the 6th Afe Babalola Annual Lecture of the NBA Ado-Ekiti Branch, which was delivered by Gadzama to round off this year’s Law Week.
The theme for this year’s Law Week was “Upholding the Rule of Law” and the topic of the lecture delivered by Gadzama was “Strict Adherence to the Rule of Law, a Veritable Machinery for National Growth.”
The event also marked the last Law Week to be organised by the Ado-Ekiti NBA Executive led by its Chairman, Dr. Foluke Dada, before leaving office in the next few weeks.
The lecture was chaired by Justice Ahmad Belgore of Ado-Ekiti Division of the Court of Appeal, who described Babalola as a “great man who has positively affected his generation”.
Endorsing Gadzama, Babalola said: “I know that this man is the most suitable of all SANs today to head the Bar. He is very, very humble, he is very, very honest, he is very industrious and he is well learned and knowledgeable.
“This man is most resourceful, he is very innovative, he is a Bar man to the core, he believes in the rule of law and that is very important for our profession.
“He is a totally detribalised man, he is influential and connected and he has an intimidating stature.”
Babalola noted that adherence to the rule of law must start from the home and must be practised by all to have an orderly society.
Gadzama, in his lecture, urged lawyers and members of the Judiciary to keep protecting the rule of lawful being eroded by powers-that-be.
He described the rule of law as the foundation for orderliness and stability in the polity.
According to him, adherence to the rule of law has rubbed off positively on the economy of the most developed nations like Germany, Canada, United Kingdom, United States and Singapore.
The NBA presidential aspirant called on the citizenry to support the anti-corruption crusade of the Muhammadu Buhari Administration, but advised that the fight must be done within the ambit of the law.
Gadzama explained: “I am of the view that the government of the day must be instructed by lawyers and judges to fight corruption because no well-meaning Nigerian should be expected to refuse to give it a helping hand.
“All Nigerians must support the anti-corruption drive, but the fight must be done within the ambit of the law. With the rule of law, you can secure the conviction of a suspect and it is not through continuous incarceration or detention.”
Gadzama promised to unfold his manifesto on June 1, in the run-up to the NBA presidential poll.
He promised to carry out policies that would better the lots of young lawyers and promote the rule of law.