NBA Calabar Summary Report For 2024 Bar Week

OVERVIEW OF THE EVENT

The Nigerian Bar Association, Calabar Branch, held its 2024 Annual Bar Week with the theme “Access to Justice Within the Nigerian Fiscal Space” under the distinguished Chairmanship of Hon. Justice Emmanuel Agim, Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, however represented by the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Sampson Mbeh Anjor.

The event featured various activities, including a city walk, novelty football match, public lecture, bar-bench forum, and a dinner.

KEYNOTE ADDRESSES AND DISCUSSIONS

Our Keynote Addresses were delivered by Dr. Rufai Oseni of Arise TV and Dele Farotimi, Legal Practitioner (Rtd). Hon. Justice Akon Ikpeme, the Hon. Chief Judge of Cross River State ably represented by Hon. Justice Francisca Isoni delivered her welcome remarks.

The public lecture and plenary sessions focused on topics such as access to justice, legal practice in Nigeria, remuneration for legal professionals, law enforcement agencies, and judicial independence. Keynote speakers and panelists discussed challenges facing the legal profession, including economic instability, delayed payments, and low fee structures.

Observations and Resolutions

The participants observed that access to justice remains a mirage in Nigeria due to various challenges, including corruption, manipulation, and lack of awareness about human rights. They resolved that access to justice can only be achievable in a society devoid of corruption and manipulation, where the rule of law is effective and reasonably enforced.

PLENARY SESSIONS

The plenary sessions covered topics such as:

Legal Practice in Nigeria: Justifying the Praxis of a Progressive Remuneration for Legal Professionals-
Afam Josiah Osigwe (SAN) represented by Enome Amatey Esq. presented a paper on this topic and the panel, moderated by Prof. J.A Dada was also represented by Williams Anwan Esq., former Chairman of the Branch. The panel was composed of Hon. Justice Eyo Ita (Rtd), Anietie Okon Esq, Enome Amatey Esq. and Sabastine Anyia Esq. They discussed the challenges facing legal professionals, including economic instability, delayed payments, and low fee structures. They recommended enforcement of the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order, specialization, and value addition.

Increasing Lawyers’ Earning Capacity: Exploring New Frontiers: The paper presentation of this panel session was done by Tobenna Erojikwe Esq., and the session was moderated by the emeritus Vice Chairman of the branch, Dr. Sam Eboh, Esq. Members of this panel were Dr. Patience Egwu Esq., Ajah Ajah Esq and Auta Nyada, Esq. The panel explored new frontiers for lawyers, including technology adoption, dispute resolution, and tax practices.

Law Enforcement Agencies and Justice Delivery Efforts: Chukwuka Ikwuazom (SAN) represented by Dr. Paul Ebiala Esq. delivered the paper presentation of this session which was moderated by David Obande Esq. The panel was composed of the Comptroller of Corrections, Hon. Justice Eneji Amajama, ably represented by DSC Joel Orok. They discussed the role of law enforcement agencies in justice delivery, highlighting challenges such as lack of proper investigations, abuse of power, and disobedience of court orders.

Independence of the Judiciary, Myth or Reality –
The paper presentation on this session was delivered by the immediate past branch Chairman, Attah Ochinke, Esq. and moderated by Hon. Justice Emilia Ibok. The panelists were Raymond Manga,Esq., Cletus Agogo Esq., O. G. Onah Esq., and Henry Barnabas, Esq. The panel discussed the importance of judicial independence, highlighting challenges such as financial constraints, constitutional constraints, and executive influence.

Bar-Bench Forum
The topic of this forum was “Bar-Bench: Problem or solution to a better Nigeria”. This session was moderated by Joe Agi (SAN) ably represented by Emmanuel Idaka Esq., with Hon. Justice of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, Mba Ukweni (SAN), the Chief Registrar of the Cross River State Customary Court of Appeal, Mrs. Nkechi Usani and Imelda Mboto Esq., as panelists.
The bar-bench forum discussed the relationship between the bar and the bench, highlighting the need for mutual respect, communication, and cooperation. The participants observed that there is inadequate communication between the bar and the bench and resolved that the judiciary should address issues such as extortion by clerks, disrespect, and inadequate facilities.

DINNER

The Dinner featured addresses from the Chairman, Bar Week Planning Committee, the Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice, Cross River State, Hon. Ededem Charles Ani Esq., the Chairman of the Branch, Nsikak Ikpeme Esq., the Chairman of Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Prince Edwin Okon, the Assistant General Secretary of the NBA, Daniel Kip Esq., Aspirant for the office of the Welfare Secretrary of the NBA, Auta Nyada Esq., and Aspirant for the office of the Assistant General Secretary of the NBA, Henry Barnabas Esq., among others. The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving individuals for thier selfless service to the Bar and Cross River State.
The awardees were;

His Excellency, Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Cross River State, Hon. Charles Ededem Ani Esq.
The Chairman of International Revenue Service (IRS), Prince Edwin Okon
Former Chairman of the Branch and Lead Compere of the Bar Week, Dr. Paul Ebiala Esq.
The Publicity Secretrary of the Branch, Onor-Obassi Egim Tawo Esq.

COMMUNIQUE

The NBA Calabar Branch issued a communique at the end of the bar week, highlighting key resolutions and recommendations, including:

Access to Justice: The need for sensitization of the public on available mechanisms for cost-efficient and speedy justice delivery.
Judicial Independence: The need for financial autonomy, constitutional reforms, and promotion of judicial empowerment.
Law Enforcement Agencies: The need for law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and comply with constitutional and statutory prescriptions.
Legal Profession: The need for lawyers to develop themselves by specializing in niche areas of law practice, leveraging technology, and advocating for fair and transparent compensation practices.

Overall, the 2024 Annual Bar Week of the Nigerian Bar Association, Calabar Branch, provided a platform for discussion and resolution of key issues affecting the legal profession and access to justice in Nigeria.