Thursday, June 24, 2010

2ND WEEK MAY 2010 (10TH - 14TH)

SQUIB DIARY

MON. 10TH MAY 2010
The Squib’s out. Cover Story – ‘Why Magistrates Struck and Will Strike Again;Tiger Bar’s Week of Fun, Law and Service; Only the Truly Committed Can Serve the Bar Best’ Adebamigbe Omole Esq. chairmanship candidate NBA Ikeja branch.


Was at the TBS Division, Onikan of the High Court. For a case came to Ikeja High Court. Attended the monthly meeting of the Ikeja Bar. Tough, hot meeting, verbal fracas over rendering accounts by the Treasurer. After much brouhaha, it was agreed that the issue of accounts be reserved for the AGM in June while the chairman directed the Treasurer (Gloria Nweze), Financial Secretary (Leye Omitola) and Akinjide Bakare (Auditor) to meet over the issue latest Friday the 14th May 2010.

Even greater brouhaha arose over the nomination or rather appointment of Electoral Committee members for the branch election in June. Some political actors wanted to direct the nomination procedure out of constitutional provisions. The bid failed but not without considerable ruckus.
At the end of the day, the constitutional provisions were followed and only three names were announced to wit: Mrs. Akindiji, Mr. Olumide Fusika and Mr. Quadri.
TUE. 11TH MAY 2010
Your truly on campaigns. First Gecko wants to become Tiger Bar General Secretary. Let all geckos unite and vote him in.
WED. 12TH MAY 2010
Was at the Tafawa Balewa Square Onikan division of the Lagos State High Court for a case.
All geckos of the world rejoice. For the siege is over. Details later, much later! But let me quickly add. Some of those who were witnesses to history were Dave, Dare and Gladys!
FRI 14TH MAY 2010
Ladies and gentlemen, the campaign continued!
Learnt yesterday, from top sources in the judiciary that things would soon take a rosier turn for Lagos State magistrates.
Recall that the magistrates went on a “warning strike” a couple of weeks ago, essentially in protest against their poor work environment and conditions of service.
According to our sources, the magistrates would soon take delivery of new cars while the authorities are working out effective means of getting needed stationeries to the courts. The augmentation of their pay packets is also said to be receiving due attention, while the first of the mega-courts, housing about 30 magistrate courts would be commissioned in June 2010 at Igbosere, Lagos.

2ND WEEK APRIL 2010 (12TH - 17TH)

SQUIB DIARY
MON. 12TH APRIL 2010
The Squib is not out. Just like last week. Attended the monthly meeting of the Tigers. Lively meeting as usual. Electoral campaigns for the June Elections declared open.
TUE. 13TH APRIL 2010
Heard that valedictory service for Justice George Oguntade JSC held. In Abuja.
Heard too that the unending case of C.J Lagos vs Adesina Ogunlana also held. Also in Abuja. Matter was adjourned to a yet to be fixed date.
WED. 14TH APRIL 2010
Not much work.
THUR. 15TH APRIL 2010
Was at the Federal High Court for the Adesina Ogunlana vs Ibitola Sotuminu C.J & Ors. Matter adjourned to May 24 2010. Injunction restraining defendants from continuing with the trial of the applicant renewed.
FRI. 16TH APRIL 2010
Came to the Lagos City Hall for a Book Launch in honour of Oguntade JSC. Instead beheld a horrible sight – Ibrahim Babangida,same one, addressing thegathering from the podium. Alas for this great country.
Animal wan teach me human rights! So sang Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
SAT. 17TH APRIL 2010
With leading Tigers attended a forum of lawyers of the Edo and Delta States. Later we visited our own dear Ngozi Akpnonu former Assitant General Secretary of the Tiger Bar – now Hon. Justice Ngozi Azinge of the Delta State High Court.
No small matter when you get to eat hot pounded yam with thick Egusi Soup in a judge’s home. Hmmmmmmmmm!

3RD WEEK MARCH 2010 (15TH - 20TH)

SQUIB DIARY
MON. MAR. 15 2010
The Squib’s out. Cover Story: AKANDEQUAKE HITS LAGOS JUDGES. Squib selling like hot cake. Finished early at the High Court Ikeja today.
TUE. MAR. 16 2010
Was at the Magistrate Court, Tapa this morning. Tapa is famous for its ‘container’ courts. It is a matter of one container, one court.
WED. MAR. 17 2010
First port of call, for duty is the ‘Welfare Court’ Ikeja. After finishing there, came over to the Ikeja High Court. For another court. Saw people earnestly asking for Squib – the week’s edition had sold out since yesterday!
THUR. MAR.18 2010
Came to the Lagos High Court. For a case. Got free only at about 2.00pm. Trial days are often like that.
FRI. MAR. 19 2010
From morning till noon, in chambers, work. Quite a lot to catch up on. Had a brief chance meeting with the Tiger Bar Young Lawyers’ Forum. Cool guys and babes there. Their leader is Seyi Olawunmi Esq.
SAT. MAR. 20 2010
Was at the Ikeja Police College. For the weekend Sports and Fitness programmes of the Ikeja Bar.
Three other Tigers turned up.
Exercised our bodies, jogging and kicking (soccer) balls!

2ND WEEK MARCH 2010 (8TH - 13TH)

SQUIB DIARY

MON. 8TH MAR. 2010
The Squib’s out. Cover Story: ‘INFAMOUS CONDUCT ALLEGATION: ‘SUE ME IF YOU LIKE! SQUIB “PROFESSOR OF LAW” DARES SENIOR ADVOCATES. Came to the Ikeja High Court for a matter. Left the court to gecko in one or two other courts.
TUE. 9TH MAR. 2010
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a matter. It went on. Received invitation by SMS to come to a particular high court to witness a “funny” proceedings that would take place on Thursday this week in one particular High Court.
WED. 10TH MAR. 2010
Came to the Ikeja High Court for a matter. It went on. Started to gecko about for news about the mass re-postings of thejudges of the Lagos State High Court. Fished here. Fished there.
FRI. 11TH MAR. 2010
Spent all morning in chambers. Dashed to the Ikeja High Court in the afternoon. Left an hour later for NBA related matters.
SAT. 13TH MAR. 2010
Was present for the Tigers sport and fitness programme at the Police College Ikeja. About four other Tigers present. In the evening in company of three top Tigers paid a brief visit to Barrister Segun Ogunleye’s Gentlemen of Valour club having its AGM at the Oyins Holiday Hotel, Abaranje, Ikotun Lagos. Enjoyment Galore. Ahem!

1ST WEEK MARCH 2010 (1ST - 6TH)

SQUIB DIARY Vol.10 No. 19(1ST – 6TH)
MON. 1ST MAR. 2010
The Squib’s out. Cover Story: “Why Nigerian Lawyers should embrace CBA” Boma Ozobia. Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a matter. Wonder why trial judge was tetchy today.
TUE. 2ND MAR. 2010
Was at the Lagos High Court. For a case. Went on. Faced a veteran at trial. Today a major reorganization took place in our chambers.
WED. 3RD MAR. 2010
Adesina Ogunlana vs NBA & Ors. Adjourned yet once again. At the Federal High Court, Ikoyi Lagos to April 15 2010. Came to the Lagos High Court, Igbosere, only to find that the courts were in darkness. No ‘government’ light and generator light. The generating set had broken down again.
THUR. 4TH MAR. 2010
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a matter in one of those funny courts of ours. Matter couldn’t go on because presiding judge would be having a meeting with the Chief Judge at 12.00p.m. “It’s because I’m still mourning my late husband that’s why I am so unkempt,” wailed the proverbial slut.
FRI. 5TH MAR. 2010
In and out of the Ikeja High Court today. Silenced a vixen today. Somebody praise the Lord with me. His love endureth forever.
SAT. 6TH MAR. 2010
Was at the Police College Ikeja with four other tigers. Jogged and soccered. Nice Time Out.

3RD WEEK FEB 2010 (22ND - 27TH)

SQUIB DIARY
Vol.10 No.18
MON.22ND FEB.2010
The Squib’s out. Cover Story, “LAWYER SCATTERS COURT WITH HISSING. “ had a rather nasty road incident this morning. Squib mobile hit an absent minded old man on the express way. “Dr. Bone” to the rescue for the hapless man. The panel beater to the rescue of the Squib mobile.
TUE.23RD FEB. 2010
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For cases. One held, the other, not. Noticed that the outward beautification of the Chief Judge’s office is completed.
WED.24TH FEB. 2010
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a case. Appeared before my favourite judge. Noticed that the judge was a bit on the less cool side today;. Saw less of the famous cool, amiable nature today in him, em, her.
THUR. 25TH FEB. 2010
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a trial. Held but not concluded. Hear that the generator supplying Lagos High Courts with light has gone up in smoke again. It did that only a fortnight or so again. Now the courts are in darkness once again.
FRI. 26TH FEB. 2010
Public Holiday. The Birthday of the Prophet Mohammed. I call it Mohammedmas. After all there is a Christmas.
SAT. 27TH FEB. 2010
Six Tigers in their Tiger Train went to the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Osun State. For the wedding reception of Barrister Abiodun Omidare’s brother’s wedding. Fortified my tummy enroute the journey to avoid the usual “wedding Passover syndrome.” Couldn’t help but admire the majestic and cultivated sprawl of “Great Ife,” my old school.

2ND WEEK FEB 2010 (15TH - 20TH)

SQUIB DIARY
MON. 15TH FEB. 2010
The Squib’s out. Our Cover Story: “The False Imprisonment of the Lagos Chief Judge.” See:
http://www.squibcoverstory.blogspot.com
Came to the Ikeja High Court. For a matter. For judgement in a case really. Judgement was delivered. The loser turned out to be a winner while the winner turned out to be the loser. Was a chieftaincy dispute matter with plenty of criminal law colouration.
The Tiger Bar held her Emergency meeting today on the vexed issue of whether or not the Senior Advocate of Nigeria title should be abolished.
The Tigers had already decided in their January meeting in favour of the abolition of the title. This position was opposed (naturally) by members who are Senior Advocates. Athe the February 1 2010 monthly meeting of the Tigers, the silks had caused by their pressure, the schedule of the extra-ordinary meeting for the purpose of “revisiting” the issue.
The extra-ordinary meeting lasted from 1.30 p.m till almost 4.00 p.m but the issue was never revisited. Much to the chagrin of the silks, who had mobilized “millions” of junior counsel in their various chambers to the meeting to support their position.
Knowing that it was a ‘loaded congregation,’ the abolitionists simply stymied the “revisit” by advancing reasons why it was impolite to do a revisit.
The strategy worked as the arguments of the abolitionists won out the silks who thought it was by “power and might” that such contests were won.
The main killers of the Project Revisit the Abolition of SAN decision were Steve Kuyoro, Alex Onabrakpeya, Bamidele Aturu and Adesina Ogunlana Esq. who presented constitutional, moral, even ethical reasons clothed in combustive oratory to ensure that the project failed.
When the ding-dong debate was stretching far too long, it was Ogunlana who put a stop to it with his brutal and emphatic query.
“why should we for the sake of these Senior Advocates revisit our decision to vote for abolition of the SAN title.
Why should we so indulge them? Except for our constant stars, Layi Babatunde SAN and Dele Adesina SAN the others are never with us. They don’t attend meetings. Even on February 1 when the issue of revisit was raised, the silks left the meeting, once their issue was discussed.
I move the motion that an end be put to this meeting and that it should be adjourned.” The motion sailed in without any opposition.
TUE. 16TH FEB. 2010.
With other Tiger chiefs, departed our beloved lair – the Tiger’s bar secretariat for Yola. Time was 4.00 p.m.
Stopped at Akure for the night.
WED. 17TH FEB. 2010.
The journey to Yola, for the NBA’s NEC meeting continued. Tigers rode on in our Tiger Train. Long distance journeys can be so tiring. Left Akure 5.59a.m., arrived Yola 12.25 a.m!
THUR. 18TH FEB. 2010.
Woke up to a bright, sunny and hot Yola morning. With other Tigers, turned up for the NEC meeting. After a hearty yam, scrambled egg and tea breakfast. Hardly had the meeting started when the president, Rotimi Akeredolu SAN and the General Secretary, Ibrahim Eddy-Mark started bickering over which minutes of the last meeting should be considered authentic and proper to be presented to the present meeting.
In the afternoon session, the issues of whether the national offices of the NBA should be subjected to the “ZONING or INCLUSION” formula and also whether the Senior Advocate of Nigeria title be abolished were adjourned to the next meeting for discussions and possible decisions since only 26 out of the 88 branches of the NBA had sent in their respective positions on them.
Attended a dinner at the ABTI Club Yola, sponsored by Ricky Tarfa SAN, a Yola indigene. Enough to eat and drink. Good cheer was assured by the presence of a comedian called Osama.
FRI. 19TH FEB. 2010.
The journey back to Lagos started early, 6.20 a.m. stopped for the night at about 10.30 at Okene, Kogi State.
The most unimpressive state capital in the modern world must be Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State. Look nothing other than a big disheveled hamlet. P;assed through this cattle and straw town near noon on our way down south. Really is Jalingo one of Nigeria’s state capitals?
SAT. 20TH FEB. 2010
Lagos at last. 4.00 p.m. May the name of God, be praised!

IST WEEK FEB. 2010 (8TH - 13TH)

SQUIB DIARY
MON. 8TH FEB. 2010
The Squib’s out. Cover story: SILKS IN SOUP. Came to the Ikeja High Court for a matter. Around 10.30 a. m the lights went out. Undeterred, the judge ordered partial dishabiliment, to wit, counsel were free to remove their wigs and gowns, and the session continued.
Now that’s one judge ready to work, Jose .J.
Today moved to Squib’s new office at 185 Ikorodu Rd., Palmgrove. Bye-bye to 197A Ikorodu Road.
TUE. 9TH FEB. 2010
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a matter. Couldn’t go on because of defective service of process by the bailiff. Guess one needs scrutinizing affidavits of service sworn to by the sheriffs. To avoid embarrassment in court. Vice-President Jonathan Goodluck became Acting President today after almost four months of President Umar Yar’Adua’s “offshore” sickness.
WED. 10TH FEB. 2010
The ‘interesting’ case of Julius Adelaja v Adesina & Ors, a.k.a “The Dirty Lawyer” case came up today at the magistrate court, Ojo, Lagos. The presiding magistrate declined jurisdiction, and transferred the matter to the appropriate jurisdiction for trial.
Learnt of the fire incident at the Generator House of the Lagos State High Court Igbosere, Lagos only yesterday.
The whole complex consequently thrown into darkness, stalling court sittings.
THUR. 11TH FEB. 2010
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Heard the rather interesting news that Lagos State magistrates now sign attendance registers showing when they arrive for work and depart.
That’s a novel administrative move to curb absenteeism or lazy work on the part of the honourable magistrates. But will it work?
FRI. 12TH FEB. 2010
Came to the Tiger’s Den, the Secretariat of the Ikeja Bar late afternoon. All the Chief Tigers had gone out ‘hunting.’ For the entitlements of the Ikeja Bar from the national secretariat.
SAT. 13TH FEB. 2010
At least six Tigers turned up for the Sports Programme of the Ikeja Bar. At the Police College Ikeja grounds.
A tigress brought sliced pineapples. Yum, yum, ah, so refreshing!