SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2009
The Squib's out. Cover story? “BODE GEORGE GOES TO "SCHOOL” The jailing of a prominent politician by a High Court Judge, (Oyewole J.) last week.
It was a full house in the courts this morning as litigants, lawyers and other members of the public were around in large number. The situation could have been different. If the Lagos State branch of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) had joined their other colleagues in some other states to embark on industrial action.
The JUSUN, Lagos branch is quite an important branch - it is not only the largest, but the most sophisticated and located in the very capital of journalism in Nigeria - Lagos. The failure of the JUSUN-Lagos to join the strike, took the shine off the action across the nation. Can tell that branch members are divided over the “non-joining” posture of Lagos JUSUN. While some said it was strategic, others accused the branch leaders of compromising their interests in the new alliance with the new chief judge of Lagos State.
TUESDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Spent only about thirty minutes, there before “Vamoosing.” Can see great progress being made in the building of the new secretariat of the NBA Ikeja branch.
WEDNESDAY 4TH NOVEMBER 2009
Arrived the Lagos High Court, Igbosere for a case. Bemusedly watched as a counsel jumped up to tell the honourable presiding judge that he was representing the defendant (accused) who had just briefed him that morning. Yet half a minute before then another counsel had announced appearance, for the same defendant. When the judge asked the man in the dock to identify his counsel of the two, he disowned “Mr. just-newly briefed-counsel!” May be it was a case of the devil you know...
THURSDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Lagos Ikeja High Court. For a matter. Never went on. Moved on to the Magistrate Court Ebute-Metta, where I saw a “Charge and Bail” brethren on his customary perch on a table, placed in such a way that all ingress and egress into the court’s compound was open to the perching counsel. Well positioned, you’d say!
FRIDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a case. Did it and “zoomed” off to the Ebute-metta magistrate court. What a dirty court. Gaining access thereto was also a bother. The road was choked up with haphazardly packed vehicles. Even though there are ten courts at the EBT magistrate court, it has no registry. All filings take place in the magistrate court Sabo. Rushed down to Sabo and filed papers. The Sabo court is by far cleaner and 'saner' than Ebute-Metta’s.
SATURDAY 7TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Police College Ikeja playing ground for the sport and fitness programme of the NBA Ikeja branch. Only one Tiger participated today. My humble self. Managed to have a good time though. After, moved to the bar centre to join some other 'Exco' members to supervise the offloading of several tonnes of cement bags there. Who says the Tigers are not going to have a bigger and more befitting secretariat soon?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
4TH WEEK OCTOBER (26TH - 30TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MON. 26TH OCT 09
The Squib's out. Coverstory on the mass re-posting of Magistrates by the new Chief Judge of Lagos State Inumidun Akande J.
Arrived Ikeja High court only to find it in the grip of bedlam. Confusion reigned in the adjourning streets of Compound A of the Ikeja High Court as the gates thereto were firmly locked against members of the public, lawyers, litigants and judiciary staff.
Reason? Judgement in the Case of FRN vs Olabode George in progress. In Honourable Justice Olubunmi Oyewole’s court.
Quite a struggle it was at the gate as people battled to enter the court compound to attend to their various businesses.
Little respite until about 12.30pm. News surfaced around 1.pm that Bode “Lagos Boy” George and his other co-accused had received mandate to have two years stay at the Maximum prisons Kirikiri.
Could confirm that the Chief Judge of Lagos State Inumidun Akande J had cleared her office of attached furniture therein. New seats now in use in the C.J’s office. Hope that the change will extend to other courts.
TUESDAY 27TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos Ikeja High Court. For a case that went on. Court today wasits normal self, free of the “Bode George effect” of yesterday. The rain, in the afternoon, fell. Hard, heavy and furious.
WEDNESDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court today. The court at Igbosere and one at the Tafawa Balewa Square. Couldn’t but smile to myself when some fellows hailed my entrance with some funny salutations and hailing, “Awaiting SAN!” International Lawyer! Editor-in-Chief! SAN-in-waiting! Squib baba! Guess that you too are now smiling. The whole thing smacked of commercial praise singing.
THURSDAY 29TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Federal High Court. For the Ogunlana vs Sotuminu & Ors Case. Matter did not go on as the judge did not sit.
FRIDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2009
Spent at least two hours covering the 8 kilometer distance between my house and the Ikeja High Court. Courtesy, traffic jam.
The mandatory continuous education of the NBA held at the Bar Centre of the Ikeja High Court. Scanty attendance. Later in the day, watched at the Bar Centre, the soccer match between Nigeria and Argentina in the Under 17 FIFA World Cup taking place in Nigeria.
Nigeria won 2-1.
MON. 26TH OCT 09
The Squib's out. Coverstory on the mass re-posting of Magistrates by the new Chief Judge of Lagos State Inumidun Akande J.
Arrived Ikeja High court only to find it in the grip of bedlam. Confusion reigned in the adjourning streets of Compound A of the Ikeja High Court as the gates thereto were firmly locked against members of the public, lawyers, litigants and judiciary staff.
Reason? Judgement in the Case of FRN vs Olabode George in progress. In Honourable Justice Olubunmi Oyewole’s court.
Quite a struggle it was at the gate as people battled to enter the court compound to attend to their various businesses.
Little respite until about 12.30pm. News surfaced around 1.pm that Bode “Lagos Boy” George and his other co-accused had received mandate to have two years stay at the Maximum prisons Kirikiri.
Could confirm that the Chief Judge of Lagos State Inumidun Akande J had cleared her office of attached furniture therein. New seats now in use in the C.J’s office. Hope that the change will extend to other courts.
TUESDAY 27TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos Ikeja High Court. For a case that went on. Court today wasits normal self, free of the “Bode George effect” of yesterday. The rain, in the afternoon, fell. Hard, heavy and furious.
WEDNESDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court today. The court at Igbosere and one at the Tafawa Balewa Square. Couldn’t but smile to myself when some fellows hailed my entrance with some funny salutations and hailing, “Awaiting SAN!” International Lawyer! Editor-in-Chief! SAN-in-waiting! Squib baba! Guess that you too are now smiling. The whole thing smacked of commercial praise singing.
THURSDAY 29TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Federal High Court. For the Ogunlana vs Sotuminu & Ors Case. Matter did not go on as the judge did not sit.
FRIDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2009
Spent at least two hours covering the 8 kilometer distance between my house and the Ikeja High Court. Courtesy, traffic jam.
The mandatory continuous education of the NBA held at the Bar Centre of the Ikeja High Court. Scanty attendance. Later in the day, watched at the Bar Centre, the soccer match between Nigeria and Argentina in the Under 17 FIFA World Cup taking place in Nigeria.
Nigeria won 2-1.
3RD WEEK OCTOBER (19TH - 24TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story on the use of attached goods in the offices of the Lagos state Judiciary. Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a case. In Justice Mufutau Olokooba’s court. Matter adjourned till tomorrow. Outside the court on the corridor saw Major Al-Mustapha, former Police Commissioner James Danbaba and two others of their case-mates (the Alex Ibru attempted murder case). In a swell of symphatizers. That case has been on since 1999.
Strolled to the front of the chief judge’s office. Noticed beautification project in progress. Was glad to hear that at the High Court in Igbosere, Lagos, the Chief Judge sat. Understood her cause list for the day had 22 cases and she heard them all. Hmmm, what a departure from a period in the past when a particular chief judge used to sit once in a blue moon?
Heard that last week the chief judge with her chief registrar and deputy chief registrars went on an inspection tour of various courts in the state.
TUESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2009
Was in Ikeja High Court. For wig and gown business. My matters went on. The court rooms appeared dirty. Heard that the contractor in-charge of cleaning up the environment has been sacked. No replacement yet.
WEDNESDAY 21ST OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court. For a case. Matter did not go on, although the court sat. After spending some time geckoing, left for a snap visit to the Lands Registry and the Ministry of Justice, Alausa Ikeja before finally berthing at the secretariat of the Tiger Bar Ikeja .
THURSDAY 22ND OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ogba Police Station. The Area ‘G’. Proper trouble house. A lot of hollering all around. Cops here and there. With guns and guns without.
Left the place in good time. Then went for a meeting of bar leaders with the Chief Judge Lagos State. Fruitful meeting.
FRIDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court. The one at the old National Assembly building at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan. For a case. Saw a retired judge, now in the form and shape of a litigant. How true the proverbs of our fathers-
Igba o tan lo bi orere
Orere omo olofin
(no permanence in the
stations and affairs of men)
SATURDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Police College for the Tiger’s Sports Programme. At a point, was the only Tiger present. Then the chairman of the branch ‘surfaced’. Later the scriptures that “If yea refused to worship the Lord, then these very trees would raise up their voices to praise him” came true. Four damsels emerged from nowhere to apply to the Elekun of Ekun land, and my humble self, the Mayegun of Ikeja Bar and the Majeobaje of Tigerland to kick balls with us. Only dead Tigers would reject such application.
Needless to say, we all had a wonderful time together. You know?
MONDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story on the use of attached goods in the offices of the Lagos state Judiciary. Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a case. In Justice Mufutau Olokooba’s court. Matter adjourned till tomorrow. Outside the court on the corridor saw Major Al-Mustapha, former Police Commissioner James Danbaba and two others of their case-mates (the Alex Ibru attempted murder case). In a swell of symphatizers. That case has been on since 1999.
Strolled to the front of the chief judge’s office. Noticed beautification project in progress. Was glad to hear that at the High Court in Igbosere, Lagos, the Chief Judge sat. Understood her cause list for the day had 22 cases and she heard them all. Hmmm, what a departure from a period in the past when a particular chief judge used to sit once in a blue moon?
Heard that last week the chief judge with her chief registrar and deputy chief registrars went on an inspection tour of various courts in the state.
TUESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2009
Was in Ikeja High Court. For wig and gown business. My matters went on. The court rooms appeared dirty. Heard that the contractor in-charge of cleaning up the environment has been sacked. No replacement yet.
WEDNESDAY 21ST OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court. For a case. Matter did not go on, although the court sat. After spending some time geckoing, left for a snap visit to the Lands Registry and the Ministry of Justice, Alausa Ikeja before finally berthing at the secretariat of the Tiger Bar Ikeja .
THURSDAY 22ND OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ogba Police Station. The Area ‘G’. Proper trouble house. A lot of hollering all around. Cops here and there. With guns and guns without.
Left the place in good time. Then went for a meeting of bar leaders with the Chief Judge Lagos State. Fruitful meeting.
FRIDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court. The one at the old National Assembly building at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan. For a case. Saw a retired judge, now in the form and shape of a litigant. How true the proverbs of our fathers-
Igba o tan lo bi orere
Orere omo olofin
(no permanence in the
stations and affairs of men)
SATURDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Police College for the Tiger’s Sports Programme. At a point, was the only Tiger present. Then the chairman of the branch ‘surfaced’. Later the scriptures that “If yea refused to worship the Lord, then these very trees would raise up their voices to praise him” came true. Four damsels emerged from nowhere to apply to the Elekun of Ekun land, and my humble self, the Mayegun of Ikeja Bar and the Majeobaje of Tigerland to kick balls with us. Only dead Tigers would reject such application.
Needless to say, we all had a wonderful time together. You know?
2ND WEEK OCTOBER 09 (12TH - 17TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 12TH OCTOBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover Story is “WHEN CAN LAWYERS DRESS SHABBILY?”
Noticed that more and more digging up in the old secretariat of the NBA Ikeja branch. Remember the Tigers are set to have a befitting three Story building for office to replace their pre-fab bungalow.
Did some filing at the Open Registry of the Court and zoomed off to the Land Registry for some other work. The L.T is an apparent gold-mine for the government-the parking lot fee alone is #500.00 per car, per visit. Yet scant space for vehicles to park.
As usual with most government establishment, demanding and collecting gratification is a life-style here. While one staff told us “the “machine” is not working” another explained it is the toner that is finished, but if you put something on top, your job will be given priority” while another yet called us to a private conference saying after “you finish in that office ‘X’ and that office ‘Y’, bring your papers, I’ll help you to submit it.
Believe me, Nigeria is a funny country. Assessed fees were paid to an “under the tree” branch of the Access Bank, in the form of four young men in a black car, armed with payment vouchers/receipts, in a shopping complex a road away and opposite the Lands Registry. You wondered at the arrangement!
TUESDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court for a case that couldn’t go on. Reason the court room’s air-conditioning packed up. Honourable Judge couldn’t sit in sweltering heat. In the High Court Ikeja, compound ‘A’ there’s no more Food Canteen. The age-long operator, may be of more than twenty years stay, been sent packing. Heard that the new Administration of Chief Judge Inumidun Akande is responsible for the sack-part of the effort to re-brand the High Court premises.
WEDNESDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2009
It rained, and rained and rained. Cats and dogs, it rained, here in Lagos. For about six hours (6.30-1.00pm) thereabouts.
The wet weather affected matters in court as so many legal practitioners arrived late to court. Adjournment of matters galore!
THURSDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Federal High Court Ikoyi-Lagos. For Adesina Ogunlana vs Justice Ibitola Sotuminu &Ors. Matter was adjourned.
FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Federal High Court. Once more. For a very important case. Very. Would give you fuller gist later.
Saw a particular judge of the Federal High Court. Only yesterday, he was a counsel, just like you and I. Now he is now a patridge on the ridge-a judge.
Wished milord the very best in his new station of life. We actually prayed together, briefly right there and then on the way.
Came down to the Ikeja High Court, late in the afternoon. At the bar centre (secretariat of the NBA Ikeja) saw a lot of development work in progress at the site. Soon the old straggle would fo down. Well, that’s life.
SATURDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2009
Can you imagine this-The NBA Ikeja’s Tigers Sportif Club is one year old? The Tiger Bar Sports and Fitness programme started October 18 2009.
We thank God.
Tigers and their families who turned up for the proramme, had a nice time, running, jugging and later playing football.
Fresh limed paw0paw and pineapple were eaten, courtesy Glo(ria) Nwenze, the treasurer of the branch. Photographs were taken later of the attendees.
MONDAY 12TH OCTOBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover Story is “WHEN CAN LAWYERS DRESS SHABBILY?”
Noticed that more and more digging up in the old secretariat of the NBA Ikeja branch. Remember the Tigers are set to have a befitting three Story building for office to replace their pre-fab bungalow.
Did some filing at the Open Registry of the Court and zoomed off to the Land Registry for some other work. The L.T is an apparent gold-mine for the government-the parking lot fee alone is #500.00 per car, per visit. Yet scant space for vehicles to park.
As usual with most government establishment, demanding and collecting gratification is a life-style here. While one staff told us “the “machine” is not working” another explained it is the toner that is finished, but if you put something on top, your job will be given priority” while another yet called us to a private conference saying after “you finish in that office ‘X’ and that office ‘Y’, bring your papers, I’ll help you to submit it.
Believe me, Nigeria is a funny country. Assessed fees were paid to an “under the tree” branch of the Access Bank, in the form of four young men in a black car, armed with payment vouchers/receipts, in a shopping complex a road away and opposite the Lands Registry. You wondered at the arrangement!
TUESDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court for a case that couldn’t go on. Reason the court room’s air-conditioning packed up. Honourable Judge couldn’t sit in sweltering heat. In the High Court Ikeja, compound ‘A’ there’s no more Food Canteen. The age-long operator, may be of more than twenty years stay, been sent packing. Heard that the new Administration of Chief Judge Inumidun Akande is responsible for the sack-part of the effort to re-brand the High Court premises.
WEDNESDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2009
It rained, and rained and rained. Cats and dogs, it rained, here in Lagos. For about six hours (6.30-1.00pm) thereabouts.
The wet weather affected matters in court as so many legal practitioners arrived late to court. Adjournment of matters galore!
THURSDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Federal High Court Ikoyi-Lagos. For Adesina Ogunlana vs Justice Ibitola Sotuminu &Ors. Matter was adjourned.
FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Federal High Court. Once more. For a very important case. Very. Would give you fuller gist later.
Saw a particular judge of the Federal High Court. Only yesterday, he was a counsel, just like you and I. Now he is now a patridge on the ridge-a judge.
Wished milord the very best in his new station of life. We actually prayed together, briefly right there and then on the way.
Came down to the Ikeja High Court, late in the afternoon. At the bar centre (secretariat of the NBA Ikeja) saw a lot of development work in progress at the site. Soon the old straggle would fo down. Well, that’s life.
SATURDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2009
Can you imagine this-The NBA Ikeja’s Tigers Sportif Club is one year old? The Tiger Bar Sports and Fitness programme started October 18 2009.
We thank God.
Tigers and their families who turned up for the proramme, had a nice time, running, jugging and later playing football.
Fresh limed paw0paw and pineapple were eaten, courtesy Glo(ria) Nwenze, the treasurer of the branch. Photographs were taken later of the attendees.
1ST WEEK OCTOBER 09(5TH - 10TH)
SQUIBDIARY
MONDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story-“Why They Are After Me” -Dele Oye NBA PROSECUTOR CRIES OUT.
Spent hours with the motor-repair man. Came late for the Tiger Bar meeting. But still met some action. The talk on the floor when I came in was on the controversy of scrapping the Senior Advocate of Nigeria Award or not.
Incidentally at the meeting of about 200 lawyers, only one Senior Advocate - Dele Adesina S.A.N, formerly Deacon, now pastor was present.
Wondered at his feelings as criticisms of his class and rank flowed ceaselessly. Hot, sharp criticisms for that matter. When the silk spoke, it was a dance in all directions before finally gravitating to an imprecise centre. Can’t blame the poor silk, he was in a lonely minority, more like a case of “Christian seek yet no rest for you are amidst foes!"
Another interesting topic of discussion was the imprisonment of Mr. Adebayo Jegede by Justice Olusola Williams for criminal contempt. Jegede, called to the bar in 1972, was found by the judge to have attacked and lower the reputation of another Lagos State Judge, Okunnu J. in an affidavit.
At the end of the day, the consensus appeared to be that, lawyers no matter the provocation from the bench should refrain from being caught in a situation where they could properly be tried for contempt by the courts.
TUESDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2009
Was in court - the Ikeja High Court for a matter, which did not go on. Nonetheless had an interesting time in the very court. Heard from the presiding judge, the story of the Hyena and the Hunter’s Dog. See, please the Learned Squib page for elaboration. http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
Heard about the sudden death of, Mr. Oluwatobi Francis Morighanfen, a member of the sheriffs corps of the Lagos State Judiciary.
Popularly called Tobi, Morighafen, 37, a beefy six-footer plus, was reportedly found stone dead in a gutter somewhere in Ikorodu Town in the early morning hours of 1st October 2009.
According to geckos, though dead, Tobi had no visible, external injury on his body, but clutched some naira notes in his palm (about N1,800.00) and his shirt (uniform) and phone were found in his bag but his trousers was in some places be-splattered with mud.
There is a general suspicion among Lagos Judiciary Staff, particularly, his fellow sheriffs, that his death was violent and un-natural and came from now unknown person(s) opined a source.
“Some of our colleagues received a call in the morning of 1st October 2009 from Tobi’s wife that her husband did not sleep at home on September 30 which was very unusual of him.
A search party was raised to find him and at about 10.00am, we found his body in the morgue at Ikorodu. The police at Owutu explained to us that they were alerted by some members of the public to the presence of a corpse and it turned out to be him.
Our shock was that all through 30th September 2009, Tobi was okay. He was normally a healthy lively fellow who loved to eat amala with some of our colleagues.
He was still in the premises till about 6.00pm, after having some drinks but some people said he had N150,000.00 with him - for the performance of an imminent execution.
Then we were told that one of the ladies who work in the courts here saw him around 10.00pm on his way to his house, but that he was having some hot argument with some policemen who arrested the “okada” man who was ferrying him to his destination.
According to the lady, she pleaded with the late Tobi to go on his way but he insisted on staying back with the Okada man whom he believed was just being cheated by the police-men.
At a point time, so claimed the lady, one of the policemen came to tell Tobi that the fact of his being a judiciary staff meant nothing to them and that it was only in the courts that Tobi could exercise any power.”
The late Morghanfen, is survived by his wife and three children. Who killed the Sheriff? And what exactly are Tobi’s employers doing about the tragic development?
WEDNESDAY 7TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High court. Heard the depressing news that within a fortnight, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) would embark on another round of industrial action.
JUSUN’s complaint is the government’s failure to honour her agreement with the union on the new salary structure for judiciary workers all over the country.
A credible source told the Squib that as per the agreement, the lowest paid judiciary staff, on Grade 1, will earn a N27,000.00 monthly salary as opposed to (in Lagos State) the present N7,000 he receives.
So far according to our source, only two states of the 31 state federation has honoured the agreement. It would be recalled that last time the JUSUN went on strike, courts were shut down for 42 days from December 1 2008 to Jan 12 2009.
It was a strike that made many lawyers, particularly advocates go hungry as they were rustificated from practicing their trade by the closure of the courts.
Except something positive and urgent is done about JUSUN’s notice of strike, history will repeat itself. Why, I ask is it so difficult to take care of so called junior workers? Why?
THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a case that went on. I’ve been seeing something to cheer about, since Monday. The NBA Ikeja has finally started in earnest to replace its ‘ile-eye' (bird’s nest) of a secretariat with a bigger and more befitting structure.
Saw all manners of work men toiling on the site. Some of these workers in the course of their work, unearthed some dirty ugly secrets long buried below the earth. Could you guess what these secrets were? The name starts with a C and ends with an N’. There is ‘D’ in the middle. Do you think it is Condemn? Ha!ha!ha!
FRIDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. While geckoing about, forgot my car key in a particular place. Retrieved it safely, sha after some moments of anxiety, then continued geckoing! That, after rushing my court-room wig and gown business.
Oh my God, Justice Alogba’s court again! I mean the entrance to that court is such a mess and an eye-sore. Even worse - a cesspit of dangerous diseases like dysentery, diarrhea, typhoid etc. Burst sewage floods the place with the unmentionable. Imagine the stink!
Hope our brand new Chief Judge is reading this.
SATURDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Police College. This morning. With four other colleagues for our Tiger Bar week-end sports programme. Pray, where are the other Tigers. Mates you are missing some great fun. Pls come and 'shake body.' You’ve got nothing to lose, except some fat!
MONDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story-“Why They Are After Me” -Dele Oye NBA PROSECUTOR CRIES OUT.
Spent hours with the motor-repair man. Came late for the Tiger Bar meeting. But still met some action. The talk on the floor when I came in was on the controversy of scrapping the Senior Advocate of Nigeria Award or not.
Incidentally at the meeting of about 200 lawyers, only one Senior Advocate - Dele Adesina S.A.N, formerly Deacon, now pastor was present.
Wondered at his feelings as criticisms of his class and rank flowed ceaselessly. Hot, sharp criticisms for that matter. When the silk spoke, it was a dance in all directions before finally gravitating to an imprecise centre. Can’t blame the poor silk, he was in a lonely minority, more like a case of “Christian seek yet no rest for you are amidst foes!"
Another interesting topic of discussion was the imprisonment of Mr. Adebayo Jegede by Justice Olusola Williams for criminal contempt. Jegede, called to the bar in 1972, was found by the judge to have attacked and lower the reputation of another Lagos State Judge, Okunnu J. in an affidavit.
At the end of the day, the consensus appeared to be that, lawyers no matter the provocation from the bench should refrain from being caught in a situation where they could properly be tried for contempt by the courts.
TUESDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2009
Was in court - the Ikeja High Court for a matter, which did not go on. Nonetheless had an interesting time in the very court. Heard from the presiding judge, the story of the Hyena and the Hunter’s Dog. See, please the Learned Squib page for elaboration. http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
Heard about the sudden death of, Mr. Oluwatobi Francis Morighanfen, a member of the sheriffs corps of the Lagos State Judiciary.
Popularly called Tobi, Morighafen, 37, a beefy six-footer plus, was reportedly found stone dead in a gutter somewhere in Ikorodu Town in the early morning hours of 1st October 2009.
According to geckos, though dead, Tobi had no visible, external injury on his body, but clutched some naira notes in his palm (about N1,800.00) and his shirt (uniform) and phone were found in his bag but his trousers was in some places be-splattered with mud.
There is a general suspicion among Lagos Judiciary Staff, particularly, his fellow sheriffs, that his death was violent and un-natural and came from now unknown person(s) opined a source.
“Some of our colleagues received a call in the morning of 1st October 2009 from Tobi’s wife that her husband did not sleep at home on September 30 which was very unusual of him.
A search party was raised to find him and at about 10.00am, we found his body in the morgue at Ikorodu. The police at Owutu explained to us that they were alerted by some members of the public to the presence of a corpse and it turned out to be him.
Our shock was that all through 30th September 2009, Tobi was okay. He was normally a healthy lively fellow who loved to eat amala with some of our colleagues.
He was still in the premises till about 6.00pm, after having some drinks but some people said he had N150,000.00 with him - for the performance of an imminent execution.
Then we were told that one of the ladies who work in the courts here saw him around 10.00pm on his way to his house, but that he was having some hot argument with some policemen who arrested the “okada” man who was ferrying him to his destination.
According to the lady, she pleaded with the late Tobi to go on his way but he insisted on staying back with the Okada man whom he believed was just being cheated by the police-men.
At a point time, so claimed the lady, one of the policemen came to tell Tobi that the fact of his being a judiciary staff meant nothing to them and that it was only in the courts that Tobi could exercise any power.”
The late Morghanfen, is survived by his wife and three children. Who killed the Sheriff? And what exactly are Tobi’s employers doing about the tragic development?
WEDNESDAY 7TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High court. Heard the depressing news that within a fortnight, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) would embark on another round of industrial action.
JUSUN’s complaint is the government’s failure to honour her agreement with the union on the new salary structure for judiciary workers all over the country.
A credible source told the Squib that as per the agreement, the lowest paid judiciary staff, on Grade 1, will earn a N27,000.00 monthly salary as opposed to (in Lagos State) the present N7,000 he receives.
So far according to our source, only two states of the 31 state federation has honoured the agreement. It would be recalled that last time the JUSUN went on strike, courts were shut down for 42 days from December 1 2008 to Jan 12 2009.
It was a strike that made many lawyers, particularly advocates go hungry as they were rustificated from practicing their trade by the closure of the courts.
Except something positive and urgent is done about JUSUN’s notice of strike, history will repeat itself. Why, I ask is it so difficult to take care of so called junior workers? Why?
THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a case that went on. I’ve been seeing something to cheer about, since Monday. The NBA Ikeja has finally started in earnest to replace its ‘ile-eye' (bird’s nest) of a secretariat with a bigger and more befitting structure.
Saw all manners of work men toiling on the site. Some of these workers in the course of their work, unearthed some dirty ugly secrets long buried below the earth. Could you guess what these secrets were? The name starts with a C and ends with an N’. There is ‘D’ in the middle. Do you think it is Condemn? Ha!ha!ha!
FRIDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. While geckoing about, forgot my car key in a particular place. Retrieved it safely, sha after some moments of anxiety, then continued geckoing! That, after rushing my court-room wig and gown business.
Oh my God, Justice Alogba’s court again! I mean the entrance to that court is such a mess and an eye-sore. Even worse - a cesspit of dangerous diseases like dysentery, diarrhea, typhoid etc. Burst sewage floods the place with the unmentionable. Imagine the stink!
Hope our brand new Chief Judge is reading this.
SATURDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Police College. This morning. With four other colleagues for our Tiger Bar week-end sports programme. Pray, where are the other Tigers. Mates you are missing some great fun. Pls come and 'shake body.' You’ve got nothing to lose, except some fat!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
4TH WEEK SEPT/1ST WEEK OCT(28TH SEPT-3RD OCT) 09
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER 2009
Hurray! The Squib is out. After so many weeks of vacation. The cover story? THE TRUE AND FULL CAUSE OF GANI FAWEHINMI’S DEATH.
The Lagos Judiciary celebrated the New Legal Year (2009-2010) today. Was at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, for the Christian service. The judges were there, looking noble and pious in their red ceremonial out-fits. Why do judges ceremonials come in red? Well, well. Saw lawyers too, plenty sef in the holy building, but not looking quite as pious as the judges. Well may be because the learned friends were wearing their eternal, if not fraternal-black gowns. Even the gold overlays on the silk-lawyers’ gown could not help cast any holy halo on them. They only looked like fat cats.
After the service (sermon delivered by Bishop Ademowo) there were photograph sessions in front of the church House. Hearty greetings, here and there. Amongst judges, magistrates and counsel alike.
Saw Geckos mingle with men and women. And, horror, saw some magistrates even judges deigning it fit to take photographs with the first Gecko, Yours truly!
Later the party moved to the High Court, Igbosere. For the march past and light entertainment. Only that the entertainment was not all that light. The food spread was impressive, adequate for the rather large crowd of ‘celebrants’ that turned up.
There were three ‘tents’. The best decorated and comfiest with our conditioners pressed to work was right in the middle. It was for the first class and Senior Advocates. Ahem.
At a point a gecko saw in there, a turbaned figure and was told that that was Serikim Musulumi Ikorodu Chief Imam Fatai Adeyinka of the Ikorodu Central Mosque and formerly Chief Judge of Lagos State. Where upon the gecko exclaimed “Ah, Alahu Akbar! So Fatai too is now one of the prophets?"
Earlier on in the day the scene gecko saw another retired judge of Lagos state High Court - James Oduneye J. After the Church Service. The attempt to dye the shaven head of the judge, turned the head into a welter of blue-black lines and shapes.
The second tent was for the second class citizen magistrates, while the third tent was for the ordinary un-silky lawyers 3rd class citizens. As for the judiciary workers, there was no tent for them. They just queued up along a window, from where “manna” dropped down.
Must not forget to mention that the entertainment included light music from a Robot. Musician: the turntable of a Disco-Jockery. Oh, my! Forgot to mention about the march past.
Was told it was a very brief affair may be less than fifteen minutes.
TUESDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER 2009
Went to the Events Centre CBD Ikeja to attend a training workshop on “Crime Scene Management”. Just for forty minutes - poor acoustics drove restless me away.
WEDNESDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2009
Came to the Lagos High Court Tafawa Balewa Square. My matter could not go on. Spent time there geckoing about the court.
THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2009
Public Holiday. Nigerians love few other things than a public holiday. Every-time holiday! Please don’t mind me jare - just the rantings of an over-worked, over-heated-gecko, who was still in his den up to 11.00pm. On Independence Day!
FRIDAY 2ND OCTOBER 2009
Came down to Lagos high Court. For a case. Judge absent. On the way for I.B.A conference. Reportedly. Later left for the Maximum Security Prison to see some of those who put bread on my table.
On the way back, at the Airport fell into the hands of Towing Vehicle Family of Vultures, about seven in number. The Squib-mobile had minor hiccups, rectifiable within minutes, by simply opening the bonnet and allowing greater sweep of wind to the engine. The vehicle was safety parked on a shoulder, causing no obstruction. But the vultures would not listen to any ‘sense’ outside ‘settlement’.
"Your offence is #25,000.00! We have to tow away this vehicle. Speak our language or the vehicle will be towed away! “We are the task force!" All this, despite the fact the SM had come out of her coma. At the end of the day #2,000.00 was extorted from me - and that for not acting the uppity “alakowe”. The vultures (young male adults 21-36 years of age thereabouts) came in their raiding van, a post world-war contraption with a FAAN sticker, with plate number CA 578 FST. Time 3.20p.m.
SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Police College, Ikeja. For Tigers’ Sportif. But was even too unwell to come down from the car to exercise the ailing body. Learnt later that one other Tiger had arrived and left before I came. Tiger Farounbi Olayinka.
MONDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER 2009
Hurray! The Squib is out. After so many weeks of vacation. The cover story? THE TRUE AND FULL CAUSE OF GANI FAWEHINMI’S DEATH.
The Lagos Judiciary celebrated the New Legal Year (2009-2010) today. Was at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, for the Christian service. The judges were there, looking noble and pious in their red ceremonial out-fits. Why do judges ceremonials come in red? Well, well. Saw lawyers too, plenty sef in the holy building, but not looking quite as pious as the judges. Well may be because the learned friends were wearing their eternal, if not fraternal-black gowns. Even the gold overlays on the silk-lawyers’ gown could not help cast any holy halo on them. They only looked like fat cats.
After the service (sermon delivered by Bishop Ademowo) there were photograph sessions in front of the church House. Hearty greetings, here and there. Amongst judges, magistrates and counsel alike.
Saw Geckos mingle with men and women. And, horror, saw some magistrates even judges deigning it fit to take photographs with the first Gecko, Yours truly!
Later the party moved to the High Court, Igbosere. For the march past and light entertainment. Only that the entertainment was not all that light. The food spread was impressive, adequate for the rather large crowd of ‘celebrants’ that turned up.
There were three ‘tents’. The best decorated and comfiest with our conditioners pressed to work was right in the middle. It was for the first class and Senior Advocates. Ahem.
At a point a gecko saw in there, a turbaned figure and was told that that was Serikim Musulumi Ikorodu Chief Imam Fatai Adeyinka of the Ikorodu Central Mosque and formerly Chief Judge of Lagos State. Where upon the gecko exclaimed “Ah, Alahu Akbar! So Fatai too is now one of the prophets?"
Earlier on in the day the scene gecko saw another retired judge of Lagos state High Court - James Oduneye J. After the Church Service. The attempt to dye the shaven head of the judge, turned the head into a welter of blue-black lines and shapes.
The second tent was for the second class citizen magistrates, while the third tent was for the ordinary un-silky lawyers 3rd class citizens. As for the judiciary workers, there was no tent for them. They just queued up along a window, from where “manna” dropped down.
Must not forget to mention that the entertainment included light music from a Robot. Musician: the turntable of a Disco-Jockery. Oh, my! Forgot to mention about the march past.
Was told it was a very brief affair may be less than fifteen minutes.
TUESDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER 2009
Went to the Events Centre CBD Ikeja to attend a training workshop on “Crime Scene Management”. Just for forty minutes - poor acoustics drove restless me away.
WEDNESDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2009
Came to the Lagos High Court Tafawa Balewa Square. My matter could not go on. Spent time there geckoing about the court.
THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2009
Public Holiday. Nigerians love few other things than a public holiday. Every-time holiday! Please don’t mind me jare - just the rantings of an over-worked, over-heated-gecko, who was still in his den up to 11.00pm. On Independence Day!
FRIDAY 2ND OCTOBER 2009
Came down to Lagos high Court. For a case. Judge absent. On the way for I.B.A conference. Reportedly. Later left for the Maximum Security Prison to see some of those who put bread on my table.
On the way back, at the Airport fell into the hands of Towing Vehicle Family of Vultures, about seven in number. The Squib-mobile had minor hiccups, rectifiable within minutes, by simply opening the bonnet and allowing greater sweep of wind to the engine. The vehicle was safety parked on a shoulder, causing no obstruction. But the vultures would not listen to any ‘sense’ outside ‘settlement’.
"Your offence is #25,000.00! We have to tow away this vehicle. Speak our language or the vehicle will be towed away! “We are the task force!" All this, despite the fact the SM had come out of her coma. At the end of the day #2,000.00 was extorted from me - and that for not acting the uppity “alakowe”. The vultures (young male adults 21-36 years of age thereabouts) came in their raiding van, a post world-war contraption with a FAAN sticker, with plate number CA 578 FST. Time 3.20p.m.
SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Police College, Ikeja. For Tigers’ Sportif. But was even too unwell to come down from the car to exercise the ailing body. Learnt later that one other Tiger had arrived and left before I came. Tiger Farounbi Olayinka.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
4TH WEEK JULY (27TH-1ST AUGUST 2009)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 27TH JULY 2009
The Squib’s not on the stands. The ‘fiery one’ on holiday too!
Today was her publisher’s birth-day. A birth-day forgotten in the furnace of preparation for battle in the case of C.J Lagos vs Adesina Ogunlana coming up the very next day in Abuja.
The said birthday was forgotten, until when the Generalissimo of the campaign, Daddy 3, Chief G.O.K Ajayi S.A.N in the middle of battle plans and preparation at about 3.42 am in the morning of 27th July 2009 suddenly asked his troops of lawyers and secretary “will you gentlemen care for (a bottle of) red-wine?”
Much later in the day, got the suit FHC/L/CS/792lag Adesina Ogunlana vs Ibitola Sotuminu & Ors filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos (see Bar & Bench NEWS 2).
TUESDAY 28TH JULY 2009
Was at the Court of Appeal Abuja. For my case C.J. Lagos vs Adesina Ogunlana esq before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee. The matter was adjourned at Respondent’s Counsel (Chief G.O.K Ajayi S.A.N) request. Counsel had filed on behalf of Ogunlana an application for leave to apply for an order of prohibition against the LPDC.
Some fireworks though, before the adjournment was granted. It started when the prosecutor in the matter, Dele Oye esq ‘reported’ the respondent to the LPDC that in the interval of the matter, Respondent had caused certain negative things to be published about him calling him in the said publication therein a persecutor. Thereafter the following conversation took place:
Chief Awomolo S.A.N: (addressing Dele Oye) Where is the publication? What you should have done is to bring it here and show us. (Turning to Ogunlana) Em, Mr. Ogunlana, you see how well meaning your publication may be, you must avoid being personal or sentimental in what you write. There is no need to be personal about things, Mr. Oye is only doing a job on appointment. And you know he is yet to reach his peak. Anything can be used against him in the future.”
Ogunlana: My Lords, can I possibly address this honourable committee?
Committee: Yes, you can.
Ogunlana: Mr. Dele Oye here is complaining about me, that I wrote some things against him. But what I want to say is this, the person who wrote the petition against me, saying I publish defamatory articles against judges of Lagos State stated the years 2001 and 2002 for the articles But Mr. Prosecutor here is charging me for articles written in 2004 even up till 2007!
Chief Awomolo S.A.N: Mr. Ogunlana please take it easy. Afterall you have not crossed paths with Mr. Dele Oye. Or have your paths crossed?
Ogunlana: Yes our paths have crossed.
Chief Awomolo SAN: It’s alright. We won’t go into that now.
Ogunlana: I got upset because I showed the complaint to him (Dele Oye esq) but he said it was typographical error!
Committee: Yes, but that’s the issue you should bring up before this committee.
Dele Oye: We saw that we made a mistake, which we have now corrected but when we wanted to serve Mr. Ogunlana now with the new complaint, he refused to accept it.
Committee: He wouldn’t accept it?
Ogunlana: I wouldn’t! I am represented by counsel!
Chief Awomolo SAN: You wouldn’t want to waive your right and collect it?
Ogunlana: Sir I’ll like to continue to hide behind the shadow of the presence of my counsel. I need the advice of my lawyer whether to accept this new complaint or not and he is not here.
Chairman: Yes, you are right. Since he has a lawyer, let them serve his lawyer. Mr. Ogunlana we don’t want you to see any one as being against you. We all here are on an assignment, including Mr. Dele Oye. You present your own case against theirs.
Please convey our message to Chief Ajayi about this case he has filed at the Federal High Court. Chief Ajayi is a lawyer we have a lot of regard for just as we have for every other counsel. May be he has not adverted his mind to the position of the Supreme Court that nobody can stop us here to look into the issue of professional misconduct. We have series of rulings on that by the Supreme Court and the High Courts themselves have been careful not to go against the position of the Supreme Court.
However we will grant the adjournment that he has requested for, till the next session. Please convey our message to him.
Mr. Dele Oye: We will not ask for cost
Chairman: Even if you ask for cost I am sure Mr. Ogunlana here will not give you a kobo or will you, Mr. Ogunlana?
Ogunlana: Sir, Mr. Oye said he came back from London only yesterday. Such a man will not need a kobo!
It must be on record that before the proceedings went under way, Mr. Rafiu Lawal-Rabana S.A.N one of the committee members, announced in open court that he was opting out of the committee in respect of the C.J Lagos vs Adesina Ogunlana matter. According to Mr. Lawal-Rabana his decision was informed by the fact that during his time as General Secretary, of the Nigerian Bar Association (2006-2008) he had had cause, in his official capacity to have some dealings with the Respondent and would not want to give any impression of having any bias against the respondent on account of that.
WEDNESDAY 29TH JULY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For continuation of the trial of a case. The rest of the day, spent on some personal runs.
THURSDAY 30TH JULY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Noticed that human-waste fluid continued to seep out from a poorly re-constructed sewage tank at the entrance of Justice Kazeem Alogba’s court. Death for sale, here?
FRIDAY 31ST JULY 2009
Was at the court of Appeal Lagos, this morning specifically at the registry to check up on the progress of a lodged appeal. In the late afternoon, with other members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the NBA conference 2009 (holding in Lagos) held a meeting with the Central Planning Committee (CPC) of the conference, at the National Secretariat of the NBA.
The LOC via her sub committees chairman on Security, Accommodation and Transportation reported extensively on these important headings to CPC. Other important issues like the feeding (free lunches) of the conferees also discussed critically. One important heading (publicity) was not discussed at all, as the National Executive Committee are said to be in charge of that. From all indications, preparations are on top gear to have a successful bar conference in Lagos come 17th -21st August 2009, more so as the Lagos State Government is partnering seriously with the NBA on the project.
SATURDAY 1ST AUGUST 2009
Only one Tiger, this writer, turned up for the Sportif programme of the Ikeja Bar at the Police College grounds Ikeja. But it was worth the while, I tell you.
MONDAY 27TH JULY 2009
The Squib’s not on the stands. The ‘fiery one’ on holiday too!
Today was her publisher’s birth-day. A birth-day forgotten in the furnace of preparation for battle in the case of C.J Lagos vs Adesina Ogunlana coming up the very next day in Abuja.
The said birthday was forgotten, until when the Generalissimo of the campaign, Daddy 3, Chief G.O.K Ajayi S.A.N in the middle of battle plans and preparation at about 3.42 am in the morning of 27th July 2009 suddenly asked his troops of lawyers and secretary “will you gentlemen care for (a bottle of) red-wine?”
Much later in the day, got the suit FHC/L/CS/792lag Adesina Ogunlana vs Ibitola Sotuminu & Ors filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos (see Bar & Bench NEWS 2).
TUESDAY 28TH JULY 2009
Was at the Court of Appeal Abuja. For my case C.J. Lagos vs Adesina Ogunlana esq before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee. The matter was adjourned at Respondent’s Counsel (Chief G.O.K Ajayi S.A.N) request. Counsel had filed on behalf of Ogunlana an application for leave to apply for an order of prohibition against the LPDC.
Some fireworks though, before the adjournment was granted. It started when the prosecutor in the matter, Dele Oye esq ‘reported’ the respondent to the LPDC that in the interval of the matter, Respondent had caused certain negative things to be published about him calling him in the said publication therein a persecutor. Thereafter the following conversation took place:
Chief Awomolo S.A.N: (addressing Dele Oye) Where is the publication? What you should have done is to bring it here and show us. (Turning to Ogunlana) Em, Mr. Ogunlana, you see how well meaning your publication may be, you must avoid being personal or sentimental in what you write. There is no need to be personal about things, Mr. Oye is only doing a job on appointment. And you know he is yet to reach his peak. Anything can be used against him in the future.”
Ogunlana: My Lords, can I possibly address this honourable committee?
Committee: Yes, you can.
Ogunlana: Mr. Dele Oye here is complaining about me, that I wrote some things against him. But what I want to say is this, the person who wrote the petition against me, saying I publish defamatory articles against judges of Lagos State stated the years 2001 and 2002 for the articles But Mr. Prosecutor here is charging me for articles written in 2004 even up till 2007!
Chief Awomolo S.A.N: Mr. Ogunlana please take it easy. Afterall you have not crossed paths with Mr. Dele Oye. Or have your paths crossed?
Ogunlana: Yes our paths have crossed.
Chief Awomolo SAN: It’s alright. We won’t go into that now.
Ogunlana: I got upset because I showed the complaint to him (Dele Oye esq) but he said it was typographical error!
Committee: Yes, but that’s the issue you should bring up before this committee.
Dele Oye: We saw that we made a mistake, which we have now corrected but when we wanted to serve Mr. Ogunlana now with the new complaint, he refused to accept it.
Committee: He wouldn’t accept it?
Ogunlana: I wouldn’t! I am represented by counsel!
Chief Awomolo SAN: You wouldn’t want to waive your right and collect it?
Ogunlana: Sir I’ll like to continue to hide behind the shadow of the presence of my counsel. I need the advice of my lawyer whether to accept this new complaint or not and he is not here.
Chairman: Yes, you are right. Since he has a lawyer, let them serve his lawyer. Mr. Ogunlana we don’t want you to see any one as being against you. We all here are on an assignment, including Mr. Dele Oye. You present your own case against theirs.
Please convey our message to Chief Ajayi about this case he has filed at the Federal High Court. Chief Ajayi is a lawyer we have a lot of regard for just as we have for every other counsel. May be he has not adverted his mind to the position of the Supreme Court that nobody can stop us here to look into the issue of professional misconduct. We have series of rulings on that by the Supreme Court and the High Courts themselves have been careful not to go against the position of the Supreme Court.
However we will grant the adjournment that he has requested for, till the next session. Please convey our message to him.
Mr. Dele Oye: We will not ask for cost
Chairman: Even if you ask for cost I am sure Mr. Ogunlana here will not give you a kobo or will you, Mr. Ogunlana?
Ogunlana: Sir, Mr. Oye said he came back from London only yesterday. Such a man will not need a kobo!
It must be on record that before the proceedings went under way, Mr. Rafiu Lawal-Rabana S.A.N one of the committee members, announced in open court that he was opting out of the committee in respect of the C.J Lagos vs Adesina Ogunlana matter. According to Mr. Lawal-Rabana his decision was informed by the fact that during his time as General Secretary, of the Nigerian Bar Association (2006-2008) he had had cause, in his official capacity to have some dealings with the Respondent and would not want to give any impression of having any bias against the respondent on account of that.
WEDNESDAY 29TH JULY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For continuation of the trial of a case. The rest of the day, spent on some personal runs.
THURSDAY 30TH JULY 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Noticed that human-waste fluid continued to seep out from a poorly re-constructed sewage tank at the entrance of Justice Kazeem Alogba’s court. Death for sale, here?
FRIDAY 31ST JULY 2009
Was at the court of Appeal Lagos, this morning specifically at the registry to check up on the progress of a lodged appeal. In the late afternoon, with other members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the NBA conference 2009 (holding in Lagos) held a meeting with the Central Planning Committee (CPC) of the conference, at the National Secretariat of the NBA.
The LOC via her sub committees chairman on Security, Accommodation and Transportation reported extensively on these important headings to CPC. Other important issues like the feeding (free lunches) of the conferees also discussed critically. One important heading (publicity) was not discussed at all, as the National Executive Committee are said to be in charge of that. From all indications, preparations are on top gear to have a successful bar conference in Lagos come 17th -21st August 2009, more so as the Lagos State Government is partnering seriously with the NBA on the project.
SATURDAY 1ST AUGUST 2009
Only one Tiger, this writer, turned up for the Sportif programme of the Ikeja Bar at the Police College grounds Ikeja. But it was worth the while, I tell you.
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