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The President Of The Nigerian Bar Association Inaugurates the Caretaker Committee for SPIDEL.

Published

2 months ago

March 4, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

The President Of The Nigerian Bar Association Inaugurates the Caretaker Committee for SPIDEL.

The caretaker committee of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Section of Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) was inaugurated on March 4, 2024. This development comes after the Nigerian Bar Association National Executive Council ordered the immediate removal of the previous Executive Committee during their meeting held on February 29, 2024, in Jos Plateau state.

The caretaker committee, composed of distinguished members, has been entrusted with overseeing SPIDEL’s affairs. The committee includes Steve Adehi SAN as Chairman, Yakubu Philimon SAN as Alternate Chairman, Ben Orji as Secretary, Ronke Adeyemi as a Member, and Eva Amadi as a Member.

The decision to replace the former Executive Committee was prompted by allegations against the former chairman, John Aikpoko-Martins. Aikpoko-Martins was accused of undermining the authority of the Nigerian Bar Association President, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau OON, SAN, and the council itself. Under his leadership, SPIDEL commenced several lawsuits challenging government decisions without authorization.

Among these legal actions was a lawsuit aimed at halting the implementation of the Central Motor Information System for vehicle owners across the nation, initiated by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. These actions were undertaken without the NBA President’s knowledge, consent, or approval.

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NOTICE-OF-APPOINTMENT-AND-INAUGURATION-OF-THE-CARETAKER-COMMITTEE-FOR-NIGERIAN-BAR-ASSOCIATION-SECTION-ON-PUBLIC-INTEREST-AND-DEVELOPMENT-LAW-1 Download

During the inauguration of the caretaker committee, President Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau expressed gratitude to the committee members for their willingness to serve the bar. He acknowledged the challenges ahead and highlighted the importance of their role, including organizing the Section of Public Interest and Development Law at the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, scheduled for August 2024. The President reassured them of the NBA’s confidence in their abilities, emphasizing that the NEC carefully chose the committee members.

Furthermore, besides removing the former Executive Committee, the NEC directed the immediate withdrawal of other ongoing cases initiated by SPIDEL. These included a suit seeking the removal of the Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy from office, alleging violations of the National Youth Service Corps Act. Additionally, SPIDEL had approached the court to challenge the imposition of an annual levy for a certificate of proof of vehicle ownership by the federal government. However, the NEC deemed these actions unauthorized and ordered their withdrawal.

In conclusion, the Nigerian Bar Association’s decision to replace the former Executive Committee of SPIDEL with a caretaker committee highlights their commitment to ensuring proper governance and adherence to due process. The new committee has been entrusted with upholding the bar’s principles and representing the interests of the legal profession.

Advancing Public Interest: The Role of SPIDEL in Nigerian Legal Advocacy and Development

The Section of Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) is a specialized section of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) dedicated to addressing issues of public interest and promoting development through legal advocacy and intervention. It was established to utilize the legal profession’s expertise to contribute to society’s overall growth and well-being.

SPIDEL consists of legal professionals passionate about using the law as a tool for social justice, protecting human rights, and advancing public interest causes. The section comprises lawyers from various fields, including human rights advocates, public interest lawyers, legal aid providers, and social justice activists.

One of SPIDEL’s key objectives is to provide a platform for its members to engage in public interest litigation. This involves challenging actions and decisions that may be detrimental to the public, advocating for policies that promote social justice and equality, and providing legal representation to marginalized individuals and communities who may not have access to legal assistance.

SPIDEL also focuses on promoting legal education and awareness among the public. The section organizes workshops, conferences, seminars, and other capacity-building programs to empower individuals with legal knowledge and skills. These initiatives aim to ensure that the general public is aware of their rights, can access justice, and actively participates in the country’s development process.

Additionally, SPIDEL engages in advocacy and lobbying efforts to influence legislative and policy changes in the public interest. The section works closely with lawmakers, government institutions, and civil society organizations to promote legal reforms and ensure the enactment of laws that protect citizens’ rights and encourage development.

Through its activities, SPIDEL has been involved in numerous landmark cases, challenging government actions, advocating for constitutional rights, and representing marginalized groups. By taking legal action and advancing public interest causes, SPIDEL seeks to create a just and equitable society and contribute to Nigeria’s development.

Overall, SPIDEL plays a crucial role within the Nigerian Bar Association by promoting public interest law, advocating for social justice, and utilizing legal mechanisms to advance development in Nigeria. The section’s efforts align with the NBA’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and ensuring access to justice for all citizens.

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