The executive of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and branch chairmen have been urged to ensure full participation and support in the forthcoming SPIDEL Annual Conference taking place in Ibadan between May 23 and 26, 2021.
Chairman, NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Prof. Paul Ananaba (SAN) made the appeal in a letter written to the bar leaders.
He said the conference will hold May 24 at the popular Jogor Event Centre and declared open by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
The theme of the conference is “The Role of Public Interest in Governance in Nigeria.”
The sub-themes included: “The Imperatives of Public Interest in Governance in Nigeria; Internal Security: A Prerequisite for National Development; Legality and Efficacy of Public Inquiry Panels by State Governments; Legality and Efficacy of Regional Vigilantes; When the State Truly Defends: assessing the role of the Office the Public Defender Lagos State; Anti-Corruption Model: Assets Declaration and Public Access; Showcase Session for NBA: Public Interest Litigation Committee – Broadening the strategy for NBA’s Intervention in Public Interest Lawyering” among others.
Prof. Ananaba listed those to speak at the conference to include the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN); the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammad ; Justice Eko Ejembi of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Speaker of House of Representatives , Femi Gbajabiamila, President of the Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan; Governors Makinde , Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), Dr Bala Mohammed and Engr. Dave Umahi of Oyo, Ondo, Bauchi and Ebonyi, States respectively.
He listed others who have confirmed their attendance to include Senator Ibrahim Shekarau and Senator Shehu Sani: Prof Pat Utomi; Prof Festus Emeri (SAN); ICPC Chairman, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye (SAN); Oyo State Attorney General, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo (SAN); former Chairman, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)Prof. Chidi Odinkalu; Ogun State Attorney General, Mr. Gbolahan Adeniran; NBA Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN); Mr. Austin Alegeh (SAN); Mr. Paul Usoro (SAN); Dr. Babatunde Ajibade (SAN); Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN); Mr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN).
Others are former Solicitor General, Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN; Mr Muiz Banire (SAN), Mr J.S. Okukpeta (SAN), Mr Afam Osigwe (SAN), Attorney General of Lagos State, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN); Mr Seun Abimbola (SAN, Ms Hafsat Abiola and leading human rights lawyers such as Femi Falana (SAN); Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN); Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa (SAN) and Mr. Jiti Ogunye, .
Others are Executive Secretary, NHRC, Anthony Ojukwu , Aisha Yesufu, Liborous Oshoma and Mr. Opunabo Inko-Fariah.
He said the legislature will be represented by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Senator Dino Melaye, Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin and his Lagos counterpart, Rt. Hon. Mudasiru Obasa.
The Chief Host is the NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata while NBA-SPIDEL Chairman, Prof. Paul Ananaba SAN is the Host.
Ananaba said the ancient city of Ibadan is already wearing a new and beautiful look as a result of the tremendous effort being put in place by the current administration to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
“Therefore, we are poised to have a beautiful conference in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. In fact, Governor Makinde has been emphatic in assuring delegates thus: “We will ensure that you have a very good experience”, he assured.
He urged members wanting to register for the conference to click on the link http://nbaspidel.ng/nba-spidel-conference/.
