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‘Professional Conduct Of Lawyers Fallen Short Of Standards’

The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has observed that instances exist where the professional conduct of some legal practitioners has fallen short of the ethical standards.
She also said the Judiciary of any society must be independent and efficient, to be the cornerstone of any democratic system.

President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem
The Appeal Court president made the declaration, yesterday, in Abuja, in a goodwill message she delivered at the 63rd Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
The theme of the conference is: “Getting it Right; Charting a Course for Nigeria’s Nation Building’’.
According to the Dongban-Mensem, to ensure this independence and efficiency, access to justice remains a fundamental principle that must be vigorously upheld.
“The justice system should be accessible to all, regardless of their economic or social status.
“Legal aid programmes and pro-bono activities play a crucial role in ensuring that justice is not a privilege but a right, and lawyers should uphold the dignity of their clients.
“You need not announce to the world that you are representing him pro-bono, that is part of the nobility of the learned profession,” she said.
The Appeal Court president reiterated the need for the use of technology, saying it can revolutionise case management and reduce delays.
According to her, the courts play vital roles in upholding the rule of law, ensuring fair trials and safeguarding the rights of all citizens.
“However, we cannot ignore the challenges that plague our justice system, ranging from case backlog to inadequate funding and paucity of infrastructure.
“The backlog of cases in our courts is a pressing concern that demands our immediate attention.
“Timely delivery of justice is essential, not only for the litigants but also for the credibility of our legal system.
“To address this, we must explore innovative methods, including Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, to expedite the resolution of cases.
“In the Court of Appeal, we have an active ADR centre in the Abuja Division, with branches at the Lagos and Port Harcourt Divisions,” she said.
Dongban-Mensem also said that the legal profession was not immune to challenges, hence the need for continuous professional development could not be over-emphasised.
She said that embracing life-long learning and staying abreast of legal developments was essential for the effectiveness of legal practitioners.
“The promotion of ethical conduct and professionalism within the legal community is equally important.
“Regrettably, there have been instances where the professional conduct of some legal practitioners has fallen short of the ethical standards we uphold.
“Such delinquent activities, whether they involve unethical practices, frivolous litigation, or breach of client confidentiality, tarnish the reputation of our entire profession.
“When you elect to join the legal profession, you are bound by the rules and regulations of the association and you may not like some things but you are bound to respect what is on the ground until you follow legal means to effect a change.
“It is an act of professional delinquency to take to the public, our internal differences.’’
She said that the theme for the 2023 conference: “Getting it Right” was apt and a collective duty of legal practitioners to address and condemn behaviours that portrayed the profession in a bad light.
“As guardians of justice, we have a solemn duty to maintain the highest standards of integrity, ensuring that the trust placed in us by our clients and the public remains unwavering.’’
She said that the journey toward a just society required collective efforts and commitment.
According to her, the Court of Appeal remains steadfast in its dedication to addressing issues head-on in collaboration with all stakeholders.
“With shared determination, we can develop the administration of justice in Nigeria into a beacon of fairness, efficiency, and equality.’’
She congratulated the NBA President and members, adding that the AGC was indeed, a hallmark of unity, knowledge-sharing and collective growth within the legal profession.
The 63rd AGC of the NBA was declared open last Sunday by President Bola Tinubu.
The AGC is the largest decision-making body of legal practitioners in Nigeria.
It affords lawyers an opportunity to strengthen their bonds in their dedication to upholding justice, fostering legal excellence and advancing the rule of law.
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FG To Seize Retirees’ Property Over Unpaid Housing Loans

The Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board says it has begun the compilation of list of retired civil servants who have defaulted on the full repayment of housing loans obtained.
Head of Information and Public Relations, FGSHLB, Mrs Ngozi Obiechina, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, yesterday.
Obiechina quoted the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mrs Salamatu Ahmed, as saying that the move was aimed at recovering mortgaged properties from retirees who failed to meet their loan obligations.
Ahmed noted that the decision followed a recent memo issued by Mrs Patience Oyekunle, Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
According to her, the memo reminded public servants of the mandatory requirement to obtain a Certificate of Non-Indebtedness to the FGSHLB and MDA Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society as a precondition for retirement.
The Executive Secretary said that the board would take necessary legal steps to repossess properties where applicable, in line with the terms of the loan agreements.
She said this was in line with the provisions of the Public Service Rules 021002 (p), issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
“I am directed to bring to your attention the provision of Public Service Rule (PSR) 021002 (p), which mandates all public servants to obtain a Certificate of Non-Indebtedness as a prerequisite for retirement.
“The Federal Government will commence the seizure of mortgaged properties belonging to retiring federal public servants who have failed to fully repay housing loans obtained from the board,” she said.
Ahmed explained that the FGSHLB reserves the legal right to repossess any mortgaged property in cases where a public servant exits service without fully repaying the loan.
She reiterated that the directive also applied to already retired officers who were still indebted.
She urged all affected public servants to regularise their loan status and obtain the required clearance certificate without delay.
“The board is currently compiling a list of such retirees, which will be forwarded to relevant regulatory agencies for debt recovery.
“The FGSHLB remains committed to enforcing compliance and ensuring proper loan recovery procedures are followed, “ she added.
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FG Begins Induction For New Permanent Secretaries, Accountant-General

The Federal Government has kicked off a three-day induction programme for newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation, aimed at equipping them for strategic leadership and effective policy implementation.
The induction, according to a statement yesterday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Eno Olotu, which commenced on Wednesday, is being held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the opening session, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, congratulated the new appointees and described their roles as pivotal to governance and national development.
“Permanent Secretaries are the engine room of the government. They are critical to driving policy implementation, institutional performance, and reform across the service”, she said.
The Federal Government has kicked off a three-day induction programme for newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation, aimed at equipping them for strategic leadership and effective policy implementation.
The induction, according to a statement yesterday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Eno Olotu, which commenced on Wednesday, is being held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the opening session, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, congratulated the new appointees and described their roles as pivotal to governance and national development.
“Permanent Secretaries are the engine room of the government. They are critical to driving policy implementation, institutional performance, and reform across the service”, she said.
“The expectations are high, and the responsibility is immense. But with commitment and teamwork, we can deliver a more efficient, accountable, and citizen-centred public service.
“This final lap of FCSSIP 25 calls for urgency, accountability, and strategic focus. You must translate vision into measurable results,” she stated.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, described the programme as a strategic investment in leadership capacity and institutional effectiveness.
The sessions featured expert-led discussions, simulations, and strategic briefings facilitated by a distinguished faculty, including Engr. Suleiman Adamu, former Minister of Water Resources; Dr. Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination; Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice; Alh. Yusuf Addy, retired Federal Director; Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Amb. Mustapha Lawal Suleiman, Mr. Adesola Olusade, and Dr. Ifeoma Anagbogu, all retired Permanent Secretaries.
Participants include Dr. Obi Emeka Vitalis, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, Mr. Danjuma Mohammed Sanusi, Mr. Olusanya Olubunmi, Dr. Keshinro Maryam Ismaila, Dr. Akujobi Chinyere Ijeoma, Dr. Umobong Emanso Okop, Dr. Isokpunwu Christopher Osaruwanmwen, Mrs. Oyekunle N. Patience, Dr. Kalba U. Danjuma, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, Mr. Onwusoro I. Maduka, Dr. Usman Salihu Aminu, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam, Mr. Ndiomu Ebiogeh Philip, Dr. Anuma N. Ogbonnaya, Mr. Adeladan Rafiu Olaninre, and Mr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed, alongside the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi.
The induction programme will feature sessions on public sector leadership, policy delivery, ethics in service, digital transformation, and performance management.
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NNPCL To Undergo Forensic Audit Soon -FG

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has announced that a forensic audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) will begin soon.
Edun revealed this at the ongoing Nigerian Investor Forum, held alongside the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC.
The minister explained that the recent changes in the NNPCL management are part of a broader effort by the Federal Government to clean up and examine the company closely.
While addressing top global investors, including representatives from J.P. Morgan, Edun shared key reforms the government has introduced to revive the economy and restore investor confidence.
He told the investors that the government’s bold economic steps have laid a strong foundation to attract private investment.
He stated, “Our goal is not just to maintain this momentum, but to accelerate it. We are targeting seven per cent annual growth, and we believe the policies we have implemented have laid the groundwork to achieve this.”
Edun highlighted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has rolled out major reforms that are already making a difference.
He added that the Nigerian economy grew by 3.84 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2024 and recorded a 3.4 per cent growth for the year.
Edun further stressed the importance of the reforms, describing them as “unprecedented,” adding that, “We said we would do it, and now we have done it. This time, we’re staying the course.”
He pointed out signs of progress such as lower budget deficits, a better trade balance, and a more stable exchange rate.
He also said that the focus is now on growing key sectors, especially agriculture.
According to Edun, agriculture is at the top of the government’s agenda, with the aim of improving food supply and increasing productivity.
“We aim to close the food supply gap, not by importing more, but by enabling domestic producers to scale and innovate,” he said.
On infrastructure, Edun revealed that the government has rolled out 90,000km of fibre optic cable to improve internet access.
He said this move is crucial for supporting young Nigerians and tech startups.
He also noted that 4,000km of roads have been offered for private sector participation, with the first 1,000km already approved for construction.
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