Legal Diary News

The recent  renewed call for a single six-year tenure for Nigeria's President and Governors  has reignited once again an important constitutional debate.  The central argument of proponents like Distinguished Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and his colleagues is straightforward: a Chief Executive who is not seeking re-election will be less distracted by politics and more focused on governance. This proposition has some appeal and merit.  Under the current constitutional arrangement, Presidents and governors  are elected for four years and may seek one additional term. In practice (like what is presently playing out) preparations for re-election often commence well before the expiration of the first term, creating political pressures that can influence policy choices. A single tenure no doubt, could potentially eliminate this concern and encourage long-term policy implementation. However, it is not necessarily about  administrative efficiency alone. Dem...

The Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), is set to host an array of distinguished personalities at the Opening Ceremony of its 2026 Law Week, with former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, , confirmed as the Special Guest of Honour. The highly anticipated event is also expected to witness the attendance of the Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Justices of the Court of Appeal, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, as well as several eminent jurists, senior lawyers, public office holders and other notable dignitaries from across the country. In view of the calibre of personalities expected at the event and the accompanying security arrangements, members of the Branch have been advised to be seated at the venue on or before 1:30pm, ahead of the arrival of the former President who is expected to be seated by 1:45pm. According to a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of the Branch, Zacchaeus Akubo, ...

The recent decision of the Federal High Court in Fubara Dagogo v. All Progressives Congress (APC) & 3 Ors., Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/591/2026 delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, represents a significant development in Nigeria’s pre-election jurisprudence. In that case, the court struck out the suit challenging the APC National Congress and proceeded to award punitive costs of ₦10 million each against the plaintiff, Mr. Fubara Dagogo, and his counsel, Chief Sir O.A.U. Onyema, for what the court considered a frivolous and non-justiciable action. The court held that the dispute arose purely from the internal congress and nomination processes of the political party and therefore fell outside the jurisdiction of the court by virtue of Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act 2026.  Justice Abdulmalik maintained that there was no allegation or proof of any breach of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, or the party’s constitution and guidelines capable of warranting judicial inte...

The statement by that “Do not be a lawyer who charges so low that your clients do not understand the value of the profession” is not merely a comment about legal fees; it is a profound reminder about the dignity, value, and integrity of legal practice. Law is a noble profession built on years of rigorous academic training, discipline, sacrifice, and continuous learning. Every lawyer invests enormous time, resources, and mental energy in acquiring the knowledge and skills required to represent clients effectively. Beyond the years spent in universities and the Nigerian Law School, legal practitioners daily bear the burden of advocacy, research, drafting, negotiations, court appearances, and the responsibility of protecting the rights and interests of clients. Unfortunately, the increasing trend of underpricing legal services has continued to diminish the perceived value of the profession. When lawyers charge excessively low fees merely to attract clients, it sends a dan...

Distinguished legal practitioner, President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and former Chairman of the NBA Annual General Conference Planning Committee for the 2025 Conference held in Enugu, , has charged colleagues across the legal profession to embrace excellence, diligence, and productivity as a new week begins. Chief Obegolu, SAN, who currently serves as Consultant to the NBA National Conference Committee, delivered the message in a goodwill remark to members of the Bar, stating: “Good morning distinguished colleague. I wish you a successful week.” The concise but inspiring message reflects the spirit of professionalism, unity, and encouragement that continues to define the Nigerian legal community. Widely respected for his leadership roles within both the legal and business communities, Chief Obegolu, SAN, has remained committed to promoting institutional growth, mentorship, and professional development. Members of the legal pr...

I had the rare  privilege of participating as a panelist at the Biennial Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association, Anaocha Branch, Anambra State this weekend,  where distinguished Professors of Law, Justices of various courts, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and legal scholars gathered to interrogate one of the most pressing challenges confronting the Nigerian judiciary today: "the growing menace of conflicting judgments and the urgent need for judicial reforms". The topic was not only timely but fundamental to the survival of public confidence in the administration of justice. A judiciary that speaks with contradictory voices weakens the rule of law, undermines democratic stability, and erodes citizens’ faith in the courts as impartial arbiters of justice. Conflicting judgments occur when courts of coordinate jurisdiction issue inconsistent decisions on the same subject matter, thereby creating uncertainty and confusion in the legal system. Unfortunately, this distu...