* Notifies Body of Benchers for recognition
Another professional association of Nigerian lawyers has emerged.
Led by Mr. Kunle Ogunba (SAN), the new association is known as Law Society of Nigeria (LSN).
Its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Douglas Ogbankwa, explained through a statement on Sunday that that LSN is borne out of the need to redefine the ideals espoused by the founding fathers of legal profession.
He referred to the LSN as a “new sheriff in town”.
The legal practitioners in Nigeria had been regulated solely under the umbrella of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) founded in 1933.
But Ogbankwa described the legal profession in Nigeria as having a chequered history spanning from “the sublime to the ridiculous”.
Ogbankwa argued that LSN was established to keep legal practice in Nigeria in line with international best practices.
“In redefining the ideas of the founding fathers of the legal profession in Nigeria, the Law Society of Nigeria, a new professional association of lawyers called to the Nigerian Bar, has been established.
“This is in keeping with International best practices, which allow for an alternative, to ensure that lawyers thrive within the realm of those they have shared values with,” he said.
According to Ogbankwa, in a letter dated October 24, the pro tem National Executive Committee of LSN notified the Body of Benchers of the association’s existence and its national officers.
“The LSN, with membership spread all over Nigeria, exists to empower the legal profession with quality member services, facilitate access to justice, maintain and advance the cause of justice, and promote the rule of law through advocacy and good governance,” he stated.
He listed the executives of LSN as follows: Ogunba (SAN), President: Mr. Nimi Walson-Jack, Vice President; Mr. Abdulqadir Alhaji Sani, Secretary; Mr. Olasupo Ojo, Welfare Secretary; and Mrs. Chioma Ferguson, Treasurer.
Other executive members are Mr. Douglas Ogbankwa, Publicity Secretary; Mr. Zara Umar Yakubu, Financial Secretary; Mrs. Alice Ogaku Awonugba, Assistant Secretary; and Mr. Hassan Sheriff, Assistant Publicity Secretary.
“It is on the verge of uncommon and necessary reforms in our legal annals and the ageless egalitarian posture on freedom to lawfully associate, that the LSN also writes your distinguished body, introducing herself,” he stated.
-NAN