Headline

Why Tinubu Must Release Nnamdi Kanu

Published

1 year ago

July 15, 2023

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

A lot has been said in the media space concerning the relationship between the incarceration of the acclaimed leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the loss of economic peace in the South East region of the country occasioned by the sit-at-home order constantly issued by protesting ‘members’ of IPOB, and violently enforced, on one hand, and the complicit nature of the Federal government in the brouhaha that continues to ravage the South East, on the other hand. This raises the question of why is Nnamdi Kanu still incarcerated? Who is responsible for his incarceration and release?

A cross section of respondents has said that the continuous detention of Kanu is at the beehive of the President, who represents the Federal Government, arguing that the government has no right to continue to flout court orders. It is therefore, on the table of President Bola Tinubu to as a matter of urgency, as Kanu’s counsel, Mike Ozekhome, had intoned, to release him. Every court where the IPOB leader has been taken so far has not found him culpable to any crime as charged.

Kanu has insisted just like many like minds and stakeholders that the request for self determination is not an offence in law, and as such no crime has been committed in his actions. He has told as many that cares to listen that the demand for self determination is as a result of the marginalisation of the South Easterners in the scheme of things, and that what he was doing with the South East struggle will never had happened if attention is and had been given the the region in consonance to its peculiarity. He toed the line of a former Presidential Aspirant, Chief Dele Momodu, who canvassed that the region should be developed into the Silicon Valley of Africa and a Technology Hub.

“I read something that my good friend and dear brother, Dele Momodu wrote. He said the Igbo are as brilliant as the Chinese, Koreans, Indians put together. Why are Igbo denied key positions in Nigeria? If you don’t trust them, and they said they want to go, why are then stopping them. I don’t believe in Nigeria, but if I had any belief or the viability of the zoo, these are the kind of people that should be the president of Nigeria because of their policies. It’s not where somebody comes from, but their policies. Even the so called minions, the wretched Fulani slaves in government houses in the East, running for presidency or vice as you say have ever said this before. RThat they are going to turn the East into a hub of technological advancement, the Silicon Valley of Africa; no they can’t say it, because if they say it, the Fulani will bring their cow. Do you understand it now? I don’t believe in the zoo; had I had any belief in the zoo, this is the type of man I would have voted for to become the president of the zoo. It is your policies that matter. It is better for me. Or do you think that had previous administrations turned the East into the technological hub it is by nature, do you think we will be doing what we are doing? Instead they are tell us you are traders. ‘Igbo are good, good traders…Ibibio people are good at being houseboys…those from the coastal region are good at looking for and drying fish (Laughs). We were never given our dues at home. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from; your policies are the things that matter, and so far the only person who has ever made any kind of sense to me is Dele Momodu. This is how you discuss people,” Kanu had said in one of his broadcasts, reiterating that the South East has not been fully utilized.

The agitation for Biafra is just an aftermath of intimidation, failed promises and relegation of the people of South East, according to Kanu, and there would never have been an agitation if the right status have been accorded the region by successive governments. The bulk therefore, rest on Tinubu to call the shots and let Kanu off the DSS grip.

An observer had noted that refusal to let Kanu off the hook is a clear indication that the Nigerian government, first Buhari, and now, Tinubu, is in love with the loss of economic glory in the region as well as the spate of insecurity ongoing. The region has not voted for the last two administrations of Buhari and Tinubu, and the outcome has visibly reflected in the shoddy treatment suffered so far, and that is what Kanu is fighting against.

In October, 2022, the Appeal Court in Abuja discharged and acquired Nnamdi Kanu of terrorism charges for which he has been held in Department of State Service (DSS) custody close to two years since he was renditioned by the former President Muhammadu Buhari administration in June 2021. Kanu had approached the Appeal Court seeking to quash terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

In his petition, Kanu had faulted the order of Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court, Abuja, which ordered him to answer seven out of the 15-count terrorism charge against him. He had prayed the appellate court to quash the entire charges and set him free on various grounds, arguing that the purported offences were not committed in Nigeria.

In a tweet celebrating the court victory, Kanu’s lead counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, praised the Justice Hanatu Sankey-led 3-man panel of Justices. Ejiofor wrote: “Appeal allowed, MNk discharged and acquitted.

“Appeal allowed , Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi KANU, discharged and acquitted. We have won! Victory victory victory victory.”

But the Federal Government refused to obey order, and instead rushed to file an amended seven-count terrorism charge against him. The IPOB leader was re-arraigned on an amended 15-count charge. But on April 8, the trial court struck out eight of the 15 counts in the charge. The remaining seven counts were later quashed by the Court of Appeal on October 13.

Delivering judgment in the appeal, the three-member panel of the appellate court led by Hanatu Sankey held that the federal government flouted the Terrorism Act in violation of international conventions and treaties, hence, breaching the rights of the respondent. The court further held that having illegally and forcefully renditioned the appellant, the trial court is stripped of jurisdiction to continue to try Kanu.

But many months after, the Federal Government is yet to release the IPOB leader. Instead, it filed an appeal before the Supreme Court to challenge the appeal court judgment. It also filed an application seeking to stay the execution of the appellate court’s judgment.

While Buhari dilly dallied over the release, the new administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has remained mum on the matter even as entreaties are being made suggesting that his release will quell the uneasiness in the South East region.

While the Federal Government’s appeal and a cross-appeal by Kanu is pending before the Supreme Court, the Federal Government has gone back to the trial court to file an amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015.

The allegations contained in the amended charge are the remaining seven counts earlier sustained by the trial court.

According to the charge, Kanu made a broadcast that was heard across Nigeria, in which he issued a threat that anyone who flouted a sit-at-home order in the south-east, should write his or her will.

The Federal Government submitted that as a result of the threat, banks, schools, markets, shopping malls, and petrol stations in the south-east have continued to shut down their businesses, with citizens and vehicular movements grounded.

The Federal Government further alleged that Kanu’s broadcasts made on different dates between 2018 and 2021, incited members of the public to attack Nigerian security personnel and their family members, thereby committing an offence punishable under section 1(2)(h) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013.

It also alleged that Kanu directed members of IPOB “to manufacture bombs”, adding that the defendant had between March and April 2015, “imported into Nigeria and kept in Ubulisiuzor in Ihiala LGA of Anambra state within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, a radio transmitter known as Tram 50L concealed in a container of used household items which you declared as used household items, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 47(2)(a) of Criminal Code Act Cap, C45 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004”.

In the light of the what Kanu means for and to the Region, human rights and constitutional lawyer, Mike Ozekhome SAN, once called on President Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of urgency release him.

Ozekhome made the call in a 43-page letter, addressed to Buhari, citing reasons, and accusing the Federal government of culpability in the trials of the IPOB leader

It is also on record that an Abia State High Court sitting in Umuahia awarded N1 billion damage in favour of the detained IPOB leader against the Federal Government through an order given by the presiding Judge, Justice Benson Anya.

Kanu, through his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor had approached the court seeking N5 billion damage against the Federal Government over the alleged invasion of his father’s house on September 10, 2017 by the military.

Justice Anya described the invasion of Kanu’s Afaraukwu residence as notorious and brazen.

The presiding judge also granted the relief sought by Kanu’s legal team, ordering the Federal Government to issue a public apology in three national dailies over the illegal invasion of Kanu’s Afaraukwu residence. He also advised the Federal government to adopt a political resolution in dealing with issues involving Kanu.

Across many reports, it has been established that “Kanu, who had been on the run before his arrest, has been sort of an enigma since he jumped bail, creating a personality cult so strong that his tweets elicited mass sit-outs in the southeast.”

It must be noted that every Monday, in addition to everyday Kanu appears in court has been designated as compulsory public holidays in the Southeast, and no pronouncement of the five sitting governors of the region has made any significant effect to the contrary. That is how feared the IPOB has come to be.

But recently, the sit-at-home order has become more criminal than a protest now as the exercise goes for as an upward of one week and counting. Kanu and his IPOB group has denied being behind the new trend which a renegade group led by one Simon Ikpa controls from his base in Finland.

Many respondents believe that the IPOB cause has been hijacked, and no longer serving the purpose other than a guerilla and killing machine against those who runs foul of their draconian directives.

However, after a lengthy live Instagram interview with Dele Momodu in 2020, the veteran journalist concluded of Kanu as follows: “A democratic government must always promote the culture of dialogue. You can’t fix what or who you don’t understand. Kanu is a remarkably brilliant man. Hate him or love him, he knows what he wants and will do or die for it.”

Tinubu has to prove that keeping Kanu incarcerated is not a vendetta mission as Buhari was seen to have done by both his body language, words and actions, and release the IPOB leader immediately.

Even if hate is a factor in the detention of Kanu, Tinubu, as a democrat must respect the rule of law, and free Nnamdi Kanu! It’s a duty he owes Nigerians and himself.

Headline

Charles Osuji: Canada Celebrates a Legal Wizard

Published

4 days ago

September 30, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

From a very humble beginning in Imo State, South East Nigeria, Charles Osuji has not only found the golden fleece, but had nature give him a soft landing on posterity; the evidence of his prolific hard work.

Here’s the story of a man, who transcended boundaries and borders, challenges and huddles as well as barriers to take the legal profession by storm, hitting the highest echelon with panache in far away Calgary, Alberta in Canada. He graduated top of his class with honours from Imo State University in 2009, and called to the Nigerian bar from where he migrated to Canada. He was absorbed into the then Smith Law Office, where he had a successful articling before being admitted into the Alberta Bar in 2014. He became a partner in 2016, and moved to sole ownership in 2017.

Today, Canada celebrates a man of vision, impact, focus, determination and commitment to growth, just as Nigeria walks tall with pride at a total package of dignity, influence, affluence and candor exportable to the global world. His name is Dr. Charles Osuji, the Chief Executive Officer of one of Canada’s most thriving law firm, Osuji & Smith Lawyers. Osuji proved from day one to be a man, who knows what he wants, and it is no accident that he has achieved so much, and yet not rested on any oars. He sits comfortably as the owner of the largest black-owned law firm in Canada.

Osuji’s larger than life achievements have been encapsulated in what most authorities have said and written about him.

In a speech during the welcoming of The Boss Publisher, Chief Dele Momodu, in Calgary the week before, Barrister Juliet Omonigho, has this to say about Dr. Osuji

“Sir, let me tell you a bit about Dr. Charles Osuji; like Chief Dr. Momodu, he embarked on a journey fueled by vision and determination. Charles arrived in Canada and quickly rose through the ranks with sheer hard work, humility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. In just a few short years, five years to be exact, he went from a young Nigerian boy in his twenties who, though graduated at the top of his class, seemed to have no prospects when he arrived in Canada, working three menial jobs to make ends meet, to finally getting an articling position after over 200 rejections! He bought the firm just three years after Articling and, in just five short years as managing partner, led it to become the largest black-owned law firm in Canada! His story is one of resilience, innovation, courage and the kind of tenacity that transforms dreams into reality.

“Osuji & Smith Lawyers, under Charles’ leadership, mirrors the journey of Ovation International. Both entities began with a vision, faced numerous challenges, achieved feats that had never been achieved before… and ultimately became symbols of success and excellence in their respective fields. Just as Chief Dr. Dele Momodu has become a beacon of pride for Africa in the global media landscape, Dr. Charles Osuji and his firm have become shining examples of what can be achieved by a young immigrant lawyer with no connections in Canada but through hard work and a commitment to uplifting others rise to national recognition in this country.

“Through the Foot in the Door Initiative, FIDI, an organization founded to empower internally trained lawyers Charles, our firm’s reach is international, giving incredible opportunities to internationally trained lawyers around the world to gain legal experience so they do not have to spend years writing hundreds of applications as he did before getting a foot in the door into a legal profession.

“As a director of the program, we get contacted by lawyers from around the world about the opportunity to be part of the initiative, and we say yes, which gives them the confidence to move to Canada to pursue their legal careers. The impact of the FIDI innovation is truly global.

“Our firm is so successful because Charles has assembled an incredible team of legal minds producing first-class work and the most dedicated and brilliant administrative staff. And collectively, we are all determined and dedicated to giving back. We are a full-service law firm with a diverse staff that speaks over 31 languages; by the way, Chief Momodu, we know you are a linguist who speaks several languages. Our ages range from twenties to seventies, and we serve a diverse Canada.

“As a result of Charles’ leadership, Nigeria is uplifting others regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality. Over 200 FIDI students from different races have passed through our doors. Osuji & Smith has won landmark cases that established precedents, especially in employment law.

“Our firm has won over 105 awards across Canada, and Charles was recognized as one of Canada’s 25 most influential lawyers at age 35.

“Chief Dr. Momodu, you have led the way, setting an incredible example for a person like Dr. Charles Osuji—to rise to remarkable heights while keeping your focus on a larger mission: showcasing excellence, rewriting narratives, and creating opportunities for others. Your story continues to impact us even in the diaspora. It reminds us that with vision, determination, and the courage to stand for something greater than ourselves, there are no limits to what we can achieve.”

For a gentleman, who moved to Canada in 2011, it is quite impressive how he has climbed the ladders of success, and settled at the very height of greatness.

OF CHARLES OSUJI AND OSUJI & SMITH LAWYERS

By the age of 30, Charles Osuji, an internationally trained lawyer from Nigeria, bought a 37-year-old firm wherein he had served as an articling student not long before. Today, Osuji & Smith is a thriving small-sized firm that offers multi-generational and multi-cultural perspectives to its client base. The firm’s diverse staff includes lawyers who are educated or trained abroad, as well as individuals who can speak English, Igbo, Mandarin, Cantonese, Bengali, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, French, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu. Professionals at Osuji & Smith can bring their diverse legal, financial and lived experiences to the table, which is what sets the firm apart from others.

Charles Osuji acts as a role model for young professionals and as a mentor to the associate lawyers, articling students and legal assistants at the firm. For these reasons, Three Best Rated has consistently named Osuji & Smith, beginning in 2017, as one of the top-rated employment and business firms in Calgary.

Also on the endless list of those, who have one or two things to say about Osuji is the site LEXPERT Business of Law, who wrote in 2021 as follows:

In 2011, Charles Osuji uprooted himself — and his developing legal career — to move to Calgary from Nigeria. An internationally trained lawyer, he came to Canada knowing he’d have to become re-accredited and develop a new network of personal and professional colleagues — but Osuji wasn’t daunted by these challenges. He joined what is now Osuji & Smith Lawyers in 2013 as an articling student, was called to the Alberta Bar in 2014, became partner at the firm in 2016 and then, at the age of 31, made another bold move: he became sole owner of the firm. At an age when most lawyers are still preoccupied with learning their craft, Osuji stands at the helm of a thriving and fast rising small-sized law firm as managing partner and CEO.

Osuji was recently named one of Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers; was recognized in both Canada and Avenue Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40 Award categoryies; won the Immigrant of Distinction — Achievement Under 35 Award from Immigrant Services Calgary; was recently recognized, and voted by his fellow lawyers across Canada, in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, 2022, for his outstanding professional excellence in private practice; and was a nominee for the Canadian Bar Association’s 2020 Douglas Miller Rising Star Award.

Osuji & Smith covers a number of areas of law including personal injury, immigration, civil litigation, business, wills and estate, real estate, family, and employment and labour. Clients, which represent a cross-section of Alberta businesses and individuals, benefit from the firm’s multi-generational and multi-cultural perspectives, and Osuji’s willingness to provide these different perspectives sets his firm apart in the Calgary market. He strives to bring an entrepreneurial, multi-cultural and holistic approach to the practice of law.

Osuji is dedicated to providing mentoring and leadership for his staff and is also “a volunteer extraordinaire.” He plays piano at his church, provides pro bono work such as with E-Fry and legal clinics and is a mentor for other newcomer professionals through the Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Counsel, where he participates in workshops and panel conversations as well as serves on the Board of Directors and as Secretary.

Despite his fast and furious rise in the Canadian legal community, Osuji remains humble, genuine and kind. His unique combination of high intellect, tireless work ethic and business acumen fuels this rising star, but Osuji remains grounded by his role as a model citizen for all young professionals.

A multi-award-winning lawyer across divides, Charles Osuji remains undaunted, churning out firsts after first.

Headline

Edo Decides: The Battle of Godfathers

Published

2 weeks ago

September 21, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The countdown to the Edo State governorship election winds down, today, September 21, 2024 with 18 candidates slugging it out with one for another in the race to occupy Osadebe House, home of the executive governor of the state.

Much as there are 18 candidates on the ballot paper, observers as well as stakeholders, have narrowed the contest to three main candidates vis a vis Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) and Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

But even as these candidates are the ones that have their names on the ballot papers, popular opinion across board believe that they are just pawns being controlled by specific godfathers, who are at the sides pulling the strings of support either financially, mobilization or public relations. Consequently, the election has been termed a battle of godfathers behind the scene rather than a game of popularity among contestants.

For the governing PDP candidate, Ighodalo, the accepted norm among political stakeholders has remained that he is an extension of the outgoing governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who eight years tenure ends on November 12. On the same hand, there is the Adams Oshiomhole factor, solidly pushing the candidacy of Okpebholo, a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

However, while many are of the opinion that the Labour Party candidate, Barr Olumide Akpata, is a standalone candidate, with no particular pressure of godfatherism, many others say he is not alone, but is also being pushed by a godfathers they recognized as Mr. Peter Obi, the LP presidential candidate in the 2023 general election. Peter Obi, who represents the face of a new Nigeria among the youths, has featured prominently in most of Akpata’s campaign.

But for the two major godfathers, Obaseki and Oshiomhole, between whom there’s no love lost, the campaign season had been replete with mudslinging, verbal attacks and on few occasions, physical attacks. These issues have put a question mark to the decency expected as the elections kick off.

The attacks and no love status so far experienced led to the PDP’s refusal to participate in the peace accord signing ceremony, where other contesting political parties including the APC, signed.

The PDP queried the rationale behind the harassment of its members with security agencies, saying that if it did not stop, and if the Special Forces forced on Edo is not to be withdrawn, they will not sign the accord. And they did not.

“We already have a very effective state police command, so why bring in these Special Forces to Edo to harass people,” a party chieftain, Emmanuel Odigie, who defected from APC said.

But this is not the first time Obaseki will Square up against Oshiomhole, who ordinarily, was his political godfather. Both met on the tuff of political exigency in 2020 while Obaseki was seeking a second term and Oshiomhole was supporting Osagie Ize-Iyamu. This present contest is a return or episode of the events that transpiref in 2020. Even if Peter Obi was a godfather in the present disposition, he is yet to get into any shouting match with the other godfathers or contestants.

Obaseki has described the election as do or die, but observers believe it goes beyond that as it is winner takes it all considering the extent of animosity brewing among the contestants. It will be recalled that 24 hours to the election, the three candidates suffered particular setbacks. While it was said that the candidate of the APC, Monday Okpebholo had been disqualified by the courts, it was also rumored that Akpata has withdrawn from the election.

On the other, political thugs allegedly loyal to Ighodalo and the PDP were apprehended with dangerous weapons. A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said they were getting ready to violently disrupt the Saturday election.

THE CANDIDATES

According to a ThisDay report, the election in Edo is described as a three horse race involving Ighodalo, Akpata and Okpebholo. These three are reported to have the highest of followership and has been prominent and visible in the campaigns.

The supporters of the candidates agree that they are not all equally matched, but that each has a comparative advantage his opponents lack.

Consider of review of their profile as portrayed by Wikipedia:

ASUE IGHODALO (PDP)

Asue Ighodalo is a product of King’s College, Lagos. He obtained B.Sc degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan in 1981, an LL.B from the London School of Economics and Political Science (1984) and a B.L from the Nigerian Law School, Lagos (1985).

Upon graduation from Nigerian Law School, Lagos, Ighodalo worked as an Associate in the law firm of Chris Ogunbanjo & Co between 1985 and 1991, and in 1991 he set up Banwo & Ighodalo, in partnership with Femi Olubanwo. The firm is consistently ranked as a leading Nigerian law firm in the areas of Capital Markets, Securities, Mergers & Acquisitions. Ighodalo’s core areas of practice include Corporate Finance, Capital Markets, Energy; Natural Resources, Mergers; Acquisitions, Banking, Securitization and Project Finance.In 2014, Ighodalo successfully advised Zenith Bank Plc in connection with a US$500 million eurobond issuance and Diamond Bank Plc in connection with a US$200 million eurobond issuance respectively.

He resigned from all corporate positions he held to aspire to become the governor of Edo State.

On February 22, 2024, Ighodalo emerged as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2024 Edo State governorship election. However, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja nullified election on the ground that 378 delegates who were to vote during primary election were unlawfully denied their rights to vote.

His candidacy was eventually upheld by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which confirmed Ighodalo as the legitimately nominated governorship candidate of the PDP in Edo State, and dismissed the lawsuit challenging his nomination.

Ighodalo was the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Sterling Bank Plc, Dangote Flour Mills Plc and The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). He also sat on the boards of other public and private companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and a statutory body including Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and the FATE Foundation (an NGO committed to the development of entrepreneurs in Nigeria).

Ighodalo became the Chairman of Sterling Bank in August 2014. He is a member of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and is a past chairman of The NBA – Section on Business Law (NBA SBL). He is also a member of Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN), USA, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, International Bar Association (IBA), Nigerian Maritime Law Association, Commercial Law & Taxation Committee of the Lagos Chamber Of Commerce & Industry, London School of Economics Lawyers’ Group and Associate Member Chartered Institute of Taxation.

Ighodalo is married to Ifeyinwa, and they have two daughters, Omoehi and Ayomide.

He is the elder brother of Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, senior pastor of Trinity House, Lagos.

MONDAY OKPEBHOLO (APC)

Okpebholo was born on 29 August 1970 in Udomi-Uwessan community of Irrua. Okpebholo attended Udomi Community Primary School and Ujabhole Community Secondary School, both in Uwesan Irrua, Esan Central LGA. He completed his secondary education and obtained his senior school certificate in Jos, Plateau State. Afterwards, he obtained a degree in Business Administration from the University of Abuja and holds Masters’ degree in Policy and Leadership Studies from the same institution.

Okpebholo contested for the Senate Seat in Edo Central senatorial district, under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was elected on 25 February 2023. On 13 June 2023, he was inaugurated into the 10th National Assembly of Nigeria, as the senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Edo Central senatorial district.

In February 2024, he won the Edo State APC gubernatorial primary election.

In 2024, Okpebholo was summoned by Magistrates’ Court over allegations of falsifying date of birth which was stated as 1 August 1977, on his INEC voter card.

Previously, he was caught falsifying his date of birth as 29 August 1972 on a WAEC certificate while being a student at the West African Examination Council.

During the 2024 campaign, Monday Okpebholo was endorsed by Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, whose husband is a Service member of the National Assembly under the APC.

Okpebholo is married to Blessing Okpapi Ekpe and together they have two children. Besides being a politician and a family man, he is also a committed Christian and an active member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.OLUMIDE AKPATA (LABOUR PARTY)

Olu Akpata

Akpata was born on October 7, 1972, in Berlin Germany. He started his educational journey at Nana Primary School in Warri, then moved on to Federal Government College, Warri and later King’s College in Lagos. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in law from University of Benin, Edo state in 1992 and was called to the bar in 1993. He served in the National Youth Service Corps in Kano State.

Akpata began his legal practice in Delta state under the tutelage of Dr. Mudiaga Odje, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, OFR, who was one of the most seasoned litigators of his time.

In 1996, Akpata relocated to Lagos and teamed up with his cousin, Oghogho Akpata, who had just set up the law firm Templars the previous year. Akpata joined in the formation of Templars at the age of 23, and has grown the firm into what it is today, as one of the largest law firms in Nigeria with a workforce of about 100 lawyers, including two Senior Advocates of Nigeria, both of whom practice proficiently in diverse areas of Nigerian law.

Akpata is currently senior partner and Head of the Corporate & Commercial Practice Group of Templars. He has participated in some of the major groundbreaking transactions that have shaped commercial law practice in Nigeria and indeed the Nigerian economy. He was chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL).

On July 30, 2020, he was elected as the president of the Nigerian Bar Association after acquiring a total of 9,891 votes of the total 18,256 ballots cast.

Akpata is riding on the popularity of his party leader, Peter Obi, and the sweeping waves the party made in the 2023 elections, where it overwhelmingly won Edo State.

Headline

Tony Elumelu Urges Urgent Action on Africa’s Economic Growth, Youth Employment, and Energy Transition at UNGA

Published

2 weeks ago

September 21, 2024

Admin

UNGA: Elumelu To Call For Urgent Action On Africa- Focused Issues African philanthropist and business leader, Tony Elumelu, will make Africa’s transformative economic growth, youth employment, and energy transition central to the discussions at this year’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), taking place late September in New York.

Elumelu will call for urgent action in a series of engagements, including a roundtable discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative with former President of the United States, Bill Clinton, and at an event co-hosted by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), led by WFP Executive Director, Cindy McCain.

Elumelu will bring his perspective both from extensive experience in building industry-leading businesses across the continent, and the success of the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s catalytic programmes empowering young Africans. Elumelu is a realist, challenging Africa and Africans to solve their problems, bringing African solutions, but also recognizing Africa’s responsibility to act.

As Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group and pan-African investment company, Heirs Holdings, as well as Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Elumelu is a leading driver of Africa’s transformation agenda, helping shape the continent’s narrative on the global stage. His thought leadership and advocacy challenge conventional views, offering innovative strategies for collaboration and growth. The success of his Foundation in promoting youth entrepreneurship as a pathway out of poverty, has featured in case studies from Harvard, Chicago Business School, Stanford and Cambridge.

With over 60% of Africans lacking access to electricity and young people making up more than 60% of the continent’s 1.3 billion population, Africa faces challenges that impact the world. Africa, most recently with tragic floods in West Africa, is suffering climate driven environmental crises, caused by global emissions, whilst Africa’s development is held back by huge infrastructure deficits.

In a recent statement, Elumelu emphasised, “I have often said that there is nowhere else in the world you can reap the kind of investments as in Africa. However, I am acutely aware of the fundamental challenges our continent faces. Addressing the issues of sustainable economic growth, youth unemployment, genda inequality, and Africa’s energy transition is critical not only for meeting the continent’s basic developmental needs, but also for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and unlocking the immense economic potential that Africa offers.”

An economist and visionary entrepreneur, Elumelu’s economic philosophy of Africapitalism, serves as a blueprint for accelerating Africa’s economic transformation, advocating for the private sector to take the lead in delivering social and economic wealth, and shared prosperity for all.

Alongside Elumelu’s advocacy, the United Bank for Africa, which he chairs, will host a networking gala on the sidelines of UNGA – a platform to spotlight investment opportunities on the continent. The Gala will convene prominent leaders across four continents, in commemoration of UBA Group’s 75th anniversary and the Group’s 40 years of operations in the United States.