Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikorodu Branch Chairman Mr Levi Adikwaone has explained why other branches of the association in Lagos State did not join the Ikeja Branch-led protest against the Land Use Charge (LUC).
Adikwaone said the Lagos, Ikorodu, Badagry and Epe branches opted for dialogue with the government.
He spoke at a briefing to announce the Law Week of the NBA Ikorodu branch.
Adikwaone said the branches were opposed to the new tax regime introduced by the state.
According to him, while NBA Ikeja chose to stage a walk to protest the new tax regime, other branches, because they are autonomous of each other, decided to tread the path of dialogue.
Adikwaone explained that on the day of the protest, chairmen of NBA branches met with the Attorney-General in the evening, with some senior lawyers including Femi Falana (SAN), Dele Adesina (SAN) and Olaleke Yussuf (SAN) among others and they all condemned the circumstances that brought the LUC and applauded the right of Ikeja NBA to protest.
He said they agreed on the need to suspend the implementation of the LUC and suggested palliatives to cushion the effect of the harsh environment.
The state government was also advised to key into recovery of looted funds in the state.
Meanwhile, the yearly Chief Babatunde Olusola Benson (SAN) lecture will hold today at the Ikorodu Town hall as part of the legal education programme of the Bar and activities scheduled for the Law Week of the NBA Ikorodu.
According to Adikwaone, a Professor of Economics and lecturer at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOD), Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Sheriffdeen Adewale Tella will deliver the main lecture while discussants will include Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Redbricks Homes Limited and Amen Estate Ibeju-Lekki, Mr Babatunde Gbadamasi
He said this year’s theme: “Law and economic development: Moving Nigeria from recession to prosperity” was chosen because in spite of claims of the federal government that the country was out of recession, experiences have, however, revealed a contradiction in the matter.
The grand finale of the one-week programme is the Annual Bar Dinner scheduled to hold on Thursday at Ikorodu Muscical Village, Ikorodu.
Despite the challenges, Adakwaone said the association made impact and improvements on the welfare of its members.
He added that its pro bono and Human Rights Committee led by the Vice Chairman of the branch, Prince Adetayo Ladega, also prosecuted to conviction, three fake lawyers that were caught plying their trade, while the trial of two others is ongoing.
The Nation
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