The new Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abuja, Unity Bar, Moses Alfred Ebute, SAN has restated the call on the executive arm of government to ensure that the judiciary is fully independent. Ebute while delivering his acceptance speech after being sworn in on Wednesday stressed that the impartiality of the judiciary is anchored on its independence adding that judicial independence is paramount and cannot be toyed with.
Likewise, he commended Judges of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court for dispensing Justice in spite of the difficult terrain under which they work. “I assure you that the Bar will always stand by you to give support and advice or suggestions where necessary.”
During a recent outing, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammad said it is difficult for the judiciary to be impartial and objective in a democracy, where it remains financially tied to the executive.
Ebute a child of providence was sworn in as Chairman of the Unity Bar a day after the first anniversary of his elevation as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He was elected unopposed to complete the remaining six months tenure of Dr. Hauwa Shekarau who died on September 15, 2021.
The Senior Advocate pledged to protect the rights and interests of members of the Bar but noted that sanctions will be meted “where any of us is found wanting.” And with a promise to reunite the Unity Bar, Mr. Ebute said his team “will come up with programs and initiatives on traditional and emerging areas of law that will inspire and assist our members, particularly young lawyers to upscale their legal career.”
Furthermore, the Learned Silk who assured that his executive committee will work closely with the Unity Bar Young Lawyers made some appeals. “I will appeal to you my elders, the giants on whose shoulders we lean and all stakeholders of this prestigious body for your support, commitment, encouragement, admonishment, suggestion, and even constructive criticism for the greater good of our Branch. We need all hands on deck in order to take the Unity Bar to a greater level. The executives cannot fulfill the mandate you have given to us without your active engagement as critical stakeholders of the Bar. I appeal for your commitment, your love, and magnanimity; the extension of cooperation and support you gave to the past chairman of the Branch to this administration.
Moses Alfred Ebute was born on Friday, 25th November 1966. He attended St. James RCM Primary School, Ilorin, Kwara State, Government Secondary School (GSS) Otukpo, Benue State, St. Charles’ College, Ankpa, Kogi State, and School of Basic Science, Makurdi. Thereafter he headed far north to the famous University of Maiduguri for a four-year law degree programme.
In 1994, Ebute went all the way down south to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos. At that time there was only one campus of the Nigerian Law School. He was called to the bar in 1995. That same year, the New Unity Bar Chairman proceeded to Port Harcourt where severed in the chambers of Otteh O. Idoko & Co during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) (1995- 1996). At the conclusion of NYSC, he began his career at the law firm of E. C. Aguma & Co. in Port Harcourt. Eventually, the Learned Silk worked with J. K. Gadzama & Co., from 1996 to 2004. In the same year, he set up his firm M. A. Ebute & Co.
The Senior Advocate married Francisca Ebute on April 18, 1998, after 6 years of courtship. They are blessed with 3 lovely children now aged 22, 19, and 17 years respectively.
The manifestation of leadership traits in Ebute led to his being made the Class Prefect of Form 3A in St. Charles College Ankpa and subsequently Class Prefect of Forms 4A and 5A. He served between 1980 and 1983. From 1982 to 1983 he was also the college Mail Runner; Financial Secretary, Dekina Divisional Students Association, and Assistant Secretary, Fellowship of Christian Students.
From 1991 to 1992, Ebute was Secretary-General, Benue Students Association at the University of Maiduguri. Vice President, Igala Students Association, University of Maiduguri, 1992- 1993. The Pioneer President, Kogi State Students Union, University of Maiduguri, 1992- 1993. President, Kogi State Students Union, Nigerian Law School, Lagos 1994 set. In this capacity, he stopped the payment of bursary by installment in Lokoja.
Moses Ebute was President, National Association of Catholic Corps Members Rivers State, 1995- 1996. Head of Chambers, E. C. Aguma & Co. Port Harcourt, 1996- 2001. Head of Chambers, J. K. Gadzama & Co. Maiduguri office 2001- 2003. Publicity Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association, Maiduguri, 2001- 2002. Principal Partner, M. A. Ebute & Co. 2005 till date.
He has been the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Bar and Bench Publishers from 2008 till date. Mr. Ebute has also been a Member and Legal Adviser, Guild of Adjudicators in Nigeria (GAIN) from 2014 till date.
He was the Alternate Chairman, Editorial Committee of the Unity Bar from 2018 to 2020, and Chairman Dispute Resolution Committee, Unity Bar from 2020 until his elevation on Wednesday as Chairman of the Unity Bar.
For Ebute, it has been a life of service and there’s no stopping him.
