By Nkereuwem Udofia Akpan Esq
When I read the argument proffered by the organizers I found myself unable to disagree in principle with the analysis proffered by the AGC Chair Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN on the controversy over whether Portable should have been invited to perform or not. That he took responsibility for the melee itself shows leadership and it is commendable
Now I’m unable to see why any artiste or such number of them should not perform no matter the “weirdness” or otherwise of their antics on the stage. I believe the show was advertised and anyone who disliked his genre of music so much should have stayed away or walked out as some did. I wouldn’t attend his show for free.
With regards to the female fashion model Ifunanaya who although called to the Bar has decided to pursue her livelihood elsewhere, I hold a completely different opinion.
Having a law degree or being called to the bar is not a bar to venture into other areas or professions. At least 6 of my classmates in law school are today bankers and 2 Others are into entertainment and shows. I have 2 other lawyers at UTC area 10 who are trading in stationary and are also printers.
I believe former presidential spokesman and ex-Aviation Minister Chief Femi Fani Kayode, Kenneth Okonkwo, Ace Journalist Ruben Abati, Popular Afro beat crooner, Falz the Bahd Guy, and a number of ex-BBnaija Housemates are all lawyers who were duly called to the Nigerian Bar.
Let’s take someone like Kenneth Okonkwo who has been engaged in movie production and petition for decades In fact he’s been in movies since LIVING IN BONDAGE and a chunk of his roles in and out of the movie set could be termed incompatible with legal practice. He is equally a promoter and till date an active member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria. Recently Mr Okonkwo has once again partially abandoned acting, has dusted his wig and gown, and is back in active legal practice at the highest level.
Falz the “Bahd Guy” is the son of foremost Hunan Rights Activist Femi Falana SAN.Ms Ifunanaya the so-called “Baddest Lawyer ” is a swimsuit model, fashionista, and entrepreneur. She’s not practicing law and I was surprised when I read in the papers that she’s been hauled before the LPDC by the NBA.
Let’s be clear about this, I believe that so long as someone is not in active legal practice, it won’t be infamous conduct to engage in trade other than legal practice even if the person is braiding his hair and putting on ragamuffin attire to perform like Falz the Bahd Guy, preaching in the church or Chris Okotie, running wild and engaging in sex on national TV during the BBnaija show as a housemate, engaging himself as a movie promoter, movie actor or owning shops at 51 Iweka Road Onitsha. I do not think we should go about chasing everyone who’s been called to the bar but should only be concerned with those in active legal practice. For instance of our colleague Kenneth Okonkwo continues to be involved in movie production, promotion, and sales side-by-side active legal practice then it will be legitimate to call him to Order. Or if Falz the Bahd Guy picks up his wig and gown the morning after a show and heads to court, we can also raise eyebrows.
This distinction is necessary so that the NBA is not wasting precious time and scarce resources chasing shadow. The extant statutory duties of the NBA must be streamlined so that we do not go chasing shadows
BICKERING AND INFIGHTING OF NATIONAL OFFICERS On the unfortunate issue of bickering between the Financial Secretary and our President Y. C. Makyau SAN, I share the view that such housekeeping issues ought to have been addressed long before the conference rather than allowing same rear its ugly head at the conference. I’m even surprised that the Mazi Osigwe-led committee was blindsided by the refusal of the financial secretary to sign off the Report. I’m unable to speculate whether it was for lack of trying or the committee was blindsided at the
eleventh hour.
I dare say that for the NBA to enjoy its pride of place and remain a voice to be reckoned with, we must ensure that greed, avarice, and primordial interests, with their attendant effects, like dwarfism must not be allowed to stunt the growth of our beloved association.
Nkereuwem Udofia Akpan Constitutional Lawyer and Human Rights Activist writes from Abuja
X: @chiefnkereuwem
