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NBA Mobilises Lawyers For 22 A’Court Vacancies
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on interested lawyers to apply for the 22 vacancies on the bench of the Court of Appeal.
In a statement on Wednesday, the NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), said the association had received a letter from the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, requesting the NBA to nominate suitably qualified candidates to be recommended for appointment to the Court of Appeal bench.
According to the statement, the existing vacancies are six for the North Central; one for the North-East; three for the North-West; five for the South-East; four for the South-South; and four for the South-West.
The Court of Appeal over the years has always called on the NBA to publish expressions of interest so that lawyers could apply for vacant seats.
However, lawyers have not occupied any of the vacant seats at the appellate court.
Recently, a former NBA president, Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), called for legislation to break what he described as a cabal in the judiciary stopping lawyers’ appointment, particularly to the Supreme Court bench.
When asked on Wednesday to comment on the fresh invitation for lawyers to appeal to the Court of Appeal bench, Agbakoba said he wouldn’t know why lawyers were never given appointments.
According to the statement by the NBA President on Wednesday, any lawyer interested in the Court of Appeal appointment should submit their “Curriculum Vitae and a copy of the applicant’s Call to Bar Certificate.”
Other requirements are “Evidence of payment of Bar Practicing Fees as and when due, for 10 years preceding the application, inclusive of 2024 (applicable to members of the Bar only)
”Evidence of payment of NBA Branch Dues as and when due, for the past 10 years preceding the application, inclusive of 2024 (applicable to members of the Bar only)
“Evidence of attendance of at least five Conferences of the NBA, evidence of membership of Sections or Fora of the NBA (applicable to members of the Bar only).
“Certified true copies of at least 10 judgments in contested cases conducted by the applicant within the five years preceding the date of application or eight judgments delivered by the applicant in contested cases within two years preceding the date of application.
“A letter of good standing from the Chairman of the applicant’s branch, and five letters of references (two of the referees must be Senior Advocates) confirming that the candidate possesses the qualities set out in Rule 4(4)(1)(a), (b) and (d) of the National Judicial Council Guidelines for the Appointment of Judicial Officers for Superior Courts of Record as reproduced hereunder.
“In all cases, good character and reputation, diligence and hard work, honesty, integrity and sound knowledge of the law and consistent adherence to professional ethics.
“As may be applicable, active successful practice at the Bar, including satisfactory presentation of cases in Court as a legal practitioner either in private practice or as a Legal Officer in any public service, a credible record of teaching law, legal research in a reputable University and publication of legal works.”
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene