Two senior lawyers yesterday disagreed on the appropriateness of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) sourcing money from government to hold its conferences.
Former Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Dr. Monday Ubani (SAN), supported it. Activist lawyer Jiti Ogunye faulted the association for sourcing funds outside those accruing from its members.
Ubani argued that there is nothing immoral or unethical about what NBA has done stressing that the money from Rivers State Government was not for hosting the conference but a gift to take care of logistics like security.
Besides, he said the money in question was not from the present administration but that of the administration of suspended Governor Siminialayi Fubura.
“The NBA has given a response on the matter and my view is not different from what NBA has said. They have given reasons for the money”, Ubani said.
Ogunye, who differed on the matter, insisted that the NBA should not be seen going cap in hand to beg for money from governments.
He said: “Receiving money from government will compromise NBA’s ability to react to issues and maintain neutral positions more so when government they ask for money violates the rule of law or breach the constitution or things NBA may frown upon. NBA may not be able to maintain neutral stand.”
The lawyer argued that they have always admonish against NBA going cap in hand to government agencies to raise fund in the name of organising conferences.
He said NBA conferences are and should be organize on the basis of membership contribution and special payments for conferences and conference materials.
He contended that while it is easy to account for money collected and paid by members, it has always been difficult for NBA conference committee for AGC to account for monetary gifts.
He said the last AGC witnessed the executives fighting over such issue stressing that it is easier to account for annual dues and practice fees depending on criteria used.
Ogunye insisted that the NBA should stand for rule of law, accountability and probity.
“When NBA goes for N400million, was it budgeted for? What is that budget for? Why should the NBA, given all it stands for, be promoting extra-budgetary spending?”, he asked.
Ogunye contended that NBA has members who are rich enough to contribute all the funds required for the body’s conference.
