EZEAFULUKWU-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,TRANSCORP SPEAKS ABOUT PAUL USORO

EZEAFULUKWU-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,TRANSCORP SPEAKS ABOUT PAUL USORO

Paul Usoro, a man I met in 1998 after NYSC at a point when I was at the crossroad of deciding which path to pursue in my legal career. When it looked like doing things the crooked way paid better, when it looked like hard work was a dullard’s option. Paul taught me integrity, he embodied hard work and lived it. He taught me to overlook the short term financial advantage some of my colleagues who went into “charge and bail” had over me then, which was really a source of concern to me then, as they earned almost 4 times my initial salary at that point in time. He taught me astuteness and how to remain focused on the big picture notwithstanding the challenging circumstances of the day. 

I learnt a lot of principles from him, especially humility. He would hesitate making promises when he knows he cannot keep it. I learnt elegant drafting from him. He taught me never to rush into issuing post dated cheques as it is one of the easiest way to ruin the reputation of a lawyer. Paul believes in challenging young lawyers and I remember him challenging me to take a contentious motion against an SAN in my first month of practice, and how joyous I was to get the ruling in favour of our client. He taught me how to separate business from pleasure. Paul has extensive corporate experience having served as a director of many blue chip companies. 
He has foresight and vision. When Nigeria was still sleeping Paul anticipated the telecommunication revolution and positioned himself for the revolution that changed the economic landscape of Nigeria. He is a team player and believes in dialogue. He often told me in those days that if proper dialogue was had, the Nigerian civil war would have been averted. He taught me family values even as I was a bachelor then. Case in point: One day, due to power outage and limited capacity of the generator at the then NIDB House on Broad Street, where his office was, our entire office was only allowed to power two air conditioners on. Of course, the air conditioner in the library must be one of the two, being our production lab. 
The challenge was which of Paul’s office or his wife’s office should have the privilege of the 2nd A/C being on. His wife, Mfon, was the managing partner then. Paul invited the technical guy in charge of power allocation in the building into his office, which was already hot, eliciting some sweat from him. He asked the technical guy if it was not possible to give the firm one more A/C slot so his office and that of his wife would be powered. The answer was outright ‘No’. So Paul had to make the decision which of the two offices should have the 2nd A/C slot. To our amazement, he chose his wife’s office and asked the technical guy to go and connect the wife’s office. I looked at him in amazement, and I remember his words to me. “You that you are not married, better be learning how to treat your wife o”, he said to me. 
The real lesson of that encounter was that technical guy ended up connecting his office and that of his wife. I think that  sharing my knowledge of Paul Usoro, SAN, and my experience of working with him in this era of political blackmailing, is a duty I owe my conscience. I have no doubt that all the candidates for the office of NBA President appear to be qualified in their own right, but Paul obviously is the most qualified. Vote wisely!

Chris Ezeafulukwu
Executive Director
Transcorp Hilton
As for me, I stand with PU.
Robert Uchenna

As for me, I stand with PU. Robert Uchenna

As the NBA elections draw near, it is important that we brace up our minds with the right attitudes and right reasons. The fundamental concern is that for the next two years, we will decide how we raise the noble Bar by the decision we make now. It will be left to us whether we want to see our noble profession attain the next level or remain a stagnant water.  It is now we have the opportunity to affect the outcome of what the future holds in stock.


Beyond sentiments and ‘adoption’, we stand a chance to re-write the future by securing it with our own reasoning and choices. Let us all build together a Bar that works,  based on established antecedents, dignity, expertise, exposure, professionalism; with a leader that will tackle abuse and impunity; a leader concerned with lawyers’ welfare; a man engaged in the promotion and protection of human rights,
the rule of law and good governance in Nigeria. Let us reinstate the NBA to its observer-status with the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, and protect the rights of  Nigerian lawyers. Let is reposition the Bar for excellence.

Let us raise the Bar with our votes for the right man for the job. Let us vote for Paul Usoro, SAN!

As for me, I stand with PU.
Robert Uchenna
Make Your  Vote Count

Make Your Vote Count

 
I love the fact that I am a Nigerian lawyer. Our profession was carved to ensure that we respect our seniors at the Bar, in as much as we all pay respect to our elders at home. I took time to observe the similarity and it is simply amazing! Well, that is another topic for another day. Now, the advent of technology is gradually changing the trend, when an elder tweet most of the time you don’t wait to find out if the person is your father’s age mate before you respond. The response sometimes is given in the speed of light and in an equal portion to the original twiit that you are responding to. In a nutshell, members of the profession can easily talk back at seniors without any fear of reprimand.
A Nigerian author, Chinua Achebe, once wrote: “Proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten…”  I simply can’t understand why we cannot take our destiny into our own hands and vote wisely. The three Presidential candidiates have a life before this election, all we need to do is check their track record holistically. How much is each paying his juniors? what is their international network? what is the track record of their success in the business world? what is their practice like?  And a host of other questions. Well, your guess is as good as mine.
Charity, they say, begins at home. The only person that stands out without an iota of doubt is Paul Usoro, SAN.
The facts speak for themselves. We all know these facts and that is why we have seen a lot of blow-him-out strategies.
It is not necessary to blow out the other person’s lantern to let one’s own shine (Swahili proverb)
But the more they try the more they increase his chances and popularity.
But God is not mocked, PU keep up the clean and good work, succeess is yours!
Even if you dance in the water, your enemies will accuse you of causing dust.
We understand their game plan but it won’t work . Make your vote count by voting PU.
My name is Emmanuel Ugochukwu
Raising The Bar Towards Excellence | Idris Abubakar

Raising The Bar Towards Excellence | Idris Abubakar

We may have to pause, draw a deep breath and then transform the way we cast out our most-cherished votes for candidates. I don’t want your esteemed self to vote for P. U. because he’s the most admirable, or the most charismatic, or have the flashiest outfit or the coolest gait. 

I don’t want you to vote for him because he shook your hands at dinners or took a snapshot with you at an event, or because he’s the guy you’d most like to have a tea with. I don’t want you to vote for him because of some loud media type online, on print, television or radio told you to vote for him. I don’t want you to vote for him because some “expert” tell you he’s blazing the trail. 
I don’t want you to vote for him because he gave some fine and
flowery speech alone about the plight and welfare of young lawyers. Details are easily accessible on the daily reflections and manifestos. And I most especially i don’t want you to vote for P. U. because you’re voting against the other candidate.

Beyond all that, I have the  sincere pleasure to present here a gentleman who is honoured in owning up to his words; his excellence, articulation and records are unmatched. Here is a man with professionalism, courage, competence and foresight. I am fully convinced that he would deliver on all his promises.

Let us raise the bar towards excellence by voting for Paul Usoro SAN. 
Idris Abubakar
Overwhelming Support Pours In For NBA Presidential Candidate, Paul Usoro

Overwhelming Support Pours In For NBA Presidential Candidate, Paul Usoro

A lot has been said of the Astute Litigator and Strategist, Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, the Presidential candidate for the fort coming Nigerian Bar Association elections. Supporters from both junior and senior lawyers have shown steadfastness amidst the campaigns of calumny and smear campaigns on Social Media and Whatsapp platforms against their choice (Paul Usoro, SAN). They have demonstrated that exceptional believe on the course they stand for, #PUTTINGYOUFIRST.  Suffice to say that they are the real ‘die hard fans’ as commonly used among football fanatics.

In this write up, we have extracted some of the quotes from some supporters of the Paul Usoro, the NBA Presidential election candidate who are proud to be #PURIFIED.  The captivating quotes as written in their own words encapsulate the essence of what PU stands for.

“Surely, there is no Justice in every disposition until you can concede humanly that indeed, someone is more meritorious than you’re. Paul Usoro SAN you’re more meritorious than others, we therefore remain #PURIFIED because you’re Putting Us First!”
Abdul Quadri Alhaji Sanni

“It is not of him that willeth, it is of the Lord, that showeth Mercy”, “The race is not unto the strong, the battle is not unto the swift, time and chance happeneth to them all”. The Holy Bible If you wished, suspend Officials of the Forum, who stand on the path of Truth, ’cause crises in Branches, snatch microphones in an unlawyerly manner,  just because you want to force a candidate down our throat, “Que Sera Sera Sera “, what will be, will be “. #IStandWith Paul Usoro SAN, the man suited for the job!
Douglas Ogbankwa

This is the deal. The opposition have coalesced and all working towards one goal. The opposition have done the maths and everything points to the fact that we will win in the election ahead as scheduled by the ECNBA. So what do they do? Send out attack dogs. Throw everything and anything – muddle the waters as much as possible. Discredit the NBA and its electoral process. Create doubts in the minds of the electorate.

The attempt at interpreting annual reports displays total unimaginable ignorance. Even a limited quest for knowledge would have made them consult lawyers in financing or capital markets or accountants to deconstruct the meaning of the screenshot annual report referenced but their interest is not in the truth but to cause confusion. The disingenuous argument of a 150 member EBF (according to Prof Ojukwu) falls flat.

All of these were expected. That is why the Team PU are calm and focused in our campaign.
Recall and be encouraged by the words of our leader: “If his track record is anything to go by, I fully expect him to recycle his distorted facts and untruths, come up with further jaded arguments and continue to pursue his futile goal of running me out of the NBA Presidential race. Do I need to worry about these expected reprocessed attacks? No. Discerning readers, lawyers and non-lawyers alike, have seen through Odinkalu’s campaign of calumny and all that remains to be said is that a million Odinkalus cannot change God’s Will.”
Adetola (Ibironke) Bucknor-TAIWO

“I focus on my candidate, I don’t discuss other candidates, I wish other candidates best of luck, as for Paul Usoro SAN, welcome him, he is the next NBA President for the next two years, by the special grace of God. You and I will make it possible. He will turn the NBA around for the benefit of you and me”.
Rafiu Tolani Esq

“I am a staunch supporter of Chief Mazi Afam Osigwe, I am also a member of EBF. I reside and practice in Asaba same with Aurthur Obi. Some candidates believe so much in adoption and they can do anything to keep that up. The Midwest Coordinator for Paul Usoro, SAN, Mr. Ogaga Emoghwanre approached me, having seen everything on ground and in the absence of Afam Osigwe in the election; the only viable candidate and the person that can turn around the affairs of the bar positively is Paul Usoro, SAN. I have been #PURIFIED”.
Stanley Ofor

The PU statement was well-thought-out! I faced similar intimidation and thuggery in 2012 and eventually lost my younger brother on eve of the NBA manifesto night, when I contested the position of NBA President against the dictates of those who believed they were the NBA CABALS.
You should know what followed after the elections and how just two(2) votes were allotted to me!
The shameless thuggery and intimidation are growing with the play on words called ADOPTION.

My position has remained that if any position is zoned to any REGION, let anyone from that Zone who is interested and qualified be allowed and encouraged to vie for it! ADOPTION is very undemocratic and tyrannical. It breeds desperation that may turn NBA politics into a do-or-die affair. I DO NOT SUPPORT IT. I WILL NOT ACCEPT ANYONE IMPOSING HIS WILL ON ME.

I have been fighting against it for years. I have not changed my STAND. I have won many elections in NBA by swimming against the tide. It made me stronger and much more determined. I was nick-named the one-man-riot-squad and I got awarded with the title – CPHB. I was even denied audience in an EBF meeting hosted and held in my Branch! So u see, my dear Paul Usoro, SAN, to be fair to EBF, it did not start with you.

The DESPERATION in the NBA politics is a shameful and painful thing! We had thought that with the introduction of universal suffrage and electronic voting, desperation and intimidation might gradually fade away. I pray and believe that we do not further degenerate.

No one can ADOPT my vote! I am too enlightened for that. I strongly believe every Legal Practitioner/NBA Voter should be allowed to vote according to his personal convictions.
That is the only way we can elect credible Bar Leaders and retire the NBA CABALS, or encourage them to go and join their likes in the Nigerian politics of KILL-AND-BURY YOUR OPPONENTS TO WIN ELECTIONS!
E.B. UKIRI,Esq.

When I saw the line-up of candidates for this current NBA elections, I was indeed thrilled by their personalities and must confess that I felt so proud to be part of the zone producing the president for the incoming leadership. Truth be told, since I didn’t know anyone of the personally I wanted to root for a certain academician whose legal works has contributed and still do contribute to my wealth of legal experience: by divine arrangement I was added to the PUC team by a cherish friend and leaned senior who I respect a lot as a legal icon and one of my personal legal role models. Instead of exiting from the group as I had resolved, I decided to stay and understand why Mrs Eke and my friend would throw their weight behind a man I know nothing about. Indeed I have seen, read and learned a lot about this legal luminary.

In summary, PUSAN’s profile is not only overwhelming but his achievements are mind blowing.  However, what captivates me most are the testimonials from both serving associates, partners and staff in his employment; this one settled any confusion for me  and should also do for you if you have the future of the bar at heart.

Credible, Capable and Tenacious Seniors who are ready to provide mentorship to younger lawyers matters a lot to me and should to you also. I am saddened by the level of poor practise and lack of pupillage for younger lawyers. I see in Paul Usoro, a bar with an agenda for the new and aged wigs, which is something so fundamental but lacking in the profession now.

If you eligible, please vote for Paul Usoro, if you are not, campaign for him as I am doing, not for what you will profit right now but for the future of the Nigerian Bar. Our profession is Noble and must continue to maintain its Nobility in the strictest sense of words.
Boma-Jaja Philip-Obi

The Dealers

The Dealers

The Nigerian Bar Association is a body established with the sole aim of seeing to the Welfare of lawyers, most importantly, to also serve as a watch dog to the society. Over the years, the Association has gradually deviated from her core values; lawyers are indiscriminately arrested and molested all over the country. Yet all we get is a press statement and sometimes a letter. We don’t need to consult a seer to know that something is fundamentally wrong with our dear Association. Every member of the Association is entitled to full protection, welfare packages, insurance, rapid response system and a whole lot more. 


The NBA is one of the professional bodies in Nigeria that has continued to neglect her members and the sacred duty expected of her by the society. What deal do you have with NBA? Have you sat down to think about what you have benefited from your Association since you have been called to the Bar?
It’s an election year, It would surprise you to know that majority of the key players promoting one candidate or the other might have a deal with the candidate they are supporting. It may not be because they love you or because they are extremely passionate about the Association, it may all boil down to ulterior interests. They demand the agree deal to support a candidate the moment the candidate wins. Their choice of candidate is not based on whether the candidate is good as a leader for the association but just for the deal they have with them.

If you still believe that we can rescue the future of this Association then we must stand firm and vote wisely. If we don’t vote for the right candidate, it means jeopardizing the future of this noble association. 


Aren’t you tired of the dealer?
However, I know one man who is absolutely independent. He is not a dealer. He has no obligation to favor A against B and no adoption. Just a mission to salvage the Bar. Permit me to introduce you to Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN. The only true candidate who can fearlessly protect the rights of lawyers and restore the lost glory of the Bar.

This is my message, think and vote wisely. PU, putting you first all of the time.
Ifeanyi Ubachi
A Critical And Unbiased Assessment Of The Best Candidate For The Office Of NBA President

A Critical And Unbiased Assessment Of The Best Candidate For The Office Of NBA President

I am not really interested in NBA Politics, I wil rather focus on my practice. But the tensed atmoshere created by this year’s election is practically irressitable. As an independent observer, I have carefully examined all the candidates for the election. Though the person disquailified appears unique and smart, that aside, we have three standing aspirants for the prestigious office of the President of the largest association of lawyers in the African continent. 

Just for the record, all of them are eminently qualified and adequately exposed to man the office, considering the fact that they are all Senior Advocates of Nigeria. Having said that, we must realize that in all contest there must always be a winner. On that basis, permit me to assist you in making that crucial decision.
A critical look at all NBA elections before now would clearly reveal a sudden shift in the norms; technology has played a key role in this year’s election, and this is just the beginning, because the world is moving towards a very tech system and the legal profession cannot be left aside.
Take time to study the pattern and system of other international Bar foras and you would discover that Nigeria is far behind.
95% of Nigerian lawyers cannot compete with their colleagues in other jurisdiction, it is very sad! Majortiy of our practice areas have continued to shrink and the process has only just begun.
We urgently need a president that can turn the fortunes of NBA around, someone with international networking and a deep understanding of the global system.
We need to move from the norms of what we used to know or what we have been taught and embrace the furture.
We obviously don’t want someone who is simply a stogy for another person or who lacks the capacity to firmly take up the challenges of the furture.
Having carefully gone through the manifestos of all the contestant along side the unfriendly tantrums across boards, I have come to the irresistible conclusion that the best man for the job is Pual Usoro SAN.
He has all that we need for the desired furture Bar, his track record of success speaks volume. In other clans, this is someone we should all desire to lead us.
Fortunately, he has volunteered to serve, let’s join hands to create the Bar of the future and recreate new practice areas for lawyers .
Vote Pual Usoro SAN, putting you first all of the time.

Chinwe E.

Freedom For The Bar | Robert Uchenna

Freedom For The Bar | Robert Uchenna

Over the years, past leaders have done their best to bring about the desired changes and make the NBA more meaningful for the younger ones. One major obstacle that has continued to prevent us as an Association from achieving the desired changes is the fact that we have developed a group of highly respected elders who are now king-makers.
They determine who heads the Association well ahead of time and usually, the most important yardstick is not competence and vision but loyalty and reverence. 


Thus, when the person that is installed gets to power, it becomes difficult for such a person to perform.

Most of the time, they fall out with their political godfathers because of the desire of the godfathers to continue to dictate the affairs of the Bar.

My worry is that we have simply refused to learn from the past; we have continued to make the same mistake as a country and as an Association. When you vote for someone without a godfather, someone without adoption, someone who is not indebted to so many for favors rendered during and before election, what you have simply done is that you have the Bar-freedom.

You have set the Association free. A man on a mission with a vision. With clearly stated goals and purposes. Such a man who easily delivers and do the right thing at the right time without fear or favour.

Paul Usoro, SAN is the right man for the job; he can deliver without rancor. This is the bridge-builder. You can be rest-assured that he will put you first not just when it’s convenient, but all of the time.

We as lawyers should set the pace and example for the traditional politicians in the society with quality examples. Thus, we have a very sacred role to play, not just for the Association, but for its members and the society at large. 

If we can get our elections together, definitely Nigerians would follow with ease. Vote for the only candidate that has the capacity to deliver all of his promises and much more. 

Robert Uchenna
10 Tips for Legal Career Direction and Specialization for Young Lawyersby Uchechi Anyanele

10 Tips for Legal Career Direction and Specialization for Young Lawyersby Uchechi Anyanele

The people who will truly understand us are on “the journey” themselves. What journey? It is different things for different people, but we may think of career fulfilment as an element of success. As the call for professional specialization in the 21st Century rages on, all those steering the ship of their career face diverse navigational challenges that vary according to individual circumstance.

Specializing
In the Nigerian context of law practice, specializing hasn’t always been emphasized; if there is legal work to be done for mouth-watering fees, hell, let’s have that Brief. This can appeal to one’s sense of variety as decent law practice exposes a lawyer to multifarious fields of knowledge; the thrill can go on and on. Besides, you don’t want to unduly limit your income stream as a sole practitioner, for instance.
But with trends in globalization and more complex transactions, there’s now the growing emphasis on specializing and carving a niche for oneself as a lawyer. Some upsides of specialization include excellence due to reduced risk of error, and speed as one gets used to doing the same things over and over again. But some downsides include monotony, and limited skills set. 
In my view, monotony can be circumvented by selecting a combination of practice areas which blend perfectly, and by getting involved in research. We shouldn’t take away the fun by being overly rigid; every human has capacity for diverse interests. But we can be known more for certain things. That’s specialty. Regardless of specialty, we still need to be voracious readers of anything related to law and to clients’ needs. That way, we would know the direction to point a client for help on an area of law in which we don’t take Briefs; don’t leave a client or sincere inquirer in the lurch.
When to Specialize
There are diverse opinions on the subject of when to choose a practice area in which to develop specialist expertise. Some lawyers feel you should choose early (as a law student if possible) and commit.  For some others, new wigs should not bother with specializing at such tender age at the Bar. This is because in figuring out what they should specialize in, most lawyers are guided by the nature of practice they get exposed to over time. So young lawyers need only explore; their niche will find them on their voyage of self-discovery. That line of reasoning may have some merit, but one must also realize the danger of becoming a perpetual voyager in the sea of self-discovery, or just hanging like a piñata at the mercy of whatever hits you in law practice employment. If one can get down to it earlier, wouldn’t that be better?
Completely leaving things to chance isn’t the best way to go. True, it may work for some persons but that should not be our blueprint. So I’d say don’t take either extreme view. It is fine to attempt planning out details for your career, but bear in mind that regardless of plans, life happens and change is constant. Don’t float helplessly either. While keeping an open mind and gladly doing work which we’re exposed to as young lawyers, we should have a vision that potentially hinges on the intersection between our individual talents and passion(s).  A sketchy framework is important; as we go on our journey we will make periodic assessments and see ways to flexibly flesh up that skeletal structure.
So let’s make a note of our long-term goals and steps we could take to achieve them (short-term goals). The importance of a note is that whenever we seem to be losing focus, because life’s everyday challenges can sometimes make us forget where we are going, what we’re supposed to be doing and why, a review of our written or electronically noted goals helps us remember, and do whatever it takes to recharge ourselves and get back on track.
Yes, thinking about career path and career plan early in one’s career is important, rather than just going with the oceanic flow and ripples, because such advance thought influences the opportunities available to a person in future and which that person will be equipped to take. Some of us are naturally eclectic and cannot be boxed into a pigeonhole. But the idea is, whatever you do, be extraordinary at something by playing to your strengths and interests.
Diversity
Young lawyers have varying circumstances – Some have always known what they wanted to do, and will not change their mind about it; the only question is how to get there.  For others, in trying to begin with the end in mind, visualizing that end or big picture can be a very hazy endeavour. A lot of motivational videos and texts talk about pursuing your dream and never giving up on that dream. Yes, that’s good.
But what becomes the fate of a young lawyer who tries hard to see a dream, but just can’t. What happens where one feels frustrated, lacking in direction or passion for anything, even in one’s chosen profession? People can begin to set meaningful goals and gladly pursue them no matter the setbacks, when they have a dream that gets them excited and a reason for that dream. We may prettify the situation, but the truth remains that many young lawyers have fallen into this ditch at one point or the other. What if you are good at what you do but you just don’t enjoy what you do? This is possible. Are these lawyers doomed to settle for a life devoid of primal joy that should flow from one’s work? I sincerely hope not. 
The Challenge
Figuring out one’s potential practice focus is no easy task. Some young lawyers may feel like they have an affinity for certain areas of law and then a month later they don’t quite feel the same way. According to Senator Ihenyen,  not being able to decide is not a problem; it is a process. Such state of flux occurs because one’s brain is still processing data already taken in on the relevant subject. It may also be a result of negative thoughts. But the brain can be reprogrammed. A young lawyer in this sort of flux need not have the mind-set of “looking for something to fill a career vacuum” or focusing on what is presently lacking. Rather, we should program our mind to “understand that we are on an exciting journey to self – rediscovery”. Do not dilute the future with a “negative” past or present.
Guide to Successful Navigation
1. Read various texts, whether law-related or not. I had an unexpected insight one evening when I was reading a business-related book by Brian Sher. He mentioned one rule of successful marketing in business: focus on your clients’/customers’ needs rather than your service or product. This principle seemed like something that could assist me with my difficulty choosing a field of law practice within which to carve my niche as I started trying to identify problems most businesses in Nigeria face and how lawyers may assist. Also read everything you can about various practice areas.
2. Attend events, especially law-related events like law week technical sessions, CLE Conferences, virtual mentorship sessions. These events provide data with which to feed one’s imagination.
3. Talk to practicing lawyers including mentors, and former or present professors. Talking to other lawyers helps us know the kind of clients or issues that lawyers in a specialty work on, daily activities in that practice, what’s most rewarding and what skills are important for that practice area. Even if we can’t get a sit-down with them we can leverage on communication technology to reach out to them.
4. Beyond what others tell us, we should learn from our own experiences. Even dead-end jobs are not a waste; each one is an indicator of what you don’t want to do and could help you realize that you don’t possess a disposition for that field.  Identify the good parts that you enjoy and the bad parts that are so bad for you that you can’t imagine doing them for the next 30 years of your life.
5. Know yourself – your disposition or temperament, your talents, and what motivates you. This is important because 3 keys to lawyer satisfaction are sincere interest in the subject matter, enjoying the daily rhythms of the job, and work appealing to the core of one’s personality.  Different practice areas may suit different personalities. It is generally suggested that litigators who enjoy their work truly enjoy research, writing, analytical thinking, developing strategies, and advocacy. One who loathes these things or is really uncomfortable with confrontation should think twice before committing to litigation as a practice area.  I am of the view that you must also consider what drives you and gives you a sense of fulfilment. It’s different strokes for different folks and we shouldn’t always be quick to judge one as more wholesome or unwholesome than the other. Sometimes, it’s neither here nor there.
6. Reconnect with your natural inclinations and curiosities. Those things that made you weird as a kid could make you great today. It’s crucial to consider income earning potential, but focusing on external validation and prestige could make us work not on what we like, but on what we would like to like.  Also, what we’re doing when we’re not working can provide us with insight into what work best suits us ; just link it to law.
7. Consider your academic background. Finance or accounting background or aptitude will be useful for work on tax and capital markets, for example. A general litigator with a background in the sciences will likely excel at litigating patent claims.  It also helps to look back at some classes you took as an undergraduate or in law school. What courses did you enjoy and what courses would you be happy never to take again.  However, in doing this assessment I recommend differentiating between enjoying a course because you liked the teacher/lecturer and enjoying your personal study of that course.
8. Observe market considerations in relation to where you see the economy heading. It should help if we take time to research the legal market and understand what industries are driving business and what type of legal services they will need. Being aware of market trends and disruptors also provide exciting opportunities.  In Nigeria, some fastest growing industries include IT, Agricultural, Oil and Gas, Entertainment, Pharmaceuticals, and Education Industries.  
9. Having a role model can help. When you have a career direction and zero in on a particular area to specialize in, role models help you guide your path. The danger I see in this, though, is a tendency to become overly influenced by that role model and end up living someone else’s life. So please be self-aware and strike a balance.
10. Consider your eventual destination. Think 30 years from now, where do I want to be? This can be challenging since goals may change over time and there are no guarantees. But if you intend to eventually transition in-house, for instance, you may have more options as a general corporate lawyer. 
Wrapping It Up
There is no static formula for choosing a law practice specialty since we are unique individuals with diverse circumstances and motivations. Every lawyer’s path and progression cannot have the same trajectory. But through thoughtful research and conversation we can gather as much data as possible to make this crucial decision. Take your time; you and only you will make this decision for yourself. You’ve got this.

References
1.Chitra Reddy, ‘Advantages & Disadvantages of Work Specialization’ (Wise Step, 24 May 2018) accessed 25 May 2018

2.Justine Donahue, ‘Top Five Things to Know About Selecting Your Practice Area’ (ABA Law Practice Division, 14 April 2017) < www.lawpracticetoday.org/article/selecting-your-practice-area/ > accessed 12 June 2018

3. Frank Ramos, Go Motivate Yourself – Stop Chasing Gurus and Do the Hard Work (DRI Foundation, 2016) 24

4. Uduak Oduok, ‘Creating a Sustainable Business While Facing Life’ knowledgebandits> (Episode 37) accessed on 5 May 2018

5.Lead Partner at Infusion Lawyers, during an interview on 6 May 2018

6. A growing resource hub in this space is www.legallyengaged.com.ng

7. Paul Jun, ‘The Career Compass: 10 Essential Ideas for Navigating the New Career Landscape’ accessed 15 May 2018

8. Lisa Abrams and Lois Casaleggi, ‘Finding a Legal Specialty, Appealing to the core of Your Personality’ (March 2010) Yale Law School < https://law.yale.edu/system/files/documents/pdf/CDO Students/YLS Handout Packet.pdf > accessed 31 May 2018.
  Op cit Justine Donahue
  Op cit Paul Jun
  Op cit Frank Ramos, 43
  Abby Gordon, ‘Picking the Right Law Firm and Practice Area for You’ (Mainspring Legal, 24 April 2014) accessed 31 May 2018
  Jaros Abraham, ‘How to Choose Your Legal Specialty’ accessed 31 May 2018
  Op cit Justine Donahue
  Olivia, ‘Top 5 Fastest Growing Industries in Nigeria 2017-2018’ (Jiji.ng, 27 February 2017) < https://blog.jiji.ng/2017/02/top-5-fastest-growing-industries-nigeria/ >accessed 12 June 2018; She Leads Africa, ‘Investment Opportunities in Nigeria: The Top 4 Sectors’ < https://sheleadsafrica.org/investment-opportunities-nigeria/ > accessed 12 June 2018
  Op cit Abby Gordon

Uchechi Anyanele practices law in Lagos, Nigeria. Outside her legal work, she enjoys reading books on self-improvement, proofreading written text, and absorbing musical lyrics. She is passionate about continuous improvement for lawyers.
The Uselesness of Nigerian Political Parties | Adedunmade Onibokun

The Uselesness of Nigerian Political Parties | Adedunmade Onibokun


A political party is
generally known by what it stands for, the policies it supports and the
interests it upholds. A major factor of a political party is its ideology, for
these Political ideologies shape policy debates and choices.

A political ideology is a
certain set of ethical ideals, principles or doctrines,  that explains how society
should work and offers some political and cultural blueprint for a certain
social order. In a nutshell, party ideologies explain the evaluative and orientative way of
thinking of a political party.

Therefore, examining a
political party’s ideology will help shed light on the type of policies and
programmes that will be instituted by that party when it has political control.
It enables voters to decide which party and candidate to give their votes based
on the expectations from the party’s ideology.

Thus, as we approach the
Nigerian general elections in 2019, I decided to examine the ideologies of the top
2 (Two) political parties in the country; the All Progressives Congress (APC)
and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

On the APC Website, I discovered
their philosophy and hereby reproduced same below –

1.    
Belief in, and the fear of God;

2.    
Upholding the rule of law;

3.    
Preserving national unity

4.    
Pursuit of a joint egalitarian society;

5.    
Building of strong institutions;

6.    
Commitment to social justice and economic
progress; and

7.    
Promoting representing and functional
participatory democracy

While on the PDP Website, what I
discovered was a Manifesto and not an express list of its ideologies as a
party. Therefore, it is safe to say that the PDP does not have an ideology or
list of principles that are center to its system of administration or
governance. However, does this make the APC better? 
In the ordinary course of
examining the above paragraph, one may agree that the APC is a better party for
at least having a list of guiding principles, however, having a list on a
website is one thing and actually living according to the tenets of these guiding
principles is another litmus test a party must pass.

For instance, the APC have
stated that upholding the “rule of law” is one of their guiding principles but
the current APC led government has acted contrary to this principle as evidenced
in the case of the former National Security Adviser, Retired Colonel Sambo
Dasuki, who has been in illegal detention despite 5 (five) different court
orders directing the government and security agencies to release him on bail.

Furthermore, the
constitution guarantees every Nigerian the fundamental right to be treated
decently and free from indecent treatment or torture, however, the APC
government has failed to address the allegations of extortion, torture and
unlawful treatment of citizens by the Nigerian Police. Evidently, the guiding
principles of the APC is meant only for the objective of having a philosophy and not really one to be adhered to.

This is why it is no
surprise that politicians in Nigeria move back and forth from both parties
every election cycle because what binds the members of these parties is not
ideology but selfish and self-serving interests. For, how can one change
ideologies every 4 (Four) years.

Recently, in the Nigerian polity,
a record number of members of both political parties have jumped ship into the
other. For the party you belong to in Nigeria determines if you would
victimized by the ruling party or not. This is why as Nigerians are faced with a
choice of electing members of these parties in the coming elections, it is
important we note that we are not voting for ideals but for self-serving party
members who will do anything to attain political relevance and satisfy their
personal greed and whims. 

It is therefore important for Nigerians to put politicians to task of providing and standing by their political ideologies.

Adedunmade Onibokun is a Nigerian
lawyer, Author and Social Analyst.