E - Law Reports for 2016/2017 Session.

Hey Guys! The judiciary has compiled the cases which were seen and decided on last session. Click on the link below and enjoy. 

LSS E-Law Report

TOMORROW’S SORE by Ugochuwku Ogbonna.

MIDDLE
There exist some excruciating moments when you wish tomorrow is never birthed. Your mind is tortured by flash-forwards of the mind wrenching pain you will inevitably undergo. I stand at the threshold of this unwanted break of dawn.

BEGINNING
Olanma, my sister had eloped with her lover, with what the whole village rumored a pregnancy. I thought I was the only person who enjoyed the turn of events, initially. I might have even suggested Ola's decision. My mother had been staging a performance of pain and disappointment, but Mama, Ola and I were in on this. Papa had forbidden us from relating with the boys from the village just after ours, and had in fact given our hands in marriage, to two older men, men who were old enough to father our mother. These men were short, burly and everything nauseating. Ola and I just turned sixteen and Papa had intended our ‘igbankwu’ six months from now. Ola defied Papa and went away with Onyeka from the very village we had been instructed against.

I am in many ways different from my twin sister save our identical physique and facial markings. Ola is quick, defiant and glib; I am reserved, docile and exude a lot of diplomacy.

Prior to Ola’s absconding, Papa and a host of dignified men in our village had been selected to occupy the office of ‘Red-Cap-Chiefs’. Now, this portfolio is accompanied with much dignity, respect and honor not excluding the mouth-watering benefits that abound. Hence, my sister’s action had dented the perfect record of Papa’s nomination.

‘We didn’t think this through’. The voice in my chest whispers.

It has been three days since Ola left and the Council of Chiefs have summoned Papa as his prospect of occupying this revered office is threatened. I peep through the window of our ‘obi’ and see him walking out of our compound. His face, smeared with pain mixed with disgust. He walks briskly, throwing his walking stick first as his weary legs straddle along.

I sit on my low wooden chair as Mama braids my thick black hair. My forehead rests on her laps. I drink in the scent of her pomade, mixed with the smell of ingredients, on her faded wrapper. I jostle to reality as she tightens the thread on my head. I hold the side of my head to relieve the pain and feel the guilt pour down my soul. An unusual conversation goes on between Mama and me. Not with our mouths, but our hearts sing and reply through the fastened rhythm of our pulses.

Just as the sun begins to bid us a good night, Papa walks in. His face holds no pretense of what might have transpired. I avoid his daunting, loving eyes and greet him. A frog nearby croaked annoyingly and it almost seemed like an outright display of mockery on us all.

‘Nna Nno’, I welcome him, bowing respectfully. He nods and walks straight into his obi. I look into mamas milky eyes, searching for clues, fully aware how powerfully they communicated through glances. She always bore the brunt of his wrath; and this time, he had given her a piercing, icy look.

Thirty minutes after his arrival, Papa calls me into his obi and offers me the warm nylon he fetched from his bag. I open it and begin to devour the roasted ‘Oka’ and ‘Ube’.
He comments on how pretty my neatly braided hair is. In spite of his pretentious smiles and chatter, I know something unpleasant looms. Papas love overwhelms me; thinking about this, I sit with him, holding my head in my palm until I fall asleep.

The sound of deep sobs intrudes my peaceful sleep. I open one eye, then the other and sit up with a start, hearing the sound of muffled crying and following the sound until I am just at the entrance to the obi. It is mama. Mama Chisorom, Njideka and Ujunwa serenade her. I scan the compound with my eyes, looking for Papa, and see him sitting with four other respected chiefs under the beautiful ‘Udala’ tree. There is ‘orji’ on the table before them. My heart skips a bit, I wonder if Ola is fine. I step out of the obi and pause, feeling as if a hundred eyes are looking at me. I run shaky fingers on quivering lips and force myself toward Papa. I had a feeling that I was going to be punished for intruding; I needed to know what punishment had been prescribed though. Now, I reach where Papa is sitting and acknowledge the chiefs who answer me averting their eyes and begin to excuse themselves one after the other until only Papa is left sitting. He pats the bench beside him for me to sit, and when I do he reaches out for my hand, holds it so tight that it causes me some discomfort. He suddenly looks ten years older and there is so much sorrow in his eyes; he's visibly struggling with something and I know it has to do with me, the way he's holding my hand says it all. I urge him repeatedly to tell me what is going on and after some resistance; he stands up and gestures toward his obi. Still holding my hand, he leads me into the obi.

The verdict concerning Papa’s appointment as a Red-Cap-Chief is that, I, Oluchi will be circumcised.

My mind is paralyzed, my heart is seared and my body is and would be broken. I am the redemptive soul, the sacrificial lamb, been led helplessly to the slaughter, for Papa. It was the tradition, our long esteemed culture and I could not run from it. It was rumored that my sister and I had the blood of our grandmother running through us. Mgborie, our grandmother, from the stories we heard, eloped with her teenage lover months after she was coerced into a marriage she abhorred. They said we looked ‘promiscuous’ and if I could not be curtailed, I would do worse than Ola did.

I looked at myself in the mirror. Of course, I had matured very early. I looked like a woman in her early twenties already, all thanks to the rotund and firm mounds of flesh that sat confidently on my chest. I looked down at my waist and could not help but appreciate the eight figure wrapped round my hips. Hot tears ran down my eyes as I took my last look at this version of me. I will not run away; I will stay for Papa. I will bear the pain and then heal.
Will I ever heal?

END

I blink my swollen eyes, and I am greeted by the pain that characterizes my waking these days, pain I never get used to. I look and see mama and Papa, standing at the door. Papa looks at me for a second, tries to hide the red-suede cap and bows his head in shame. Mama is gesturing to someone outside, I cannot see what she is communicating, but nothing matters now. I feel naked, soiled and broken. My legs are still quivering, amused by this form of affliction. My mouth is dry.

I try so hard to delete the memory from my head. It is still as fresh as the ‘ugwu’ leaves Mama uses to prepare my best soup. Even in my sleep, the whole scene is repeated, but at least I do not feel this terrible pain. I see the five huge women who stripped me off my femaleness. How they opened my legs to sear my soul, tore the perfection the Creator carved, destroyed my hidden strength, without fear or empathy. They reached in and sliced my dignity, peeling off the essence of my sexuality. I knew I must have ‘died’ in the process.

Papa loves me and so do I. My mind is playing tricks on me. Maybe, just maybe, I am a man. I would heal down there. Even if I did, I am sure my soul never would. The physical injury would heal, but I never would.

My mind is paralyzed, my heart is seared and my body is broken.

Igbo Words
Igbankwu- wine carrying (marriage ceremony)
Obi- Room/house
Nna Nno- Father, welcome
Oka- corn
Ube- pear
Udala- Cherry
Orji- refreshment
Ugwu- Pumpkin Leaves

DOWNLOAD The 2017 LSSABUAD Constitution

Download Here: 2017 LSS Constitution

Nigerians Before “Chibok Girls”: A Reminder By Olunlade Emmanuel Oluwasegun

The kidnap of over 200 girls in Chibok is perhaps the most devastating incident that has occurred since the civil war. The narrative of the event from the incident itself to its aftermath, discussion has been sardonic, depressing and aching. It is even just to say that the devilish nature of the Boko Haram insurgency did not gain so much corroboration before that event. This despotic act of these callous individuals is so visible, even to the blind and the resulting pain and wail of the Nigerian society, specifically the mothers of these girls affected, so audible even to the deaf.

LSS Report for the Activities of the First Semester 2016/17 Session: PART III

The Legislative Arm

 Let this be that;

The Legislative arm finally completed the amendment process to the constitution which started with the past administration. The constitution amendment procedure which has dragged on for over a year has finally been presented to the president for assent.

LSS Report for the Activities of the First Semester 2016/17 Session PART II

Part II seeks to show the activities of the Academic Committee, Finance Department and the Office of the PRO. Enjoy!

LSS Report for the Activities of the First Semester 2016/17 Session: PART 1

The First Semester, you would agree with us was a very eventful one with events such as the Chamber Week which comprised of the #21stCenturyLawyer talk where people such as Bolanle Austen-Peters (Producer, 93 Days: The Movie), Ope Olugasa (Managing Director, LawPavillion) and Akin Ajibola (Bola Ajibola & Co.) gave us a huge dose of inspiration and the Cultural Cocktail which was the talk of the campus for a long time sparking rumours of a copycat coming (they may try to beat it, they most likely will not).

In our quest to keep our members informed, we launch the LSS Report which seeks to give Students an overview of the activities of last semester and the prospects and objects of this new semester for the different branches and departments of the LSS. Enjoy!

A Second First Impression of Justice: Hon Justice (Dr.) Gladys Olubunmi Olateru-Olagbegi (rtd)

It’s the 1973/1974 session at the Nigerian Law School. One exceptional young lady just bagged the coveted Richard Akinjide prize in Law of Evidence. It’s only a first sign of the remarkable story that is to follow. Fast-forward. Our heroine has gone on to have a long and illustrious legal career, during which she added more than her fair share of merit awards to a very impressive trophy cabinet. Lawyer, Judge, Jurist, Luminary… this wonder woman matured not into any one of these alone, but all of them. Indeed, she is the essence of Justice – the blindfolded lady holding a sword and scales come to life. Let’s not forget that she’s honourable too. The Honourable Justice.

Nuisance, Fulani Herdsmen and The Law By Olunlade Oluwasegun

Nuisance- is with agreement of most law students I know perhaps the most “crowded popular place” in the legal parlance that must be visited in the journey for an LL.B. This is so from its antique nature to its wide scope, numerous cases and various academic piece and pieces just to fit in the nuisance puzzle. I vividly recollect how long tort law classes became when the topic was taught, of course not due to indolence or laziness but for the lengthy notes and the different questions coming from all corners of the class; even from the back seats. Even the domestic use of the word by lay-men is ambiguous. Let me indulge you; when the class is rowdy the comment is “you people are a nuisance”, when you don’t enter your halls of residence early also it is “you are just a nuisance to this great school”, when parents wake up to the noise of the kids … well you know what the comment is. Fortunately for me, I don’t intend to chart the waters of the entire gamut of nuisance. The recent actions of the Fulani herdsmen trying to make their cattle graze on just about every open place regardless of the occupiers of such land across the country has moved my thinking to the tort of nuisance but only in the purview of the cowardly, dastardly, cannibalistic, unlawful, grave acts of these animal-walking heartless beings. Basically, the acts of these Fulani men as cause of nuisance is the main view of this write up and the swift and commendable action of a famous governor- (well what is the beauty of literature without suspense).

Before digging deep into the matter at hand, it is important to give a quick definition of nuisance itself. Nuisance in the general sense (Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary & Thesaurus) “is something or someone that annoys you or causes trouble for you. It can also be defined as an obnoxious or annoying, person, thing, condition, practice”. In the legal parlance, it is defined by the Black’s Law Dictionary as “that class of wrongs that arise from the unreasonable, unwarrantable, or unlawful use by a person of his own property, either real or personal in a manner that substantially interferes with the enjoyment or use of another individual’s property”. Also it is defined as something offensive or annoying to individuals or to the community, especially in violation of their legal rights. Nuisance can be classed into private and public. The issue here is an aspect of private nuisance, this is because a public nuisance does not exactly affect an individual personally, but however the whole community whereas in private nuisance is an interference with a person’s enjoyment and use of his land. Examples of this include vibration or blasting that damages a house, pollution of soil and the obvious, destruction of crops. Clearly these Fulani herdsmen are guilty of these tort and while the humour part of me is saying “how can they possibly know what that means, they are Fulani herdsmen”, the white and black side of me is of the opinion that, “ignorantia legis neminem excusat” that is, ignorance of the law excuses no man. Even with the legalese aside, it is common sense, moral, right thinking, humanly to know that feeding the crops of another to your animals so they would not starve at the expense of the farmer is bad, I mean can they even spot the irony of that? Like it is not enough that the deadly horns of some these animals might cause harm and injuries to the farmers they carry guns(adding the offence of murder) along, ooh and not the beautiful guns of this age that kill you even before you fall to the ground (if the right target is acquired though), but old fashion kind of guns where after being shot, the victims have to stagger and writhe in pain of both the bullet wound and the sight of their farmlands getting served to the flock( the cattle and even the Fulani herdsmen). This has for a while been the fate of the residents of Enugu, Benue, Ekiti states etc. hundreds of people killed in cold blood, even more have been put in debts, a lot more battle starvation.
Reading the popular classicus on private nuisance case of St. Helen’s Smelting Co v Tripping (1965) 11 E.R 1483) where the trees and shrubs of the plaintiff were damaged by the fumes from the defendant’s industry I felt sorry because of course the plaintiff must have spent a great deal of time and money on the trees and shrubs but seeing and reading on the actions of these Fulani herdsmen I am devastated beyond expression for the loss of not just time and money but for lives, properties and food.

In the wake of these events various moves, talks, forums, conferences, bills and threats have been issued by the government and concerned stakeholders as well as the security operatives. While the weight of the response is not exactly adequate to answer the problem, it has been steady and almost commendable, after all a journey of a thousand miles starts with a step. Maybe in this situation not one step anyway but not so much too. However, as much as I would want to do more brain and literary engagement to pressurize the government, today, I would rather engage myself with commending the Ekiti State House of Assembly and of course one of my favorite Governors, Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose popularly known as “osokomole” (I would leave the interpretation of that to the Ekiti people anyway) on the giant, promising step of signing the Ekiti State Open Grazing Prohibition Bill into law on Monday 29th August, 2016. Under this new legislation herdsmen are prohibited from grazing their cattle in areas that are not designated for grazing and forbidden from carrying arms. The law prescribes six months imprisonment without option of fine for any herdsman who violates the grazing prohibition while any herdsman found with arms will be charged with terrorism.

With the knowledge of this new legislation in one of the tagged “backward” states in Nigeria, i have been wearing a smile that is definitely bigger than any laughter of the Ekiti farmers. And rightly so because I was part of the Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) Law students who had a session with the Ekiti farmers and as a result I know what they have been through. I hope other state governors would learn from this giant stride Ekiti state has taken. While happy with these new law, I also share the same opinion with Mr. Femi-Fani Kayode, a man whose literary ability I admire that the six months imprisonment is small, as against his own opinion of a year I would say these herdsmen deserve more than that, yes! Dare call me wicked? The popular law phrase “sue the bastard” has never been so sweet, although in this case I would rightly say “charge the bastards”.


Olunlade E Oluwasegun.

*Segun also serves as the Speaker of the LSS Legislative House.

NIGHTS BEFORE OUR GREATNESS By Adeniyan Oladimeji, A Public Affairs Analyst with Jus Civile Chamber of LSSABUAD

     The question that has never cast a doubt on my conviction as a man or as what others see me as is this. “Am I different from you?”, “what makes me different from you?” At no point in my existence have I ever made that question eat up my reasoning. And this also applies to my generational people.
     I am Black and you are whatever colour you call yourself, even from your forefathers to your father, it has always been like that but in all this hardship I have always remained the good one.
     Our lives, my life started with a glorious outburst to the extent that we showed love to our enemies who were intent in breaking our morals and strong will with the name of it being immoral and using the words “REPUGNANT TO NATURAL JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS” “EQUITY”. Words they are sure our fathers’ wouldn’t believe or even bother to question. The fairness and natural justice is according to your definition, isn’t it? Their conversation went thus “what you all abominations think is moral is against the will of the creator of our society and the universe” and our reply went thus “”. They continued, noticing how numb we were “ if we whom are knowledgeable and vast in what the creators thinks, we will determine if your so called abnormal morals are not repugnant to natural justice and principle of fairness and equity” and our reply again went thus “”.    This I’m certain, angers their representative and their low self esteem pricked them to asking themselves “why are all they of the same colour and we are not?” “What is so special about them?” “What do they have that we don’t have?” “Why do they all live like there is no problem in their lives?” I bet you if we use the words “servants” they won’t have a clue about what we are saying and we would make them our servants.
     We became the Good Samaritan that was in their book which they brought to us but they couldn’t see it for themselves because of their blindness and deceitful spirit which has always been their motivator to what was in their book. We graciously submitted our will and time because our morality sees that as goodwill. They have successfully destroyed the definition of morality/immorality and we can’t go on using the definition that is being given in the book they brought. FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE said “to be ashamed of one’s immorality is a step on the ladder at the end of which one is ashamed also of one’s morality”
      We were heaven and earth to our future generations but because of our goodwill, we were reduced to Lucifer and his angels. They made our future generation see us as abominations and paranoid set of barbarians who were of no good and usefulness but unknown to them, it was all a act to which the night and fight will continue until our David and Hitler will be born. Their saulish behavior was to them unnoticed by we the people of Damascus.
    We have always been dynamic, singular from them, stronger than them, mightier than them, greater than them and it is so evident that it needs no special judicial notice and certainly needs not be proved. Our greatness and strength or rather, our ever growing greatness and strength is been seen as a threat, as a ticking time bomb which they have never seen nor invented and it can’t be quenched but what better way to stop this rapid growth of ours. What ‘at the moment’ preventive measure can be taken so as not to be disgraced, destroyed and Shawn out of history. History that has always in the backroom supported and favored our courage and resilient aptitude to adversity despite our numerous defeats, defeats that knows no bound, that is what they think but unclear to them, that victory of ours which is long gone was lying in wait because at the moment, there is nobody to guide our future generation.
    We kept the birth of our David and Hitler hidden whom has to grow in strength and wisdom a secret even from our own people so as not to be distracted or pushed too quickly as to make a mistake.
    His growth, what we have to watch with utmost diligence and security so as to not wait another billion of lifetime.  

Nigeria and its Gun Saga

#OpinionPost

                                                                                         

When I was a kid at elementary stage, while going to school, I always stared at the "Gun-building" as I called it then for various guns were drawn all over the front view of the blue-colored apartment situated at the left Junction of Azikiwe road by west.

I had always imagined walking into the building & acquiring my own gun which I would use to do my "war start" with other street kids coz I was tired of my plastic guns with rubber bullets.

I had fantasized taking shooting lessons and marksman training at the building soon enough.

The fact that many men in my hood had guns and primarily two of my neighbours also had and also fired it occasionally to scare robbers or celebrate had put me in a position of keen interest to the acquisition & use of rifles.

Sadly enough, in my high school days, when kidnapping became the to-do-list & business of the day in my city, the FG had to clamp down on the acquisition & use of rifles by private citizens.

I can firmly beat my chest and say that there is no legal privately owned gun market or shooting range school in Nigeria.

That policy has still not been reversed till date.

In fact, the policy was quite a dubious & deliberate attempt by the FG to totally disarm the masses and prevent a futuristic revolution or forceful accountability.

Adolfus Hitler, the greatest military dictator ever to live once said; "To totally conquer a nation and consolidate rule, first disarm its citizens". This was exactly the first thing Hitler did before he began his campaign of domination and its proves extremely successful.

The second amendment of the constitution of the United States of America confers its citizens the sovereign & inalienable right to bear arms on the basis of survival, self-defense, natural right of resistance and

self-preservation and when the sanctions

of society and laws are found

insufficient to restrain the violence of

oppression.

The American, Swedish & swiss gun scholars has stated that the acquisitions, use & keeping of guns of guns by private citizens is in fact a positive impact on the growth & sustenance of democratic rule and ensures the prevention of tyranny & dictatorship.

Meaning that fear of private ownership of guns by the government keeps them in track & accountable to the people. That fear & knowledge strikes a balance of social contract & accord between the government & the governed and further ensures no breach of trust.

Is private ownership of guns the real problem in Nigeria ? Has placing embargo on private importation, ownership & use of guns solved any of Nigeria's terrorism problem, or kidnapping problem, or militancy problems, or armed robbery problems ??? The answer is NO !

Where do these renegades acquire their assault rifles & machine guns from ? Shouldn't that be the focus of the government !

No amount of amnesty programs will or arms embargo will solve these persisting problems we face as a nation.

-A new approach is needed !

A learned colleague of mine in Enugu once said to me; "Charles, the only way or probably one effective way to put corruption to an abrupt end is to " legalise corruption". At first, I didn't really get it or even concurred with her reasoning. But after much thinking & research on her assertion, I've come to accept her views but not necessarily accepting that all forms of corruption ought to be legalized.

However, my main focus here is the issue of guns, just like the 2nd amendment of the USA constitution stipulates, don't you think the citizens of Nigerians of full age & eligibility has the sovereign right to acquire & bear arms(with license) for their natural right to resistance against oppression, self-preservation, self-defense and so forth.

The CEO of the national Rifle Association, Wayne LaPierre has always stated that; "the only thing that can stop a bad guy with a gun is another good guy with a gun".

Since the Nigerian criminal law(substantive/procedural) empowers private citizens to effect arrests of suspected criminals at the spot. How then can such be effected if these citizens are extremely vulnerable and have no weapon of self-defense or survival.

Legalized but regulated ownership of guns will go a long way to reduce drastically, the criminal rate and criminal tendencies in this nation. More good than harm will be effected. The current situation of the country is a manifest reference to my perspective.

The right to survival is not granted by the state. It is an inherent/inalienable right given by God and to be expressed forthwith in accordance with the rules of the state/morality.

Every citizen is a police officer by morality an has the mandate by law to act in parameters of an officer by law in such absence and to had over the case & suspect to the nearest police man by law or station. This is a democracy not an autocracy !

The thousand innocent/vulnerable people that have died as a result of the gun-fire by Fulani herdsmen, armed-robbers, kidnappers, boko-haram and so forth could have been reasonably averted if these victims had their weapons of self defense & survival.

Considering the fact that the security agencies & government is not doing enough or absolutely nothing to guarantee the safety of its citizens.

I strongly believe in the reformation of the FIREARMS ACT and the expansion on the legality of the kinds of guns to be acquired & used by all eligible private citizens for the sake of humanity, survival, preservation of lives & properties. Thank you !

                   -UCHE Charles E.

Welcome Back!

Hey guys!The ABUAD LSS blog is back!We've been MIA for a while now but its all over.We are new and improved,bigger and better and more consistent than ever. We've widened our scope so you can send in your articles,short stories,poems and so on to be featured on the blog.
There's a new and interesting lineup.Please don't forget to share,comment and be involved!Enjoy

PAIN by Ewhomazino Otuorimuo.

I'm not sure what people consider as Pain. 

Pain could be hurting oneself, failing a test, emotional distress, a feeling of discomfort or just losing something important. 

To me pain is losing something so special, so important. 

I've lost things in life like my favourite bangle, Sammy the dog and even my grandma but my most painful experience is when I had a miscarriage.

 It was a couple of months ago, one bright morning; my husband casually told me that he wanted a third child. 

I laughed and asked why, and then he replied saying that he misses the whole baby experience, changing diapers, baby cries, baby shopping etc. so we decided to try.

I got pregnant eventually and had passed the "1 month mark" before I finally told my husband. He was extremely happy and over-joyed. 

We started preparing and planning for new the bundle of joy on its way.

 It happened a couple of days later, on one of those nights that Eric and I would have our long talks before we sleep. 

I fell asleep before he did.

Suddenly someone was shaking my body and trying so hard to wake me up, I opened my eyes and I saw my husband's face, he kept on telling me "Honey, please don't leave me just stay awake" as the tears were running down his cheek.

I had seen Eric cry only once before, it was at our wedding so this meant that whatever was going on with me must be very serious.

I was wondering why he was telling me this entirely, he had never acted like this before so it got me worried. 

I was too weak to move or even speak. 

Then he picked me up in his arms and took me downstairs before I blacked out.

I saw of bright lights, several people dressed in light blue were gathered around me taking tests; I was obviously at the hospital, the lights, their scrubs and their looks of concern gave it away. 

Am I going to die?

"Give her the anaesthetic" some said. As the drug kicked in, I blacked out once more with no hope of ever returning back home.

I woke up to a quick beeping sound then I sat up. 

I was strapped to some sort of machine which made the quick beeping noise; it was probably a heart monitor. 

My husband was sitting beside my bed and holding my right hand in his. 

I immediately asked him what had happened.

He told me that while we were sleeping, he felt something as if the sheets were soaked so he rose up the duvet; he saw me lying down in a pool of my own blood before he started panicking and tried to help me stay conscious. 

He dialed for the ambulance which showed up almost immediately.

He further explained that he had no idea what had happened to me so he was waiting for the Doctor to tell us what was wrong.

Our family doctor, Dr. Johnson walked in. 

He was a friend of the family and was there at the birth of both our children. 

He had this extremely sad look on his face before he finally spoke up:

"I'm very sorry to say that you lost the baby ..." I couldn't even listen to all the words he had to say when I broke down and burst into tears. 

My heart wept for my unborn child.

It hurt so bad, you know the feeling when you've lost something so precious, so beautiful and so innocent that's how I felt. 

The feelings that welled up inside were indescribable, probably losing a child is the worse feeling in the world.

I would never get to hold her in my arms.

I was devastated, pained and sad. 

Eric tried hard to comfort me, he held me in his arms while I sobbed violently and shaking hard. 

The doctor tried too but it didn't work.

After a while, I was able to calm down so I could let the doctor finish all he had to say:

"I'm also sorry to say that based on your test results, you wouldn't be able to have any more children."

At first, I didn't fully understand his words. 

I was still trying to gather my thoughts but I just couldn't hold back any more tears. 

My tears flowed uncontrollably down my cheeks.

I felt alone, depressed and broken.

I felt like a spoilt toy without any batteries.

I didn't feel like a woman anymore.

I was barren.

It hurt more knowing the fact that the only thing my husband wanted in the world I couldn't give it to him. 

He had given me everything, all the love, clothes, shoes, perfumes in the world but now I couldn't give him another baby.

You probably won't understand, if only you've been through the same thing before. 

It hurts even more when I remember how ecstatic he was about having a new baby.

At some point, I couldn't even cry any more I was just hysterical then I became silent. 

With silence, came the pain. 

I forgot about Eric, the doctor and every other thing.

The only thing I felt was Pain.

I've never felt so much pain all at once in my entire life. 

It was worse than labour pains cramps or any kind of body pain. It just felt like 20 knives were repeatedly stabbing my heart.

After the pain was the loneliness, I felt alone.

That day was probably the worst day of my life. 

It hurt so badly; I wasn't myself for a couple of weeks. 

Eventually I became myself but the Pain never left, each time I remember I always cry.

That day I didn't feel like a woman, I just felt incomplete....

Written by Ewhomazino Otuorimuo.

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“Buhari’s anti-corruption campaign: A development or set-back for Nigeria” A Report on the Symposium held on the 29th of October, 2015

The symposium occurred on 29th October 2015, at 5 p.m. in the common room and the topic discussed was “Buhari’s anti-corruption campaign: A development or set-back for Nigeria”.The session was moderated by Adesemowo Oluwatobiloba and Adewumi Adekunle and had panelista from the four chambers speaking. Important contributions were also received from Offor Bolloite, Chief Judge of the LSS and Raphael Esu, a member of the executive.

The discussion kicked off with Saliu Samuel and Obiakor Ifeanyi representing Jus Naturalis, affirming their view that although the campaign is a good development, the manner in which it is being executed showed that it is “Two-faced”. Ifeanyi stated that it was a system of fighting corruption with corruption and gave an example of the senate president who was currently battling many corruption allegations while still serving as senate president.

Next we had Omoregie Sharon, representing Aequitas who rightly stated that if you do not deal with the past it will affect the future. She therefore called for sanctions which could serve as a deterrent for future public office holders.

Praise Eyo, represented Jus Civile and was quick to state that corruption is the bane of the Nigerian Society. Praise seemed to be an advocate for the APC affirming that the party was formed with the intention of curbing corruption. Praise also pointed out that the country is still recovering from 16 years of PDP misrule .He finally states that this government’s focus is on corruption and the gospel of change is now here.

Anyaogu. C and Olunlade. M both represented Jus Gentium. They were of the opinion that the mind-set of the country encourages corruption and that the government cannot punish everyone who is corrupt and as such the exercise may amount to a waste of time.

Esu Raphael's contribution elicited further discussion as he gave an example of the level of corruption which pervades the civil service while also castigating the judiciary’s role in fighting corruption, citing the fact that D.S.P Alameseigha remains the only high profile conviction.

Raphael’s statement led to a question being thrown to Offor Debra on the need for judicial reforms. She stated that it is a known fact that many judges are corrupt and she does not see any reason why certain rules cannot be suspended for the government to achieve its aim. She further stated that President Buhari has good intentions but surrounding circumstances including his appointments will make it difficult for him to achieve his aim. She finally stated that the only way to fight corruption is to break protocol.

Adimula Ayo, also a judge was invited to comment on the same question and she held the opinion that independence of judiciary is relative and that President Buhari picking judges for special courts was not an abrogation of powers. Eyo jumped in at this point to praise the CJN, and wondered why the Itse Sagay committee on corruption activities, were yet to be published.

The audience was then invited to comment at this point and Omowole Tobi inferred that there was the need to change the orientation of the average Nigerian with respect to corruption, also Oladipupo Pamela was quite critical of Debra’s opinion, affirming that tampering with the activities’ of the judiciary was tantamount to a return of an autocratic regime and also cautioned that there is a need to apply natural law in dealing with certain issues especially corruption.

Fadipe B. gave an analogy comparing the present debacle to the one that Italy faced in the early 90’s and advocated a study of the way they resolved their issues in dealing with corruption in Nigeria. Esu Rapheal before leaving opined that President Buhari should not prosecute anyone but must encourage institutions which will in turn fight corruption.

In conclusion, the moderators gave an overview of the positions and put it to a vote. It was evident that most of the attendees were of the opinion that the corruption campaign is a development in Nigeria. Offor B. suggested that the discussion should continue on the blog and other media platforms, so here we ask: Is President Buhari’s corruption campaign, a setback or development for Nigeria.

Prepared by

 Adesemowo Oluwatobiloba and Adewumi Adekunle

Notice From the Office of the Attorney General

Pursuant to the decision by Students in the last Congress, it is now mandatory for all students to belong to one of the four chambers listed below:

Members and Potential members should endeavour to contact their Chamber heads for further information

Chambers
Jus Naturalis-
Mbachu Chinenye 08167653404

Jus Civile-
Muraina Temitope 08068392361

Jus Gentium-
Adiele Chioma 07035075133

Aequitus-
Omolayo Oyinda 08130005095

For further information, Please contact:

Echoga Caleb 08133167586
Modilim Chidubem 08123233747
Adesemewo Tobiloba 08107674902

A summary of the 2015/2016 College of Law Freshmen Orientation Programme

The Orientation programme designed by the Law Students’ Society (LSS) for the freshmen of the College of Law this year lasted for two days. It consisted activities in the morning, afternoon and evening.

These events were specifically designed to expose our newbies to everything that it is to be a law student. On both days there were trips to the field in the mornings so the freshmen could get comfortable with the idea that the field was there for their use and not just for aesthetics.

On day one, the students had a talk regarding the basics of being a law student, conduct in the college, dress code, Examinations and so on. This was handled by Barr. Fabamise, Barr Ikpeze, Barr Olubiyi and Barr Olaniyan. The students also got to meet other lecturers in the college as well as the college officer.

Afterwards the students were exposed to the concept of chambers within the college and were asked to register for any chambers of their choosing to facilitate the moot and mock activities within the college.

In the afternoon, the students had a tour of the school which was led by Barr Fabamise.

On day two, the students had a sex and health talk. This was conducted by Barr. Olagbegi-Oloba and Barr Clark for the girls and by Barr Valentine Faseemo and Barr Hilary Okegbuale for the guys. Afterwards, there was a symposium centred on Federal Government Ministerial Appointments and the importance of Federal Character therein. The students were active and responded to the question put to them intelligently.
In the evening, there was a film shown for them, 

Tomorrowland, which was for no charge. All in all, the orientation could be considered a success. 
Pictures from the Orientation below:

Information for New and Returning Students

Please kindly note that Society dues as earlier stated is pegged at Six Thousand Naira (6,000). 

The process is as follows:

Step 1: Pay the sum of N6,000 into the following account.

Account Name: ABUAD Law Students Society
Account Number: 0228872746

Wema Bank

Please ensure that your name is put on the slip as the depositor.

Step 2: Bring the teller/deposit slip from the bank and exchange it for a receipt at the LSS Secretariat.

Please also kindly note that this amount is to be paid upon resumption for New Students on the 21st of September, 2015 and Returning Students on the 25th of September, 2015. Executive Members of  the LSS will be available in the Alfa Belgore Hall for payment to be made on that day. Thank you!

The LSS wishes everyone a safe trip to Ado-Ekiti.

Update: Textbook Guide for the New Session

Sitting at home and wondering what textbooks you may need for school? Don't worry LSS has got you covered! With the Textbook Guide, people who have passed through the course would recommend textbooks that helped them pass the course! This should serve as additional preparation towards the new session. Note that this is not an official list from the college but just our recommendations.

100 Level

Use of English
Basic studies in language and English usage Edited by Toyin Bamisaye
Basic studies in Language.

Philosophy and Logic
Essentials of Logic by Francis Offor
Invitation to Information Technology by O.A Adeyemo and co.

Psychology
Xenophobia by Prof Olowu

Sociology
Harallambos & Holborn on Sociology
Anthony Giddens on Sociology

Political Science
Politics by Andrew Heywood

Legal Method
Legal methods by Abiola Sanni
Legal methods by Ese Malemi

200 Level

Constitutional Law
Nigerian Constitutional law by Ese Malemi.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended)
1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Cases and Materials) by A.M Adebayo

Law of Contract
Nigerian Law of Contract by Sagay

Nigerian Legal System
Nigerian Legal System by Ese Malemi  Legal System by Obilade

Administrative Law
Administrative Law by Ese Malemi

Labour Law
Nigerian Labor Law by Akintunde Emiola

300 Level

Law of Tort
Kodilinye and Aluko on Torts
Winfield and Jolowicz on Torts
Law of Tort by Ifeoma Enemo

Criminal Law
Appreciating Criminal Law in Nigeria by Ifeolu Koni
Okonkwo and Naish on Criminal Law
Criminal Code

Commercial Law
Commercial Law by George Etomi
Commercial Law by M.C Okany
Commercial Law by Akanki
Sales of Goods Act
Questions and Answers on the Law of Commercial Transactions
Hire Purchase Act

Criminology
Criminology by A.B Dambazzau

Family Law
Matrimonial Causes in Nigeria by Nasim Tijani
Family Law in Nigeria by M.C Onokah
Family Law in Nigeria by E.I Nwogugu
Nigerian Family Law by SAGAY
Marriage Act
Matrimonial Causes Act
Childs Right Act
Adoption law of Lagos State
Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act

Human Rights
Fundamental Rights in Nigeria by Femi Falana

400 Level

Law of Evidence
Fidelis Nwadialo on Evidence
Dada on Nigerian Evidence Law
Evidence Act

Land Law
Nigerian Land Law by E.A Taiwo

Equity and Trusts
Equity and Trusts in Nigeria by J.O Fabunmi
Understanding Trusts

Introduction to Legal Practice
Legal Practitioners Act
Rules for Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners

Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property by Babafemi
Patent and Designs Act
Trademark Act
Copyright Act

Conflict of Laws
Agbede on Conflict of Laws
Omoruyi on Conflict of Laws

Environmental Law
Environmental Law by Olawuyi

The Textbook Guide for 500 level will be updated shortly.

Declaration of Assets by Our Vice-president Joshua Daranijo

An enigmatic example of leadership
As we have seen in recent times, an overwhelming wave of CHANGE is upon our nation as the new leadership tasked with the herculean task of cleaning the Augean stable left by the previous government has proven to be a light of hope for the downhearted. I have no personal interest in blowing anyone’s trumpet but I write with uttermost appreciation for at least one thing PMB has done and that is the declaration of assets by him and his vice. No matters how inaccurate the figures may be, it sends a message of an attempt to establish an ideal state of leadership where accountability and transparency are the norm of the day. I believe that it will become a trend as time passes for public officers to declare their assets because if Oga can do it, so can/must I.

No matter how far from the truth such figures may come to be, it will be detrimental to the one who declares deceitfully. With reference to the biblical allusion of Ananias and Sapphira, such a fellow should either declare true figures or not declare at all because one way or another, God go catch you!
With all these been said, it is with utmost pride I would also like to follow suit to declare my asset as your Vice President of this prestigious society. I made a promise to be at your service and I believe accountability and transparency must be the cornerstone to make this possible.

DECLARATION OF ASSEST OF DARANIJO OLAJIDE JOSHUA

Three buckets and one bowl
2 towels
One mat
One pack of Lucky point pens
3 LSS jotters
One there piece suit
One Samsung phone
One HP laptop
One box of clothing
One Nikon Camera
One HP printer
Two KJV Bibles
One 16gb flashdrive
One nice wristwatch
One chinko “samsung” tablet
Shared interest in my Mum’s car
Two Wema Accounts with a few thousands
One bedroom in my father's house

I know right, don’t worry God is continuously providing! I pray by the end of my tenure, I would have doubled my assets but this is with no premeditated intention to loot LSS money. Enjoy the rest of your holiday!
Yours truly,
Joshua,
Vice President of Law Students Society;

AT YOUR SERVICE!

P.S: Abeg all of the above na joke and cannot be proven in any court of law or quasi-judicial council. God bless yáll! See you in school