EMEKA IS DESTINED TO MAKE SERIOUS IMPACT IN THE NIGERIAN LEGAL SYSTEM

There are at least three distinct angles from which Emeka Ugwuonye can and will make serious impact on the Nigerian legal system. I’ve seen every sign of this.

First, Emeka’s case against the Nigerian Bar Association has already set a pace which is yet to be fully realized. His case is the only known case where the Registrar of the Supreme Court would try to give effect to the Direction of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) in clear violation of Section 12(8) of the Legal Practitioners Act. Emeka filed an appeal against the Direction. So, the Direction of the LPDC cannot take effect as a matter of law. Yet, an entire industry and the Nigerian Police created a false impression that the LPDC Direction had taken automatic effect. Very soon, Emeka Ugwuonye would be suing the Registrar of the Supreme Court. Then it will be clear that this case is a pace-setter.

Secondly, Emeka’s case against the police in which the police fabricated a murder charge just to silence a critic is going to open a permanent investigation into how the Nigerian police reach the determination of the existence of prima facie case. I see a possible wholesale change in the prosecutorial powers of the police as an outcome of this case.

Thirdly, through the DPA’s legal cost protection plan, which is an innovation in Africa, but well developed in the western countries, Emeka is trying to remove the greatest impediment to access to justice, which is the cost of legal fees for litigants.  That plan creates an intermediation point between litigants and lawyers in a way that ensures an industry-wide standards and efficiency.

The above are clear and obvious examples. But there are more. I know that Emeka Ugwuonye is planning to go into law reporting and publications. Also, he is interested in legal education through the proposed ECULAW Institute.  Further, he is interested in law focused drama or court tv. Besides, am sure he has not lost touch with his dream of floating a tertiary institution where quality education will be given to all and sundry at a subsidised rate, especially would-be-lawyers.

I have carefully observed Emeka Ugwuonye’s plans. You see them if you can read in between the lines of his many posts. DPA in itself is a trail-blazer with clear sense of direction. This is my assessment.

Daniel Edeachi Esq.

21/01/019