AS BAR MEN CONVERGE AT TINAPA... Tinapa is the Filipino term for fish cooked or preserved by way of smoking. It is also a native delicacy in the Philippines and sometimes made from milkfish, known locally as Bangus. But beyond its dietetic meaning, Tinapa may actually have other denotation. To the Nigerian lawyer, Tinapa presently means the venue of the 2013 Annual General Conference of the Bar. Located at the north of Calabar, Cross River State, Tinapa is a business and leisure resort equipped with astounding world class facilities. A brainchild of the former Governor of that State, Mr. Donald Duke; this Africa’s premier holiday resort with rich architecture is one place to be for every visitor to Cross River State. In fact, the entrance to this state of the art holiday paradise alone is irresistibly breath-taking. The expression in France is “See Paris and die”. But we can also say in Nigeria- “See Tinapa and die”! The theme of this year’s Conference, which will hold from 25th -30th August, is “LAW, LEADERSHIP AND CHALLENGES OF NATIONHOOD IN THE 21ST CENTURY NIGERIA”. Accordingly, there will be paper presentations that would reflect on the very theme of that week-long event. I would resist the temptation of pre-empting what the resource persons have in stock for us. But going by the theme itself, much is certainly expected from the presentations. For instance, one would want to know whether or not the action of a “Commander”. Bipi and members of his “Aro” Forces (on the 9th day of July, 2013 at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex) which contravenes S. 92 (2) (c) of the Constitution can be said to have also constituted an extra-constitutional means of taking control of Government, within the purview of S. 1 (2) of the Constitution. In the same vein, it may not be out of place if the resource persons oblige us by clearing the air as to the propriety or otherwise of the action of a State Government in the “deportation” of persons perceived to be non-indigenes of such a State (on economic grounds, etc.) in a Federal System of Government, not just as it affects S.2 (2) of the Constitution, but particularly having regard to the fact that population density and population (of residents, not indigenes) are part of the principles upon which disbursement of revenue from federal pool is founded by virtue of S. 162 (2) of the Constitution. After all, the above issues are not Sub judice yet, at least to the best of my knowledge. Who will bell the cat? Thank God for this Conference. Kai! “...Challenges of Nationhood in the 21st Century Nigeria”, a theme that would not have come at a better time. Indeed, a lot of issues would certainly emanate therefrom. By the way, it is not going to be academic and jurisprudential abracadabra all the way. Calabar is rich with enormous tourism potentials. There are indeed a lot to explore. It is called the Nation’s Paradise. It is generally adjudged as the cleanest City in Nigeria. In fact, hygiene is their way of life. The State’s directive principle and creed is christened “Destination Cross River”. Destination to paradise, if you like. For those who have not been to the dance floor for sometime now; perhaps because of front-loading, motions, PTC, ROS, POs, adjournments etc., you better start rehearsals. The time has finally come to shake-off the stress a little. What about the delicacies? Walahi! I bet you, some persons may elect to stay back after the event. All said and done, the Tinapa experience promises to be the most enlivening, thrilling and awesome Bar Conference ever in the History of NBA. Oh! I almost forgot that both the Governor and Deputy Governor of that State are Bar men. Yes, Distinguished Senator. Liyel Imoke and Mr. Efiok Cobham are senior men, who respectively enjoy nearly three decades of post-call standing. They certainly know what is good for their colleagues! One major road that is virtually unavoidable for every visitor to Calabar is the Murtala Mohammed highway. It is the gateway to the Nation’s Paradise. Before you get to the main town, you would have passed the Transcorp Metropolitan Hotel as well as the very Stadium, where our Eagles will defeat Malawi come September. Then, if you have ever heard of Mary Slessor and her exploits in Child rights and Womens’ rights advocacy, this is your chance to behold the state of the art scintillating statue of that heroin, situate at a place called Mary Slessor round about. If you are driving, please drive carefully. There is a group called DOPT. It is an acronym for something. I will not tell you what it means. But if you drive against traffic rules, you will get to know the full meaning by force! Okay, please don’t forget your camera. You will not be able to tell the entire tale alone. You have to also give electronic account of journey to the Canaan City. Assist others to see Calabar for themselves through the lens. By and large, as we mark this epoch-making event, I pray that the Almighty God in His infinite mercy shall grant us journey mercies and even more. Distinguished Colleagues, I wish you a very safe journey to the Nation’s Paradise. Allah ya kiaye...ooo! IKECHI NWOKOCHA
Posted on: Fri, 23 Aug 2013 18:41:15 +0000
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