The leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has disclaimed a statement authored by John Aikpokpo-Martins and Funmi Adeogun allegedly on behalf of the NBA-Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) on the demand for immediate reversal of the controversial directive regarding vehicle registration.
A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the NBA, Habeeb Akorede Lawal on Sunday said, the statement was neither issued with the consent nor authority of the NBA.
The NBA spokesman said both Aikpokpo-Martins and Funmi Adeogun have no authority whatsoever to issue a statement on behalf of the NBA-SPIDEL or any Section or Forum of the NBA.
He said the NBA-National Executive Council had since 29th February 2024 removed the Executive Members of SPIDEL, of which John Aikpokpo-Martins Martins and Funmi Adeogun were Chairman and Secretary respectively, and replaced them with a Caretaker Committee.
Other members that were removed alongside John Aikpokpo-Martins and Funmi Adeogun are: Princess Frank-Chukwuani, Chinedu Obienu, Abdullahi Karaye, Charity Ibezim, Dr. Monday Ubani, Prof. Paul Ananaba SAN, Kunle Adegoke, SAN, Uju Agomoh, Esq, Kunle Edun, Esq, Okey Ohagba, Esq, Yakubu Bawa, Esq, Dorn-Claimz Enamhe, Esq, Igbeaku Evulukwu, Esq, Chinelo Ofoegbunam, Esq, Sam Ajayi Jaiye, Esq and Chisom Onuoha, Esq.
The leadership of the association said, “Both John Aikpokpo-Martins and Funmi Adeogun are not only aware of this fact, they have filed an action to challenge their removal (which by itself acknowledges that they have been removed).
“Therefore, it is not only a misrepresentation to hold themselves out as they did, it is criminal, illegal, and gross misconduct on their part to do so”.
The NBA urged the general public to disregard the said statement purportedly issued on behalf of the NBA-SPIDEL by both John Aikpokpo-Martins and Funmi Adeogun, as they lack the authority to do so.
The NBA, however, acknowledged that the issuance of Central Motor Registry Information System (CMRIS) certificate is one that the Nigeria Police Force ought to critically reconsider in view of the various levies that Nigerian citizens and businesses are already subjected to, and the present unfavourable economic condition of the country.
Lawal said the he concern by NBA over multiple taxations, tariffs, levies, and charges on Nigerians is the primary reason for convening a one-day conference coming up on 18 July 2024, with the theme: “Tax, Tariffs and the Taxpayer: Exploring the Impact on the Public and Economy”.
He said, the President of the NBA, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) has reached out to the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force on the introduction of this new levy and will engage the IGP and if need be, the Presidency on the need to reconsider this, or any other government policy that seeks to impose any additional burden on Nigerians.
John Aikpokpo-Martins and Funmi Adeogun allegedly, on behalf of the NBA-SPIDEL reportedly gave a seven day ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun to reverse the directive mandating vehicle owners across the country to register and obtain a Central Motor Information System Certificate at a cost not less than N6,000.
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They held in their letter to the IGP that, the NBA questioned the legal basis for the Nigeria Police Force’s issuance of the CMRIS Certificates, stating that no law had granted the police the authority to issue such licences or certificates to vehicle owners following vehicle registration at the appropriate offices.
The letter demanded an immediate halt to the issuance and enforcement of the CMRIS Certificates, urging the IGP to issue a directive stopping the practice nationwide.
They also called for the shutdown of the registration website and physical registration centres, with refunds to be made to those who had already paid, saying that,
“Any such certificate being issued by the Nigeria Police Force without legal backing is outright illegal, null, and void, and therefore of no consequence”.
The letter warned that, “Failure, neglect, or refusal to comply with this lawful demand within seven days of receipt of this letter will compel NBA-SPIDEL to seek appropriate sanctions in court against your esteemed office and the Nigeria Police Force.”
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