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Lagos lawyer, Uche Nwokedi dies in London
A Lagos based senior lawyer, Mr Uchenna Gregory Nwokedi, SAN is dead. He died on Friday June 28, 2024 in London, United Kingdom (UK). He was 64 years old.
Popularly known and called Uche Nwokedi, he was born on May 1, 1960. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984 and was conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2007.
He was a member of the Maritime Arbitrators of Nigeria and served as a member of the Ministerial Committee of Legal Experts by the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development to Codify and Draft New Solid Minerals Law and Regulations 1995/96.
A statement announcing his demise was signed by Mr Olumide Sofowora SAN stated that Nwokedi passed away peacefully in London.
The statement reads:
It is with deep regret and sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. Uche Nwokedi, SAN, who peacefully departed from this world on the 28th of June, 2024, in London.
Mr. Uche Nwokedi, SAN was an alumnus of St. Gregory’s College, Mayfield College, and the University of Lagos, where he successfully obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Law – LLB(HONS).
His professional journey commenced as a Legal Counsel at Ashland Oil (Nigeria) Company from October 1984 to October 1985.
Subsequently, he joined the esteemed law firm of Chief Rotimi Williams’ Chambers as an Associate Counsel for a period extending from January 1986 to October 1991 serving for a period of 4 years and 10 months. In October 1991, Mr. Nwokedi SAN founded the legal practice of Uche Nwokedi & Co, Legal Practitioners, where he served as the Principal Counsel until his recent passing.
Mr. Uche Nwokedi, SAN, was widely recognized as a preeminent commercial lawyer, renowned for his expertise in commercial litigation and international commercial arbitration. His advocacy skills earned him the reputation of being a ‘calm and extremely persuasive advocate’ as acknowledged in the Legal 500 Euromoney’s Guide to the World’s leading Energy and Natural Resources Lawyers (Legal 500). Additionally, he was the Editor-In-Chief and Publisher of Nigerian Oil and Gas Cases, a comprehensive compilation of oil and gas case laws in Nigeria.
Beyond his legal illustriousness, Mr. Nwokedi, SAN, was a passionate enthusiast in the field of entertainment. Noteworthy among his endeavors was the acclaimed musical production, Kakadu the Musical, which garnered critical acclaim on its tours in Nigeria, Davos Switzerland, and South Africa. Through his youth development foundation, The Playhouse Initiative, Mr. Nwokedi SAN mentored young talents through music and drama, fostering meaningful communication and development. The Playhouse Initiative has presented various successful musicals in Nigeria, such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, under license from the Really Useful Group, and other enthralling productions including recitals and choral concerts.
Mr. Nwokedi, SAN, was the creative force behind the renowned M-Net Africa Magic legal TV drama series, “E.V.E: Audi Alteram Partem”, which garnered accolades and nominations. He contributed insightful opinions on socio-political matters to several national dailies in Nigeria. With a keen interest in sports and sports development, he held the prestigious title of a third-degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate and served as the President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria from 2001 to 2005.
Noteworthy among his literary works is “A Shred of Fear”, Mr. Nwokedi’s poignant memoir that encapsulates a child’s experiences during the Biafran War. Written in evocative prose, the narrative strikes a delicate balance between heartwarming and tragic, depicting the challenges faced during the war and the subsequent struggles for reconciliation.
Mr. Uche Nwokedi leaves behind his loving wife and three children.
In this time of profound grief, we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and we pray for the solace and eternal peace of Uche Nwokedi, SAN and Nwokedi, SAN and our departed colleagues. Amen.
Further details regarding the funeral arrangements will be communicated promptly upon receiving information from his family.
Signed:
Mr. Olumide Sofowora, SAN
Secretary
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ECOWAS Parliament Calls for Reforms to Address Multiple Crises In Sub-region
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Tinubu declines assent to bill seeking to extend National Assembly staff retirement age
By Francesca Hangeior.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has withheld his assent to a bill that proposed extending the retirement age for legislative officers and staff of the National Assembly.
The bill aimed to increase the retirement age from 60 to 65 years or extend the length of service from 35 to 40 years, whichever came first.
Titled “A Bill for an Act to Make Provisions for the Retirement Age for Staff of the National Assembly and Related Matters,” the bill passed its second reading in October 2023.
Despite multiple attempts in the 7th, 8th, and 9th Assemblies, the bill had previously failed to pass.
Reintroduced in the 10th Assembly and sponsored by Deputy Minority Leader Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki (NNPP, Kano), the bill was finally passed by the House on December 20, 2023, but did not receive presidential approval.
Although the Senate initially rejected the bill, it backtracked and passed the bill on the 31st of March 2024 and was transmitted to the President for his assent.
Some of those who opposed the Bill believe that it will lead to stagnation through the rank, while those who supported the bill argued that it will promote efficiency and ensure that experience prevails
However, Tinubu in a letter, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, said he has decided to withhold his assent to the Bill.
He said his decision was informed by the consent which empowered him to take such an action.
The letter reads in part: “I write in respect of the harmonised retirement age for legislative officers of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Bill passed by the National Assembly and forwarded to me for assent.
“Upon thorough examination and careful consultation, I have decided to withhold my assent to the bill.
“This decision is made in accordance with the powers vested in me by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I wish to express my sincere appreciation of the diligent work of the Senate as regards the drafting and passage of this bill.
“However, I trust that this decision would be received with understanding and acceptance.”
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Nigerians struggling to survive due to harsh realities of inflation – Akpabio
By Francesca Hangeior.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has said that the citizens are struggling to survive as a result of the courageous economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu.
In a welcome address to fellow Senators on Tuesday, marking their return from the annual recess, Akpabio noted that the National Assembly is fully aware of the economic struggles citizens face, including inflation, high living costs, and market volatility.
He expressed sympathy for Nigerians enduring these challenges but maintained that the current economic situation is not the fault of the Tinubu administration.
He, thereafter, sympathized with Nigerians for the harsh economic situation but claimed that the situation was not caused by the Tinubu-led administration.
He said, “In the face of rising economic pressures, our fellow citizens have been grappling with the harsh realities of inflation, soaring living costs, unpredictable markets and economic indices.
“The challenges have tested the very fabric of our society, and we stand together to express our deepest empathy for every Nigerian who may be buried in the brunt of the current reforms as a result of the need to reposition the economy for most of our country and take us out of the doldrums and the messy situation we met when we assumed office in 2023. We want Nigerians to know that their struggles are not lost on this side.”
He assured that the upper chamber would respond to the economic challenges of the country.
Akpabio said, “Our security duty, as your earnest representatives, remains to respond with the audacity and compassion that the current situation deserves.”
He, however, commended the president for the courageous reforms being carried out on the Nation’s economy which according to him, have started yielding fruits.
He stated, “Amidst these trials, we have also seen commendable strides in various sectors from the executive arm of government led by President Bola Tinubu. Our agricultural initiatives are beginning to bear fruits. The strides made in infrastructure can be seen by all, even starting from the federal capital territory.
“These glimmers of hope pave the way for a brighter future. The hard-won gains will not overshadow the pressing issues that still loom large before us.”
On insecurity, the Senate President assured that lawmakers will prioritise the security of people’s lives and properties.
He stated, “We must, as senators, prioritize the issues of security of our great nation, ensuring that every citizen can walk down any street in this country without fear.
“In the sense of such, insecurity in some parts of the country remains a source of concern for the Nigerian Senate. It is also a clear calling for us to double our efforts in crafting laws and taking decisive actions in the National Assembly to safeguard our communities. There cannot be development in the face of insecurity.”
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