Disowns Statement on Its Behalf By Section on Public Interest
The Nigerian Bar Association on Sunday said the police must stop the enforcement of the vehicles Central Motor Registry Information System.
NBA said the new levy amounts to another taxation on Nigerians which it said have become overburdened by levies.
The association argued that with the current economic hardship in the country, it would amount to insensitivity to impose another levy on vehicle owners in the country.
This was just as the association also distanced itself from a statement allegedly made on its behalf by its Section on Public Interest and Development Law on the controversial CMRIS enforcement.
“The NBA, in a statement made available to the NPO Reports on Sunday said it 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.
Citing “the present unfavourable economic condition of the country,” the association said it is concerned over multiple taxations, tariffs, levies, and others charges Nigerians are being forced to pay.
“The President of the NBA, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, 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,” the statement signed by Habeed Akorede, spokesman of the NBA said
Akorede added that the multiple levies 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.
On the statement allegedly 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 same matter, the NBA distanced itself from the statement noting that John Aikpokpo-Martins and Funmi Adeogun who issued the statement were not authorised and qualified to do so.
“The said statement was neither issued with the consent nor authority of the NBA. To be certain, 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.
“The NBA-National Executive Council had since 29 February 2024 removed the Executive Members of SPIDEL, of which John Aikpokpo-Martins Martins and Funmi Adeogun were Chairman and Secretary respectively, and replaced with a Caretaker Commitee. 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.
“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.”
It listed as members of the Caretaker Committee of the NBA-SPIDEL the followings:
1. Sir Steve Adehi, SAN – Chairman.
2. Yakubu Philemon, SAN – Alternate Chairman
3. Ben Oji – Secretary
4. Ronke Adeyemi – Member
5. Eva Amadi – Treasurer
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.