ADVOCACY CHAMBER, NOT FOR SALE!

BUSTED: ADVOCACY CHAMBERS, FACULTY OF LAW, UNIVERSITY OF UYO, NOT FOR SALE

It has come to the notice of some concerned persons in the Faculty of Law, University of Uyo that effort is in top gear to sell Advocacy Chambers Int'l to a politician in the state. The development as reported is not unconnected to the upcoming LAWSAN Presidential Election. The auctioning of the Chamber is said to be used as a consideration for the success of two aspirants who incidentally are also members of the Chambers and at the time of fielding this report, the two aspirants are hell bent on dispensing with the Chambers in order to have the means to campaign and be elected the LAWSAN President. One will ask, "is that not a sure evidence of ineptitude on the part of the aspirants? How are we sure LAWSAN too will not be sold?"

What baffles sensible LAWSANites is the apparent lack of their knowledge of the procedural law of LAWSAN. Heck, need I remind the Chambers' auctioneers that in LAWSAN, things must adhere to procedural laws? Do I need to inform them for the umpteenth time that it is so very impossible to sale, lease, mortgage or change the character of any Chamber without recourse to the LAWSAN constitution?

This is not the first time in the history of LAWSAN that some external Oligarchs attempted to thwart our constitution in a bid to further their selfish reasons. In 2013, the LAWSAN House of Representative had rejected the creation of a new Chamber which was to be tagged "Godswill Akpabio Chambers" because it did not follow the laid down procedure of law, and as such, the efforts of the proponent of that idea became null and void and of no effect whatsoever. A perpetual injunction had also been obtained against the act and it is still running and it will run in perpetuity except the law vacates it.

Section 54 of the LAWSAN Constitution expressly laid down the procedure through which the alteration of any Chambers can be done. It provides thus:

(1) There shall be for LAWSAN the following Chambers;
(a) Ime Umanah Chambers
(b) Magna Juris Confraternity
(c) Advocacy International Chambers
(d) Udo Udoma Chambers

(2) The number of Chambers RECOGNIZED by this Constitution may be by law enacted by the LAWSAN House of Assembly be increased or decreased.

The above statutory provisions goes to consolidate the fact that, No Chambers existing in the Faculty of Law can change its character without first. setting the necessary machinery of the LAWSAN House of Assembly in motion, and which incidentally will also lead to the amendment of the LAWSAN Constitution.

I expected that the proponent of Advocacy Chambers auctioning should have had recourse to the LAWSAN constitution before they embark on this effortless, futile and rub-a-dub styled wanton suicidal processes of undermining the supremacy of the LAWSAN constitution. I am not sure that Emaediong Akpan, the then indefatigable Advocate General of Advocacy International who administered the Chambers in her days with creative ideas is aware of this development. I am skeptical of how the past Advocate General would feel should the information of the Chambers auctioning is put to them. If they are aware and still feign ignorance in order to play the devil's advocate, too bad.
It is noteworthy that Advocacy Chambers had survived over the years without any encumbrances and has produced prominent LAWSAN Presidents and Lecturers, among whom were, Dr. Etefia Ekanem and Comrade Edidiong Peter. The question is "Why the sudden auctioning?"

It is instructive for all LAWSANites to note that, it is not wrong to change a Chambers name, but such a chamber must undergo the legal process of doing so. On this note, I advise the current Advocate General, who is also the the President of LAWSAN Bar Association,that if at all, the alleged intention to change the Chambers name is true, he should behave as a Senior Advocate of LAWSAN, approach the House of Assembly, set the legislative machinery in motion for the amendment of the LAWSAN constitution as enshrined in section 1-7, if it sails through, then, the House is bound to amend the appropriate Section in order to insert the new name for the purpose of recognition as enshrined by Section 54.

However, anything short of what the Constitution says shall be resisted within the bounds of the law.

Paapa Akpan.
Const. IV.
Legal Consultant

An open letter to the President Elect by Aluzu

An Open Epistle To His Excellency Iyene John (LAWSAN President Elect)

Aluzu Ebikebuna Augustine was trying to make common sense as he writes an open letter to the newly elected LAWSAN President, read the content of the letter below:

Mr. President, like thousands of friends and associates both within and outside the faculty, I want to say congratulations on your most deserved victory in the just concluded LAWSAN Presidential elections which I consider the most transparent presidential election in the history of Our Dear Faculty (because none has ever been so keenly contested like this one) in terms of everything; from the pre- election campaign, campaign proper, propaganda against members of your campaign organization, to the final elections on 22/1/2016.

Yes it wasn't an easy one because for once, it was not about some group of "elite kingmakers" deciding the selection process and anointment formalities and
strategically/systematically foistening on the people their stooges. But this time around, the various campaign trains went down to Constituencies and Hostels, and the people, being the true deciding factor, featured prominently in the process of how, who and why a particular candidate should emerge as
their President. Indeed, this election has lend life to Section 14(1), Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

Iyene John (LAWSAN President Elect 2015/2016)

Despite the many negative reportage that characterised the entire build up to the processes with various malpractices; from financial inducement to threats and even blackmail, to attempt to stifle the people even at the LAWSAN Congress. The people felt the importance of their role in deciding who occupies the LAWSAN 'Iron Throne'. Nonetheless, This time, even in the face of threats, blackmails and various propagandas, the people - both young and old, women and men - came out and stood their grounds; they queued up and decided who they wanted with their thumbs.

Many fell victims even as some ended up at the receiving end of some undemocratic campaign strategies unbridled which led to infantile emission of cheap talks just to hew huge political points. Irrespective of the causes and misgivings from the perpetrators of the callous acts, the people showed the world how courageous they are as LAWSANites and how they can face even danger with heavy security presence at the polls a testament, when they really wants to make a statement as LAWSANites.

That is why, at this juncture in our history, more than ever, I will say: Mr President Sir, "Please DON'T disappoint those who have sacrificed for this course and NEVER let down the confidence of all the people that stood, fought and voted for you across the Faculty" because everyone of them are the reason for this successful revolution.

Remember, without money, Godfathers, or other elders at your disposal, our poor LAWSANites came out on their empty stomach's as early as 7:30am to the polling boots just to make sure they cast their votes. 

I wish to advice that in nocircumstances should there be a divide or preference attention in your prospective dealings with any part of the Faculty or LAWSANites (please do not entertain the politics of preferred
constituencies) because everyone played their role and even those that voted for the opposition, make your victory even more resounding. Always remember this! Everybody in the Faculty should be carried along as much as possible even as you double your efforts to BETTER the Lives of LAWSANites and transform our Faculty beyond rhetoric, to enable her attain the desired height as the true Prestigious Faculty by restoring her integrity.

Dear crowned Prince Sir, as you are fondly called, please do well to play the role of a people's leader and not a
Ruler this time around. I urge you to serve LAWSANites BETTER irrespective of STATUS, in all sincerity and faithfully; and not to foster anymore government of 'pleasing some few political elites, sycophants and elders'. You must Always remember that, it's the poor people that sacrificed for the victory you are celebrating today. CONSIDER your election as a 'test of fire' to see if truly you can and will keep to your words and promises as a man of integrity, who has been given a much tasking chance to prove critics wrong and also prepared to write his name in the sands of time. Let industry, hard work and innovation be rewarded in your administration, review the LAWSAN Constitution and let LAWSANites have a feeling of contribution towards your policies.

History and posterity has opened a new record and would judge accordingly; you've been given a chance to set the pace for aspiring indigent LAWSANites, that indeed, good name is better than riches.

Don't forget that this opportunity will in one way or the other determine the continuous followership of your personality and affiliation, both in and outdide the Faculty. Try as much as you can not to create room for the people to regret supporting and voting for you; Your Excellency, don't give us
the impression that this victory was just a mere political exercise and so can be taken for granted without recourse for the price paid for it. 

Don't give room for people to start
clamouring for an alternative mandate because definitely your performance and disposition towards the people will equally determine the attention and disposition you and your associates will get in future elections. Do well to heal the wounds of those affected (even those with wounded pride), healing their wounds will mark the starting point for true reconciliation and bonding. Trust in your new leadership and governance, this way, all hands will be on deck to make LAWSAN great and BETTER than it is right Now.

I want to wish you well, and specifically dedicate this victory to the people, who came out even in the sunny Friday, to confront and conquer an actual Tyrant and cast their votes.

Congratulations to all LAWSANites!

Long Live the Good People of LAWSAN Uniuyon!!
Long Live Akwa Ibom State!!!
Long Live Nigeria!!!

Aluzu Ebikebuna Augustine

I am Hon. Aluzu Ebikebuna Augustine
Member representing Constituency III, LAWSAN Legislative Council.

Breaking News!!! Imaobong Ekwere begs the new LAWSAN President for a soft landing

The propaganda machine of LAWSAN during the just concluded Presidential election who goes by the sobriquet Imaobong Ekwere begs the newly elected LAWSAN President Iyene John for a soft landing.

Breaking News!!! Iyene John wins LAWSAN election

Iyene John wins LAWSAN election, flaws Opposition 388 to 243

I am in the race for LAWSAN presidency to restore the integrity of LAWSAN

Our team of Reporters caught up with a foremost Presidential Aspirant of LAWSAN, inspite of his busy schedule, he granted us an interview.

read the excerpts.

Who is Inyene John?

Inyene John is just a simple human being, I was born in a quiet Village in Akwa Ibom state and that makes me a Nigerian. I am a Christian. I am presently by the grace of God a final year Law student of the University of Uyo.

Inyene John

Recently, you have become a much-talked about personality in LAWSAN to the extent of almost looking larger than life, what's the secret of your charisma? I mean what makes people like you this much?

Hahahha, I am really humbled to hear that from you, but I am just aware for the first time. I do not think I am anyway close to being larger than  life. I am just someone like any other person, probably, if you say people like me, it can only be because I love people, I really do... I listen to them when they are down and rejoice with them when they are up, that's probably the reason, i do not give up on people,I do not give them money, i do just the little things within my capacity to make them happy,I believe I have been able to grasp the meaning of real happiness by identifying with people, not when you need them but when they need you.

Why are you in the race?

This is a very critical question. Initially, I was not keen about this course, I am a very conservative person. I thought I could hide and make my grades and graduate and become a Lawyer, but I discovered that along the line that people, students are not really satisfied about so many things in LAWSAN and i have this gift of reading questions on people's faces, when I listen to them, I hear words of deep sorrows, sadness and hope regarding LAWSAN. I am not really skilful in boastfulness, but I am in the race for LAWSAN presidency to restore the integrity of LAWSAN, and return the Association to the students. I want to bring back those glory days of LAWSAN grants and academic laurels, not only physical development, but mental revival and excellence.

Inyene John at 2015 LAWSAN dinner

Many perceive that you do not have a Godfather and as such, you may have financial difficulty.

Hahahha... You know, it is really a funny thing to hear that peopke have Godfathers in Students Associations, it is really really funny. But I want to state here that, i am just a student, and what I have are the students, with the support and protection of God, and the encouragement of my fellow students, I do not think I need any other Godfather. I have discovered that one with God is majority.

Do you do campaign of calumny?

This is a very good question. You know, as a student of law, I know the legal implication of calumny, and will not want to engage in it for whatever reason. As a person, I am guided by the principles of the Christian religion which says "remove the log from your eyes before you see it in the eyes of your fellow man" and as such, I have never indulged in it. However, and as expected in politics, people do it for political reasons. We have heard many demeaning things said against our personalities, but I have always advised that we play according to the rules of honour, having recourse to the fact that, LAWSAN is but a transit camp in out earthly sojourn.

The Prince Relaxing

One last word for LAWSANites

Remain stoic, trust in your dreams, come out en-masse and prove to the world that indeed, in every situation #Godwin.

BREAKING NEWS: LAWSAN ELECTION TIMETABLE OUT!!!

Breaking News!!!
LAWSAN Election Timetable Out!

The LAWSAN Election Commission on Friday 15/1/2016 released the timetable for the LAWSAN Election.

The election which is to hold on 21 of this month is the most publicized and unpredictable election in the anals of LAWSAN elections.

See Timetable below:

S/NEventDate/DayTimeVenue1SALE OF FORMS

LIGTING OF BANSFri, 15/1/2016


Fri, 15/1/201612pm2SUBMISSION OF FORMSTue, 19/1/201610am - 6pm3SCREENING OF ASPIRANTSWed, 20/1/201612pm - 2pmLAH4MANIFESTO PRESENTATIONThur, 21/1/201612pmLAH5ACCREDITATION

VOTING PROPER Fri, 22/1/2016


Fri, 22/1/20167am - 12pm


12pm - 3pm

Forms for various political offices are on sale now, contact Essien Ekereobong (Eleco Secretary) 08065554689

10 Reasons You Should Vote Iyene John for LAWSAN President

1. INTELLIGENT
In January 2009, Americans were faced with a dilemma of choosing between John McCain, a war hero, who will die for America and Barack Obama, an intelligent youngman who had the answer to the problems of United States of America.. Americans chose Obama, not for the mere fact that he is black, it was because ideas rule the world and at that time, Obama was proffering solutions to the problems America was faced with.

Lawsanites will also chose Inyene because he has the solutions to the numerous problems facing lawsanites especially human capacity development and one most unique trait in him is that he doesn't lack solutions to a problem, if you doubt me, fire him with a hypothetical problem and watch him break it down realistically. His position at the top of his Class is a clear testament to his intelligence. Iyene John is a beacon of hope to countless LAWSANites as he has proven that though money can by grades, it cannot by good brains.

2. HONESTY
One quality that eludes most of the politicians we have in our nation Nigeria, Inyene John is honest to the core. He will always tell you what it is and not what you want to hear, that is why most people like him.

3. APPROACHABLE AND OPTIMISTIC
If a poll should be conducted on which lawsanite is the most approachable, i wouldnt be surprise if Inyene John is at the summit. He is not proud, good at listening, he is always available because he stays in the hostel most times, he relates with everyone very
well because he feels, as a leader he should be a servant and not a BOSS. I like his optimism even when people think there is no hope, he always believes there will be a way.

4. HUMBLE AND CONFIDENT
Humility is his watch word, though he is badly intelligent, he doesn't let that get into his head. Inyene John respects everyone including his different opponents, despite the series of unfair attacks in the form of propagandas he
receives on daily basis.Just like Jesus' disciples, he doesnt allow it to affect who he is-a strong trait of a great leader.

He is also very confident in all his actions and that he will deliver on all his promises.

5. SIMPLICITY
I was fairly young when Barack Obama was doing his campaign to become the President of the United State Of America. The first black man ever to have dared to try that. His campaign slogan 'YES WE CAN' inspired me.

Mc'Cain his opponent, a white man, has a stronghold in Los Angele's which by virtue of its population, was densely populated by the whites, and it was predicted that Obama will lose woefully in Los Angeles.

Probably because Los Angeles was full of rich white folks. Obama courageously mounted the rostrum and in his effort to make his campaign speech he said "Dear country men and women, I have tasted what it feels like to walk 50 miles from my house to school, and I have also had the privilege of driving in porch cars, I think I am balanced to lead both the rich and the poor" immediately after that speech, the scale of voting started increasing, Obama's scale increased and towered above Mc'Cain's.

This young intellectual can be likened to Obama in LA who knows what it feels to trek to school on a sunny day. Inyene John is capable of leading both the rich and the poor

6. STRONG CHARACTER
In the midst of a gentle and meek soul is a very strong character that stands for justice, Inyene John can go to the end of the world and back to see you smile, he makes every LAWSANites problem his own. He is always uncomfortable when a LAWSANite is uncomfortable. I saw this when a colleague of mine approach him based on a missing test result last semester,he provided solutions which was followed and the
issue was resolved.

7. A TRUE CHRISTIAN
A true christian, Inyene John possess all the qualities of a true christian as required by the holy book, his shibboleth is same as God's and above all, he is God fearing.

8. TEACHER
He has worked as a teacher, he is a successful teacher who has all the weaponry in his vessel to quench the fire in LAWSAN and rebrand it, he has the experience to turn the tide,
he knows how to help LAWSANites to improve on their grade, better grades.

9. HARDWORKING AND INDEPENDENT
Inyene John works very hard, we can see that in his grades, he does not give up when it matters most, he is always there for anyone even non-Lawsanites. He is independent because as we all know, he is on his own, no sponsors, no godfather, so he owes his loyalty to no one but God, him and him alone...

10. IDEAS AND COMMITMENT
Ideas they say rules the world, a man sat down and thought about travelling to the moon, he made the necessary device. It was ideas that made that possible, not age or experience. He has little money compared to others but he is loaded with ideas and as we know Ideas rule the world... Inyene John knows how to get things done and not just getting things done, but in the right way and manner...His commitment to his life ideals and ideas is second to none.

The best hand to leave LAWSAN in!!!...and one more thing,he is always happy and smiles alot # lols ...maybe because he knows God will never let him down because his plans for LAWSAN are genuine!!!

#IamForInyeneJohn
# GodblessINYENEJOHN
# GodblessTEAMGODWIN
# GodblessLAWSANFAMILY
# GodblessLAWSAN
# GodblessUNIUYO
# GodblessNIGERIA

Written by - AKANINYENE ARCHIBONG
Edited by - Aluzu Ebikebuna Augustine