African Bar Council:

African Lawyers condemn dictatorship of African leaders

-Urge “Africa’s sit-tight presidents” to copy USA’s example

By Ajongakou Santos & Boris Esono

Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor-Balla, V.P.

for Central Africa, African Bar Council

Members of the African Bar Council believe Africa could be the best continent in the world should its “Sit-Tight Presidents” copy the good governance example of the United States of America.

                The Black Continent’s Law Barons are urging African leaders to clearly state in their constitutions the fixed terms of office for each leader. “Until this is done, the poor state of democracy and non-respect of laws will continue to be a major setback to the progress of our Continent,” the lawyers opined.

                According to them, presidential term limits will prevent “sit-tight” leaders from monopolizing the office of president.

Members of the African Bar Council echoed these remarks last Saturday, July 2, 2016 as they met in Buea for the 2nd extra-ordinary meeting of the council.

After the failed meeting in The Gambia, the second extra-ordinary meeting of the African Bar Council had as main agenda, to look at ways through which they can make the planned Ordinary Conference in Harare, Zimbabwe successful and hitch-free.

                To confirm this, the CEO of the Zimbabwe Bar Council said measures have been put in place to make sure that the conference is a success. He revealed that they have secured a venue, accommodation facilities, and the political support from the government of Zimbabwe.

Speaking to The Median on the importance of the meeting that brought together representatives from over 20 African countries, FAKLA president who doubles Vice-President of the Pan-African Bar Council for Central Africa, Barrister NKongho Felix AgborBalla, said the meeting was aimed to better plan for the 2016 Rebirth Conference billed for Zimbabwe.

                He regretted that some members from countries like Kenya, Uganda, Guinea and Equatorial Guinea could not make it for the meeting owing to VISA complications.

                Barrister Balla said the meeting discussed possibilities of harmonizing the travel system within the continent so as to ease the movement of people from one African country to the other.

                Chaired by the Vice Chairman of the African Bar Council, Barrister AgborBalla, last Saturday’s extraordinary meeting brought together prominent figures from some six countries; amongst them; Mrs. Eyom Josephine Anene (Nigeria), Chairperson of the African Women’s Forum, Chief Charles (Nigeria), member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Osuna (member of The Gambia Forum), Mr. Elvis Enow (CEO of the Zimbabwe Law Association), Felix-AgborBala (VP African Council and President of the Fako Lawyers Association), Barrister Frederick from Chad and a host of others.

                The Vice President of the Budget           Committee, Mr. Mark, requested that the Council should open an account to secure its huge finances and avoid transporting money in cash from one country to another. It was revealed that the participation fee for the Conference in Zimbabwe will be 200 Dollars for Africans and 500 Dollars for non-Africans.

                In his concluding remarks, Barrister Balla challenged members to do more in fighting global terrorism that has been neglected by Lawyers in Africa. To him, the conference in Zimbabwe will allow them discuss the continent’s security challenges and also seek their own contributions to Africa’s political stability. “The African Bar Council should be a role model for the younger generation to follow,” AgborBalla said.

                Meantime, Barrister AgborBalla has disclosed that there is a possibility of Cameroon hosting the 2017 Conference of the African Bar.