SULYMAN MUHAMMED HASSAN KOSEMANI - CHAIRMAN ASPIRANT

MANIFESTO OF SULYMAN MUHAMMED HASSAN KOSEMANI (POPULARLY CALLED ESSENTIAL) VYING FOR THE POST OF CHAIRMAN OF NBA, ILORIN BRANCH

DECLARATION

It is my honour and privilege to formally declare my interest in vying for the post of the Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, Ilorin Branch for which I have a great passion and it is this passion that has kept me a regular feature in all branch’s activities.

MY PROFILE

I was born some decades ago in Igosun in Oyun Local Government of Kwara State. I started my career at Arabic School, particularly at Azzumuratul Adabiyatul Kamaliyah School for Arabic & Islamic Studies. Out of curiosity for Western knowledge, I went to the College of Education Ilorin for a Diploma in Arabic and Islamic studies between 1991 and 1993. I proceeded to Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin between 1996– 1998 for my Diploma in Common and Islamic Law. I attended the University of Ilorin between 2001 – 2004 where I obtained my Bachelor of Law (LLB) (Combined Hons). I equally attended Nigerian Law School, Kano Campus where I obtained my Barrister at Law (BL) in 2006. I proceeded to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife where I obtained my Master of Law (LLM) in 2012. I am currently a PhD Student at the Faculty of Law, University of Law.

Playing a leadership role since when I was in school. I was Secretary of the Association of Law Students, Department of Legal Studies, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin between 1996 and 1997 and later became the President of the Association between 1997 and 1998. I was awarded as best Department President during the period. Between 1997 and 1998 I was appointed as Chairman, the Constitution Drafting Committee, Institute of Administration, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin and later became the Vice President of the Institute of Administration, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.

When I was at the University of Ilorin I was made the National Secretary, National Association of Kwara State Law Students (NAKLAS), National Headquarters, Ilorin and between 2003 and 2004, and I later emerged as National President, Nigerian Association of Kwara State Law Students, National Headquarters. I was elected President Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), University of Ilorin and later appointed as Coordinator for the North Central Zone. At National Youth Service, I was appointed Assistant State Secretary, Muslim Corpers’ Association of Nigeria, Delta State, and President, NYSC Legal Aid Group, Sapele, Delta State.

My work experience started during my youth service as Counsel with Chief Egbonoje & Co in Sapele. After my youth service, I joined Tunde Olomu & Co. and I was with him till I joined the Kwara State Ministry of Justice. I am equally a part-time Lecturer with the Institute of Chartered Account, Ilorin Study Center since 2008 till date.

I am married to Kosemani Rahmat Olayinka (Nee Balogun Gambari) and blessed with Children

MY SERVICE TO THE NBA

My passion to serve the Bar has prompted me to serve the Branch in different positions and capacities over the years and to remain consistent even when some of my peers have stopped being an active member.

I was elected as Financial Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association, Ilorin Branch between 2011 and 2013 and between 2016 and 2018 I was elected as Welfare Secretary. I was appointed as Chairman Welfare Committee by MAI Akande’s administration and Alternate Chairman, the Bar Directory Committee by Abdulganiyu Administration. I was a member of various committees at different times which are:-

• Financial Secretary, Ilorin Branch, 2011 – 2013
• Welfare Secretary, Ilorin Branch, 2015 - 2018
• NBA Ilorin Continue Legal Education Committee, 2010
• NBA Ilorin Dinner Committee, 2011.
• NBA Ilorin Branch Dinner Committee, 2012
• NBA Ilorin Branch, Committee of Book Publication in Honour of Hon. Justice Issa Ayo Salami OFR, PCA (Rtd), 2013.
• Member LOC, Muslim Lawyers’ Conference, 2013.
• Yusuf Ali SAN Laptop revolving Scheme, 2011 – 2013.
• NBA Ilorin Non-interest Cooperative Society, 2011 – 2013.
• NBA Ilorin 2012 Biennial Law Week, 2012.
• NBA Ilorin Dinner Committee, 2015.
• Member LOC, NBA NEC Meeting, 2016.
• NBA Ilorin Branch 2016 Dinner Committee, 2016.
• NBA Ilorin 2016 Biennial Law Week, 2016.
• NBA Ilorin Dinner Committee, 2016.

MY VISION STATEMENT

I envision a vibrant and all-inclusive NBA that serves as a beacon of excellence in the legal profession, championing justice, integrity, and professionalism.

MY MISSION STATEMENT

My mission is to lead the Ilorin NBA with transparency, integrity, and a commitment to advancing the interests of our members while upholding the highest ethical standards.

CORE OBJECTIVES

1. Promote diversity, inclusivity, and equality within the NBA, fostering a culture of respect and collaboration among all members.
2. Advocate for the rights and welfare of members, ensuring fair treatment, free medical tests and representation within the legal community.
3. Implement innovative initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the NBA in serving the needs of its members.
4. Enhance the professional development opportunities for NBA members through advanced training programs and skill-building initiatives.
5. Launch mentorship programs to support young lawyers and provide guidance for career advancement.
6. Develop partnerships with other government organizations/agencies to expand networking opportunities and facilitate professional knowledge-sharing.
7. Enhance the NBA's online presence and communication channels to ensure transparent and timely dissemination of information to members.

 

The above objectives are designed to be achieved in the following ways:-

1. Unity of the Bar

   Promote and foster unity among the members of the Bar to create a strong and cohesive legal community. I will work to foster a culture of collaboration, unity, and inclusivity within the NBA Ilorin community, valuing diversity and promoting a sense of belonging among all members.

2. Professional Development and improvement of the Existing Programmes

   Apart from the statutory programs such as Law Week and Retreat, I will develop and implement comprehensive professional development programs to enhance the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of NBA members, equipping them for success in their legal careers particularly the implementation of NBA policy on the land instrument and regulations order of 2023.

3. Member Welfare

   I will prioritize the welfare and well-being of NBA members by providing support, resources, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement, and to support all members of the Bar by providing necessary resources, opportunities, and assistance.

   I will actively advocate for the rights and interests of NBA members, both within the legal profession and in society, to ensure their voices are heard and respected.

4. Collaboration with other Government Agencies

   Foster a positive and collaborative relationship between the Bar and other government agencies. A structure will be established with the aims of interfacing with government agencies such as the Nigerian Police Force, EFCC, NDLEA State Security Service, NSDC, the KWAGIS and any other agency with whom members habitually interact on behalf of their Client in order to promote legal reforms, protect the rights of citizens, and ensure the effective functioning of the justice system.

5. Communication Strategy

   I will establish clear and effective communication channels to facilitate open dialogue, feedback, and engagement with NBA members, ensuring that their concerns and feedback are heard and addressed promptly.

6. Bar and Bench Relationship

   Strengthen the relationship between the Bar and the Bench to enhance the administration of justice, promote transparency, and uphold the rule of law. I will immediately constitute a Judiciary Relations Committee that will be made up of respected Seniors members of the Bar. The focus of the Committee is to improve dialogue with the bench (both higher and Lower) with a view to achieving efficient and effective service delivery. The terms of reference of the committee would include raising constructive dialogue with the judiciary regarding issues around the use of efficient case management tools such as electronic notification of court sitting arrangements, particularly at the Lower Courts.

7. Bar Center

   The maintenance and management of the Bar Center will be given priority and will make it more conducive for the members. We shall seek to equip the center with functional operational facilities for members who need it as an operational base work and/or for meetings with clients from time to time.

8. Medical Tests

   Health is essential in human endeavour, I plan to organise public lectures on some deadly deceases such as Hepatitis B, High Blood Pressure, diabetes, Sugar level, and HIV. Free tests on each of the mentioned deadly deceases will be conducted with maximum confidentiality.

9. Indor Sport and Sporting Activities

   Work without play makes Jack a dull boy, sporting activities will be given utmost priority particularly vacation indoor sport activities while members will be encouraged on the periodic exercise through making use of Prof. Yusuf Ali SAN Gymnastic Centre which located inside the NBA House.

10. E-Library and Internet Facility at the Bar Centre

    The existing NBA Library which was facilitated by MAI Akande’s led Administration will be given serious attention where the electronic law reports and other online libraries will be installed to enhance members on their research. The electronics law report and e-library will be installed on the available Apple gadgets provided by our referred Prof. Yusuf Ali, SAN in our Library.

    To maintain and sustain the high speed internet facilities which was installed by the outgoing Executive ably led by kamaldeen Gambari at the Bar Centre, this is to facilitate and enhance research, communication, and access to legal resources for all members.

11. Facilitation of ADR Training

    The past Executive particularly, the Abdulganiyu Bello led administration facilitated the training of ADR to Ilorin. It is my plan to also do the same and liase with body to bring the training to Ilorin for the benefit of interested members instead of travelling to Lagos or Abuja.

12. Reviving of NBA Non-Interest Cooperative

    A non-interest Corporative Society was registered by the Branch by the past administration led by Chief Rafiu Oyeyemi Balogun, SAN, but the corporative has problems of sustenance. It is my desire to revive it and make it become the best among the equals.

13. Transparency and Accountability

    I am committed to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability in all NBA operations, ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of the association and its members.

 

CONCLUSION

I need the support of your eminent to mount the saddle of chairman. And by the grace of Almighty Allah and with your support, this Branch will witness two years of development, vibrancy, and innovations that we will all be so glad about.

Thank you and God Bless you for listening

SMH KOSEMANI ESQ
Candidate for the office of Chairman
NBA, Ilorin Branch