The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), under Paul Usoro as its President may not condone the rule of law abuses by the present Federal Government, a retired Permanent Secretary has hinted.
The President Buhari-led government had since refused to obey some court directives, including orders that granted bail to the detained former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, retd, as well as a judgment that ordered immediate release of detained leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, Sheikh Ibrahimm El-Zakzaky and his wife.
The NBA had on May 29 when the country marked its democracy day, scored President Buhari’s administration low on respect of the rule of law, saying it was “appalled at the continued detention of certain individuals in blatant disobedience to court orders.”
Speaking with Straightnews, Dr. Nestor Udoh, a retired Permanent Secretary in Akwa Ibom State government described Usoro as “a no-nonsense person who may clash with the Federal government on the rule of law abuses.”
Both are kinsmen in that Usoro was born in Ukana Ikot Ntuen while Udoh was born in Ikpe Annang all in Essien Udim local government area of Akwa Ibom State.
“He is a principled person. He is very intelligent and unassuming in conduct. He is transformational not transactional in dealings. He is deep in thinking and loves research works,’’ Udoh described Paul.
Udoh recapped ‘’We all attended the University of Ife and he was my senior. While he read Law, I read Medicine and Surgery. When he told me that he wanted to contest as President of Law Students Association in a predominantly dominated Yoruba community, I was worried. But then, he campaigned and eventually won the election. In fact, he is a good mixer.’’
‘’In the Faculty of Law, some students reported to him that four female students colluded with two lecturers to cheat. Though other students discouraged him from reporting the activities of the cheats, Usoro, however, reported the matter to the university’s Senate. The investigation team set up discovered that the students and lecturers actually cheated. The students were rusticated while the lecturers were dismissed.’’
According to him, ‘’I did not have any fear about his ambition and ability to become NBA President. He had prepared for the position for many years. To aspire for the position and qualify for election, you must pay NBA dues consistently for 10 years. I told a friend in Uyo Club that Usoro I know would win the election, but he doubted me. Bieng a consistent, dogged and meticulous person, he eventually won. He deserves it.’’
Born on September 7, 1958, Usoro studied Law at the University of Ife, Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife), Osun State, Nigeria where he obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree (with Honours) in 1981. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1982.
During his compulsory National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) he had a stint with the Benue State House of Assembly and thereafter served at George Uloko & Co in Makurdi where he cut his teeth in advocacy practice.
In 1983, he joined Sani Mohammed Kuso & Co in Kaduna. His hard work and intellect resulted in a rapid elevation to Head of Litigation, leading the Firm in complex litigation matters including about 12 House of Assembly election petitions in Niger State sequel to the 1983 elections and also the representation of three key persons before the Awoniyi Commission of Inquiry in Niger State in 1984.
In 1985, Paul founded PUC in Kaduna. In 1992, the headquarters of PUC was established in Lagos with the Kaduna office still operational until 2003 when the northern operations were consolidated into a new branch office in Abuja. Today, PUC is a full-service Nigerian commercial law firm, with its principal office in Lagos, and two branches in FCT, Abuja and Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.
Married to Mfon, herself a lawyer, Paul Usoro, SAN, was elevated to the Inner Bar as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2003.
Usoro, who was at the Annual General Meeting of NBA in Abuja spoke briefly with Straightnews reporter on Tuesday, August 28 and assured to grant full interview to the newspaper.
