The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has justified its decision to extend an invitation to President Bola Tinubu to deliver the opening speech at its recently concluded conference.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The NBA maintained that President Tinubu currently holds the office of the President of Nigeria, based on the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the February 25 presidential election.
In an interview, NBA President Yakubu Maikyau emphasized that the law, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Electoral Act collectively affirm President Tinubu’s status as the country’s president….CONTINUE READING
Maikyau clarified that the NBA is a non-political organization and does not take sides in political matters. The invitation to President Tinubu was extended solely in acknowledgment of his position as the President of Nigeria.
According to Maikyau, “As far as the law is concerned today in this country, without prejudice to the pending petition against President Tinubu’s election and declaration, he is the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
” He emphasized that this stance is based on the law and not influenced by personal sentiments or individual preferences.
Addressing the presumption that arises when a public officer makes a declaration, Maikyau stated, “When anything has been declared by a public officer, there is a rebuttable presumption that all necessary steps have been taken and that the person making the declaration has the authority to do so.
Responding to whether the INEC chairman had the authority to declare President Tinubu, Maikyau affirmed, “Yes, he did.” This presumption, he explained, extends to President Tinubu as the candidate at that time, who is now the President under the auspices of the APC.
The presidential election petition tribunal is anticipated to deliver its rulings on the petitions on Wednesday, September 6.
