The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has disclaimed a recent statement attributed to John Aikpokpo-Martins and Funmi Adeogun regarding the issuance of Central Motor Registry Information System (CMRIS) certificates by the Nigeria Police Force.
NBA spokesperson Akorede Habeeb Lawal in a statement said the comment was made without the consent or authority of the association.
The NBA emphasized that Aikpokpo-Martins and Adeogun were removed from their positions as Chairman and Secretary of the NBA-Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) as of February 29, 2024. Their removal, along with other executive members, was followed by the appointment of a Caretaker Committee, headed by Sir Steve Adehi, SAN.
The statement said despite being aware of their removal, Aikpokpo-Martins and Adeogun had challenged this decision in court.
The NBA condemned their unauthorized issuance of statements as both a misrepresentation and gross misconduct.
While the NBA discredits the statement mentioned earlier, it recognizes the public concern over the new CMRIS levy.
Lawal said the NBA President, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, has initiated discussions with the Nigeria Police Force to reconsider this additional financial burden on citizens amidst Nigeria’s challenging economic conditions. A conference addressing the broader issue of multiple taxations is scheduled for July 18, 2024.
The NBA urges the public to disregard any unauthorized statements and reassures its commitment to advocating for fair economic policies.
