THE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) yesterday in Abuja described as 'unconstitutional' the declaration of political autonomy and self-determination by the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) and the people of Bakassi.At a press conference in Abuja on the association's preparation for its 52nd yearly general conference, the association's outgoing President, Chief Joseph Daudu (SAN), said the constitution forbade any act of secession by any part of the country.'It is unconstitutional for any part to seek to break away or act in any manner as to suggest secession,' Daudu stated.He charged President Goodluck Jonathan to denounce the secession bid of the Ogoni and any other part of the country.Daudu said:'The government should take steps to denounce it. There is no constitutional provision for state flag. The government should come out to denounce it. No right to self-determination under the constitution.'But he drew a fine line between a state 'adopting jingles that extol the virtues and values of the culture of that particular state from an outright act of secession. Extolling the virtue of your state is not an anthem. That is permissible. It must be done within the ambit of Nigeria. Secession is illegal as isolation and independence is not allowed under our laws,' he added.In a live broadcast on a newly-established radio station ' Voice of Ogoni, MOSOP President and Spokesman, Dr. Goodluck Diigbo, on August 2, 2012 declared political autonomy from Nigeria thus: 'By this declaration of political autonomy, we, the Ogoni people, are determined to enforce the United Nations (UN) Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples, without fear or retreat.'He said self-government within Nigeria would secure for the Ogoni people their indigenous rights, enable them to meet their needs and interests and finally end internal colonialism.On the threat by some members of the association to organise protest at the venue of the conference because of the high fees payable for qualification to participate at the conference, Daudu advised such members to stay back in their houses instead of coming to Abuja to breach the peace.He justified the imposition of the fees, saying it would make the association to be independent.According to him, instead of going cap in hand to beg for funds, the association took the decision to charge some fees.As shown in the leaflets printed to herald the conference, lawyers with one to five years at the Bar will pay N20,000 while those with six to 10 years post-call experience will pay N30,000. Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) will pay N150, 000 and judges N75,000. Political office holders will pay N200,000.Why warning those who would not pay not to come near the venue, Daudu said the association would not allow any form of demonstration or protest at the event.He said: 'Some branches have said that they would not attend. Don't come to the conference venue if you don't pay. We will not allow anybody to breach the peace. The best thing for them to do is to keep away. If you don't have tags, don't come near the conference. We need to ensure the safety of those who will be participating.'Daudu also reacted to the criticisms, which greeted the just-concluded association's election, saying it was free and fair.'We have no interest in who succeed us. We have no need to impose candidates. We left it open.
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