FBA Constitution 2021/2022 PDF

FUTASU BAR ASSOCIATION 2021/2022 AMENDED CONSTITUTION FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AKURE ARRANGEMENT Oath of induction Oath of Offices Colors of the association ARTICLE I (S.1) NAME (S.2) ADDRESS (S.3) MOTTO ARTICLE II (S.4) SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION ARTICLE III (S.5) AIMS AND OBJECTI...

FUTASU BAR ASSOCIATION 2021/2022 AMENDED CONSTITUTION FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AKURE ARRANGEMENT Oath of induction Oath of Offices Colors of the association ARTICLE I (S.1) NAME (S.2) ADDRESS (S.3) MOTTO ARTICLE II (S.4) SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION ARTICLE III (S.5) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARTICLE IV (S.6) MEMBERSHIP (S.7) DUTIES AND PRIVILEGES (S.8) CODE OF CONDUCT (S.9) MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION (S.10) GRAND PATRON ARTICLE V (S.11) THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (S.12) THE CHAIRMAN (S.13) VICE CHAIRMAN (S.14) GENERAL SECRETARY (S.15) ASSISTANCE GENERAL SECRETARY (S.16) PUBLIC RELATION OFFICER (S.17) TREASURER (S.18) FINANCIAL SECRETARY (S.19) DUTIES OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY (S.20) REGULATION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING ARTICLE VI (S.21) CONSTITUTION REVIEW COMMITTEES (ROLES: CODE OF CONDUCT SHOULD BE CREATED BY THE CRC AND ENFORCED BY THE EDC) (S.22) ETHICS AND DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE (S.23) ELECTORAL COMMITTEE (S.24) PUBLICATION COMMITTEE (S.25) WELFARE COMMITTEE ARTICLE VII (S.26) RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL FROM OFFICE (S.27) THE GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE FUTASU BAR ASSOCIATION ARTICLE VIII (S.28) AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION ACKNOWLEDGMENT  THE OATH OF INDUCTION (For Call-To-Bar) I, ______________________________________________________ do solemnly swear/affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the ____________________________________ that as a Barrister of ______________ Chamber, I will discharge my duties to the best of my abilities, faithfully and in accordance with the constitution of the _________________________ and the law, and always in integrity, solidarity, well-behave and prosperity of the __________________________________ and _____________________________________. That I will not allow my personal interests to influence my official decisions, that I will, abide by the code of conduct contained in the constitution of the FUTASU Bar Association and the FUTA Student Union (FUTASU). That in all circumstances, I will do right to all manner of people according to the law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. That I will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any person any matter, which shall become known to me as a Barrister of the FUTA Student Union, except as, may be required for the due discharge of my duties as a Barrister of the FUTASU Bar Association. SO HELP ME GOD! OATH OF OFFICE FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OFFICERS I _____________________________________ (full name) do solemnly swear/affirm that I will bear true allegiance to the FUTASU Bar Association and discharge my duties faithfully and in accordance with the FUTASU Bar Association Constitution and always in the best interest, integrity and well-being of the Association; that I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official decisions and I will strive in all circumstances to defend the ethics of the profession, the rule of law and the independence of the Bar. SO HELP ME GOD! THE FBA COLORS Black represents submission to justice. White represents truthfulness and transparency in all arguments ARTICLE I S.1 NAME The association shall be known and addressed as FUTASU Bar Association. S.2 ADDRESS The Student Union Secretariat (Building), Federal University of Technology Akure; where the administrative activities of the association shall be carried out thoroughly. S.3 MOTTO The motto shall be VOICE OF THE VOICELESS ARTICLE II S.4 THE SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION 1. The constitution is of supreme authority, and all its provisions hold binding power over every member of the association. 2. If any other law, resolution, directive, or action contradicts this constitution and fails to align with its principles, this constitution will take precedence. Any such conflicting resolution, directive, or action shall be deemed null and void to the extent of its inconsistency. 3. Through this constitution, the association is empowered to initiate legal actions (Sue) and can also be subject to legal proceedings (Be Sue). 4. Whenever a ⅔ majority is referenced in this constitution, it shall denote the nearest whole number approximation to two-thirds (⅔). ARTICLE III S.5 AIMS AND OBJECTIVE 1. To ensure the well-being and interests of all barristers within the association. 2. To foster cooperation, and unity among its members. 3. To establish a platform for the sharing of knowledge, ideas, and innovations among all barristers. 4. To actively contribute to the advancement of the union. 5. To instill principles of leadership and tolerance among members. 6. To actively discourage any instance of inhumane and unethical behavior among the association's members. ARTICLE IV S.6 MEMBERSHIP 1. All interested person(s) that have been called to bar. 2. The Attorney General of the student union 3. Membership shall be valid for one parliamentary session after which interested candidates should reapply. 4. Membership is mandatory for all barristers, notwithstanding the post or appointment. 5. Membership is open to all matriculated students of the institution. 6. Members of the association are expected to be financial members of the association S.7 DUTIES AND PRIVILEGES 1. All members shall contribute to the progress of the association 2. All members shall participate at activities of the association with all diligence and commitment 3. Obtain on first registration, a copy of the association’s constitution 4. Shall pay all dues which shall be decided by the congress men 5. Shall use the facilities provided and recognized by the association 6. Vote and to be voted for S.8 CODE OF CONDUCT 1. Every member shall behave in all orderly manner at the association 2. On no account should a member miss two consecutively meetings; else will face a disciplinary committee 3. All members must attend at least 2/3 (two third) of the meetings organized by the association else will face the disciplinary committee 4. All chambers must meet at least twice in a month 5 Use of foul and disrespectful language in both physical and online gatherings of the association is highly prohibited. Culpable members shall face the EDC. S.9 MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION 1. There will be a meeting (congress) twice in a month or as agreed by the congress men, the time and venue will be decided by the congress men 2. It shall be the duty of the chairman acting through the general secretary to summon the meetings 3. The quorum shall be formed by 2/3 majority of members after 15 minutes of the schedule time as long as the chairman, vice chairman and secretary general are in attendance 4. In case of emergency meetings 1/3 of the members shall form a quorum S.10 GRAND PATRON 1. The Grand Patron shall be decided by the congressmen i. FUTA Legal Adviser ……………… Patron ii. Attorney General of the State …………. Grand Patron The grand patron shall: I. Assist the association morally and financially. II. Give his/her maximum support towards any program embarked upon by the association III. Meet executive members of the association either collectively or through their representative at least twice in a session. IV. Give support and defend the association so as to guarantee the effective achievement of the objective of the association ARTICLE V S.11 THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL The executive council shall consist of: The Chairman Vice Chairman General Secretary Assistant general secretary Public relation officer Treasurer Financial Secretary S.12 THE CHAIRMAN 1. Shall be the chief spokesman of the Association. 2. Shall preside over all executive and general meetings 3. Shall summon through the general secretary all executive and general meetings 4. Shall be a co-signatory to all financial dealings of the association 5.Shall Be responsible for overall coordination of the activities and barristers of the association. 6. Shall be one of the Association’s Officers to represent the Associaton’s interest with the Authorities outside FBA. 7. Must be a returning barrister. S.13 VICE CHAIRMAN 1. Act for chairman in his/her absence 2. Assist the chairman in carrying out the activities of the association. 3. Shall be the head of the welfare committee. 4. Shall be in charge of the welfare of all members of the association. 5. Shall perform another role assigned to him/her by the chairman/chairperson. S.14 GENERAL SECRETARY 1. Shall be responsible for the secretariat duties of the association 2. Shall handle all correspondence of the association 3. Shall keep a minute and attendance registers of all general meetings 4. Shall summon a general meeting at the request of the chairman or at least 2/3 majority of the whole members of the association physically present. 5. Shall compile an annual report of the activities of FBA for the parliamentary year and present the same to the house, during its last business meeting. 6. Shall perform other role assigned to his/her office. S.15 ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY 1. Shall assist the general secretary in his/her duties. 2. Shall take minutes of the meeting in the absence of the general secretary. 3. Shall be responsible for the association identity card S.16 PUBLIC RELATION OFFICER 1. Shall publish and disseminate the information and matter concerning the association. 2. Shall maintain communication with the approval of the executive council with similar association. 3. Shall be the Editor-in-chief of the Association’s Magazine. 4. Shall ensure that notice of general meetings is disseminated within 72 hours before the commencement of the general meeting 5. Shall perform other role assigned to him/her legally. S.17 TREASURER 1. Be a signatory to the association account. 2. Make all payment or receipt of the money of the association to the FBA Account. 3. Shall remit all monies to the Association account within 24 hours of receipt. S.18 FINANCIAL SECRETARY 1. Shall keep a record of all subscription and dues of the association 2. Shall be a co-signatory to the association bank account. 3. Shall submit association financial report twice in each parliamentary session. 4. Shall prepare and submit statements of Account to the house twice at each parliamentary session. S.19 DUTIES OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1. Shall jointly make decision for the association. 2. Shall elect the caretaker committee if and when the need arises 3. Shall appoint members of i. Constitution Review Committee ii. Ethics and Disciplinary committee iii. Electoral committee iv. Welfare committee v. Publication committee 4. Member of the above committee shall cut across all chambers S.20 REGULATION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING 1. It shall be the duty of the Chairman, acting through the General Secretary, to summon the meeting of SEC. 2. Either the Chairman or the Vice-Chairman and Secretary or his/her assistant and any other four members shall constitute a quorum Executive meeting. 3. The principle of collective responsibility shall apply to all decisions of the Executive Council. 4. The Chairman will have the right to refer any executive member of the association to the EDC, and the executive member will stand impeached if changes are not seen in him/her. ARTICLE VI S.21 CONSTITUTION REVIEW COMMITTEE (CRC) 1. There shall be a constitution Review Committee comprising the chairman and other members with each chamber represented. 2. The Committee shall receive and deliberate on memoranda for suggested amendments from any member(s) of the association. 3. The committee may invite any member of the association to provide further information regarding any memorandum sent in by him/her. 4. The supervision of the production of new edition of the constitution shall be vested in CRC and shall be reviewed after five parliamentary sessions, if substantial amendment occurred within this period. S.22 ETHICS AND DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE 1. A member from each chamber shall constitute the disciplinary committee. 2. Shall determine the punishment to be met on erring individuals (whether he/she is to pay a fine, suspended or de-bar from the association). 3. Their decision should be subjected to ratification by the congress men. 4. Create and enforce the code of conduct of the association. S.23 Electoral Committee 1. There shall be an electoral committee which shall cut across all chambers 2. The members shall not be eligible to vote and be voted for in any of the association’s election 3. The conduct of the general election of the association shall be vested on the electoral committee 4. In case of an alleged misconduct of member(s) of the committee, a full investigation shall be carried out 5. If found guilty by the investigation panel, such member(s) shall be removed from the committee by the chairman and referred to the EDC for further punishment S.24 PUBLICATION COMMITTEE 1. There shall be a Publication Committee comprising a Chairman and a member from each chamber. 2. Shall serve as a committee of the FBA performing an oversight function for the PRO. 3. They shall ensure that the activities of the FBA are well-publicized. S.25 WELFARE COMMITTEE 1. There shall be a welfare committee comprising a Chairman and members from each chamber. 2. Ensure an efficient sanitation of the meeting venue of the association. 3. Ensure efficient health care for all members of the association (When stated by the Barrister Affected) S.26 Resignation and removal from office 1. Any officer (Executive/otherwise) willing to resign shall give at least 14 days official notice to the chairman, who will subsequently inform the congress if accepted by a simple majority of the house such resignation shall become valid. 2. In case of emergency meeting the members present shall have right to take a decision concerning the matter in question. 3. Any member of the association who is found guilty of gross misconduct shall be punished by the disciplinary committee. 4. If a vote of no confidence is passed on the entire executive council by 2/3 majority of the association, these must be an election of a caretaker committee by a general house, to look after the affair of the association for not more than 10 days within which a substantive election must hold. S.27 The General Council of the FUTASU Bar Association (GCFB) 1. The GCFB shall be a seven man committee, comprising of: The Attorney General of FUTASU as Chairman Acting FBA chairman A former FBA chairman or Attorney General Two Judges from the Judicial Council Two former barristers to be selected from the past parliamentary session 2. Shall be in charge of the recruitment of barristers (Returning and Intending) for the new parliamentary session 3. Shall organize the call to bar ceremony, creation and enrollment of chambers with the judicial council 4. Shall regulate its own proceedings. ARTICLE VIII S.28 AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION 1. CRC shall project amendment to the congress for ratification after considering memoranda sent by its members and any other member(s) of association. 2. The amendment of this constitution or any section or subsection shall be ratified by a ⅔ majority vote the members present and voting. 3. This constitution shall be reviewed after 5 parliamentary session. ACKNOWLEDGMENT The entire constitution review committee appreciates all barristers of the 2021/2022 Parliamentary session for their contribution towards this constitution. We say thank you. The members of constitution review committee 2020/2021 Parliamentary Session are 1. Barr. Oriade Abimbola Williams (AG) (CRC Chairman) 2. Barr. Omosule Oluwafemi (DCH) (CRC Secretary) 3. Barr. Ademiluyi Elliot (KRC) 4. Barr. Obatula Fuad (AEC) 5. Barr. Ola-ojo Emmanuel (TCH) 6. Barr. Aribisala Praise (AG) 7. Barr. Olatinwo Bolaji (ACH) ________________ ________________ Barr.Oriade Abimbola Williams Akinyemi Samuel O. (Esq) Attorney General 2021/22 Parliamentary session (CRC Chairman) GCFB Chairman