DISCLAIMER: “I Neither Issued Nor Authorised Purported Mid-West Bar Forum Goodwill Message”- Maikyau, SAN

My attention has been drawn to a ‘goodwill message’ purportedly issued by me captioned “Y. C. Maikyau SAN felicitates with Midwest Bar Forum on its quarterly meeting, commends it on its consistency” appearing in various blogs/online publications on 2nd April, 2022 with respect to the Mid-West Bar Forum (MWBF) factional meeting which took place in Benin on April 2, 2022.

I categorically state that I neither issued nor authorised that “goodwill message”, the subject matter of that publication and the one contained in the brochure of the said meeting. I did not at any time whatsoever have knowledge of the publication which was attributed to me nor was my consent obtained before the publications were made.

I remain committed to ensuring a strong and united Bar. It is my fervent hope that the MWBF remains free of controversy and division. For avoidance of doubt, I acknowledge and recognise the MWBF led by our esteemed and indefatigable Past President Chief T.J.O Okpoko, SAN, OON.

I have continued to reach out to various Bar leaders of the MWBF particularly, Past NBA Presidents, Branch leaders and other stakeholders, on possible ways of ensuring that the MWBF remains united. It is not my intention either now or in the future, to do or omit to do, anything that will cause disaffection within the Bar in any part of Nigeria.

Yakubu Chonoko (YC) Maikyau, SAN