…unveils new partner
By Vivian Okejeme
As part of the activities to mark it’s Founders Day, a law firm, Law Corridor, Thursday tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the need for a credible elections in 2027, noting that electoral credibility begins before polling day.
According to the firm, accurate records, lawful procedures, and meaningful public scrutiny are also essential if the commission must earn the public confidence.
Meanwhile, the law firm unveiled Professor Olanrewaju A. Aladeitan, a Professor of Public and International Law at the University of Abuja as a partner at Law Corridor.
The Firm expressed that the occasion allows it to reflect on journey, recognise those who have contributed to its growth and renew commitment to diligence, professional excellence, integrity and service.
The Managing Partner
Law Corridor, Henry Kelechukwu Eni-Otu, who stated this at a media parley, organised as part of the firm’s Founders’ Week activities, enjoined INEC, to clearly communicate the applicable timelines, provide accessible opportunities for voters to inspect their records, and ensure effective procedures for claims, objections, and corrections.
The commission the firm said should also explain how compliance with party membership register requirements will be verified and enforced, subject to lawful safeguards for personal information.
While reeling out the firm concerns further, Eni-Otu who spoke on behalf of the law firm said under the Electoral Act 2026, section 19 he noted addresses the display or publication of the voters’ register, while section 77 addresses political-party membership registers and their submission to INEC before primaries, congresses and conventions.
While restating its lawyers responsibility to defend the rule of law, advocate necessary reforms and strengthen institutions that protect human rights and dignity, he also harped strongly on the issue of mental health, saying it requires effective healthcare, legal protection and sustained public investment.
The National Mental Health Act, according to the firm, must be supported by accessible services, trained personnel, and adequate funding.
They particularly advocated for the decriminalisation of attempted suicide under section 327 of the Criminal Code and section 231 of the Penal Code, where those provisions remain applicable.
“A person who survives a suicide attempt needs immediate protection, medical assessment, treatment, and continuing support. The threat of prosecution can discourage timely intervention.”
On enforcement of monetary judgments against government, the firm said the requirement is subject to judicial interpretation.
Citing Central Bank of Nigeria v. Lidan Engineering Limited & Others, the Supreme Court, the firm held reaffirmed that the Central Bank’s role as banker to government does not attract the consent requirement merely because the funds belong to a public institution.
While this clarification is welcome, the continued existence of the consent requirement the firm noted creates opportunities for delay in cases to which it applies.
“Successful litigants may spend years pursuing payment while their businesses suffer, and inflation erodes the value of their judgments.
“Government has access to appeals and applications for a stay of execution. An executive officer should not possess an additional, indefinite power to obstruct enforcement against the government that officer represents.
“We therefore call on the National Assembly to abolish the Attorney-General’s consent requirement and establish clear enforcement procedures supported by definite timelines, responsible budgeting and judicial oversight.
“Government must respect the judicial authority it expects citizens to obey.
The hallmark of the event was the admission of Professor Aladeitan as a partner at the Law corridor.
The don according to the firm, brings over two decades of experience in legal practice, scholarship, policy advisory, and institutional leadership.
He also has expertise in energy, natural resources, environmental and corporate commercial law.
While at Perchstone & Graeys, he served on the legal team that advised on the US$1.9 billion Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas project financing.
“He holds a doctorate in Law from the University of Abuja, a Master of Laws from Obafemi Awolowo University, and an MBA from Robert Gordon University, Scotland.
“Professor Lanre Aladeitan has served as a consultant to Law Corridor for several years and has contributed immensely to building the firm.
“His guidance, expertise, and commitment have been an important part of our development. We are therefore delighted to welcome him on board as a partner and look forward to his continued contribution to the firm’s growth,”
Concluding, the law firm promised to continue to contribute through legal analysis, public-interest advocacy, and constructive engagement with institutions responsible for reform and meaningful service to society.
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