Justice of Nigeria to Speak at Columbia Law School
Umar Abdullahi to Discuss Judicial Independence
And the Rule of Law in Nigeria
Press Contact: Sonia von Gutfeld, 212-854-1453, [email protected]
March 28, 2008 (NEW YORK) – Hon. Justice Umar Abdullahi, CON, the President of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, will discuss the importance of judicial independence in strengthening democracy, the rule of law and the fair dispensation of justice in Nigeria during a visit to Columbia Law School on April 4. Justice Abdullahi will also address the role of electoral tribunals in Nigeria’s two most recent general elections.
The event is hosted by the Nigerian Lawyers Association (NLA) in collaboration with the Africa Committee of The ABA Section of International Law and the African Law Student Association of Columbia Law School.
WHAT: Judicial Independence and the Rule of Law in Nigeria
WHEN: Friday, April 4, 2008, 6-7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Columbia Law School, Jerome Greene Hall, Room 105, 435 W. 116 Street, between Amsterdam Ave. and Morningside Drive, New York City. Via subway: #1 train to 116 Street (Broadway)/Columbia University.
Justice Abdullahi has served since his appointment in 1999 as President of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, the nation’s second highest court. Since 1977, he has served in various judicial capacities including Chief Judge of Katsina State, Nigeria, and Judge of the Court of Appeal of the Republic of Gambia. Prior to attaining judicial office, he served as Attorney General of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Justice Abdullahi is a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Legal Studies and a distinguished fellow of the Nigerian Law School.
The Nigerian Lawyers Association, based in the United States, is active in cultivating the science of jurisprudence and facilitating the administration of justice in the Untied States, Nigeria and elsewhere and serves the needs of members of the Nigeria legal community, as well as the Nigerian community as a whole, in their understanding of and access to the law.
The African Law Student Association (ALSA) is dedicated to promoting legal education about the African continent. Founded at Columbia Law School two years ago, ALSA provides a forum for students, professors and professionals to meet and pursue their interest in Africa. The organization sponsors events that provide insight into African laws, cultures, history and the relationship between Africa and the rest of the world.
Columbia Law School, founded in 1858, stands at the forefront of legal education and of the law in a global society. Columbia Law School joins traditional strengths in international and comparative law, constitutional law, administrative law, business law and human rights law with pioneering work in the areas of intellectual property, digital technology, sexuality and gender, and criminal law.