A WILL: Just To Let You Know 

By: Balami Lazarus

This piece of write-up is all about ‘ WiLL’. But I will briefly here in small measure say what I knew about Lawyers having interacted with some of them as friends and some through my students, lawyers are among the few professionals known to keep secrets of their clients in confidence and in documents. 

My interactions with them has opened my eyes on this subjects ( WILL ). They are equally expensive to hire , to protect , defend and or advice clients on business transactions or on matters of family interest. Only few lawyers are engaged in free legal services in an attempt to protect individuals , groups or communities, that is to say Pro – bono .

That is why most of them dislike amicable settlement through Alternative Dispute Resolutions ( ADR ) which is easier , faster and cheaper. Highly practice in Australia and other western nations. 

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Funny enough this class of professionals are always at the forefront of human rights advocacy but hardly you find them going to court on such matters. However, some do. Now looking at the subject-matter. Little is known by many people of WILL. 

My relationship with legal practitioners has given me an insight of what WILL(s) is or are. WILL is said to be a legal document made by an individual before his or her demise. Its contents are sensitive because it serves as a divider , stating clearly and expressly how an what to be done with the deceased estate ( Properties ) including chattels . Is also a legal documents that spelt out who gets what and when?

I recalled twenty years ago or thereabout I was present at the opening and reading of a friend’s father WILL that made my first time to be part of a WILL reading , it was an experience. Interestingly, WILL make things easier  regarding inheritance issues, for it defined the will and intention of the deceased as he / she wanted.Are you aware that most people are ignorant of this legal documents? One thing people have in their mind is the thought that WILL can not be challenged.  

A WILL can definitely be challenged and legally contested for, when and if one suspect a foul play of the WILL; meaning it has been influenced or its contents are known before hand in favour of any of the beneficiary. These are reasons for legal redress in a court of competent jurisdiction. 

To make a WILL, there are processes that needed to be done. A legal practitioner of your  choice needed to be engaged in writing a WILL to give it a legal perfection in the execution. An application letter informing the court of one’s intention to deposit the said document with the court – High Court of Justice in the office of a Probate Judge where the testator reside . 

A WILL must have witness (s) provided by the testator. At the demised of the testator concern , application for retrieval, opening and reading of the WILL in the presence of his family members who are supposedly the beneficiaries having examined the sealed legal document to be sure it has and was not tempered with. 

Witnesses to the WILL must be present at the time of opening and reading of the said document. Since WILL is one’s wishes on matters patterning his estate  it must be respected no matter what. Therefore, WILL can be prepared and written locally and yet be effective and binding. To sum it all, WILL is a legal document declaring a person wishes regarding the disposal of their property when they die.

*Balami , lisher / Columnist  08036779290

A WILL: Just To Let You Know 

Gists: Book review

By: Frank Tietie

Max Siollun in his latest book documents the origins of the infamous British intervention in the geo-politics of the area that is today known as Nigeria.

From the treachery of British spies like Hugh Clapperton who successfully deceived the Elkanemi and Sarkin Muslumi Bello to the fall of their kingdoms in the 19th century, to the forces that drove and shaped the #EndSARS protests of 2020, Siollun offers perspectives capable of helping Nigerians to understand the roots of their modern political problems and socio-economic backwardness.

The tragedy of the British intervention is actually how it has made us forget who we are. Take Benin (in modern Edo State) for example, the white man at that time, marveled at the Oba and his people and he thought that their advancement in mathematics, building technology and artistry could only have been done by extraterrestrial beings. Imagine spending over 150 million man hours to build solid mass of high walls over a distance of 16,000 kilometers? The Binis should truly wonder about their ancestors and cause them to reinvent themselves. But what has become of the people today? What has happened to their psyche? We somehow secretly think the white man is superior to us whereas just about 400 years ago, the Caucasian race secretly believed we were superior. How did we lose it? Who deceived us? The answers are more historical than political. Let’s make efforts to understand where we are coming from, and where we are presently and then decide where to go.

Gists: Book review

HMPOM : 2022 Grand Celebration For Her Members

By: Balami Lazarus

The Honorary Members of The Police Officers Mess ( HMPOM) Jos Plateau State Command had their congress meeting recently at the officers mess to brief members on the progress and achievements in the year 2022.

In his opening remarks , ASP Anthony John who is the Officer – in -Charge of the Mess welcomed Honorary Members present and appreciate them for their cooperation and contributions, and charged them to continue to assist in running the Mess.

Addressing members Mr. Ihedioha Chinyere Okezie The Chairman Caretaker Committee informed members that the committee is working tirelessly to organize a credible election into the various offices of the Mess Committee.

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He further said that, his committee is working towards harmonizing the house for all members to know and acquaint with each other ” we cannot organize election without putting the house in order.” The chairman was excited to also tell Honorary Members that the Mess will close with a grand end of year celebration.

In his closing speech, the Secretary, Barrister John Odidi thanks the police high command for the privileges giving to members to use the facilities in the Mess.

HMPOM : 2022 Grand Celebration For Her Members