Enugu CJ Seeks One Week To Review NBA’s Opposition To Tax Clearance For Court Filings

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Oji River Branch has secured some concessions regarding the controversial tax clearance requirements for lawyers filing court processes in Enugu State.

Branch Chairman Sir Kingsley Chukwudi Olemeforo held advocacy meetings with the President of the Customary Court of Appeal and the Chief Judge of Enugu State this week. The Customary Court President confirmed the tax clearance directives will not apply in his court.

The Chief Judge appealed for one week to escalate the NBA branch’s formal letter of objection to the Enugu State Governor. Olemeforo agreed, provided there are no moves to start implementing the policy during that time.

The meetings follow strident NBA opposition to the Chief Judge’s original memo directing lawyers to submit tax clearance proof with all court filings. Olemeforo has threatened legal action if the “unacceptable” rules are imposed without proper consultation.

It remains uncertain whether the Enugu State authorities will back down from their push to enforce tax compliance by legal practitioners.