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NSEPH Bye Law

The BYE-LAWS of the Nigerian Society of Engineers
Port Harcourt Branch

Introduction

The 1988 Executive Committee of the Branch at a meeting held on the 1st of June 1988 under the chairmanship of Engr. Dr. D.P.S Abam, appointed a three-man Committee with Engr. Dr. Y.O. Beredugo as chairman, Engr. A. I. Mba, Member and Engr. G.W.T. Jaja as Secretary, to draft Bye-Laws for the branch.

On the 18th of May, 1989, at the General meeting of the Branch held under the chairmanship of Engr. Dr. S. Odi Owei, the draft Bye-Laws were read and approved.
They become the BYE-LAWS for the Branch with effect from 1st January, 1990.
In 1998, Engr. H. I. Hart’s Executive Committee appointed a Bye-Laws’ Review Committee comprising of :

Engr. Sir I. A. Banigo, JP, FNSE - Chairman

Engr. L. T. Dompke, FNSE - Member

Engr. L. A. C Dangana, FNSE - Member

Engr. O. O. Oruye, FNSE - Member

Engr. (Chief) Dr.M. E. Ephraim, MNSE - Member

Engr. (Chief) A. C. Uchime, MNSE - Member

Engr. L. S.A. Ikan, MNSE - Member

Engr. Dr. Tunde Olatunji, MNSE - Member

The new Bye-Laws were presented to the Executive Committee in june, 1988 and subsequently were adopted by the General House after two readings on September 10,
1998, to come into effect at the AGM of September 24, 1998.



Engr. Dr. Tunde Olatunji, MNSE
Secretary, Port Harcourt Branch, 1998.

REVISED BYE-LAWS, 1998

 

Chapter 1

OBJECTIVES OF THE SOCIETY


The objectives of the society are:

  1. To provide a central organization for Engineers in Nigeria and generally to do such things as may from time to time be necessary to members and to advance the interest of the engineering profession in Nigeria.

  2. To promote, protect, encourage and maintain a high standard of engineering study and practice and to encourage greater efficiency therein.

  3. To represent to the governments in Nigeria the views of the society on any subject of concern or interest to Engineers in Nigeria and if considered advisable to join with any other bodies in submitting such representation.

  4. To represent to any other individual or bodies or organization the views of the Society on any subject of concern or interest to Engineers in Nigeria on any appropriate subject on which the views of the Society may be invited.

  5. To provide a body to which the Government or other official or unofficial authority or organization in Nigeria can have recourse for advice, assistance or the expression of views on any subjects of concern or interest to Engineers in Nigeria.

  6. To facilitate the development and acquisition of technology by conducting visits to places of engineering interest, reading technical papers, holding meetings, conferences, publishing books, journals, and periodicals on engineering matters.

  7. To subscribe or guarantee or otherwise use monies of the society for charitable or benevolent objects or scholarships or bursaries or for any exhibitions for any public, general or useful objects.

  8. To provide for the training and examination of students in Engineering as well as the continuing professional update and development of its members.

  9. To promote and pursue research in engineering science and practice with particular reference to local conditions.

  10. To study and resolve the professional problems confronting its members.

  11. To nominate any member or members as arbitrators, panelists, investigator, auditors, expert witnesses or specialist advisers, when called upon to do so.

  12. To assist necessitous members and any of the dependent kindred of deceased members including the widows or widowers members and appoint treasurer and distributor of any benevolent fund or funds which my be contributed to members or others for these purposes of any of them, and subject to the provisions of paragraph four (prohibiting payments being made to members), to make any contributions out of the surplus assets or income of the Society from time to time to any benevolent fund or funds.

  13. To purchase, hold, lease, let, mortgage, sell, improve, or otherwise acquire and dispose of any moveable or immoveable property and any rights or privileges, which may be necessary or convenient for the advancement of any of the objects of the Society.

  14. To invest and deal with the monies of the Society not immediately required in any manner.

  15. To borrow money where necessary to promote any of the objects set out herein upon such securities as may be determined.

  16. To apply or petition for any legislation, parliamentary or otherwise that would further any of the objects of the Society.

  17. To do all or any such lawful things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the object and generally to further the profession of Engineering in Nigeria as well as enhance the status of Engineers in Nigeria. PROVIDED that the Society shall not support with its funds and objects nor endeavour to impose on or procure to be observed by its members or others any regulation, restriction of condition which if an object of the Society, would make it a Trade Union.

  18. To maintain and enhance links with National, International and Multinational Organizations bodies to promote any of the objects of the Society.

  19. To collaborate with Industry, Commerce, Academic and other such national bodies as may be necessary or convenient for the advancement of any of the object of the society.

  20. To promote and enforce a high standard of performance and professional ethics among its members.

  21. To watch over, promote and protect the mutual interests of its members and to give advice to members.

Chapter 2

NAME, OFFICE AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE BRANCH



2.1 NAME AND ADDRESS

The name of the Branch is THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS, PORT HARCOURT BRANCH with principal office at WATER WORKS YARD, 3 BERNARD CARR STREET, PORT HARCOURT.


2.2 MEMBERSHIP OF THE BRANCH

To be eligible for membership of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Port Harcourt Branch, one must be a financial member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers in good standing as a Corporate Member (member or Fellow) or Affiliate (Student, Graduate, Honourary Fellow or Associate).

2.3 ELIGIBILITY TO HOLD OFFICE

  1. Candidate must be a financial corporate member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers in good standing.

  2. The candidate must be a financial corporate member of the Port Harcourt Branch in good standing.

  3. A candidate for the post of chairman in addition to (a) and (b) must be served as a member of the Branch Executive Committee for at least two years.

  4. A candidate for the post of Secretary in addition must have been a member of the Port Harcourt Branch for at least two years.

  5. A candidate for any elective post shall be one who must have had no criminal records.

 

Chapter 3

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (EXCO)

3.1 COMPOSITION OF THE BRANCH EXCO

The Branch Exco shall consist of all elected members, the immediate past Chairman and all Chairmen of Standing Committees. The Auditor shall not be a member of the EXCO.

3.2 POWER AND DUTIES OF EXCO

The Branch Exco shall have powers:

1. To carry out all the decisions of the general house.

2. To initiate such policies and actions that are for the well being of the Branch, subject to the approval of the general house.

3. To pursue policies of the National body as applicable in the Branch.

 

Chapter 4

OFFICERS OF THE BRANCH



4.1 OFFICERS

The officers of the Branch shall be:

i) Chairman
ii) Vice chairman
iii) Secretary
iv) Assistant Secretary
v) Treasurer
vi) Technical Secretary
vii) Assistant Technical Secretary
viii) Financial Secretary
ix) Publicity Secretary
x) Membership Secretary
xi) Welfare Secretary
xii) Internal Auditor

4.2 TENURE

All officers of the Branch shall hold office at the pleasure of the general house for a period of 1 year; and any officer could be re-elected for a further period of 1 year, after which he/she shall not hold the same office for at least 2 years.

4.3 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICERS

4.3.1 Chairman
The Chairman shall:
i) Preside at all Exco meetings, General and any other meetings of the Branch.
ii) Liaise with the Secretary in convening all meetings of the Branch.

4.3.2 Vice Chairman
The Vice Chairman shall:
i) Act for the Chairman in his absence and carry out such duties and responsibilities as the Chairman may assign to him.
ii) Co-ordinate the activities of the Branch Standing Committees.

4.3.3. Secretary
The Secretary shall:
i) Cause the appropriate circulars to be issued to convene all meetings of the Branch after consultation with the Chairman.
ii) Ensure the maintenance of proper records for the Branch, and keeping all vital documents of the Branch.
iii) Take and maintain all minutes at all meetings of the Branch.
iv) Prepare and submit an annual report to the Branch.

4.3.4 Assistant Secretary
The Assistant Secretary shall:
i) Assist the Secretary in carrying out his duties by undertaking such duties that are assigned to him by the Secretary.
ii) Act for the Secretary whenever he is absent or not available.

4.3.5 Treasurer
The Treasurer shall:
i) Receive all monies accruing to the Branch and bank same within 48 hours.
ii) Keep proper records of income and expenditure.
iii) Prepare and submit to the Branch a financial report at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and at such other times as the Exco may decide.

4.3.6 Technical Secretary
The Technical Secretary shall:
i) Be the Chairman of the Technical Committee.
ii) Execute all approved technical programmes of the Branch.

4.3.7 Assistant Technical Secretary
The assistant Technical Secretary shall:
i) Assist the Technical Secretary in carrying out his assignments and act for him in his absence.
ii) Shall be the Secretary of the Technical Committee.

4.3.8 The Financial Secretary
The Financial Secretary shall:
i) Collect all monies due to the Branch from whatever sources.
ii) Pay to the Treasurer all monies collected by him within 48 hours of receipt.
iii) Maintain proper records of all monies collected and payments made to the Treasurer.

4.3.9 Publicity Secretary
The Publicity Secretary shall:
i) Project the image of the Branch and the Nigerian Society of Engineers in general.
ii) Publicise the activities of the Port Harcourt Branch, the National Secretariat and other Branches of the Nigerian Society of Engineers as appropriate.

4.3.10 Membership Secretary
The membership Secretary shall:
i) Be the Chairman of the membership committee
ii) Maintain and update membership records regularly.

4.3.11 Welfare Secretary
The Welfare Secretary shall:
i) Be the Chairman of the Welfare Committee
ii) Execute all approved welfare programmes of the Branch.

4.3.12 Internal Auditor
The internal Auditor shall audit the account of the Branch on a quarterly basis and report the same to the General Meetings.

Chapter 5


COMMITTEES OF THE BRANCH


5.1 STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE BRANCH

The Standing Committees of the Branch shall be:
i) Technical Committee
ii) Building Committee
iii) Membership Committee
iv) Engineering Week Committee
v) Welfare Committee
vi) Investigation and Failure Analysis Committee
vii) Business Committee
viii) Publicity Committee
ix) Library/inform-Tech. Committee

5.2 COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE
i) Technical Committee:
Technical Secretary as chairman, Assistant Technical Secretary as Secretary and 5 other members.
ii) Building Committee
Committee Chairman and 4 other members.
iii) Engineering Week Committee
Committee Chairman and 5 other members.
iv) Membership Committee
Membership Secretary as Chairman and 8 other members.
v) Welfare Committee
Welfare Secretary as Chairman and 3 other members.
vi) Investigation and Failure Analysis Committee
Committee Chairman and 5 other members.
vii) Business Committee
Chairman and 4 other members.
viii) Publicity Committee
Publicity Secretary as Chairman and 4 other members.

5.3 DUTIES OF THE COMMITTEE

5.3.1 Technical Committee
The Technical Committee shall:
Organize all technical programmes of the Branch such as technical evenings, technical visits, symposia, workshops, seminars, short courses, etc.

5.3.2 Building Committee
The Building Committee shall:
i) Carry out the decisions of the Branch on all land and other property of the branch.
ii) Liaise with the National Building Committee or any other Committee or body designated by the National Secretariat for development, management and maintenance of all landed property.

5.3.3 Engineering Week Committee
The Engineering Week Committee shall:
i) Organize all the activities of the engineering week including quarterly dinners, etc.
ii) Plan and execute any other activities assigned to them.

5.3.4 Membership Committee
The membership committee shall:
i) Carry out membership drive
ii) Maintain and update regularly a register of members.

5.3.5 Welfare Committee
The Welfare Committee shall:
i) Seek and look into the welfare of all members
ii) Implement any decision of the Branch in respect of welfare of members.

5.3.6 Investigation and Failure Analysis Committee
The investigation and failure analysis committee shall:
i) Investigate, and analysis report all engineering failures and collapses that are drawn to the attention of the branch.
ii) Investigate and report any local engineering problems that are drawn to the attention of the Branch.

5.3.7 Business Committee
The Business Committee shall:
i) Canvass for and organize for implementation such jobs that could be of financial/professional benefits to members of the Branch.
ii) Carry out all other assignments given to it by the Exco or general house.

5.3.8 Publicity Committee
The Publicity Committee shall:
i) Publicise the activities of the Branch and Society in general.
ii) Publish bulletins, other enlightenment and technical materials as approved by the branch.

POWER TO CO-OPT
Each Committee shall have power to co-opt additional members to assist in its assignments.

 

Chapter 6

BRANCH FINANCES



6.1 SOURCES

In addition to paying all dues and subscriptions prescribed by the National body, all members of the Port Harcourt Branch. Shall be required to contribute to the branch’s finances by way of:

6.1.1 Annual Dues
Dues payable for various grades shall be determined by the Exco and ratified by the General House from time to time.

6.1.2 Levies
These will be for specific purposes and will be determined by Exco and ratified by the General House.

6.1.3 Fees

6.1.4 Donations

6.1.5 Commissions


6.2 FINANCIAL AUTHORITIES

6.2.1 Exco
The branch Exco shall have powers to authorize or approve all expenditures above N50,000.00.

6.2.2 Chairman:
The chairman shall have powers to authorize and also incur expenditure of up to a maximum of N50,000.00 without reference to Exco.

6.2.3 Imprest:
The Secretariat shall maintain a re-imbursable or monthly imprest account of N50,000.00


6.3 PAYMENTS

6.3.1 Authorized Signatories
The authorize signatories to the Branch Bank Account shall be the Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary.

6.3.2 Cheques
All payments to outside bodies shall as much as possible be made by Cheques duly signed by the authorized signatories to the branch Bank Accounts.

6.3.3 Cash Payments
Cash payments shall as much as possible be limited to internal transactions.

Chapter 6

BRANCH FINANCES



6.1 SOURCES

In addition to paying all dues and subscriptions prescribed by the National body, all members of the Port Harcourt Branch. Shall be required to contribute to the branch’s finances by way of:

6.1.1 Annual Dues
Dues payable for various grades shall be determined by the Exco and ratified by the General House from time to time.

6.1.2 Levies
These will be for specific purposes and will be determined by Exco and ratified by the General House.

6.1.3 Fees

6.1.4 Donations

6.1.5 Commissions


6.2 FINANCIAL AUTHORITIES

6.2.1 Exco
The branch Exco shall have powers to authorize or approve all expenditures above N50,000.00.

6.2.2 Chairman:
The chairman shall have powers to authorize and also incur expenditure of up to a maximum of N50,000.00 without reference to Exco.

6.2.3 Imprest:
The Secretariat shall maintain a re-imbursable or monthly imprest account of N50,000.00


6.3 PAYMENTS

6.3.1 Authorized Signatories
The authorize signatories to the Branch Bank Account shall be the Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary.

6.3.2 Cheques
All payments to outside bodies shall as much as possible be made by Cheques duly signed by the authorized signatories to the branch Bank Accounts.

6.3.3 Cash Payments
Cash payments shall as much as possible be limited to internal transactions.

Chapter 8

ELECTION OF OFFICERS



8.1 MODE OF ELECTION

All elections shall be held at the AGM and the mode of voting shall be by secret ballot.


8.2 RETURNING OFFICER

All elections shall be conducted by a Returning Officer who shall be nominated and elected at the AGM. He shall have full powers to conduct the elections.

8.3 NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES

Candidates for elections shall be proposed and seconded on a prescribed from which shall be submitted to reach the Secretary 14 days prior to the date of election. In the even that there are no valid nominations, the Returning Officer shall accept nominations on the floor of the House and conduct the elections.

8.4 VACANCY IN EXCO MEMBERSHIP

The Exco shall have powers to fill any vacancy that may occur in the membership, except those of Chairman and Secretary who shall be elected at the next General Meeting.

Chapter 9

PARTICIPATION IN BRANCH ACTIVITIES



The following activities are strictly for members of the branch only:
i) Annual General Meetings
ii) General Meetings

The following activities are open to all Engineers, whether they are members of the Society or not, and other interested members of the public:
i) Technical evenings, symposia, lectures, workshops, and seminars.
ii) Technical visits
iii) Social activities (on invitation where required)

 

 

Chapter 10

OBLIGATIONS OF BRANCH TO MEMBERS



The Branch shall:

1. Ensure that all members are recognized by the Branch and National Secretariat and that all rights, privileges and honours due to members are given to them.


2. Provide a virile professional atmosphere for members.

Chapter 11

BRANCH YEAR

1. The year of the Branch and the financial year shall be the same as that of
the National body.


2. The outgoing Exco shall formally hand over to the new Exco by the last day of
the Branch year.

Chapter 12

COMPLAINTS / DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES



12.1 MISCONDUCT TO BE CONSIDERED

A breach of any article of these Bye-Laws, the Articles of Association of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, or the Engineers Code of Conduct shall constitute a misconduct.

12.1.1 Complaint / Disciplinary Process

All cases of misconduct and complaints shall be reported in writing in Exco.

12.1.2 Reference to Complaint / Disciplinary Committee

Any case that cannot be handled by the Executive Committee shall be referred to an Ad-hoc Complaint / Disciplinary Committee, which shall handle the case with dispatch and submit a report promptly to Exco.
Decisions taken by the Ad-hoc committee shall be binding on all parties concerned, after ratification by a general meeting.

12.3 AD-HOC Complaint / Disciplinary Committee

An Ad-hoc Complaint / Disciplinary Committee whose members shall be drawn from Fellows and Past Chairmen of the Branch shall be formed by the Executive Committee or by the General Meeting, where the Chairman or Secretary is involved.

 

Chapter 13


POWER OF ATTORNEY

The Executive Committee may from time to time and at any time by power of attorney appoint any company, firm or person or body of persons, whether nominated directly or indirectly by the Executive Committee to be the attorney or attorneys of the Branch for such purposes and with such powers, authorities and discretion (not exceeding those vested in or exercisable by the Executive Committee under these Bye-Laws) and for such period and subject to such conditions as the Executive committee may think fit, and any such powers of attorney may contain such provisions for the protections and convenience of persons dealing with any such attorney as the Executive Committee may fit and may also authorize any such attorney to delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and discretion vested in him.

Chapter 14

AMENDMENT TO THE BYE-LAW
These Bye-laws may amended by 2/3 majority of members present and voting at a General Meeting.

Notice to amend the Bye-Laws and the proposed amendment shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary at least 21 days before the General Meeting at which the proposed amendment is to be discussed.

The Secretary shall circulate the proposed amendment to all members of the Branch at least 7days before the meeting, provided that failure of some members to received such a notice shall not prevent the amendment from being discussed nor vitiate any amendments made.