Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Nkanu Onnoghen, has urged all senior advocates of Nigeria (SAN) to shun corruption and avoid all forms of misconduct by upholding the practice of rule of law and integrity in the legal profession.
Onnoghen made this remark Thursday during the maiden annual lecture of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) where he stressed on the need for senior advocates to exhibit and promote high standards of conducts at all times.
“We need to discharge our duties with competence and decorum both in court and in our private lives. I urge you all to shun corruption and avoid all forms of misconduct, because if one is not qualified to wear silk as a judicial officer, he remains unqualified to wear same as a SAN.
“We must therefore realise that whatever reform to be embarked upon must start from the mind-set and attitude without which the effort remains an exercise in futility,” he said.
He explained that the success of judicial reforms depends not only on how senior advocates collectively identify and deliberate on fundamental issues affecting the justice sector but on how they can ensure the pragmatic implementation of such reforms to the latter.
The chief justice noted that actions of some members of the Inner Bar have recently been called into question. He said, “Let us remind ourselves that integrity is crucial to the Judiciary and reputation her most important asset. The public have confidence not only in the Courts but in the members of the Bar, who are the bridge between the Courts and the public.
“Therefore, it is of necessity to come together to address the challenges you encounter and to incorporate your contributions towards the justice sector reforms, thereby expediting speedy dispensation of justice. We are not unmindful of the numerous challenges you face.”
Fidelis Oditah, the guest speaker at the occasion, said the theme of the lecture which is ‘The evolving role of senior advocates in the administration of justice and nation building’ was apt, especially at a time when the country is faced with economically, social and political challenges.
Oditah mentioned some of the challenges to include devaluation of the Nigerian currency, unemployment, political intolerance, economic downturn, greed, indiscipline and recklessness of the political class.
He added that the legal system is also bedevilled with challenges around administration of justice at all levels of decision making, weak case management, inefficient court registry and inability to bring criminals to book.
In tackling these challenges, Oditah suggested that senior advocates must be the voice of reason and moderation; should not be pompous and arrogance; must be role models and groom the young lawyers to uphold integrity; must conduct themselves well in and out of court and ensure the prestige of their ranks as senior advocates.
“We need to be honest and professionals indeed. Our rank faces existential threat over lack of integrity by a few practitioners,” he stated.
Folake Solanke, first female SAN, during the panel discussions reminded the participants that the law was the very foundation of nation building because without the law, there would be no nation.
Solanke said the legal system must elevate those that would bring honour to the rank and not dishonour and shame.
