…how Senior Advocates become mere casual visitors to courtrooms- CJN laments
Emmanuel Enoidem and 57 joined the Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) class inaugurated by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, at Supreme Court, Abuja Monday.
Enoidem, an Akwa Ibom son, is one-time Law Lecturer, Department of Law, University of Uyo.
Called to bar in 1989 as a lawyer, he is a former Etim Ekpo Local Government Chairman, former treasurer of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Akwa Ibom State, and a one-time Commissioner for Housing and Urban Renewal.
Also read: Enoidem, Offia among 58 Lawyers for bestowal of SANs November
The Chief Justice of Nigeria was disdainful on how some Senior Advocates instantly become mere casual visitors to courtrooms after attaining the rank.
Justice Olukayode ascribed this lackadaisical attitude those seeing themselves to be too big to appear in court.
He made the remarks after inauguration of the 57 legal practitioners and one from the academic elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) in Abuja.
‘‘Unfortunately, the CJN noted that after attaining the rank, some Senior Advocates would instantly become mere casual visitors to courtrooms, as they now see themselves to be too big to appear in court.
“I am using this very important occasion to tell you all that this is the most auspicious time to make your presence regular and significant in the court,” the Chief Justice of Nigeria said.
For the records, the CJN said the 2023/2024 legal year of the Court had commenced since Monday, 18th September, 2023.
However, he explained that “what we are doing today is, as usual, in compliance with our well-known tradition of assembling to give account of our performance in the out-gone legal year, and as well, confer the highly coveted rank of Senior Advocate on deserving senior members of the Nigerian Bar in both the advocate and academic categories.
Performing the swearing in on Monday, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola stated that the new SANs have “automatically become members of the Inner Bar and Apostles of the Temple of Justice.”
The CJN reminded the fresh SANs that no success comes easy in life because a lot of sacrifices and hard work are often invested.
“You have laboured so hard for it, so you deserve every privilege, honour and pride that comes with the rank.
“The LPPC deserves enough commendation for endorsing the elevation of these eminent 58 Legal Practitioners who have, from all indications, show-cased unassailable professionalism and excellence in legal practice,” Justice Ariwoola stated.
As Senior Advocates of Nigeria, “you now carry heavy burden on your shoulders. From the moment you leave this Courtroom, everything in you and about you will now be freely scrutinized and dissected by everyone that comes in contact with you.
“There is nothing like private life for you henceforth, as whatever you hitherto regarded as private life will now be treated as public life by members of the public; and there is nothing you can do about it.
“So, watch your utterances, watch your actions and watch the kind of company you keep, because you have already assumed the role of Ministers of the Court, as you are now expected to assist the Court to attain justice, equity and fairness in all ramifications.
“You must display enormous integrity, self-discipline and high standard of advocacy as custodians of justice.
“The privilege you are conferred with today does not, in any way, make you superhuman because humility and self-control still remain the essential tools to engage in wrestling the foibles of life,” Ariwoola advised.
Among those sworn in as Senior Advocate of Nigeria are the Director, Legal and Prosecution, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Aaron Chileokwu Okoroma Esq; a constitutional lawyer Olukayode Ajulo, and Mrs Funmi, wife of Femi Falana (SAN).
Okoroma hails from Naze, Owerri North Local Government Area, Imo State.
Gov Eno felicitates Enoidem
Meanwhile, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, has congratulated the former National PDP Legal Adviser, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, on his elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
A congratulatory message signed by the governor said, “On behalf of the government and the good people of Akwa Ibom State, I celebrate you on your well-deserved elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN.
“Your selection amongst the best minds in your profession is a clear testament of your sterling professional bonafides as a prodigious legal luminary.
“We are convinced that with this recognition, the temple of justice in Nigeria would be further enriched and you will continue to fight for those issues you hold dear in your heart.
“Once again, hearty congratulations our brand new Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and God’s speed!”
