Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), on Monday, swore in 87 legal practitioners into the highly coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
The event was particularly notable as it marked Justice Kekere-Ekun’s first official duty after her swearing in the same day as the substantive CJN by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
There were 127 applicants for SAN rank for the 2024 exercise. Out of this number, 114 are legal practitioners and 13 are academics. The total number of qualified applicants after the preliminary screening was 98.
But after conducting the specified screening and filtration exercises, which include several appearances in superior courts, recommendations by justices of the Supreme Court and judges of superior courts, chambers inspections; approval on eligibility and integrity of the candidates from the Nigerian Bar Association, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and the general public, among others, the LPPC approved 87 successful candidates as eminently qualified.
In her speech, Kekere-Ekun emphasised the immense responsibility that comes with the SAN title.
“I congratulate the 87 successful Senior Advocates that have just been sworn in. Your success did not come on a platter of gold. You have worked for it. You deserve every privilege, honour and pride that comes with it. As Senior Advocates of Nigeria, you carry on your shoulders a lot of responsibilities.
“From this moment, your behaviour and general conduct will now be publicly scrutinised by all those who come in contact with you. Watch your utterances, watch your actions and watch your utterances, watch your actions and watch your company, as you now have an even higher responsibility to assist the court in attaining justice, equity and fairness. You must display enormous integrity, self-discipline, leadership and high standards of advocacy”, he said.
The newly conferred SANs are authorised to use the title “SAN” for life and enjoy the privilege of wearing the distinguished silk gown and full-bottomed wig in court. They will also have precedence in case mentions across all courts in Nigeria.
She, however, reminded them that the rank was a privilege that could be withdrawn if abused.
Speaking further, Kekere-Ekun pledged to uphold the values of honesty, transparency, and integrity within the judiciary.
In the past legal year, she noted that the Supreme Court faced many challenges having only 10 justices. She said the apex court addressed 1,124 cases, including civil and criminal appeals, motions, and political appeals.
“The Supreme Court and the entire Nigerian judiciary as a whole have fared well in the past legal year, thanks to the prayers, advice, and support of well-meaning Nigerians. As the new legal year unfolds, we look forward to building a judiciary that will be the pride of Nigerians both at home and abroad” she said.
“Under my leadership, the judiciary will adhere to the principles of honesty, transparency, and integrity. I call upon all judicial officers and members of the Bar to join me in achieving this goal”, she said.
Justice Kekere-Ekun stated that the judiciary stands resolute in ensuring that the sanctity of legal decisions is upheld in line with the rule of law.
To achieve this new narrative, the CJN canvassed that all hands must be on deck in fostering an unwavering commitment to the full enthronement of the rule of law.
“Disobedience to court orders or non-compliance with judicial directives is a direct affront to democracy and an invitation to anarchy.
“As such, it is critical that we respect and observe all the features of an enduring democracy, for in doing so, we maintain the delicate balance that sustains our society.”
“Let us, therefore, work together collectively and tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria continues to abide by the rule of law, upholds the best democratic practices, and remains vigilant in the protection of citizens’ rights.
“The rights of every Nigerian must be valiantly safeguarded against oppression and impunity, utilizing the full array of legal instruments at our disposal.”
Maintaining that a new dawn and a new era in the Nigerian judiciary has come with her appointment, Justice Kekere-Ekun assured Nigerians of her commitment to work diligently to improve public perception of the judiciary.
According to her, “Over the years, various factors have contributed to the negative image of the judiciary. However, we are determined to change the narrative and make the judiciary a source of pride for all Nigerians.”
“When the legal compass of a nation falters, everything suffers, including public and international perception.”
“The attitude of some of us in the justice sector is sometimes less than salutary, and that has contributed to the current image deficit of the country’s legal system.”
The CJN condemned the forum shopping by some lawyers, which she claimed has led to the emergence of conflicting orders by courts of coordinated jurisdiction.
To address this ugly trend, the CJN vowed that there will be consequences for any act of indiscretion that could bring the judiciary to disrepute.
