Kekere-Ekun inaugurates Terkaa Jeremiah Aondo, 86 others as Senior Advocates of Nigeria
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), on Monday, inducted Terkaa Jeremiah Aondo, alongside 86 other legal practitioners into the highly coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
The inauguration was particularly notable, as it marked Justice Kekere-Ekun’s first official duty after being sworn in the same day as the substantive CJN by President Bola Tinubu following her confirmation by the Nigerian Senate last week.
Barrister Terkaa Jeremiah Aondo ( SAN ), who spoke with NEWSWAY MEDIA, thanked the Almighty God for the elevation to the Rank of SAN and expressed determination to use the opportunity for the development of humanity.
Adding that it is a memorable day and great mileston achievement for the 87 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria, noting that it is not a matter of grace but God's favor and grace.
He maintained that what money can not buy , God will do it for you!
“By the grace of God, I will use this Rank to pursue the advancement and development of law, protect the interest of the judiciary and the fundamental human rights of Nigerian citizens”, he said
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.
In an address, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, expressed confidence that Kekere-ekun ‘s assumption to the office of CJN would bring about impactful initiatives that will strengthen not just the Supreme Court but the entire judicial and legal system in Nigeria.
“I am confident that under the leadership of our esteemed Chief Justice, the Supreme Court will unlock new vistas of investment in public trust and in shaping public policy as well as consolidating our legal jurisprudence”, Fagbemi said.
The AGF assured the justice constituency that the administration of President Bola Tinubu will live up to its pledge to accord obeisant respect for judicial decisions and the rule of law, in realization of the fact that sound and just judicial pronouncements are enablers of the critical factors that drive socio-economic development.
He added that the administration will continue to take proactive steps to avoid undue exposure of the government to legal liabilities.
Meanwhile, the minister warned the new SANs to jealousy guard the prestigious rank just conferred upon them because once withdrawn, it cannot be restored again, going by 2022 Guidelines for the conferment of SAN rank.
“One of the areas you must avoid like the plague is the unwholesome practice of engaging in media trial of cases pending before the courts. It is unprofessional for a legal practitioner nay a Senior Advocate of Nigeria to be seen engaging in the analysis of cases pending before the court.
We have seen cases where legal practitioners appear at television or radio stations discussing pending matters. We have also seen lawyers after court sitting discussing on what transpired in the proceedings. You must resist the urge to engage in such practice. You must also reject invitations by media houses inviting you to analyse or discuss pending matters.
“The doctrine of sub judice enjoins lawyers and even members of the public to refrain from commenting and discussing live cases. You should not be seen breaching this doctrine. However, where judgement has been delivered in a given matter, lawyers and the public are free to analyse and discuss the decisions without impugning the integrity of the judicial personnel involved or stacking the professional competence of counsel involved in such matters”, the minister said.
