BoB Chairman, Peter-Odili Tasks Lawyers on Protection of Legal System 

* Says people’s confidence decline when justice system fails 

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Chairman of the Body of Benchers (BoB), Justice Mary Peter-Odili (rtd), has charged lawyers in the country to sustain the people’s confidence in the justice sector by the way they conduct their affairs.

Peter-Odili gave the charge on Wednesday, in Abuja, at the call to bar ceremony of successful candidates at the July 2023 Bar Final Examinations of the Nigerian Law School.

While harping on the ‘new wigs’ that the legal profession is theirs to cherish and protect, the retired justice stressed that: “We live above board as the public expect so much.

“When the public repeatedly see the justice system fail, the people’s confidence in the law will decline. Therefore, if you see the system failing, propose changes in the laws or changes in the rules. You have the skills, training and ability to make a difference, to have an impact as good stewards of justice.”

Besides, the former number two justice on the apex court admonished the new wigs to use the law profession as a sword to fight all forms of injustices in Nigeria, so that the country can be more peaceful and habitable.

The BoB chairman, who noted that lawyers have the capacity to change the world, stated that the law degrees and call-to-bar certificates are not just pieces of documents to be hung on the wall or boast about to others. 

“These are credentials that you can wield as your sword to fight against injustice. They are shields that you can raise up to protect the innocent and uphold the rule of law. As lawyers, you have the capacity to change the world for the better.

“Wherever you decide to apply your talent as a lawyer, you will be required to act with utmost professionalism and wisdom as your legal advice, your professional actions and even, your inactions affect the lives of your clients and the society at large.

“In your service as a legal practitioner, you must not forget to put into practice, the ethical and moral obligations of a lawyer that has been imbibed in you by being civil and ethical,” she said.

Meanwhile, Justice Odili has thanked the Secretary of the Body of Benchers, Mr. Daniel Tela, and his team for the success of the ceremony and for being up and doing at all times.

Earlier, the Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Chiroma, presented 1,083 successful students at the July 2023 Bar final examinations, as well as 12 candidates from the previous Bar final examinations.

He disclosed that the 1,083 emerged successful from a total of 1,666, who participated in the July exams, adding that the figure translates to 65.09% success at the Final Bar Examinations.

“I wish to assure all of you that we shall remain the gate keepers of our noble profession. As teachers and administrators, we will continue to uphold the standard and integrity of the bar,” he said.

While congratulating them as new lawyers, Chiroma enjoined them to make the best of the legal profession by strictly adhering to the norms and ethics of the profession.

The occasion was attended by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola; the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) and Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), among others.