Adoke: Some SANs dubious

Attorney-General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), yesterday, frowned at what he described as declining ethical standards among lawyers and other judicial workers. 

Adoke, who spoke at the swearing-in of 25 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) yesterday in Abuja, also lamented that lawyers now see the SAN rank as “a licence to command fat fees”.

He reiterated his earlier call on the need to reclaim judicial practice in Nigeria by showing the 'bad eggs' in the Bar the way out. 

"Today's ceremony affords us yet another opportunity to reflect in the true significance of the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria. In popular discourse within and outside the profession, there is a palpable feeling and perception that the rank is a passport to fame, personal riches and comfort.

"To others, the rank is a licence to command fat fees, open doors and prominence bordering sometimes on arrogance. 

It is a matter of regret that these negative perceptions of the rank have engendered resentment from our colleagues who are yet to be similarly recognised and honoured."

Addressing the new SANs and leadership of the Bar, Adoke added: "As Senior Advocates of Nigeria, you owe a duty and responsibility to the profession and the country. As leaders of the Bar, you must conduct yourselves in a manner befitting of the rank. You are expected to demonstrate high ethical standards, integrity and professionalism in all your dealings. Anything short of this high expectation will be a disservice to your status and a betrayal of the trust and responsibility reposed in you."

Speaking on the unethical practices among lawyers, the chief law officer of the country said: "Permit me to use this auspicious occasion to draw attention to some of the challenges facing our profession, chiefly amongst which is the declining ethical standards and discipline at the bar. 

"It is a matter of deep regret that lawyers, including some Senior Advocates, routinely engage in unwholesome practice unbecoming of members of this noble profession. Today, lawyers are accused of deliberately misleading clients on the strength of their cases with a view to appropriating unearned professional fees; tampering with client's money; criticising judges in the media even where it is clear that they have not read their judgements in order to determine the reasoning of the court and commenting on matters that are subjudice. These are matters that were completely unheard in the profession some few years back and where such misconduct was reported, it drew condemnation and appropriate sanctions. 

"You will recall that at our recently concluded Bar Conference, I stressed the need for us to reclaim our profession and to show the bad eggs amongst us the way out of the profession. I wish to reiterate that call again and to urge the leadership of the Bar to put the issue of professional ethics and discipline on the front banner."

He also called on lawyers and judicial workers to encourage  dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes in their various communities as opinion leaders in the current face of insecurity challenges the country. 

Also speaking, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, who flagged off the new legal year and administered oath of allegiance to the 25 new SANs, pledged the support of the judiciary in national development and the fight against corruption.  

The first female CJN, however, stressed that it is not the duty of the judiciary to bring cases, especially high profile cases, as it is the duty of the Attorney-General and relevant agencies to do so, and promised that the judiciary, under her leadership, would ensure speedy delivery of cases. 

She also frowned at the state of the judiciary at the state levels where  governors see state judiciary as appendage, and called for full independence of the judiciary at the state level.