80-year old man, Buhari’s daughter, 2, 257 others called to Bar

THE President’s daughter, Alima Buhari, 80 years old, Enebeli Pius Chuka and 2, 257 others were on Thursday called to the Nigerian Bar following their success at the April 2016 Bar final examinations, conducted by the Nigerian Law School under the supervision of the Council of Legal Education.

The wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari and other dignitaries graced the call to Bar ceremony held at the Independent Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja.

Speaking on the occasion, the Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Olanrewaju Onadeko, said the 80 years old man is the oldest new wig ever produced by the Nigerian Law School.

Onadeko said the classroom solution, a video conferencing platform linking all campuses of the Nigerian Law School, deployed by the Nigerian Commissions Satellite Limited (NICOMSAT) will soon been commissioned to enable members of the Bar and the Bench interact with students from any campus of the Law School.

He said the violation of admission quotas by some faculties of Law has remained a major challenge and reiterated the essence of strict adherence to allocated students’ numbers, by Law Faculties, adding that failure to keep to these numbers impacts negatively on the quality of the products.

The DG said some faculties of Law have had their accreditation withdrawn for violating admission quotas, because it disrupts the projection of the Nigerian Law School in the short and medium$ terms.

Onadeko added that the insistence on good character for eligibility for admission to the legal profession, to shield it from those with propensity to act at variance with the interest of their clients, the profession itself and the justice system.

He also advised parents and students’ willing to pursue the study of law overseas to seek advice from the National Universities Commission before proceeding and the Nigerian Law school, he said will be available to provide necessary guidance where necessary.

The Nigerian Law School boss presented a total of 2, 218 candidates, as well as 41 candidates from the previous Bar final examinations to be called to the Nigerian Bar yesterday.

Speaking earlier, the chairman of the Body of Benchers, Bandele Aiku, while commending the new wigs for being found worthy in learning and character to be called to the Bar, reminded them that a lawyer is not only an officer of the court, but holds a position of trust and confidence among members of the community.

He said the success at the Bar demands more distinction in law examinations, it demands correct behaviours, of true and proper professional spirit and proper understanding and wise use of tools of the craft.

Some of the codes he said includes, equality at the Bar, respect to seniors, help and advice to colleagues, courage and independence and respect to the court, adding also that, “A lawyer shall never be rude, insolent or insulting to the court, just as a judge shall never be rude as a s result of, or be over sensitive to remarks made even against him in court.”