Serve with honour, Taraba CJ urges notaries

Taraba Chief Judge, Justice Joel Agya, has urged the newly sworn-in Notary Public in the state to serve with utmost honour and precision to uphold the global trust associated with the status.

Justice Agya gave the advice on Monday while swearing in 6 Notary Public in Jalingo.

Nigerian Tribune reports that, Chief Barr. Timothy Kataps, Secretary to the government of the state, (Taraba), Barr. Martin’s Milkman, the state NBA Chairman, Barr. Nasiru Muhammad, Barr. B.A Dauda Kura, Barr. Benson Vaatsav and Barr. Danjuma Sani Nuhu was sworn in as Notary Public.

The chief judge informed that the office of a Notary Public was a solemn investiture that demands impeccable character, sound judgment, and unwavering adherence to ethical standards.

Agya, while commending the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun (GCON), described the event as a mark of both professional competence and a call to higher responsibility within the legal profession.

“The appointment of a Notary is never routine. It is a solemn investiture that demands impeccable character, sound judgment, and unwavering adherence to ethical standards.

“The office of a Notary Public is one of trust, integrity, and global relevance. Notaries act as impartial witnesses to transactions,
authenticate documents, and facilitate cross-border dealings that rely on the credibility of our justice system. Their seal and signature have evidential weight not only within Nigeria but across jurisdictions.

“I encourage and charge you to “Serve with honour”, “Serve with precision”, and with
integrity”. Justice Agya encouraged.

The chief judge also encouraged the Notaries to act in accordance with the provisions of the law and relevant regulations.

“Your selection by the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria is an affirmation of your
competence and standing at the Bar. Yet, it is also a reminder that the public institute and international community rely on your diligence and professional honour. You must therefore conduct your duties with fairness, accuracy, confidentiality, and strict adherence to the Notary Public Act 2023, and all relevant regulations.

“As Notaries Public in Taraba State, you will contribute to strengthening legal transactions, supporting commerce, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring that documentation emanating from this state meets the highest standard of authority. Let your notarial acts reflect the finest values of the legal profession, honesty, impartiality, and fidelity to the law.

“To the wider legal community, today’s ceremony is a reminder that the administration of justice depends not only on courts and judges but on all who hold statutory offices that support the legal ecosystem. We must continue to uphold the confidence of the Public through professionalism at all levels” He added.

Earlier, the Taraba state NBA Chairman Barr. Matins Milkman described the event as a testament to the growing visibility, credibility, and professional excellence
of the NBA Jalingo Branch.

He commended Justice Agya for his consistent support of the Bar, stating that his unwavering commitment has strengthened legal practice in Taraba
State.

The NBA Chairman also disclosed that the privilege accorded to the newly appointed Notaries was an encouragement to continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity, competence, and service.

Chief Barr. GT Kataps, while responding on behalf of the beneficiaries commended the Taraba state chief judge, Justice Joel Agya for his commitment to strengthening the legal system in the state.

He assured that the Notaries will act in accordance with the provisions of the law, in the course of discharging their duties.