The Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Justice Mary Peter Odili, has charged lawyers newly called to the Nigerian Bar on Wednesday to contribute to making the country more peaceful and habitable by utilising the legal profession as a tool to fight all forms of injustice.
Justice Odili specifically urged the new legal practitioners to stand up for what is right and advocate for the downtrodden Nigerians who cannot defend their own rights.
During a call-to-bar ceremony for 1,097 new legal practitioners, the former Supreme Court Justice stated that as lawyers, they are uniquely positioned to provide not just random acts of service but world-changing, life-changing, and view-shaping service.
She remarked, “As lawyers, you have the capacity to change the world, whether you go into private practice, government service, start a business or pursue whatever path your heart leads you to.”
“Your law degrees and call-to-bar certificates are not merely pieces of paper you hang on your wall or boast about to others. These credentials are your swords to fight against injustice.”
“They are shields that you can raise to protect the innocent and uphold the rule of law. As lawyers, you have the power to change the world for the better.”
“Wherever you decide to apply your talent as a lawyer, you will be required to act with the utmost professionalism and wisdom.
Your legal advice, professional actions, and even inactions affect the lives of your clients and 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 have been instilled in you. Be civil and ethical,” she added.
Justice Odili urged them to uphold the rules of professional conduct for legal practitioners at all times, emphasizing that the Body of Benchers has the authority to admit lawyers and that the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) can revoke the license of any lawyer found wanting in ethical standards.
She encouraged the new lawyers to always seek the counsel of experienced senior colleagues whenever they face challenges or difficulties.
Furthermore, she cautioned them against the negative use of social media, as it could tarnish their reputation and that of the legal profession.
Justice Odili extended her appreciation to the Secretary of the Body of Benchers, Barrister Daniel Manasseh Tela, and his team for the success of the ceremony and their diligence.
Earlier, the Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, stated that the new lawyers were found worthy in academic performance, morals, and ethical standards.
Hence, they were presented to the Body of Benchers for a call to bar and inauguration as legal practitioners.
The occasion was attended by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the immediate past chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), and Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), among others.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Those accusing labour of being sold out illiterate — NLC President
Following the subsidy removal saga, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero has…
Atiku seeks Supreme Court’s nod to file fresh evidence against Tinubu
In his efforts to establish allegations of forgery and lying on oath against President Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in…
Tinubu’s certificate: See what technology has done to us!
Some of the questions are being asked on the controversy surrounding the President Tinubu’s certificate saga. They wonder why…
AY keeps mum on Basketmouth’s apology
The last may not have been heard about the feud between comedian, Ayo Makun, known as…
VIDEO: Kess’ wife accused me of having affair with him — Phyna
The winner of Big Brother Naija Level Up, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has revealed that her…
Peseiro invites Osimhen, Chukwueze, Iheanacho, 22 others for Saudi, Mozambique friendlies
Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, has invited Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze and Kelechi Iheanacho of AC Milan of Italy and…
and then