By Seventy two legal practitioners have been sworn in as new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).
The said legal practitioners had been screened, examined and found worthy of the revered rank by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC).
The swearing-in ceremony was performed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Tanko Muhammad, in Abuja, on Wednesday.
The inauguration marked the special session of the Supreme Court and commencement of the 2021/2022 Legal Year.
Describing the ceremony as an age-long tradition, the CJN noted that the new SANs have, in all ramifications and by all standards, excelled in the practice of law.
Muhammad charged judges to undertake quick self-assessment in the line of duty, asking them to forge ahead with the right mindset and disposition to achieve more impactful results.
“The Supreme Court, and by extension, the Nigerian judiciary, has fared well in the outgone legal year, though the horizon was literally roughened by overwhelming challenges.
“As this new legal year unfolds, we will like to assure you that we are determined to work assiduously to evolve a judiciary that will remarkably be the pride of Nigerians, home and abroad,” he said.
Speaking on the invasion of Justice Mary Odili’s official residence by suspected security operatives, the CJN noted that the Bench was disturbed by the development, adding that they have had enough dosage of such shenanigans.
He said, “The silence of the judiciary should never be mistaken for stupidity or weakness. By the nature of our work, we are conservative, but not conquered species. We should not be pushed further than this by any individual, institution or agency of the government.”
The nation’s chief judicial officer also seized the opportunity to decry the setback caused by the protracted strike of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), saying it came with excruciating impact on smooth dispensation of justice.
