CJN Decries Lawyers Addressing Journalists on Court Proceedings

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Mohammad, on
Tuesday, frowned upon lawyers who are in the habit of talking to
journalists on cases pending at the courts, stressing that such
actions are unethical and unprofessional.

Justice Muhammad said the legal profession is a noble profession
that demands high level of integrity and honesty from
practitioners, adding that cases should not be all about winning
but about justice.

The CJN spoke at the call to Bar ceremony of 4,456 law graduates
of the Nigerian Law School, which held at the headquarters of the
Nigerian Law School in Abuja.

“Sadly we are beginning to see a new trend in the legal
profession where lawyers on so many occasions address press
conferences over matters pending in courts and in some instances
claiming victory for their clients on matters the judge is yet to
rule.

“More worrisome is that some lawyers address the media while
being fully robed. These conducts are considered unethical and
unprofessional. I call on the Nigeria Bar Association to take
necessary action,” the CJN said.

According to Muhammad, lawyers should at all times speak the
truth to their clients and not playing to the gallery.

While urging the new wigs not to forget what the calling of the
legal profession is all about, the CJN emphasised that: “It is not
about winning or telling a client what he or she wants to hear. It
is about ensuring that justice is done to all manners of
person(s).”

Muhammad added that the legal profession is known for its
sanctity, integrity, honesty, objectivity, justice and the rule of
law and charged them to exhibit the highest level of professional
ethics and decorum.

“You must be steadfast and preserve the honour and dignity of
the legal profession. I urge you to be courageous and be bold
enough to thread on new grounds,” Justice Muhammad said.

He however enjoined lawyers to once in a while render free legal
services to people who cannot afford it.

“At some point as a lawyer, you may be confronted by people who
need legal services, but cannot afford it, try in anyway possible
to provide legal assistance to such persons.

“Our noble profession must not be one where costs can make
redress meaningless,” Muhammad added.

In his remark, the Director General of the Law School, Prof.
Isah Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), said out of the number of candidates
called to the Nigerian Bar, 147 candidates came out with first
class.

Chiroma said while 741 candidates graduated with second class
upper, 2,247 came out with second class lower, and 1,321 with a
pass.

He said that the Nigerian Law School will remain the gate keeper
of the legal profession and will continue in upholding the standard
and integrity of the Bar.

The DG stated that the Nigerian Law School, which has been in
existence for about 56 years, has had uninterrupted session as
there has never been any incident of a closure of the Institution
on account of student unrests, strike by staff or for any other
reason.

Chiroma disclosed also that the school has contributed to the
training of the legal man-power for some African countries and
enjoined the, “New wigs” to adhere strictly to the norms and ethics
of the legal profession.