By Hameed Ajibola Jimoh Esq.
![image](/2020/10/lawreport.jpg")
![image](/2021/05/lawp.jpg")
The indefinite strike action declared by the Judiciary Staff
Union of Nigeria- herein after referred to as JUSUN- has lasted for
over eight weeks and it is still counting! The JUSUN had embarked
on the strike action to compel financial autonomy of the judiciary
on the Governors of States that have not complied with the said
autonomy. JUSUN has just few days ago, resolved to call off the
strike action by 14th day of June, 2021
(which is also a public holiday on the commemoration of the June
12, Democracy Day by the Federal Government of Nigeria, which
in my humble view, means that until then, the strike action is
still on and not yet called off!). There are
therefore those persons who have supported the strike action and to
them, the strike action is impeccable as it is the right action
regardless of the consequences (as to them it is a ‘fight to
finish’ once and for all battle) while there are others who
criticize the strike action for its negative consequences and or
impacts on the administration of justice, litigants and lawyers and
to these persons, the strike action constitutes impediments to
justice and progress of the nation. This paper is of the firm view
that the strike action constitutes impediments to the progress of
the nation and administration of justice and greatly affects the
litigants and litigation lawyers. Nevertheless the impacts
especially on litigation lawyers, this paper is of the
encouragement and belief that the resumption should be seen and or
utilized by litigation lawyers as a time to be better off than the
time and or periods before the strike action, hence, this
topic.
![image](/2021/05/NBASBL2021.jpg")
First and foremost, I must state that the strike action has
afforded litigation lawyers (including my humble self as a
litigation lawyer) the opportunity to rest and relax for a better
professional performance though under duress. Therefore, they can
now have a healthy professional performance away from all the
acquired stress in the various engagements prior to the strike
action.
Also, litigation lawyers can now value their roles and status in
litigation for many litigants have suffered because litigation
lawyers were not allowed to work by the JUSUN and its declared
strike action.
Also, litigation lawyers can now see the importance of courts of
law as a tool in their hands as litigation lawyers and activists as
without the court of law, litigation lawyers could hardly survive
or do anything or business, hence, we (as litigation lawyers) must
see the court of law as our office and us as stakeholders in the
court system, hence, court of law must not be allowed to be
destroyed.
Furthermore, our moneys standing still and or kept on hold by
the strike action can now be recovered upon resumption from the
strike action. This means that we can now be financially buoyant
once again.
Other career opportunities in the legal profession can now be
uncovered and utilized along with litigation to aid us to survive
in time of famine or time like: the JUSUN’s strike; the Covid-19
pandemic and the #endsars or any other period that we do not ever
pray for to occur in future- God forbid bad omen! Investments in
real property or other businesses are alternatives to litigation
practices and insurance opportunities (such as health insurance,
etc.) might also serve in cushioning the financial difficulty
likely associated with the litigation practices but quitting
litigation for an ambitious litigation lawyer is never an option or
an alternative, regardless of the difficulty or challenges! Our
prayers to God Almighty are a great tool in defeating all
challenges as we work hard to achieve success!
Among litigation lawyers are vicegerent of God Almighty on earth
for (especially as sincere and honest activists) because they
ensure and promote the rule of law and ensure that justice prevails
for mankind and God is always proud of them for their sacrifices!
These set of lawyers can be assured of entering the Paradise of God
Almighty!
Development of the nation- Nigeria lies on the litigation
lawyers as no nation would be able to survive anarchy while
litigation lawyers are not allowed to work by shutting courts. This
kind of ugly situation where courts are shut completely and
indefinitely must definitely not repeat itself in future!
Litigation lawyers can now see that they have the force that if
propelled, could input hardship and suffering on the masses and the
entire nation. Also, it is true that the litigation lawyers possess
some kind of powers that could be used to achieve many desired
goals within the ambit of the law. Therefore litigation lawyers
possess powers of societal reformation.
Furthermore, there are many career opportunities emanating from
litigation practices. For instance, being a Magistrate or Area
Court Judge or Customary Court Judge upon call to bar (some States
for instance provides for at least 5 years post call as
qualification to become a Magistrate, for instance in Lagos State.
Also, from 10 years at the bar, appointment as either the
attorney-general of the federation or of a State or as a Judge of
High Court are possible or becoming a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Furthermore, there are many ways of making money in litigation
practices apart from ‘appearance fee’ contrary to some wrong
thoughts that litigation practitioners are always concerned about
‘appearance fee’ and as if they would not survive this JUSUN’s
strike period without the appearance fee! Appearance fee is just
one among other ways of making money in the litigation practices.
Also, before 10 years at the bar, being in litigation is profitable
if the patience and sacrifices could be maintained! Therefore,
litigation lawyers should be enticed by these career opportunities
awaiting them in the legal profession and while some of these
opportunities could come to them even at the least expected
time!
Also, litigation involves rule of law, rule of practice and some
conventions of practice. A lawyer who is determined to go into a
career in litigation must be determined and not allow anything to
distract or deter him! He must be passionate, focused, determined
and prayerful to God Almighty! My humble advice to private legal
practitioners especially the young lawyers is for them to remain
firm with their determination in litigation! Very soon, all shall
be well! There are also many riches in the litigation practices
just perseverance is required!
In conclusion, I must state that litigation remains my passion
and my career in the legal profession through litigation remains a
great determination for me! These are my kind advice for young
lawyers and private lawyers generally in litigation practices!
Therefore, litigation should be seen as a ‘cause’ rather than a
‘curse’ and as we all prepare for the resumption from the JUSUN’s
strike action, the resumption from strike action should be seen and
used as a time (for us litigation lawyers) to be better off as
litigation lawyers (though by all legal means of survival)!
Email: hameed_ajibola@yahoo.com[1]
By Hameed Ajibola Jimoh Esq.
The indefinite strike action declared by the Judiciary Staff
Union of Nigeria- herein after referred to as JUSUN- has lasted for
over eight weeks and it is still counting! The JUSUN had embarked
on the strike action to compel financial autonomy of the judiciary
on the Governors of States that have not complied with the said
autonomy. JUSUN has just few days ago, resolved to call off the
strike action by 14th day of June, 2021
(which is also a public holiday on the commemoration of the June
12, Democracy Day by the Federal Government of Nigeria, which
in my humble view, means that until then, the strike action is
still on and not yet called off!). There are
therefore those persons who have supported the strike action and to
them, the strike action is impeccable as it is the right action
regardless of the consequences (as to them it is a ‘fight to
finish’ once and for all battle) while there are others who
criticize the strike action for its negative consequences and or
impacts on the administration of justice, litigants and lawyers and
to these persons, the strike action constitutes impediments to
justice and progress of the nation. This paper is of the firm view
that the strike action constitutes impediments to the progress of
the nation and administration of justice and greatly affects the
litigants and litigation lawyers. Nevertheless the impacts
especially on litigation lawyers, this paper is of the
encouragement and belief that the resumption should be seen and or
utilized by litigation lawyers as a time to be better off than the
time and or periods before the strike action, hence, this
topic.
First and foremost, I must state that the strike action has
afforded litigation lawyers (including my humble self as a
litigation lawyer) the opportunity to rest and relax for a better
professional performance though under duress. Therefore, they can
now have a healthy professional performance away from all the
acquired stress in the various engagements prior to the strike
action.
Also, litigation lawyers can now value their roles and status in
litigation for many litigants have suffered because litigation
lawyers were not allowed to work by the JUSUN and its declared
strike action.
Also, litigation lawyers can now see the importance of courts of
law as a tool in their hands as litigation lawyers and activists as
without the court of law, litigation lawyers could hardly survive
or do anything or business, hence, we (as litigation lawyers) must
see the court of law as our office and us as stakeholders in the
court system, hence, court of law must not be allowed to be
destroyed.
Furthermore, our moneys standing still and or kept on hold by
the strike action can now be recovered upon resumption from the
strike action. This means that we can now be financially buoyant
once again.
Other career opportunities in the legal profession can now be
uncovered and utilized along with litigation to aid us to survive
in time of famine or time like: the JUSUN’s strike; the Covid-19
pandemic and the #endsars or any other period that we do not ever
pray for to occur in future- God forbid bad omen! Investments in
real property or other businesses are alternatives to litigation
practices and insurance opportunities (such as health insurance,
etc.) might also serve in cushioning the financial difficulty
likely associated with the litigation practices but quitting
litigation for an ambitious litigation lawyer is never an option or
an alternative, regardless of the difficulty or challenges! Our
prayers to God Almighty are a great tool in defeating all
challenges as we work hard to achieve success!
Among litigation lawyers are vicegerent of God Almighty on earth
for (especially as sincere and honest activists) because they
ensure and promote the rule of law and ensure that justice prevails
for mankind and God is always proud of them for their sacrifices!
These set of lawyers can be assured of entering the Paradise of God
Almighty!
Development of the nation- Nigeria lies on the litigation
lawyers as no nation would be able to survive anarchy while
litigation lawyers are not allowed to work by shutting courts. This
kind of ugly situation where courts are shut completely and
indefinitely must definitely not repeat itself in future!
Litigation lawyers can now see that they have the force that if
propelled, could input hardship and suffering on the masses and the
entire nation. Also, it is true that the litigation lawyers possess
some kind of powers that could be used to achieve many desired
goals within the ambit of the law. Therefore litigation lawyers
possess powers of societal reformation.
Furthermore, there are many career opportunities emanating from
litigation practices. For instance, being a Magistrate or Area
Court Judge or Customary Court Judge upon call to bar (some States
for instance provides for at least 5 years post call as
qualification to become a Magistrate, for instance in Lagos State.
Also, from 10 years at the bar, appointment as either the
attorney-general of the federation or of a State or as a Judge of
High Court are possible or becoming a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Furthermore, there are many ways of making money in litigation
practices apart from ‘appearance fee’ contrary to some wrong
thoughts that litigation practitioners are always concerned about
‘appearance fee’ and as if they would not survive this JUSUN’s
strike period without the appearance fee! Appearance fee is just
one among other ways of making money in the litigation practices.
Also, before 10 years at the bar, being in litigation is profitable
if the patience and sacrifices could be maintained! Therefore,
litigation lawyers should be enticed by these career opportunities
awaiting them in the legal profession and while some of these
opportunities could come to them even at the least expected
time!
Also, litigation involves rule of law, rule of practice and some
conventions of practice. A lawyer who is determined to go into a
career in litigation must be determined and not allow anything to
distract or deter him! He must be passionate, focused, determined
and prayerful to God Almighty! My humble advice to private legal
practitioners especially the young lawyers is for them to remain
firm with their determination in litigation! Very soon, all shall
be well! There are also many riches in the litigation practices
just perseverance is required!
In conclusion, I must state that litigation remains my passion
and my career in the legal profession through litigation remains a
great determination for me! These are my kind advice for young
lawyers and private lawyers generally in litigation practices!
Therefore, litigation should be seen as a ‘cause’ rather than a
‘curse’ and as we all prepare for the resumption from the JUSUN’s
strike action, the resumption from strike action should be seen and
used as a time (for us litigation lawyers) to be better off as
litigation lawyers (though by all legal means of survival)!
Email: hameed_ajibola@yahoo.com[1]