The Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN Walter Onnoghen has tasked newly admitted lawyers on integrity and discipline. Justice Onnoghen gave the charge yesterday while swearing in the 1, 468 lawyers at the Call to Bar ceremony of the Nigerian Law School.

“Your character must be seen as being responsible at all times. You are required to remain and act as a minister in the Temple of Justice who must not be fraudulent, but rather demonstrate a high degree of uprightness and sound moral probity,” he said.

“In the discharge of your duties therefore, I urge you all to be fearless, forthright, courteous and respectful as well as truthful to yourself. Learn to have the fear of God in all you do and be prayerful so that your days ahead may be blessed,” he added.

The CJN also highlighted disciplinary issues handled by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee between 2013 and 2017 to include a total of 140 petitions. He said of this figure, 26 lawyers were discarded, 10 suspended and 40 discharged. He added that 64 petitions against lawyers are currently pending before the committee.

The Director General of the NLS, O. A. Onadeko (SAN), advised the successful candidates to adhere strictly to the norms and ethics of the profession and aim for the top.

A total of 736 lawyers were inaugurated in the morning while 732 took oath in the afternoon session.

Source: John Chuks Azu
The Daily Trust News