The new administration of the Nigerian Bar Association, Calabar Branch (the “Doyen Bar”), led by the Chairman, Mr. Attah Ochinke, on Thursday, the 15th day of July 2021 paid a courtesy call on the Honourable Judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Calabar Judicial Division, His Lordship, Hon. Justice I. L. Ojukwu, who doubles as the administrative judge of the Calabar Division, and His Lordship, Hon. Justice R. O. Oghoghorie, to introduce the members of the new administration and welcome the honourable judges to Cross River State.
The members of the Doyen Bar administration were ushered into the chambers of the administrative judge by the Deputy Chief Registrar, Longs Godswill, who introduced them to the honourable judges of the Federal High Court.
The Welfare Secretary, Mr. Uduak Essien, introduced each and every member of the administration to the Honourable Chief Judge to wit; Mr. Attah Ochinke, Chairman; Sam Eboh, Vice Chairman; Eno Edet, Secretary; Rajunor Tom, Treasurer; Uduak Essien, Welfare Secretary; Bassey Williams, Social Secretary; Terem Inyambe, Publicity Secretary; and Mercy Alobi, Assistant Secretary.
After the introductions had been done, the Chairman, in addressing the honourable judges on behalf of the administration, stated that the essence of the visit was to introduce the new leadership of the Doyen Bar as well as to pledge their collaboration in the administration of justice. He went on to reinforce the knowledge that as members of the Bar, lawyers are ministers in the temple of justice and must therefore work to ensure that there is a seamless synergy between the Bar and the Bench. Therefore, the present administration, in piloting the affairs of the Doyen Bar would strive to ensure that the synergy which exists between the Bar and the Bench continues and is improved upon.
The Chairman further stated that legal practitioners, in the course of the conduct of their cases before judicial officers, may sometimes act in a manner worthy of either commendation or condemnation. He therefore respectfully urged their lordships to not hesitate to bring same up so they may be addressed.
In concluding, the Chairman noted that practices and even conventions may differ from one jurisdiction to another. In that regard, he humbly requested that should their lordships have cause to discover any general issues that may be of discomfort or concern within the jurisdiction, same be brought up so the Bar could shape up to make the job easier for their lordships. He ended by welcoming their lordships to the Calabar jurisdiction.
His lordship, Hon. Justice I. L. Ojukwu, administrative judge of the Calabar Division of the Federal High Court, on her part made a few observations she had noted within the period she had resumed in the jurisdiction. She emphasized the need for punctuality to court in the jurisdiction as she reiterated the fact that the courts sit at 9:00am. She further observed the respect accorded legal practitioners by fellow colleagues within the jurisdiction and remarked that respect itself is earned by being respectful. She further urged members of the Doyen Bar to exhibit at all times the highest levels of mutual respect amongst colleagues.
His lordship went on to frown on the practise of legal practitioners attempting to stand as sureties or guarantors for their clients. She stated that this was not proper and even amounted to unethical practise which could lead a legal practitioner into trouble.
His lordship went on to urge members of the Doyen Bar to communicate any foreseen absence from court proceedings. She stated that it was important to inform the court whenever a counsel would be unable to make an appearance to conduct proceedings whenever his case is mentioned. Counsel could either write to the court to explain said absence or, where same may not be possible, communicate via call or sms with the clerks of court. His lordship emphasized that unexplained absence from proceedings could be detrimental to the case. She went on to state that even a withdrawal from future prosecution of a case needs to be communicated to the court.
His lordship, Hon. Justice I. L. Ojukwu, also encouraged members of the Doyen Bar to report any situation of extortion or exploitation by the staff of the Federal High Court, Calabar Division in the course of the performance of their official duties. She stated that the performance of duties by the staff should not be predicated on any demand for payment of unofficial fees.
In concluding, his lordship once again encouraged the members of the Doyen Bar to always communicate whatever issues they may have in the course of performing their duties in the Federal High Court. This, his lordship stated, could be done either in Chambers officially through the Chairman of the Doyen Bar or in open court by the legal practitioner himself. His lordship however discouraged any attempt by legal practitioners to seek audience in chambers.
In addition, His lordship, Hon. Justice R. O. Oghoghorie, urged members of the Doyen Bar to include their phone numbers and email addresses when preparing processes for filing and service. This, his lordship stated, would aid communication between the court and counsel in instances where, for instance, the court would be unable to sit for any given day. His lordship also urged members of the Doyen Bar to furnish the court with electronic copies of processes filed as this would go a long way to make the court’s job easier. The Chairman, Mr. Attah Ochinke, thanked their lordships for the tips that had been given. He pledged to communicate all that had been said to the members of the Doyen Bar and ensure compliance.