NBA mobilises lawyers for 22 A’Court vacancies

The Nigerian Bar Association, on Wednesday, called on interested lawyers to apply for the 22 vacancies on the bench of the Court of Appeal.

In a statement on Wednesday, the NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), said the association had received a letter from the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, requesting the NBA to nominate suitably qualified candidates to be recommended for appointment to the Court of Appeal bench.

According to the statement, the existing vacancies are six for the North Central; one for the North-East; three for the North-West; five for the South-East; and four for the South-South; and four for the South-West.

The Court of Appeal over the years had always called on the NBA to publish expressions of interest so that lawyers could apply for vacant seats.

However, lawyers have not occupied any of the vacant seats at the appellate court.

Recently, a former NBA president, Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), called for legislation to break what he described as a cabal in the judiciary stopping lawyers’ appointment, particularly to the Supreme Court bench.

When asked on Wednesday to comment on the fresh invitation for lawyers to appeal to the Court of Appeal bench, Agbakoba said he wouldn’t know why lawyers were never given appointments.

According to the statement by the NBA President on Wednesday, any lawyer interested in the Court of Appeal appointment should submit their “Curriculum Vitae and a copy of the applicant’s Call to Bar Certificate.”

Other requirements are””Evidence of payment of Bar Practicing Fees as and when due, for 10 years preceding the application, inclusive of 2024 (applicable to members of the Bar only)

 “Evidence of payment of NBA Branch Dues as and when due, for the past 10 years preceding the application, inclusive of 2024 (applicable to members of the Bar only)

 “Evidence of attendance of at least five Conferences of the NBA, evidence of membership of Sections or Fora of the NBA (applicable to members of the Bar only).

“Certified true copies of at least 10 judgments in contested cases conducted by the applicant within the five years preceding the date of application or eight judgments delivered by the applicant in contested cases within two years preceding the date of application.

“A letter of good standing from the Chairman of the applicant’s branch, and five letters of references (two of the referees must be Senior Advocates) confirming that the candidate possesses the qualities set out in Rule 4(4)(1)(a), (b) and (d) of the National Judicial Council Guidelines for the Appointment of Judicial Officers for Superior Courts of Record as reproduced hereunder.

 “In all cases, good character and reputation, diligence and hard work, honesty, integrity and sound knowledge of the law and consistent adherence to professional ethics.

“As may be applicable, active successful practice at the Bar, including satisfactory presentation of cases in Court as a legal practitioner either in private practice or as a Legal Officer in any public service, a credible record of teaching law, legal research in a reputable University and publication of legal works.”