Vol 1 No 4 9th April 2001
THE LEARNED SQUIB
‘SUCCEEDING AS A CHARGE AND BAIL LAWYER TODAY’ By Adesina Ogunlana
Occasionally, I saunter across the haunts of the dregs of the legal profession; the “charge and bail” lawyers, and I see many of them wearing doleful mien, their eyes glinting with hunger, brows knitted with worry…cutting the very picture of desperation.
Yet ‘charging and bailing’ is a lucrative enterprise. It can fetch you a good house, a sleek car, a roly-poly frame, though your cloak of honour as a legal practitioner would have some inevitable rent.
So if you are a failure as a ‘charge and bail’ you need not depart from your path of perdition.
You need the following tips and your success is guaranteed.
1. SPRUCE UP.
My man, howsoever dost thou looketh a lout? It is true you are a rogue but must you look the part? Please cut off that jerry-curled hair. And if you need clean, inexpensive shirts and jackets – even shoes, you only need visit ASWANI MARKET (popular flea market) Lagos.
2. ‘PAL-UP’ WITH IPO’s.
Your best friend or accomplice if you like, as a charge and bail lawyer should be Investigating Police Officers. These gentlemen if properly cultivated are the best conveyers of criminal cases to your like. Just leave your cards with them and visit them regularly with ‘something.’
3. HIRE DIRECT AMBULANCE CHASERS.
You know in this business, it is often he who first gets the “overnight” cases that gets their briefs. So you need strong, fast legs to get to these characters before other competitors. Thus, hire young, agile men as your agents, arm them with your cards and let them storm the ambulances for you. There is no disputing the fact that it is not very dignifying to see a ‘whole lawyer’ like you darting and huffing after black marias.
4. MASTER THE MANTRA.
Any ‘charge and bail’ specialist has no business blowing “long grammar” before the magistrate. He only needs to say, “I hereby apply for the bail of the accused persons upon liberal terms,” coolly and confidently, and any reasonable, well brought up magistrate will not hesitate to oblige.
So master the magic sentence. Say it ten times in the morning before taking your shot of PARAGA (local gin). Say it ten times in the afternoon and of course chant it solemnly at night 10 times before retiring to bed. Do all this, daily.
5. HAVE UNIQUE COMPLIMENTARY CARDS.
Any practicing lawyer should have his business card with him at all times. A ‘C&B’ needs it more than any other category of lawyer. Let your card be unique in all respects. For example your card should be so colourful that it will at first glance be mistaken for the flag of Ethiopia, Mali or Ghana. Then it must lavishly describe your professional specialization and expertise. Prayerfully study the sample below:
‘Seye Wayority
B.A.B.M., LLB, BLX
HUSTLER, GANG & COMPANY
(Solicitors & Advocates)
Bail Specialists, Stamp Duty Gurus
Police Matters Consultants
Office: UNDER THE TREE CHAMBERS
Old Secretariat, Ikeja.
Come One, Come All!
Well there are many other sensible pieces of advice that I could give but time and space do not allow. Go well and prosper!
Related link: http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
Friday, December 14, 2007
'Retired Judges As "Agberos"' By Adesina Ogunlana
Vol 1 No 3 2nd April 2001
THE LEARNED SQUIB
‘Retired Judges as “Agberos?”’ By Adesina Ogunlana
Last week I witnessed a rather shameful fight involving seven old men courtesy of The Guardian newspaper of 27/3/2001. Six of them were on one side and only one on the other side.
The first side is officially called BODY OF RETIRED JUDGES OF LAGOS STATE ORIGIN (BORJOLSO) but it is legit to call them the BAAHOO. (this sounds so alarmingly close to YAHOO though). The following ‘sons of the soil’ are members:
Honourable Messers. Justice Bada, Adeoba, Adagun, Hotonu, Oluwa and Olorunnimbe, all retired.
The ‘second’ side is the one and only incumbent Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honourable Mr. Justice Christopher Olatunde Segun, a.k.a. C.J Baba.
What is the bone of contention between these groups of elders? It is who should be appointed as judge in Lagos State.
In the said fight, many dangerous weapons were freely used, including blackmail, intimidation, senior boy “yabbies,” etc. From the dexterity displayed by the BAAHOO in the handling of their weapons of war it is clear that these retired judges are (a) not tired and (b) are born politicians or have successfully received special intensive courses in POLITICAL SCARE TACTICS AND CONTROL from NADECO (AGBAKO) and AFENIFERE generalissimos.
In attacking C.J Baba the BAAHOO:
(a) Procured sensitive documents:-
(Letters of C.Js of other states to C.J Baba as well as C.J Baba’s letter to the N.B.A Lagos).
(b) Bared their minds and fangs in no uncertain fashion.
(c) Used a credible medium with very wide coverage to market their views.
(d) Threatened or hinted that except their position is accepted there will be crisis and chaos in the Lagos State Judiciary after C.J Baba’s tenure.
If this is not vintage NADECO tactics, what is? Just tell me.
If by now you are already pitying C.J Baba, that means you do not know His Lordship very well. Suffice to say that he gave as good as he got if not even more.
He made us know that the BAAHOO group was acting out of frustration having lobbied him (I should think unsuccessfully) to nominate some of their children judges. He also asserted that it was too low of the BAAHOO to be advertising for judges on the pages of newspapers. Some swell sword play there!
My sympathies lie with C.J Baba though I do not agree with his shocking position that non indigenes would not be appointed as judges. See, while the BAAHOO group was emphasizing the factor of LAGOS STATE INDIGENESHIP as the basic parameter to use in appointing judges here, C.J Baba was busy trumpeting the virtue of using merit as the proper yardstick.
If there are competent and responsible Lagos State indigenes fit to be judges, such should be appointed, and same should go for non indigenes of Lagos State who have long been working or practicing in the state.
But reasonable preference should be given to indigenes. To me, the BAAHOO group missed it in comparing LAGOS STATE with other states. My Lords retired and temporal, let us observe the principle of true justice which states that:
Treat LIKE things LIKE
And UNLIKE things UNLIKE. Coooourrrttt!
Related link: http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
THE LEARNED SQUIB
‘Retired Judges as “Agberos?”’ By Adesina Ogunlana
Last week I witnessed a rather shameful fight involving seven old men courtesy of The Guardian newspaper of 27/3/2001. Six of them were on one side and only one on the other side.
The first side is officially called BODY OF RETIRED JUDGES OF LAGOS STATE ORIGIN (BORJOLSO) but it is legit to call them the BAAHOO. (this sounds so alarmingly close to YAHOO though). The following ‘sons of the soil’ are members:
Honourable Messers. Justice Bada, Adeoba, Adagun, Hotonu, Oluwa and Olorunnimbe, all retired.
The ‘second’ side is the one and only incumbent Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honourable Mr. Justice Christopher Olatunde Segun, a.k.a. C.J Baba.
What is the bone of contention between these groups of elders? It is who should be appointed as judge in Lagos State.
In the said fight, many dangerous weapons were freely used, including blackmail, intimidation, senior boy “yabbies,” etc. From the dexterity displayed by the BAAHOO in the handling of their weapons of war it is clear that these retired judges are (a) not tired and (b) are born politicians or have successfully received special intensive courses in POLITICAL SCARE TACTICS AND CONTROL from NADECO (AGBAKO) and AFENIFERE generalissimos.
In attacking C.J Baba the BAAHOO:
(a) Procured sensitive documents:-
(Letters of C.Js of other states to C.J Baba as well as C.J Baba’s letter to the N.B.A Lagos).
(b) Bared their minds and fangs in no uncertain fashion.
(c) Used a credible medium with very wide coverage to market their views.
(d) Threatened or hinted that except their position is accepted there will be crisis and chaos in the Lagos State Judiciary after C.J Baba’s tenure.
If this is not vintage NADECO tactics, what is? Just tell me.
If by now you are already pitying C.J Baba, that means you do not know His Lordship very well. Suffice to say that he gave as good as he got if not even more.
He made us know that the BAAHOO group was acting out of frustration having lobbied him (I should think unsuccessfully) to nominate some of their children judges. He also asserted that it was too low of the BAAHOO to be advertising for judges on the pages of newspapers. Some swell sword play there!
My sympathies lie with C.J Baba though I do not agree with his shocking position that non indigenes would not be appointed as judges. See, while the BAAHOO group was emphasizing the factor of LAGOS STATE INDIGENESHIP as the basic parameter to use in appointing judges here, C.J Baba was busy trumpeting the virtue of using merit as the proper yardstick.
If there are competent and responsible Lagos State indigenes fit to be judges, such should be appointed, and same should go for non indigenes of Lagos State who have long been working or practicing in the state.
But reasonable preference should be given to indigenes. To me, the BAAHOO group missed it in comparing LAGOS STATE with other states. My Lords retired and temporal, let us observe the principle of true justice which states that:
Treat LIKE things LIKE
And UNLIKE things UNLIKE. Coooourrrttt!
Related link: http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
'How To Kill A New Wig' By Adesina Ogunlana
Vol 1 No 2 28th March 2001
‘How to Kill a New Wig’ By Adesina Ogunlana
A new wig is a rookie barrister (and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria). What he knows theoretically about the Law is truly wonderful. But what he does know about the Law in its practical dimensions can only overwhelm a cretin.
You really can’t blame the poor creature. Blame his fancy coat and tie educators. For breakfast they had always fed him toasted theory, for lunch, fried theory and for supper, it was theory yet again, but now parboiled.
Despite all odds though, the theory saturated chap is now a barrister. People hail him all over town affectionately as “the Law!” His gown is new, his wig even twinkingly newer. Sparkling is his bib and as for his collar, it is stiffer than Samanja’s (TV character with false, stiff moustache) whiskers.
All newly qualified lawyers need all the help they can get to succeed in the profession. But should it be your sacred responsibility to swing them from the legal profession, this is how to achieve the goal.
A. PAY HIM PEANUTS.
New wigs like money. Too much. As a principal counsel, naturally it is your duty to clip such avarice. Work a new wig like a rice paddy mule, then pay him just a little money as salary. That’s how best your rookie can pay his dues…even if to extinction.
B. FORBID PERSONAL BRIEFS.
Can there be two spoons in the one mouth at the same time? Nay. Then why should a principal counsel be holding down briefs and your rookie doing the same? It is an insult. Don’t allow it.
C. SLAM THE ROOKIE ALWAYS.
A normal rookie barrister suffers from delusions of grandeur. He likes to think of himself as a budding Denning or an Elias. What a regrettable malady! So what to do? Simple. Daily deflate your rookie; poke him with ridicule, punch him with scorn and slap him about with complaints and yet more complaints. Remember, it is dangerous to offer him any words of praise. This will certainly trigger off his malady again.
D. UN-MAN HIM IN COURT.
A good judge or magistrate is in the best position to achieve this mean feat. While a new wig is clearing his throat to announce his appearance; roar at him to speak up. Harry him about his appearance, yell barrages of questions at him without waiting for his reply. Finish him off with this brilliant inanity – WHEN WERE YOU CALLED TO THE BAR?
The rookie has no choice at this point than to burst into tears but happily enough you won’t see him again in a very long while before you.
E. PROPHESY DOOM FOR HIM.
The motto of any self respecting Prophet of doom is “Things can only get worse.” Naturally, yours should not be different.
Accordingly assure new wigs that things would be hard for them. To that end encourage them with your own SORROW-TEARS-BLOOD experiences of the past 37 years as a legal practitioner and how you are yet to make ends meet.
Just keep at this glorious mission. I wish you Devil’s speed.
Related link: http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
‘How to Kill a New Wig’ By Adesina Ogunlana
A new wig is a rookie barrister (and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria). What he knows theoretically about the Law is truly wonderful. But what he does know about the Law in its practical dimensions can only overwhelm a cretin.
You really can’t blame the poor creature. Blame his fancy coat and tie educators. For breakfast they had always fed him toasted theory, for lunch, fried theory and for supper, it was theory yet again, but now parboiled.
Despite all odds though, the theory saturated chap is now a barrister. People hail him all over town affectionately as “the Law!” His gown is new, his wig even twinkingly newer. Sparkling is his bib and as for his collar, it is stiffer than Samanja’s (TV character with false, stiff moustache) whiskers.
All newly qualified lawyers need all the help they can get to succeed in the profession. But should it be your sacred responsibility to swing them from the legal profession, this is how to achieve the goal.
A. PAY HIM PEANUTS.
New wigs like money. Too much. As a principal counsel, naturally it is your duty to clip such avarice. Work a new wig like a rice paddy mule, then pay him just a little money as salary. That’s how best your rookie can pay his dues…even if to extinction.
B. FORBID PERSONAL BRIEFS.
Can there be two spoons in the one mouth at the same time? Nay. Then why should a principal counsel be holding down briefs and your rookie doing the same? It is an insult. Don’t allow it.
C. SLAM THE ROOKIE ALWAYS.
A normal rookie barrister suffers from delusions of grandeur. He likes to think of himself as a budding Denning or an Elias. What a regrettable malady! So what to do? Simple. Daily deflate your rookie; poke him with ridicule, punch him with scorn and slap him about with complaints and yet more complaints. Remember, it is dangerous to offer him any words of praise. This will certainly trigger off his malady again.
D. UN-MAN HIM IN COURT.
A good judge or magistrate is in the best position to achieve this mean feat. While a new wig is clearing his throat to announce his appearance; roar at him to speak up. Harry him about his appearance, yell barrages of questions at him without waiting for his reply. Finish him off with this brilliant inanity – WHEN WERE YOU CALLED TO THE BAR?
The rookie has no choice at this point than to burst into tears but happily enough you won’t see him again in a very long while before you.
E. PROPHESY DOOM FOR HIM.
The motto of any self respecting Prophet of doom is “Things can only get worse.” Naturally, yours should not be different.
Accordingly assure new wigs that things would be hard for them. To that end encourage them with your own SORROW-TEARS-BLOOD experiences of the past 37 years as a legal practitioner and how you are yet to make ends meet.
Just keep at this glorious mission. I wish you Devil’s speed.
Related link: http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
'Who Dunnit - Magistrate or Registrar?' By Adesina Ogunlana
THE LEARNED SQUIB
Vol 1 No 1 22nd March 2001
WHO DUNNIT – MAGISTRATE OR REGISTRAR? By Adesina Ogunlana
Mrs. Bankole-Williams, the Chief Magistrate at Igbosere Lagos almost went with the wind some weeks ago. Even now her career is still tottering on the brinks of ruin.
How come? The travails of the amiable and well spoken magistrate arose as a result of a ‘sting’ operation, or what Mr. Oladapo Diya will certainly call a “Set-up.”
Some litigants claimed that the magistrate demanded gratification from them. But when they brought the ‘Big Blue,’ it was the registrar who collected it (N35, 000.00). Just then, the bulls charged in and found the marked money with the court registrar.
When the sh-t hit the fan, the registrar strategically invoked Section 7d of the Criminal Code, to wit that, chief magistrate Bankole-Williams was, permit my ‘Diyanese,’ “the masterminder, the initiator and the executioner” of the sordid affair. Expectedly, Mrs. Bankole-Williams washed her hands off the registrar, claiming a complete, absolute and perpetual ignorance of any plan or agreement to extort or collect bribe from the said litigants whatsoever.
In such a situation who is to be believed? If you ask my opinion I would say “Too close to call.” But the shame really is Bankole-Williams.’ Oh, the ignominy of the magistrate having to be dragged into such a dirty and indelicate matter such as a bribery scandal with her registrar?
You see many of these magistrates are known to be corrupt, and so cannot have their integrity vouched for in the “days of evil” such as befell magistrate Bankole-Williams.
The other time, the Chairman of the Magistrates Association Lagos State Branch, Mr. Giwa was reiterating to the case for magistrates to be given car loans. But granting this prayer, I am afraid will not change irresponsible magistrates for the better. This is because despite the fact that magistrates’ salaries have been improved greatly in this Tinubu era, yet leopards are not changing their spots.
My heart really goes out to Bankole-Williams. She is otherwise a pleasant, hardworking and sound magistrate. It will be awful really to end a promising career on the MANUWA lanes. So if what would save her now is prayers, let Her Worship go up the mountains and plead her cause with the Almighty. For is the Lord not our ever present help in times of trouble? But if it is repentance that is needed let it be done sincerely. I know where sack-clothes and ashes can be rented. Let the accompanying tears be bitter and stinging like St Peters’ after the GREAT DENIAL…
Crocodile tears are not wanted please.
Related link: http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
Vol 1 No 1 22nd March 2001
WHO DUNNIT – MAGISTRATE OR REGISTRAR? By Adesina Ogunlana
Mrs. Bankole-Williams, the Chief Magistrate at Igbosere Lagos almost went with the wind some weeks ago. Even now her career is still tottering on the brinks of ruin.
How come? The travails of the amiable and well spoken magistrate arose as a result of a ‘sting’ operation, or what Mr. Oladapo Diya will certainly call a “Set-up.”
Some litigants claimed that the magistrate demanded gratification from them. But when they brought the ‘Big Blue,’ it was the registrar who collected it (N35, 000.00). Just then, the bulls charged in and found the marked money with the court registrar.
When the sh-t hit the fan, the registrar strategically invoked Section 7d of the Criminal Code, to wit that, chief magistrate Bankole-Williams was, permit my ‘Diyanese,’ “the masterminder, the initiator and the executioner” of the sordid affair. Expectedly, Mrs. Bankole-Williams washed her hands off the registrar, claiming a complete, absolute and perpetual ignorance of any plan or agreement to extort or collect bribe from the said litigants whatsoever.
In such a situation who is to be believed? If you ask my opinion I would say “Too close to call.” But the shame really is Bankole-Williams.’ Oh, the ignominy of the magistrate having to be dragged into such a dirty and indelicate matter such as a bribery scandal with her registrar?
You see many of these magistrates are known to be corrupt, and so cannot have their integrity vouched for in the “days of evil” such as befell magistrate Bankole-Williams.
The other time, the Chairman of the Magistrates Association Lagos State Branch, Mr. Giwa was reiterating to the case for magistrates to be given car loans. But granting this prayer, I am afraid will not change irresponsible magistrates for the better. This is because despite the fact that magistrates’ salaries have been improved greatly in this Tinubu era, yet leopards are not changing their spots.
My heart really goes out to Bankole-Williams. She is otherwise a pleasant, hardworking and sound magistrate. It will be awful really to end a promising career on the MANUWA lanes. So if what would save her now is prayers, let Her Worship go up the mountains and plead her cause with the Almighty. For is the Lord not our ever present help in times of trouble? But if it is repentance that is needed let it be done sincerely. I know where sack-clothes and ashes can be rented. Let the accompanying tears be bitter and stinging like St Peters’ after the GREAT DENIAL…
Crocodile tears are not wanted please.
Related link: http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
'The Judge that Slept on Duty' By Adesina Ogunlana
THE LEARNED SQUIB
March 15, 2001
Mr. Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte slept on duty the other day. I mean Aldolphus Karibi Whyte, Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, slept while his court was going on.
Well, that’s not so calamitious a thing as you might think. After all, his Lordship did not snore in the process and all this goes on to show that despite all fiction, Lordships are not celestial entities but solidly affixed to the terra-firma. In short, judges are all too human.
Now, where did his Lordship snooze on duty and how did the Learned Squib learn of this? Tut, tut, tut. If you would only read the Comet Newspapers daily, you wouldn’t be missing out on salacious stories such as this. And the incident mercifully did not happen in Nigeria but at the International Court of Justice. Go and do your research.
The matter went on appeal and one of the grounds of appeal was that one of the panel of judges which tried the case to wit, our dear Adolphus Karibi-Whyte JSC, on certain occasions whilst trial was going on did take leave of this sinful world, only to come back after some hours and take off again.
The appeal was disallowed (afterall, not all the judges slept) but the Appeal Court held that indeed Karibi-Whyte JSC drifted into slumberland but for only 30 minutes and not for hours on end as alleged.
Karibi-Whyte JSC did not agree that he slept at all. He condemned the appellants for lying and clutching at straws. When I read his comments, I just laughed.
Of course, I did not believe our dear Adolphus. But that does not mean he does not have my sympathy. You know wherever there is an enabling environment, any reasonable man would drift into languor. Though I was not there, I know the court room where dear Adolphus committed the faux pas must be more comfortable than many Nigerian Affairs. Secondly, I am sure the litigants were wasting too much time speaking through their noses, and splitting hairs. Now that can be very boring to an erudite jurist like Karibi-Whyte JSC.
Of course the great jurist was not snoozing or sleeping or drowsing for fun or in vain. In his dreamland he was yet cogitating about the problems of the fatherland (e.g. permanent petrol queues) and how to solve them. Don’t even mind the appellants. Why didn’t they wake up the great jurist at the earliest opportunity? Why wait for him at the Appeal Court? What if at the Court of Appeal another great jurist had gone to slumber land?
MORAL: Equity does not favour the indolent.
2. Time is always of the essence when sleepy judges are involved.
Related link: http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
March 15, 2001
Mr. Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte slept on duty the other day. I mean Aldolphus Karibi Whyte, Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, slept while his court was going on.
Well, that’s not so calamitious a thing as you might think. After all, his Lordship did not snore in the process and all this goes on to show that despite all fiction, Lordships are not celestial entities but solidly affixed to the terra-firma. In short, judges are all too human.
Now, where did his Lordship snooze on duty and how did the Learned Squib learn of this? Tut, tut, tut. If you would only read the Comet Newspapers daily, you wouldn’t be missing out on salacious stories such as this. And the incident mercifully did not happen in Nigeria but at the International Court of Justice. Go and do your research.
The matter went on appeal and one of the grounds of appeal was that one of the panel of judges which tried the case to wit, our dear Adolphus Karibi-Whyte JSC, on certain occasions whilst trial was going on did take leave of this sinful world, only to come back after some hours and take off again.
The appeal was disallowed (afterall, not all the judges slept) but the Appeal Court held that indeed Karibi-Whyte JSC drifted into slumberland but for only 30 minutes and not for hours on end as alleged.
Karibi-Whyte JSC did not agree that he slept at all. He condemned the appellants for lying and clutching at straws. When I read his comments, I just laughed.
Of course, I did not believe our dear Adolphus. But that does not mean he does not have my sympathy. You know wherever there is an enabling environment, any reasonable man would drift into languor. Though I was not there, I know the court room where dear Adolphus committed the faux pas must be more comfortable than many Nigerian Affairs. Secondly, I am sure the litigants were wasting too much time speaking through their noses, and splitting hairs. Now that can be very boring to an erudite jurist like Karibi-Whyte JSC.
Of course the great jurist was not snoozing or sleeping or drowsing for fun or in vain. In his dreamland he was yet cogitating about the problems of the fatherland (e.g. permanent petrol queues) and how to solve them. Don’t even mind the appellants. Why didn’t they wake up the great jurist at the earliest opportunity? Why wait for him at the Appeal Court? What if at the Court of Appeal another great jurist had gone to slumber land?
MORAL: Equity does not favour the indolent.
2. Time is always of the essence when sleepy judges are involved.
Related link: http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
'After Segun Who?' By Adesina Ogunlana
THE LEARNED SQUIB
1st March, 2001
Believe it or not, the Chief Judge (Of Lagos State) is gone. Gone not into eternity, but gone nonetheless, is Christopher Segun, C.J.
The reign of Segun C.J has virtually come to an end and all we are waiting for is the valedictory service and all the hypocritical paeans that would be sung there. Long live the C.J!
But who shall be the next C.J? Definitely not my humble self. Thank you so much. As to be expected, present and future contenders for the post are already perfecting their strategies, which may or may not include attending Governor Tinubu’s mother-in-law’s cousin’s birthday, continental prostrations, advanced Nicodemustic meetings, statutory age adjustments and amendments, etc.
This post (Chief Judge) must be sweet indeed. It is not and cannot be just an icing on the gateau, in all honesty, it is the very gateau. A judge, I say, is to a Chief Judge, what (permit my insouciant simile) a peck is to a French kiss.
I am very interested in who becomes the next Chief Judge of Lagos State. And don’t blame me. That worthy is very crucial to every practicing counsel’s success, nay survival, in Lagos State, he being the engine room of the administration of justice here.
If he is good, competent and committed, the judiciary becomes vibrant and progressive. If not, disaster. True, nobody is an angel but then a crooked judge should never become a Chief Judge. That position is too powerful, too strategic, and too respectable to be occupied by a rapscallion, who for example will delight in mistressing magistrates and ju-jitsuing judges’ benefits into his own pocket. At least a good C.J must have three virtues: (a) Good health (b) Discipline (c) Wisdom.
Qualities such as these should be used in determining who should be the next Chief Judge and not some disgusting criteria such as – Lagos State indigene ship, asinine seniority, membership of some “Sogologo-Bangoshe” lodges and cults, or kinship with so called Kingmakers.
I will never pray for a corrupt, thieving, alive-today-dead-tomorrow “money-money” judge as the Chief Judge. Such a misfit full of Judas anointing, cannot guide or discipline judges under him or her. Petitions of aggrieved innocents would be neglected. Bailiffs and Sheriffs will go berserk ab initio. Registrars will go mad in toto. Things will fall apart and anguish will pierce the heart of many.
Those who pride themselves as the pillars of the legal profession in Lagos State and have roles to play in the appointment of Chief Judge of Lagos State should put on their thinking caps and do the right thing.
If not, the terrible axe called Nemesis shall fall on them and their households.
A CURSE? NO, A PROPHECY.
Related link: http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
1st March, 2001
Believe it or not, the Chief Judge (Of Lagos State) is gone. Gone not into eternity, but gone nonetheless, is Christopher Segun, C.J.
The reign of Segun C.J has virtually come to an end and all we are waiting for is the valedictory service and all the hypocritical paeans that would be sung there. Long live the C.J!
But who shall be the next C.J? Definitely not my humble self. Thank you so much. As to be expected, present and future contenders for the post are already perfecting their strategies, which may or may not include attending Governor Tinubu’s mother-in-law’s cousin’s birthday, continental prostrations, advanced Nicodemustic meetings, statutory age adjustments and amendments, etc.
This post (Chief Judge) must be sweet indeed. It is not and cannot be just an icing on the gateau, in all honesty, it is the very gateau. A judge, I say, is to a Chief Judge, what (permit my insouciant simile) a peck is to a French kiss.
I am very interested in who becomes the next Chief Judge of Lagos State. And don’t blame me. That worthy is very crucial to every practicing counsel’s success, nay survival, in Lagos State, he being the engine room of the administration of justice here.
If he is good, competent and committed, the judiciary becomes vibrant and progressive. If not, disaster. True, nobody is an angel but then a crooked judge should never become a Chief Judge. That position is too powerful, too strategic, and too respectable to be occupied by a rapscallion, who for example will delight in mistressing magistrates and ju-jitsuing judges’ benefits into his own pocket. At least a good C.J must have three virtues: (a) Good health (b) Discipline (c) Wisdom.
Qualities such as these should be used in determining who should be the next Chief Judge and not some disgusting criteria such as – Lagos State indigene ship, asinine seniority, membership of some “Sogologo-Bangoshe” lodges and cults, or kinship with so called Kingmakers.
I will never pray for a corrupt, thieving, alive-today-dead-tomorrow “money-money” judge as the Chief Judge. Such a misfit full of Judas anointing, cannot guide or discipline judges under him or her. Petitions of aggrieved innocents would be neglected. Bailiffs and Sheriffs will go berserk ab initio. Registrars will go mad in toto. Things will fall apart and anguish will pierce the heart of many.
Those who pride themselves as the pillars of the legal profession in Lagos State and have roles to play in the appointment of Chief Judge of Lagos State should put on their thinking caps and do the right thing.
If not, the terrible axe called Nemesis shall fall on them and their households.
A CURSE? NO, A PROPHECY.
Related link: http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
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