The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau SAN has called for expression of interest from eligible legal practitioners to fill eight vacancies on the Supreme Court bench.
“Dear Colleagues,” Mr Maikyau said, “By a letter dated 14 June and delivered to us on 16 June 2023, the Honourable, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, has requested me, as President of the Nigerian Bar Association, to nominate suitably qualified candidates to be recommended for appointment to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The available 8 slots are for candidates from: South East (2); South South (1); South West (2); North Central (2) and North West (1).
Members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) who are suitably qualified and are interested in applying for appointment to the Supreme Court, and are from any of the above-listed geopolitical zones are enjoined to submit Expression of Interest to the National Secretariat of the NBA on or before 21 June 2023.
All correspondences should be addressed to:The PresidentNigerian Bar Associationc/o Ayodeji Oni, Esq.Head, Legal Services Department Nigerian Bar AssociationNational SecretariatPlot 1101 Cadastral Zone A00Central Business DistrictAbuja.
The expressions of interest should include the following attached thereto:
- A copy of the Applicant’s Curriculum Vitae
- A copy of the Applicant’s Call to Bar Certificate
- Evidence of payment of Bar Practicing Fees (BPF) as and when due, for 10 years preceding the application, inclusive of 2023
- Evidence of payment of NBA Branch Dues as and when due, for the past 10 years preceding the application, inclusive of 2023
- Evidence of attendance at least 10 Conferences of the NBA
- Evidence of membership of Sections or Fora of the NBA
- Certified true copies of at least 10 Judgments in contested cases conducted by the Applicant within the 5 years preceding the date of application.
- A letter of good standing from the Chairman of the applicant’s Branch, and 5 letters of references (2 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:
1. Good character and reputation, diligence and hard work, honesty, integrity and sound knowledge of law and consistent adherence to professional ethics;
As may be applicable:
2. 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;
3. Credible record of teaching law, legal research in a reputable University and publication of legal works…”
