Shameful Advocate of Nigeria (S.A.N)?

by Eze Eluchie

The unprofessional antics and clownishness of some characters who parade themselves as representing the ideal of the Legal Profession in Nigeria, is daily bringing our profession to disrepute and public ridicule. Without doubt, the integrity and rationale of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has long been challenged and questioned by many in the profession, and Nigerians generally, who have experienced conduct unbecoming of gentlemen from some characters who have had that title bestowed upon them.

From instances of persons who subscribe to the rank of SAN struggling, and descending into shouting bouts amongst themselves, in open court, before a sitting Judge, in a desperate bid to claim ‘ownership’ of particularly Client; to others who hide behind the aprons of Nurses and health facilities, feigning ill-health, in order to avoid due processes of the law and arrests; from some who disingenuously institute actions in jurisdictions where, even the ordinary folks and commonsense know jurisdictions do not lie, with the knowledge that they will get desired ‘judicial pronouncements’ ; to some who are currently enmeshed, as defendants, in criminal and corruption trials; it is clear to all that the time has come when the need for the award of the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as a mark of distinction and expertise in the law profession, must be rethought.

Any doubt of the foregoing fact is certainly erased by the recent most unfortunate and desperate conduct of a particularly loquacious character that thrives in and is a product of hyped media, who recently joined the rank of SAN, Mr. Femi Falana, over the ‘status’ of the wife of one of Nigeria’s State Governors, Sullivan Chime of Enugu State.

Without ever apparently seeking access to the lady in question (presuming any man ever had the right of access to the wife of another man), in his usual boisterous manner, rushed to the press, through his usual rag-tag online media outlet, to announce the commencement of legal action to secure ‘release’ from ‘forced detention’ and a petition to the Inspector General of Police to ‘set her free without delay’, on behalf of a ‘client’ who not only had never briefed nor met with him. As a most unfortunate fallout of this indiscretion, Governor Chime has had to go public with the personal/very private medical situation of his spouse, a revelation which no doubt need not have been of concern to or consumption for the public.

The opportunism and rascality displayed in the despicable interloper acts concerning the private affairs of the first family of Enugu State is utterly reprehensible. Those familiar with the role played by this present character in frustrating efforts by the late legal sage, Gani Fawehinmi in ensuring a former Lagos State Governor was brought to justice for forgery, would appreciate a clear trend at feigned populism and pedestrian tricks.

In any sane clime, the level of impudence displayed by some professionals masquerading as ‘senior members of the bar’ in Nigeria would have been curtailed by stiff disciplinary actions. 

Would necessary actions be taken? Considering the penchant of the victim of the present episode of champarty (Governor Chime) to avoid unwarranted publicity, it is most likely the victim would not be willing to take further necessary steps. The Bar must however strive to restore its integrity and image and bring similar posturing and scandalization of the profession to an immediate halt.

Without doubt, there are thousands of legal practitioners, some of whom are of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who are a source of evergreen pride to the legal profession in Nigeria. The stench and odium being caused by the actions of some, particularly those who take cover under the title of SAN, now increasingly make the ordinary folks wonder if indeed the real meaning of the SAN title is 'Shameful Advocate of Nigeria'. And we know this cannot, and should not, be.

It is high time we discontinued with this ‘chieftaincy title’ in the legal profession, and allow true intellect and professional expertise to flourish.

Picture: law