NBA president calls on judiciary to stop extravagant swearing-in ceremonies

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe (SAN), has called for an end in the fraternisation between judicial officers and politically exposed persons in the country.

Osigwe made the call on Tuesday in Abuja, at the opening ceremony of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria’s 2024/2025 legal year.

Osigwe, noted that the trend of turning swearing-in ceremonies of judicial officers into an elaborate feast of extravagance with politicians in attendance should be discontinued as according to him, the act only further puts judiciary in a negative light before the already scrutinising eyes of the public.

He said, “May I also humbly request, that the Court take steps to address the current trend of making the swearing-in of judicial officers into elaborate ceremonies filled with pomp and extravagance. The lavish receptions that often follow these ceremonies have become a matter of concern.

“These celebrations, which bring together judicial officers, politicians, and other politically exposed persons, do not project the best image of the judiciary. The public mingling and fraternisation between judicial officers and politicians during these events give rise to perceptions of undue influence.

“In an era where politicians are seen to go to any lengths to influence judicial outcomes, these publicised ceremonies are increasingly worrisome. I strongly believe that the overly publicised and widely attended swearing-in ceremonies, as well as the lavish receptions organised by newly sworn-in judicial officers, are detracting from the solemnity and discreet nature of the offices they occupy.

“Such events should be solemn and private, preserving the dignity and independence of the judiciary. I respectfully suggest that the swearing-in ceremonies and celebrations should be held in private, with receptions limited to court-sponsored luncheons for the newly sworn-in judicial officers”.

He charged the judiciary to lead by example, by showing restraint in mimicking the public exhibition of affluence and the wanton display of wealth often see in other sectors of the society.

He stressed that it is imperative that the judiciary remains a beacon of modesty, integrity, and the rule of law.

Earlier, the NBA president who said public interest is best served when labour justice is administered swiftly, fairly, and impartially, pledged to see to the digitalisation of all superior courts of record in the country.

He said, “When workers feel that their rights are protected and that they can seek redress without fear of retaliation, they are more likely to engage productively in the economy.

“Similarly, when employers feel that they are protected from unjust claims and frivolous disputes, they are more likely to invest in their businesses and contribute to national development.

“As members of the bar, we play an integral role in the administration of justice, and our contributions to labour justice cannot be overstated. In labour disputes, the quality of advocacy before the court has a direct impact on the outcomes of cases and, by extension, the health of our industrial relations system.

“At the bar, we shall advocate for the computerisation of the litigation process, including the full recording of court proceedings in all superior courts of record. Embracing technology is essential for the swift administration of justice and ensuring that our judicial system remains efficient and transparent.”

He disclosed that NBA would propose key judicial reforms including Case Management and Scheduling with Time Slots by advocating for a more structured case management system where cases are scheduled with specific time slots to reduce the waiting time for both lawyers and litigants.

Others, he explained, are Notification of Adjournments which involves a system where lawyers are promptly notified of adjournments or changes in court schedules through electronic means, ensuring that they are better informed and prepar and Customised Email Addresses for Court Registries in line with modernising the judicial system.

He proposed that every court registry be assigned customised email addresses to facilitate smoother communication between the courts, lawyers, and litigants in the pursue of swift administration of justice.

Osigwe noted that with the emerging trends such as the rise of the gig economy, remote working, and automation present, both opportunities and challenges of the legal system, particularly for the National Industrial Court, must continuously adapt to these new realities.

“As demands on the labour force changes, so too must our laws and our approach to labour justice. We face the challenge of balancing the rights of workers with the needs of employers to operate efficiently in a global economy.

“This delicate balance requires robust and efficient dispute resolution mechanisms, ones that not only address the letter of the law but also take into consideration the broader socio-economic context in which these disputes arise,” he said.

While reflecting on the significant role the court plays in the fabric of society, Osigwe noted that labour justice is essential not just for resolving disputes but also for maintaining social order, promoting economic growth, and upholding the rule of law.