The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has hailed a physically challenged lawyer, Mr Lawal Garba, for his tenacity, dedication and hard work in the legal profession, which has earned him the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
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Justice Kekere-Ekun stated this on Tuesday at the special court session held to mark the beginning of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Supreme Court and the inauguration of 57 Senior Advocates of Nigeria.
The CJN lauded all 57 SANs who were conferred with the rank, stating that the strength of the judiciary does not rest only on systems and structures but equally on the quality of the men and women who serve within it.
She added that while the Supreme Court is advancing technologically, the celebration and nurturing of human excellence remain paramount.
Kekere-Ekun said, “It is against this backdrop that I extend my warmest congratulations to the 57 legal practitioners who have earned the esteemed rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. This recognition is a culmination of years of dedicated service, resolute commitment to the rule of law, and exceptional contributions to the legal profession.
“Among you, we are especially inspired by Mr Lawal Garba, who, despite being physically challenged, has demonstrated extraordinary perseverance, dedication and excellence in the practice of law.
Your achievement is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit, the triumph of talent over adversity, and the fact that determination and professionalism know no bounds.
“Your achievements serve as an inspiration to us all, and I am confident that each of you will continue to uphold the highest standards of legal practice and contribute to the advancement of justice in our nation.”
The CJN emphasised that the conferment of the rank is a rigorous process, reflecting the high expectations placed upon those who bear the title.
She added that the rank itself signifies not only professional excellence but also a commitment to ethical conduct and the upholding of the integrity of the legal profession.
She commended the freshly robed silks for actively participating in the pre-swearing-in induction programme organised by the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, where she said they shared invaluable insights with them.
“I urge you to uphold and internalise those principles, so that you may carry this rank with the utmost dignity, grace, and sense of responsibility it demands.
“Let me take a moment to reiterate a caution I delivered at last year’s ceremony. The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is a privilege, not a right. The privilege can, and indeed will, be withdrawn in appropriate circumstances where it is abused,” the CJN warned.
She commended the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee for sustaining the standards and integrity of the processes leading to the final selection of the successful applicants.
She stressed that the judiciary remains steadfast in its constitutional role of dispensing justice fairly and impartially and will continue to work tirelessly to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial process, uphold the rule of law, and protect the rights and freedoms of all Nigerians.
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