By Vivian Okejeme Abuja
Th e Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, has ordered that the number of lawyers that could appear for a party in court must not be more than fi ve, including the lead lawyer. Justice Onnoghen announced this yesterday shortly before the Supreme Court opened proceedings in the two appeals fi led by former governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Osagie Ize-Iyamu. He gave the directive against the backdrop of the practice where about 100 lawyers, in most political cases, announce appearance for a party in court. “Th ere was a matter we had here and 106 lawyers appeared.
Th e whole space was taken up and some lawyers had to stand and others sit on the fl oor. I have issued a directive, which should extend to other courts, that lawyers appearing in the Supreme Court, should not be more than fi ve for each party, including the lead lawyers. “Th is practice consumes space and it takes time to announce appearance. Appearance in cases have utility value, such appearance has to serve a purpose.
I have to repeat this directive today, because I believe it was not brought to the attention of the Bar,” Justice Onnoghen directed At the court yesterday, former President, Nigerian Bar Association , Wole Olanipekun, SAN, who was in court for the Ize-Iyamu appeals, appealed to the CJN to allow 30 lawyers per party, a request another Justice of the apex court, Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, swiftly turned down.
