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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has charged lawyers to embrace discipline, precision and sound legal reasoning in appellate advocacy, calling it a cornerstone of Nigeria’s justice system.
Wike gave the charge on Wednesday at the public presentation of Ukala’s Manual on Appellate Practice by Emmanuel C. Ukala, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Describing the book as an “invaluable contribution” to the legal profession, the Minister said it bridges legal theory and courtroom practice, especially for younger lawyers navigating the complexities of appellate litigation.
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“We are all aware that advocacy at the appellate level is of a fundamentally different character from proceedings at trials. It calls for a higher degree of discipline, clarity of thought, precision in expression, and a deep, assured command of both substantive law and procedural rules,” Wike stated.
He praised Ukala for creating a “child of necessity” amid the demands of appellate practice, adding: “This is not the kind of book that will sit quietly on a shelf. It is the kind that will be relied upon in moments when a lawyer must get it right, because in appellate practice, getting it right is not optional.”
Wike revealed he “cut his teeth” at Ukala’s firm early in his career, crediting the experience with instilling discipline, attention to detail and excellence—values that shape his work today. He urged lawyers to actively use the manual to refine their skills, calling it a lasting legacy for Nigerian legal practice.
The event drew top judicial figures, including the President of the National Industrial Court, Hon. Justice Benedict Bakwaph Kanyip; former Attorney General, Chief Kanu Agabi; Supreme Court and Court of Appeal Justices; Senior Advocates of Nigeria; members of the Body of Benchers; and other dignitaries. Joseph B. Daudu, SAN, and Ferdinand O. Orbih, SAN, reviewed the book.
