Vol 8 No 10 26th November 2007

LAWYERS
The Editor,
I am angered by the publication on page 11 of today’s Punch (Nov 7 2007} that the Court of Appeal in Ilorin declared the objection raised by a counsel incompetent because it was not accompanied by a written address as provided in the practice direction. For over nine years now. I have been attending court sessions in respect of a case. I hold lawyers in much esteem.
Whenever I saw them in their black robes, I used to give them a gentle reverent bow thinking that they’re ANGELS. But now my experience of our lawyers in the court has changed things. I thought I had seen enough of intolerable lawyer’s mistakes in the high court but was proved wrong on 25/1/07, my very first day in the Court of Appeal. On that day, at least four out of the thirteen cases on the cause list were struck out or voluntarily withdrawn for incompetence. Mostly for failing to comply with Order 3 Rule 3{3} of the Court of Appeal Rules. Some years back, Squib reported a case in which 6 LASU students sued their V.C and Dean under the Human Rights Chapter of the 1999 constitution. Instead of the students’ counsel completing two forms and attaching them to his application, he attached only one and lost the case. I think it should be possible for litigants to sue their counsel for incompetence and dereliction of duty. Indeed, I now think of the Legal Profession as a profession in which many practitioners know what’s right but cannot get it right most of the time. But is it? Lawyers, please get serious with your high profile profession and stop lowering its image in the eyes of the public.
FOY
Editor’s Note:- Thanks for the admonition.

LONGE J.
The Editor,
Ah! You shouldn’t have published what I said in court about Justice Longe’s visit to me {in respect of a case}. That publication has really embarrassed the old man and it appeared as if I deliberately meant to humiliate him by what I said in court.
The old man is sick and felt very bad about the publication. But, it is the fault of the lawyer who was going round to people to ask them to “see me.”
Hon. Justice Alaba Marsh
Editor’s Note: With great respect, we stand by our story.

SQUIB
The Editor,
Why are you always picking on female judges? You are always harassing them. You recently made publications on Justice Ojikutu Oshode., now it is Ayo’s turn. If you do not refrain from this type of publications, I will sue you.
Editor’s Note: You are welcome

AYO. J
The Editor,
What’s your business with Justice Ayo’s mode of worship? It’s her life and her choice and it shouldn’t bother you whether she performs any rituals. That’s her own way of worshipping her God.
Editor’s Note:- If matters were that simple, why did those who saw the oil marks on their computers panic?

AYO. J
The Editor,
What impressed me most about your story about Justice Ayo and the alleged ‘sacrifice’ is the very open manner she responded to your enquiry. That’s the attitude of a person who has nothing to hide. I believe, in all your enquiries from judges, no other judge has surpassed Justice Ayo in opening up to you.
Editor’s Note- You are right!

AYO J.
The Editor,
To do sacrifice is normal for lawyers, many of them are members of Ogboni fraternity and such secret cults. So, there is nothing special in Justice Ayo reportedly involving herself in rituals.
Editor’s Note: I see.

AYO J.
The Editor,
Publishing Justice Ayo’s picture on your cover in respect of the story on sacrifices or rituals is nothing more than blackmail against the judge. Her picture needs not be published.
Editor’s Note- I disagree.

SQUIB
The Editor,
The Squib is too costly at N200.00. You should reduce the price to N150.00. By the way, must you publish every week? Your trouble is too much. Can’t you rest?
Editor’s Note: Can’t

AYO J.
The Editor,
I read you story in respect of the rituals performed by Justice Ayo in the Resource Centre with keen interest. I certainly agree that the judge has a right to hold any religious belief and subscribe to any religious practices as long as they are not unlawful. I also agree that anointing objects with olive oil is common religious practice of certain Christian denominations in Nigeria.
But I think with due respect that the judge, in carrying out her spiritual exercises in a place where other people use, display a lack of sensitivity for the fact that ours is a heterogeneous, multi-religious society. It would have been perfectly in order if she did whatever she did in her chambers only.
Editor’s Note: I agree.

SQUIB
The Editor,
I am bothered about your pending trial at the Disciplinary Committee of the Body of Benchers in Abuja. The case started in 2003 and up till now November 2007, the case has not taken off at all. I am worried that your enemies are probably waiting for your lawyer, Chief G.O.K Ajayi S.A.N, an old man either to get bogged down with old-age or even pass on, before they strike. They are clearly intimidated by Chief Ajayi’s support for you and are only bidding their time for an opportune time when he won’t be around, to strike at you.
Editor’s Note- Thanks for your concern but fear not, victory is ours. As for baba he will live very, very long and healthy. (Amen)

CASE LAW
The Editor,
Thank you for publishing the Judgement of Justice J.O.K Oyewole in the case of F.R.N {E.FC.C} Vs. LORETTA. The facts of the case are on all fours with a criminal matter I am handling in a court in Otta. From the judgement, I got a lot of materials for the preparation of my case.
Editor’s Note- You are welcome, keep reading and we’ll keep squibbing.