Avoid Pull Him Down Syndrome, Olanipekun charges new wigs

 

                  Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN

... warns against unnecessary acrimony

By Editor 

The Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN has charged new entrants to the Nigerian Bar to avoid actions that are aimed at pulling down fellow lawyers.

Olanipekun gave the charge in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing the 1,508 new lawyers who were just called to Bar.

The renown legal icon who felicitated the new wigs and their parents, also warned against acrimonious behaviours which are capable of turning "learned friends" to "learned enemies".

He stated that  they must not allow the exigencies of "any moment or brief" to sway them as ‘this time shall pass’.

His words: "All over the world, lawyers describe themselves as ‘learned friends’ and not ‘learned enemies’, ‘learned foes’ or ‘learned adversaries’. Whatever might be the exigencies of any moment or particularity of any brief, always bear in mind that ‘this time shall pass’".

The Chairman disclosed that the Body's Regulations Committee had submitted a draft Regulation, which when approved, would  restrict legal practitioners to initiating and filing causes and matters where the said causes of action arise or as provided by the Rules of the adjudicating courts.

Olanipekun who wished the lawyers heights greater than that which he and the Benchers have attained, added that despite attaining the heights, they must not forget to extend courtesy and respect to there predecessors. 

"I charge you further, that when you get there, do not envy, for envy is sin; rather, appreciate those amongst you who are doing well, rather than trying to pull them down. In other words, do not get enrolled in either a ‘PHD’ course or school; by PHD, I mean ‘PULL HIM/HER DOWN".

"Honour and respect your seniors, and when you attain high offices, extend courtesies and respect to your seniors and predecessors in office. Do not run them down, or speak ill of them. I pray that in due season when God elevates each and every one of you, and you become the cynosure of eyes, may no power, principality or blackmailer be able to bring you down", he said.