people who have achieved legal distinction.”
this is because the rank of SAN is prestigious in Nigeria and across
the globe.
Usman continued:” To be eligible, one must have a minimum of ten years at the bar.
Other requirements include diligence, payment of practicing fees for ten consecutive years, as at when due.
” You must also pay your monthly and yearly dues for ten years and
also pay income tax for three years.
” Other requirements include having an ultra-modern office, with a
modern e-library and conventional library, with a retinue of staff,
including at least six lawyers.
” You must also have conducted minimum of twenty trial cases before
the High Court, Election Petition Tribunal (Gubernatorial and
Legislative elections), in contested cases, among others.”
However, Usman further noted that for a lawyer to be eligible to be
applied for the rank of SAN, he or she must have conducted and settled
the brief of at least three cases at the Supreme Court.
” My conferment is historic and ground breaking. It is something of joy and pride. There were temptations to go into the judiciary, to be
appointed as a High Court Judge.
” To become a SAN, it is not easy as it demands excellence. It is not gotten on the flatter of gold.
” It is the product of hard work, diligence, discipline, character,
integrity, ethics and etiquette.
” These are sterling qualities that any lawyer aspiring to be
conferred with SAN should imbibe and religiously uphold,” Usman added.