Wike Credits Appeal Courts with Influencing His Development as a Lawyer

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has attributed his profound understanding of the law and deep-seated respect for appellate adjudication to his frequent appearances before appellate courts as a litigant, which significantly shaped his perspective on the legal system.

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Wike shared his insights on Wednesday in Abuja at the public presentation of “Ukala’s Manual on Appellate Practice,” written by Emmanuel C. Ukala, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Garki.

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As a direct beneficiary of appellate court proceedings, having prosecuted and defended numerous cases, Wike expressed his gratitude for the experiences that have instilled in him a deeper appreciation for the discipline and rigour of appellate adjudication.

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With a background in active legal practice as a Life Bencher, Wike noted that his unique perspective on the legal process was shaped by appearing in court as a litigant, rather than as counsel, which offered him a distinct viewpoint.

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According to Wike, the legal profession demands continuous learning, clarity of thought, and discipline, particularly at the appellate level, where advocacy requires greater precision, structured reasoning, and a firm grasp of both substantive and procedural law.

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Wike endorsed the manual, describing it as a practical guide that would be useful to both young and experienced legal practitioners, rather than a purely academic work, noting that it would be frequently consulted, especially in critical moments.

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He revealed a personal connection to the author, having begun his legal career at Ukala’s law firm, where he acquired foundational values that continue to shape his professional and public life.

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Wike commended the manual for its comprehensive coverage, including notices and grounds of appeal, compilation of records, interlocutory applications, briefs of argument, and both written and oral advocacy, as well as the original jurisdiction of appellate courts.

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He urged young lawyers to engage actively with the manual’s content to improve their practice, rather than simply celebrating its launch, emphasizing that excellence in the profession is a deliberate pursuit.

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The event was attended by top figures in the judiciary, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the President of the Court of Appeal, justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, members of the Body of Benchers, and Senior Advocates of Nigeria.