27TH FEBRUARY - 2ND MARCH 2012

SQUIB DIARY

MONDAY 27TH FEB.

Had two matters on the Island. One at the Magistrate Court, Igbosere, the other at the High Court (TBS). Neither went on. And, to think of the “kirakita” to make the courts in good time. The High Court in question has now become very notorious for lateness and absenteeism .

TUESDAY 28^TH FEB.

Was at the Federal High Court for a ruling. Ruling reserved till 1.00pm, later 1.30, later 2.00pm, later 2.30pm. finally delivered at 3.04pm.

Earlier in the day, witnessed the formal opening of the corporate headquarters of the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender (OPD) at Ojuelegba Lagos.

WEDNESDAY 29^TH FEB.

Came to the Court of Appeal Lagos, Panel 2. Saw an “action lady” in charge of the place. The court is no longer a “sleeping theatre of justice.”

THURSDAY 1^ST MARCH

Again at the Court of Appeal. Heard about a laughable scene of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who wanted to eat his cake and have it. He was in Panel 1 and wanted to take a judgement in Panel 2. And yet wanted Panel 1 to recognize his presence in his absence via the proxy of his junior colleague in chambers.

What a wonderful extension of privilege. Bros, I doff my hat! Noticed that the cooling system in Court 2 works epileptically. This does no help to the nerves of the lawyers already under strain from the mock hectoring of the presiding judge.

When it was time to leave, got a shocker! One of the front tyres of my car had been taken out and off. The assailant left a note: “your tyre has been taken away because of your careless parking. Come to the Cricket office to collect it.”

To make the matter more interesting, the permanent “police patrol” there, just three or four paces away, claimed they did not know when the removal happened! Wonderful indeed.

FRIDAY 2^ND MARCH

Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a judgement. Judgement not delivered. Went to the Tiger Bar Secretariat. The new and permanent one started in 2005 by the Adekunle Ojo administration. Just about three weeks ago, the Tigers moved out of their Temporary Lair at the Ikeja High Court, to make way for the emergency Open Registry of the Ikorodu High Court.

Despite the newly erected perimeter fence of the Secretariat, wafts of weed (marijuana) smoke floated into the Secretariat. Just imagine. ‘Wee-wee’ practice behind a Bar Centre and in the premises of the courts! Just imagine.