The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described appellate advocacy as a specialised area of legal practice that requires discipline, precision, and intellectual depth, adding that quality legal advocacy remains vital to strengthening Nigeria’s justice system.
Wike spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the public presentation of Ukala’s Manual on Appellate Practice, authored by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Emmanuel C. Ukala.
The former Rivers State governor said the publication represents a timely and significant contribution to legal scholarship and practice, particularly at a time when the legal profession requires practical resources to guide younger practitioners navigating appellate litigation.
According to Wike, proceedings at appellate courts differ substantially from trial litigation because they demand clarity of thought, mastery of procedural rules, and sound legal reasoning.
“Advocacy at the appellate level is of a fundamentally different character from proceedings at trial. It calls for a higher degree of discipline, clarity of thought, precision in expression, and a deep, assured command of both substantive law and procedural rules,” he said.
The minister noted that the manual would help bridge the gap between legal theory and courtroom practice by providing practical guidance on appellate procedures and advocacy.
Reflecting on his own legal career, Wike said his experiences in prosecuting and defending cases before appellate courts had deepened his appreciation of the institutional role of appellate adjudication in sustaining the rule of law.
“I myself am a direct beneficiary of the work done at the appellate level, having had the privilege, as a party in numerous disputes, to prosecute and defend many cases before appellate courts,” he stated.
Wike also acknowledged his early professional relationship with the author, revealing that he worked briefly in Ukala’s chambers, where he imbibed values of discipline, diligence, and commitment to excellence.
“I cut my teeth in the firm of Mr. Ukala, SAN, albeit for a relatively short time. The exposure and values I imbibed during that period have continued to shape my professional outlook to this day,” he added.
Describing the publication as a “legacy work,” Wike said the manual would remain a relevant resource for lawyers, judges, and scholars because of its practical approach to appellate litigation.
He noted that the book covers critical areas, including notices and grounds of appeal, compilation of records, interlocutory applications, briefs of argument, written and oral advocacy, as well as the exercise of original jurisdiction by appellate courts.
“What I particularly appreciate about this manual is its practicality. It does not attempt to impress; it seeks to guide. It brings clarity to areas that many practitioners struggle with but rarely admit,” he said.
The FCT minister urged younger members of the Bar to make deliberate efforts toward professional excellence by making effective use of the publication.
“To my colleagues, especially the younger lawyers, do not just celebrate this book, use it. Let it challenge you. Let it refine you. Let it remind you that excellence in this profession is a deliberate pursuit,” he said.
The event attracted 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, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and legal practitioners from across the country.
