The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has described Dr. Charles D. Mekwunye (SAN) as one of Nigeria’s brightest minds in law practice.
The CJN passed the verdict in Abuja at the launch of a book authored by Dr. Mekwunye titled: ‘Constitutional Law in Nigeria through the Judgment of the Supreme Court.’
Justice Ariwoola who chaired the book launch said: “Dr. Mekwunye is great, respected and exceptional senior advocate. He is one of our brightest minds in this profession, and we thank him for providing deep insights and highlighting the untold contribution of the Supreme Court.”
While unveiling the book, the CJN added: “We are proud of Dr. Mekwunye. And let me add that this book is a must have for all of us.”
The book reviewer, Professor Bankole Sodipo, described the 10-chapter book as very insightful, saying it would help deepen the understanding of the work of the apex court.
Professor Sodipo said the 507-page book is one in a series of other books to come from the same author.
He said; “This book has shown that the Supreme Court is the voice of the common man and the voice of the voiceless.”
In his remarks, president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), said: “ We are very grateful and proud of you for these cases that you compiled. Let me say that you are one of the chief drivers of public interest in Nigeria. I celebrate you. Let me add that without the judiciary and the Supreme Court, we wouldn’t have a country called Nigeria.”
He described the author as a hardworking human rights advocate.
In his response, the author expressed concern that too many Nigerian citizens are in jail without being given the chance to see a courtroom, adding that “injustice to any Nigerian is an injustice to all Nigerians.”
He said the destructive criticism of the apex court must stop.
“My humble submission to the highly revered audience is that social justice is as important as political justice and the honorable CJN and all the heads of courts should as a matter of urgency re-emphasis to their honorable justices that they need to give more time and urgency to the little man’s case for fundamental rights and freedom,” he said.
The book launch moderated by seasoned journalist, Ruben Abati brought crème de la crème in the legal profession and other spheres of Nigeria.
