Wike Says Success In Appellate Court Requires Precision, Rigour

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that effective appellate court advocacy demands discipline, exactitude, and strong legal acumen, describing it as an essential foundation for reinforcing Nigeria’s judicial system.

Wike speaking during the public launch of “Ukala’s Manual on Appellate Practice,” written by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria Emmanuel C. Ukala, told the audience at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja that the work arrives at a crucial moment and offers immense value to the legal profession, particularly for emerging lawyers aiming to build proficiency in appellate litigation.

The minister explained that advocacy at the appellate level operates very differently from trial proceedings, requiring greater intellectual rigour and a firm grasp of legal processes.

“Appellate advocacy is of an entirely different nature compared to what happens at trial. It demands a stricter level of discipline, conceptual clarity, precise expression, and a deep, confident command of both substantive law and procedural rules,” Wike said.

He added that the manual would act as a hands-on resource for both lawyers and judges, closing the gap between theoretical legal knowledge and real-world courtroom application.

“It builds a crucial bridge from legal theory to practice in the courtroom, offering direction that is especially helpful to younger Bar members as they gain the confidence and skill necessary to meet the challenges of appellate practice,” he said.

Recalling his own background in law, Wike noted that he personally understands the importance of appellate adjudication, having over the years prosecuted and defended numerous cases before higher courts.

“I myself have directly benefited from appellate-level work, having had the privilege, as a party in many disputes, to prosecute and defend numerous cases before appellate courts,” he stated.

The minister also disclosed that he had once worked briefly in Ukala’s law firm, an experience that he said helped shape his professional principles and commitment to high-quality legal advocacy.

“I learnt the fundamentals in the firm of Mr. Ukala, SAN, even if only for a short period. The lessons and values I gained during that time, discipline, meticulousness, respect for the art of advocacy, and an unyielding dedication to excellence, have continued to influence my professional life to this day,” Wike said.

He described the book as a “legacy work” that will stay useful to legal practitioners and judicial officers for many years.

Wike noted that the manual does not try merely to impress readers with academic showmanship but instead offers practical advice on key areas of appellate litigation, such as notices of appeal, record compilation, interlocutory applications, written arguments, and oral submissions.

“What I truly value about this manual is its practical approach. It does not aim to dazzle; it aims to instruct. It clarifies areas that many practitioners find difficult but seldom admit to struggling with,” he said.

The FCT minister urged younger lawyers to actively use the book to sharpen their professional abilities and strive for excellence.

“To my fellow lawyers, especially the younger ones, do not simply celebrate this book, put it to use. Let it push you. Let it refine you. Let it remind you that excellence in this profession is a deliberate choice,” he added.

The event drew senior judicial figures, including the President of the National Industrial Court, Justice Benedict Bakwaph Kanyip, alongside other court heads, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Chief Kanu Agabi, Supreme Court Justices, Court of Appeal Justices, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, members of the Body of Benchers, legal practitioners, and dignitaries from across the country. The book was reviewed by Joseph B. Daudu (SAN) and Ferdinand O. Orbih (SAN).