A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr Anthony Idigbe, has stressed the need for lawyers to gain practical experience before setting up their private practices.
He spoke when Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors, where he is the Senior Partner, held a dinner in honour of a former head of the Abuja branch of Punuka, Mr Emonye Adekwu, who was recently conferred with the rank of SAN.
Idigbe said: “There are few lawyers who have proper training and background in a structured system.”
According to him, Punuka provides such a structured system, which is why five lawyers from the firm have been admitted to the Inner Bar.
Idigbe said the dinner, which was held at Eko Hotels and Suites, was in keeping with the firm’s tradition of honouring former employees, strengthening relationships and building a network.
“It does not matter whether you’re in or out. It’s a network, so we believe we can maintain a mutually beneficial relationship through referrals and endorsements. Our first port of call is our network because we can trust them,” he said.
Idigbe praised Adekwu for being a dedicated employee who gave his best while at Punuka, playing a key role in the acquisition of a permanent office for the firm in Abuja.
Managing Partner of Punuka, Mrs Elizabeth Idigbe, urged Adekwu to look after himself as he gets busier as a SAN.
“You have to look after yourself. Keep fit. Exercise regularly. Watch what you eat. And always remember your creator, to always praise Him.
“Above all, don’t compromise justice. Keep your faith intact,” she advised.
Other partners, including Nnamdi Oragwu, Ms. Isioma Idigbe, Okorie Kalu, Mrs Ebele Enedah and Adeyinka Abdusalam, recalled fond memories of working with Adekwu, describing him as serious-minded and passionate.
Oragwu said Punuka was becoming a conveyor belt for SANs and great jurists, such as Dr Nnamdi Dimgba of the Court of Appeal.
“Adekwu is firm, a strong fighter. I had no doubt in his capacity. His journey has just begun,” he said.
Isioma pledged the firm’s continued support to ex-staff members.
“I am sure that coming from the Punuka ecosystem, you will do well as a SAN. We’ll continue to support you,” she told Adekwu.
Kalu described Adekwu as a quintessential gentleman who thinks on his feet and is one of the best in litigation, adding that the new silk performs best when under pressure.
“He is a go-getter who can get out of tight spots,” Kalu added.
Mrs Enedah said Adekwu is also a kind and very charitable person. “I appreciate his go-getting spirit, which is worthy of emulation,” she said.
Abdusalam said he aspires to attain the silk rank like Adekwu. “He is a shining light to us. We hope that next year, we’ll gather to celebrate another SAN from Punuka,” he said.
Executive Director of Practice and Strategy, Mrs Angela Ezenweani said Adekwu added value to Punuka.
“He was very reliable. He stood for everything Punuka represents. He was an icon of the firm and a pragmatic person.
“He played by the rules and regulations of the firm, so I never had issues with him. This rank is something that he earned,” she said.
A former member of the law firm, Ige Asemudara, said Adekwu is “an on-the-spot lawyer who never says ‘I’ll get back to you’,” adding that he works well with others.
“We’re celebrating character and competence. We trust that he will carry the silk rank well and protect it,” the lawyer added.
Another ex-staff, Rafiu Bello, expressed pride at being a Punuka alumnus. Punuka is a firm that looks after its alumni,” he said.
Adekwu thanked the firm and his former colleagues for the honour.
“I met a wonderful team at Punuka. I am not outside Punuka. I never left. The lessons I learnt remain with me.”
“Everything I have achieved is because I am still a member of the firm. I am grateful for the kind words,” the SAN said.
Also at the dinner was Olabisi Akinkugbe, an Assistant Professor and the Viscount Bennett Professor of Law at Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
Representatives of the Idoma community in Lagos were also present to felicitate their son.
