By Tunde Akinsola, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said his frequent involvement in appellate court proceedings as a litigant significantly shaped his understanding of law and strengthened his appreciation for judicial discipline.
Wike made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja at the public presentation of “Ukala’s Manual on Appellate Practice”, authored by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Emmanuel Ukala, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Garki.
He said his experiences in high-level legal disputes exposed him to the rigour and demands of appellate adjudication, describing them as formative in his professional journey.
“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 said. “Those experiences have deepened my appreciation of the discipline, rigor, and institutional value of appellate adjudication.”
The minister, who is also a Life Bencher and trained lawyer, noted that his transition from legal practice to politics still keeps him closely tied to the discipline of law, adding that events like the book presentation remain personally significant.
“As someone with a background in legal practice, occasions like this are always very special to me. The law is not just a profession; it is a discipline that constantly demands learning, refinement, and clarity of thought,” he said.
Wike drew a clear distinction between trial and appellate advocacy, stressing that the latter requires greater precision and intellectual discipline.
“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.
He described Ukala’s manual as a practical guide rather than a purely academic work, saying it would serve as a constant reference for legal practitioners.
“This is not the kind of book that will sit quietly on a shelf. It is the kind that will be opened often. It will be argued with. It will be relied upon in moments when a lawyer must get it right,” Wike said.
The minister also disclosed a personal connection with the author, noting that he had his early legal exposure in Ukala’s law firm.
“I must also acknowledge, with a sense of personal gratitude, that I cut my teeth in the firm of Mr. Ukala, SAN, albeit for a relatively short time.
The exposure and values I imbibed there—discipline, attention to detail, and respect for advocacy—have continued to shape my professional outlook,” he said.
Commending the book, Wike said it provides practical guidance on appellate procedures including notices of appeal, briefs of argument, interlocutory applications, and oral advocacy.
“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.
He urged young lawyers to make full use of the publication, describing it as a tool for professional growth.
“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 added.
The event was attended by 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, and Senior Advocates of Nigeria.
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