Wike: Appellate Courts shaped my career as a litigant

By Omeiza Ajayi

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said his repeated appearances before appellate courts as a litigant significantly shaped his understanding of the law and deepened his respect for appellate adjudication.

Wike made this known on Wednesday in Abuja at the public presentation of “Ukala’s Manual on Appellate Practice,” authored by Emmanuel C. Ukala, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Garki.

“I 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 cases before appellate courts. These experiences have deepened my appreciation of the discipline, rigour, and institutional value of appellate adjudication,” he said.

A Life Bencher with a background in active legal practice, Wike noted that appearing in court as a litigant rather than as counsel offered him a unique perspective on the legal process.

He described the legal profession as one that demands continuous learning, clarity of thought, and discipline, particularly at the appellate level.

According to him, advocacy at appellate courts differs markedly from trial proceedings, requiring greater precision, structured reasoning, and a firm grasp of both substantive and procedural law.

Wike endorsed the manual, describing it as a practical guide rather than a purely academic work, noting that it would be useful to both young and experienced legal practitioners.

“This is not the kind of book that will sit quietly on a shelf. It is one that will be consulted often, especially in moments when a lawyer must get it right,” he said.

He also disclosed a personal connection to the author, revealing that he began his legal career at Ukala’s law firm, where he acquired foundational values that continue to shape his professional and public life.

Wike commended the manual for its wide coverage, including notices and grounds of appeal, compilation of records, interlocutory applications, briefs of argument, and both written and oral advocacy, as well as the original jurisdiction of appellate courts.

He urged young lawyers to go beyond celebrating the book’s launch and actively engage with its content to improve their practice.

“Do not just celebrate this book; use it. Let it challenge and refine you. Excellence in this profession is a deliberate pursuit,” he said.

The event was attended by top figures in the judiciary, including 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.