The legal administration of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) received a significant boost on Thursday as the Chief Judge of the FCT, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, administered the oath of office to 240 newly appointed Notaries Public. Among the inductees was Barrister Somayina Chigbue, Esq., in a formal ceremony that highlighted the judiciary’s commitment to upholding trust and credibility in legal transactions.
The event, held at the Ceremonial Court Hall of the FCT High Court, followed the official confirmation of the appointments by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
Speaking directly to the newly appointed officials, Justice Baba-Yusuf emphasized the gravity of their new role. He charged them to maintain the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and fairness in the discharge of their duties.
Justice Baba-Yusuf stressed that the function of a Notary Public is central to the legal and commercial sectors, as it guarantees the authenticity, trust, and credibility of documents. He reminded the appointees that this statutory office comes with significant responsibility, necessitating strict adherence to ethical standards and a constant focus on protecting the public interest.
Barrister Chigbue, along with his colleagues, received his official certificate of appointment immediately after the oath-taking, marking a major milestone in his professional career. These new notaries are now expected to offer crucial services, including the authentication of documents, affirmation of affidavits, and the witnessing of signatures, all strictly in accordance with statutory provisions.
The formal ceremony, which witnessed the transition of the lawyers into their new roles, was attended by senior judicial officers, respected legal practitioners, and family members of the inductees.
