The Nigerian Body of Benchers has given reasons for restraining parents, guardians and well-wishers of new lawyers also known as bar aspirants from attending the call-to-bar ceremony scheduled to hold at the Eagle Square, Abuja on September 15.
Before this restraint, the Body of Benchers which regulates the admission of successful law students into the legal profession used to give each aspiring lawyers the privilege of inviting two persons to attend the Call to Bar ceremony.
However, the body, in a notice issued on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 stated that only aspirants would be allowed into the venue of the event.
The body noted that its decision was in line with COVID-19 safety measures.
According to the notice signed by the Secretary of Body of Benchers, Mrs. H. A. Turaki, the ceremony would physically hold at the Eagle Square, but would be broadcast live on national television.
The notice recieved by Platforms Africa reads in part: “The choice of the Eagle Square was made due to its semblance with the National Stadium since it is an open-spaced facility.
“It will give room for better ventilation considering the guidelines on curbing the spread of COVID-19 virus.
“We regret to inform the parents/guardians of the aspirants and the general public that the ceremony is strictly for the aspirants.
“However, parents/ guardians are advised to watch the ceremony through national television as there is going to be live streaming of the ceremony on national television and other social media platforms.”
The Nigerian Body of Benchers is a professional body concerned with the admission of prospective student into the Nigerian Law School. Members of the body are called Benchers.
The body also regulate the call of graduate of law school to the Nigerian Bar as well as the regulation of the legal profession in Nigeria.
