The recent debate over the Department of State Services (DSS) screening of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) designates has stirred deep concern in Nigeria’s legal community. One of the strongest voices on this issue is Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, FCIArb (UK), who warns that the practice undermines the Independence of the legal profession in Nigeria.
What the Guidelines Say?
Paragraph 23(2) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of SAN requires applicants to submit to DSS screening. Many lawyers, including the Former NBA Lagos Branch Chairman, only became aware of this provision in recent years. While it may have been introduced with good intentions, the learned silk argues that it risks opening the legal profession to unwarranted state interference.
Why This Is Problematic
- SAN is not a political office. Rather, it is a professional privilege created by the Legal Practitioners Act and managed by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC).
- The LPPC already conducts rigorous vetting, including opportunities for public objections.
- The DSS has no role in determining the suitability of private practitioners for professional honours.
Lateef Akangbe SAN clearly points out that in other common law jurisdictions, no security agency is involved in screening lawyers for professional ranks.
Potential Risks to the Profession
If allowed to continue, DSS involvement could:
- Compromise the independence of advocates.
- Create room for political influence in the conferment of SAN rank.
- Undermine public trust in the legal system.
According to the learned silk, lawyers who insist on justice even when it means challenging government actions, could be quietly excluded from the rank, thereby endangering the soul of justice itself.
Therefore, he urges the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Body of Benchers and other justice sector stakeholders to demand the removal of DSS screening from the LPPC Guidelines.
“This is not about individuals, but about protecting the autonomy of the profession and the very soul of justice.” – Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN
Conclusion
The independence of the legal profession is non-negotiable. To safeguard justice, the DSS screening requirement must be immediately suspended and permanently removed from the SAN conferment process. Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN warns that remaining silent now could cost the legal profession its freedom tomorrow.
