By Frank Ulom
Cross River State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Akon Ikpeme, has charged newly sworn notary publics to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and professionalism, reminding them that their actions are under constant public scrutiny.
Hon. Justice Ikpeme gave the charge on Monday during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Chief Judges’ Ceremony Room, High Court Complex, Calabar, where the five legal practitioners were sworn in as notary publics.
Her words: “This profession is one that not only members of the profession look at you, but also the public, and the politicians, they look at you.
“The moment you join ‘to do it’, they ask: is he not a lawyer? Is she not a lawyer? So even the public expects a particular degree of comportment from you,” she said.
The Chief Judge reminded the new notaries that their elevation came with greater responsibility, drawing on scripture to drive home her point.
“The Bible says, to whom much is given, much is expected. With this new feather, much is also expected of you. If you have been diligent and careful before, you are now doubly expected to be even more careful.
“Every time the Chief Justice of Nigeria communicates with me, she reminds me that I depend on what you recommend. So God forbid, nothing will go wrong,” she added.
She urged the new officers to make their families and the bench proud, noting that she personally bears responsibility for those she recommends.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Calabar branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Enome Amatey Esq., congratulated the new notaries while sounding a note of caution over recent abuses of the office.
He cited a trending court order purportedly issued by a notary public reversing a bank transaction, describing it as a gross overreach.
“Your duties do not extend to making an order out of court or doing anything that has to do with court processes. I advise you to take very seriously the work you have sworn to today,” he warned.
He also urged the new notaries to register on the Supreme Court’s new Digital Seal platform for easy national verification.
Chief Anthony Eyo Esq., who spoke on behalf of the notaries, acknowledged the rigour of the appointment process, noting that some applicants had waited up to a decade for approval.
“Notary public is not a simple office, for your application to be processed and approved means you have been investigated and assessed behind your back.
“We are well aware of the provisions of the Notaries Public Act, and we promise to abide by them,” he assured.
Those sworn-in notary publics include Teke Teke Oscar Esq., Anthony Archibong Eyo Esq., Inam George Akiki Esq., Joseph Etim James Esq., and Triumph Paul Atteh Esq.
