Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN Expresses Embarrassment, Condemns Spraying Of Money At His Swearing In Reception

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria Chikaosolu Ojukwu has condemned the spraying of cash at a reception held to celebrate his swearing-in as a member of the Inner Bar.

Ojukwu said in a statement that the act “embarrassed” him and was “unsolicited”. He said it was done against his “earlier express verbal and written instructions against such acts or publicity”.

Nigeria’s chief justice Olukayode Ariwoola sworn in 58 new SANs on November 27.

“You must display enormous integrity, self-discipline and a high standard of advocacy as custodians of justice,” Ariwoola told the new SANs at the event.

Ojukwu insisted that despite his aversion for spraying money at the event, the large turnout of people, some of whom he did not know, meant he had “no control over the actions or inactions of such persons”.

The SAN said he left the stage several times to protest against the spraying of money at the event.

“These actions are condemned and do not represent my ideals and values as a legal practitioner,” he said.

“The videos now shown to me online were captured at the time of a Christian praise and worship session and the monies sprayed were for the band, which I condemned. I do not have or operate any social media account, whether Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

“I did not leave the event with any Naira or Dollar sprayed by any person and I have directed persons with such videos to take them down and give this Press Release the same prominence. I am thoroughly embarrassed.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I would not authorize or sanction anybody under any circumstance whatsoever to engage in acts inimical to the nobility of our profession and contrary to the Rules of Conduct for members of the Inner Bar.”