By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on Friday, sworn in Hassan Saubana, a Taraba-based lawyer and Chairman Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Wukari branch as a Notary Public.
The CJN administered the oath of office to Saubana during a brief ceremony at the Taraba High court in Jalingo.
Represented by the Taraba Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Joel Agya, the CJN noted that the importance of a Notary Public in Nigeria could not be overemphasied as he or she was deemed to be an officer of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He explained that President Bola Tinubu had signed into law, the Notries Public Act, 2023 on June 12, 2023, which repealed the Notries Public Act, 2004.
“A Notary Public under the 2023 Act is an individual, usually a legal practitioner, commissioned or appointed by the CJN to perform notarial functions, including the authentication of documents and administration of Oaths, and affirmations.
“Unlike what was obtainable before, the 2023 Act now provides for the registration of Notries Public in a physical and electronic register to be kept by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
“The key functions of Notaries Public include witnessing the execution of legal and international documents, assignments of intellectual property, power of attorney and deeds company resolutions.
“Others are obtaining authentication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, preparing notarial certificates of law and good standing, verifying company documents, verifying identity and signature, performing digital notarisation through electronic means among others,” he said.
Agya explained that the important difference among the Commissioner of Oarth, a Justice of Peace and a Notary Public was that only a Notary Public can validly notarise documents that would be used in another country.
He called on other legal practitioners to apply to be Notaries as being a Notary Public would do more valuable at their work and boost their career.
Mr Martin Milkman, the NBA Chairman, Jalingo branch, Congratulated Saubana on his appointment by the CJN, saying it has opened the door for global practice.
Milkman commended the Taraba CJ for transforming the judiciary in the state for better justice administration.
Responding, Hassan Saubana expressed gratitude to the CJN for finding him worthy of appointment as a Notary Public, saying he would do his best to deliver on his duties for the good of the society.
