APPELLATE PRACTICE — Representation of Corporation — Filing of Process by Layman — Competency
Ratio Decidendi
Per Rhodes-Vivour, JSC, in Contract Resource Nig. Ltd & Anor v. UBA Plc (2011) NLC-123-292-2003(SC) at p. 7; Paras D—E:
"In Civil Appeals the Notice of Appeal and Briefs of argument shall be prepared and signed by counsel. The only exception is where the party is a natural person, and insists on handling his appeal himself. … In the case of a Corporation, the Notice of Appeal and Brief of argument shall be prepared and signed by counsel and the right of audience before this court is restricted to counsel."
Explanation / Scope
This principle establishes that a corporation’s notice of appeal and brief must be prepared and signed by counsel, and its right of audience is restricted to counsel. The principle applies where corporations are parties. It ensures that corporations are properly represented. The principle reflects the requirement for legal representation. It prevents laymen from preparing processes for corporations. The court must require counsel. The principle provides guidance on corporate representation.