Na so two big lawyer groups for Nigeria, the Nigerian Law Society (NLS) and the Body of Senior Counsel of Nigeria (BOSCON), don come out to insist say dem get the right to give the Blue Silk rank wey dem call Senior Counsel of Nigeria (SCN) to qualified lawyers.This one happen even after Federal High Court for Abuja don dismiss their suit two months ago wey dem wan use am validate the new rank.

The judge, James Omotosho, rule say only the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) fit give the official Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank according to the law.But the two groups sign joint statement on Friday say their Blue Silk initiative na internal matter wey no concern LPPC, NBA or any government body.

Dem argue say dem dey follow their own rules for application and assessment, and say professional bodies suppose get autonomy to regulate their affairs just like NBA dey do their elections.

Dem also point to another court judgement by Justice Inyang Ekwo wey say the Blue Silk no be creation of the Legal Practitioners Act, so e no dey under LPPC control.The Blue Silk rank na to recognise lawyers wey don do well for non-contentious areas like corporate, commercial and advisory practice.

Dem say applicants must show at least 35 significant transactions over 10 years, and e no mean to compete with the SAN rank wey focus more on courtroom advocacy.Instead, e dey fill gap for recognising transactional lawyers.LPPC don warn lawyers before say make dem no use the Blue Silk title because e no get statutory backing, and say e fit lead to disciplinary action.But NLS and BOSCON maintain say dem no dey violate any law and say the initiative dey promote excellence for the profession.This matter don cause plenty debate for the legal community for Nigeria about self-regulation and professional ranks.

The development show say tension still dey between the groups and the official regulatory body as dem continue to push their position despite the court judgement.