Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards, has appointed nine (9) successful lawyers with reputable standing at the Bar as Notary Public.

At a ceremony chaired earlier today by the Master and Register of the High Court Mrs. Elaine Thomas-Archibald, seven (7) of the appointees subscribed to the oath of a Notary Public before the Honourable Chief Justice while the two appointees were absent.

Speaking at the occasion, the Hon. Chief Justice referred to the appointees as officers of the Court, stressing that their tasks require a high sense of probity and integrity in the execution of their duties.

“You’ll be required to validate signatures, documents, oaths of witnesses, and witnesses’ declarations for outside use. It requires a high level of independence, integrity, impartiality, and equality,’’ he stated.

Reposing confidence on the appointees, the Hon. Chief Justice urged them to consider their appointments an “honour, respect and accolade” bestowed on them and to do due diligence to the country.

The appointees included Ambassador Ebun Adebola Aforo and Chukwuemeka C. V. Taylor, both in absentia; Simitie Lavaly, Israel A.T. Jah, Alex J.K. Bonapha, and Musa Mewa, among others.

Notaries Public are officials appointed not only to deter fraud but to serve the public in non-contentious matters, including witnessing the signing of documents and verifying various signatories and instruments, that is, probate of wills, conveyances etc. They are also authorised to authenticate documents such as Estates, Deeds, Powers of Attorney, Affidavits, Licenses, Contracts and Loan documents.

Thanking the Hon. Chief Justice on behalf of her colleagues, Lawyer Simitie Lavaly said they were gratified and extremely honoured for the confidence bestowed on them.

She assured the Chief Justice that they’d execute their duties with integrity and diligence.

CREDIT: Judiciary of Sierra Leone Communications.