By Sylvester Udemezue (Udems)
Re: “Almost One Year After Their Appointments, Magistrates Still Trek To Courts In Akwa Ibom State” (https://thenigerialawyer.com/almost-one-year-after-their-appointments-magistrates-still-trek-to-courts-in-akwa-ibom-state/). Having read this news item, I start off by respectfully suggesting that, in the present context, “Trek to court” is incorrect/inapposite grammar here. “Walk to court” or “Go to court on foot” is the way to go.
By the way, with due respect, is it not a false representation to say that the Magistrates “trek” to court. Although I am not happy they don’t have cars in an oil-rich state like Akwa Ibom (bad governance unlimited) and I hereby call on governor Udom Emmanuel to provide his Magistrates with cars to erase this shame. However, before then, what has happened to commercial cabs or taxis, Uber, taxify, commercial buses? Okada is out of it, though (don’t go there) because these are “my lords” (I prefer “my lords” because all lords na lords, whether at the SC, CA, FHC, SHC or Magistrates’ Courts, althoulgh I know the apposite term here is “my worships” or, as in Lagos “my honours”)
I don’t believe that Akwa Ibom Magistrates trek or walk or go on foot to court. For God’s sake, there are monthly allowances and salaries paid to them, from which they can take a little money to use as fare for taxis/cabs or commercial buses pending when they’re given cars or, to quote The Nigeria Lawyer, pending when they’re GIFTED with Official cars. Correct grammar though, in my opinion.
“Trek” to court, no, I disagree. Are the affected Magistrates saying they carry their handbag, portfolios, files and suits, and be walking on the road to court, with their respective police orderlies also “trekking” beside them, to offer them the much-needed security in a highly unsecure and insecure country where (as I heard) all issues pertaining to security of lives and properties, have (by presidential directive) been handed over to, and left in the hands of, God Almighty who ironically had earlier warned us that the era of manna from heaven or spoon-feeding was over and that we now live in the era of heaven helps those who help themselves?
Dear Akwa Ibom Magistrates, please stop “trekking”, if that’s what you have been doing. Chai! Learn henceforth to go to court by bus or in taxi cabs, pending when you get official cars. When the desirable or desired is not available, the available becomes taken as the desirable or the desired. Happiness comes, not from getting or having all you desire or want, but from liking and making do with all what you have already. A bird in hand is worth more than 100 in the bush yet un-captured. Some are looking for jobs even if they’d “trek” to the office. Now, those who already have job, are gainfully employed, are complaining of “motor” or mobility.
My lords, please have resort to improvisation as a way of managing until you’re where you want to be or you get what you ask for. Before long, everything is gonna be alright with you (according to Bob Marley). Worry not, the law is with thee!
I so respectfully advise. Meanwhile, may God touch the heart of Udom Emmanuel to do the needful in the new year! Amen!
Respectfully,
Sylvester Udemezue
(UDEMS)
