From Nkereuwem Akpan
It’s with humility that I find myself unable to find any meaningful points of divergence from the views expressed by Anslem Odinkalu PhD. on all or any of the views expressed in the bulletin under review.
Dr. Anslem Odinkalu, far and above any lawyer, living or dead, I respect you, Sir.
I wish we could have at least 5 more like you in this country Your epistles are always an interesting read because you speak to the issues, no matter whose ox is gored…and I dare say you indeed have ruffled not a few feathers.
While the rest so-called activists have since fallen by the wayside and are stricken by the lure of filthy lucre, you’ve maintained and sustained the struggle in the face of unparalleled adversity.
Unless there is an urgent and holistic recalibration of our entire justice delivery system, I’m afraid we are heading for the doldrums and even a thousand Odinkalu won’t stop the unfortunate trajectory.
This travesty that has become the bane of our justice delivery system must be tackled so as to stop or at least slow down this terrible downward spiral into bare ignominy and infantry.
A lawyer must be able to at least be able to fairly predict what the courts will do with a set of facts, maybe not with precision but enough to make a logical sequence flowing from earlier decisions of the Courts. Tragically, I find myself truly confused by the calibre of decisions churned out by our Courts. Some of these decisions have upset age-long established principles and shaken the very fabric of our Constitutionalism by nibbling at the heels of the doctrine of separation of powers. A situation long forbidden by the Supreme Court in a long line of authorities from Abraham Adesanya v President (1981); Nafiu Rabiu v The State (1980) 9-11 SC 130 and Lakanmi v AG (Western Region) (1971) 1 UI Reports 1.
Dear Dr. Odinkalu, I doff my hat for you. Your legacy is not only assured but your forthrightness and fearlessness are the stuff of legend and I’m sure even my late legend Chief Gani Fawenhimi will turn green with envy in his eternal resting place.
Trust me I’m smitten Sir.
Nkereuwem Udofia Akpan, Esq.
Principal Partner & Dean of Research, Lex Consulates & Attorneys Abuja FCT
On Twitter
@Chiefnkereuwem
