The year was 1987, and a class of 96 students proudly graduated from the University of Calabar’s Law Department. Their dreams of becoming legal professionals are now within reach. They did not know that the journey ahead would be marked by twists and turns, as the legal landscape in Nigeria evolved over the next three and a half decades.
Fast forward to 2024, and the Class of ’87 found themselves reunited in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at a meeting hosted by one of their own, Hon. Justice Okon Abang, a respected Justice of the Court of Appeal in Abuja. The occasion was a testament to the resilience and determination of these legal practitioners, who had weathered the storms of their profession and emerged as formidable figures in the Nigerian judiciary and legal system.
As the authorities gathered, the air was filled with a palpable sense of nostalgia and camaraderie. Memories of their student days, the long hours spent in the library, and the intense debates that forged their legal minds, came flooding back. But this was not merely a trip down memory lane; it was a moment to reflect on the remarkable journeys that had unfolded since their graduation.
The meeting in Uyo provided a unique opportunity to witness the mingling of the bench and bar. Several of the Class of ’87 had ascended the ranks, taking on prestigious positions within the legal system. Some had found their calling as judges, their wisdom and impartiality shaping the course of justice in Nigeria. Others had carved out successful careers as litigators, navigating the complex web of the legal system with skill and tenacity.
Delivering his opening speech at the event, Chairman of the Class, Ntiense Ndueso, a legal practitioner reminisced about their time together, saying: “We bonded by reading together, studying together, and even visiting each other’s family compounds. This meeting is to renew the 37-year-old bonding we had in
the past.”
He thanked God for the grace shown to the class, noting that the ’87 Class appeared to have been the most successful set of the Unical Law Faculty, as their members were all well-to-do in their respective careers. Ndueso listed some of their members who rose to the peak of their careers, including Babatunde Raji Fashola CON, SAN, who was former commissioner in Lagos before becoming two time governor of Lagos State and two time Minister for Works and Housing.
Ndueso listed Godswill Akpabio, former commissioner and two time governor of Akwa Ibom State, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and two time Senator who is currently the President of the Senate. He noted that Anyim Pius Anyim, a former presidential aspirant, was Senate President and later the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who is also one of them.
He said, “Let us not even go far, here in this gathering today, we have several Justices including the earth-shaking Justice Okon Abang, who is known as a champion of jurisprudence in the Nigerian justice system. We have Justice Ntong Ntong here with us; Justice of Federal High Court and a designate Justice of the Appeal Court.
“I can go on and on. But in all these, we can see very clearly that God has blessed us. That is why we have to celebrate. We are working towards having a novelty football match with NBA Uyo Branch. It’s a way to celebrate our bond and give back to the community.”
In his speech at the gathering, Justice Okon Abang welcomed everyone, expressing gratitude for their presence, despite the challenging times. He recalled their time at the University of Calabar and the Nigerian Law School, highlighting the formative experiences that shaped them into responsible citizens. He encouraged the class to remain united, objective, and supportive, saying: “We should not allow the passage of time to separate us. Let us continue to cherish this moment and take turns in hosting this meeting in our homes.”
Justice Abang thanked God for keeping them alive and proposed a thanksgiving service for the class within the next three months in a Bible believing church in Uyo. He prayed for God’s strength to be with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. He equally commended Pastor Umo Eno for his peaceful leadership as governor in Akwa Ibom State.
He concluded: “The pillar of support, oil of grace, shall continue to flourish in our respective families”, adding that, “We shall continue to cherish this moment to be united, and to look at issues objectively.”
The reunion which brought members from Lagos, Abuja, Cross River, Imo, Oyo and Akwa Ibom States, had other attendees including: Justice Pius Nyong, legal practitioners Eno Inyang, Cosmos Umoette, Imowo, Etetim Onuk, Justice Victor Essien, Bassey Umoren, Edemekong Ekong, Justice Iniabasi, and other associates as Asuquo Anwana, among others.
The gathering in Uyo was a testament to the enduring power of camaraderie and the shared experiences that bind a class together. It was a celebration of the resilience and adaptability of these legal professionals, who had weathered the challenges of their profession and emerged as leaders in their respective fields.
As the Class of ’87 shared stories, exchanged insights, and reconnected with one another, it was clear that the bonds forged in the halls of the University of Calabar had only grown stronger over time. The meeting in Uyo was not just a reunion; it was a testament to the power of the legal profession to shape lives and transform communities.
In the years to come, the Class of ’87 will continue to leave their mark on the Nigerian legal landscape, their influence felt in the courtrooms, the legislative chambers, and the corridors of power. The reunion of the bench and bar that was witnessed in Uyo was a snapshot of the ongoing evolution of the legal profession, a testament to the enduring legacy of this remarkable group of legal scholars and practitioners.
Joseph Atainyang, an editor with WatchmanPost, is a public affairs commentator.
