2022: Lest, I Forget -By Festus Ogun

I suspended active social media advocacy to give total concentration to the practice of law. I had known prior to joining the noblest profession that the only shortcut to success in the practice of law is hardwork.

I look back at 2022 in thanksgiving to God despite its challenges and uncertainties. I spent the whole of this year pursuing my dreams and the values I cherish.

Truth is, I completely enjoy law practice. I enjoy the singular endeavor of solving people’s problem while earning cool income. I work Monday to Sunday. No serious young lawyer should be checking closing time while at work. There are a lot to do and be done. I sincerely get bored when I am at home on weekends. So I get to ask myself, what exactly am I doing at home when there are pending jobs at work? So, I do what gives me joy by relaxing at my workplace over one task or the other. My workplace is my second home.

I have denied myself personal comfort (temporarily) for future professional satisfaction. I have made a lot of personal sacrifices for professional growth and development. While almost everyone in my generation (of lawyers) is running away from litigation, I have shamelessly tagged myself a “trial lawyer” despite the trials and tribulations in our court system. Yes, they have valid reasons to abandon litigation. The system could be very frustrating. But can we totally abandon the court system, the ‘lost’ hope of the common man? If it’s for financial gains, everyone would not become a “corporate and commercial lawyer” and corporate practice is not the only path to financial success in this profession. But, I digressed.

Truthfully, our justice system, as currently designed, is incapable of producing justice. Particularly for the poor, the system is rigged and unjust. The system is too slow and the political elites have found a way around it; all to their selfish advantage. In some courts in Nigeria, for the past six months, every other civil and criminal cases including human rights cases are suspended and judges only attend to pre-election matters which are heard expeditiously. I cannot understand why the court will shut its hearing doors to human rights cases at the expense of political cases. This should not be so.

That said, I think I am living my dream to the glory of God. I love my work and the core areas of my practice (constitutional, electoral and human rights law) make it easy for me to stay on the job because it is a solemn marriage of passion and profession.

I was recognized as one of the 16 Most Inspiring Young Nigerian Lawyers, 2022 by The Legal Traid in October. In December, I was nominated at the Lagos Youth Awards as the Most Outstanding Young Person in Legal Practice. I am sincerely motivated to put in more fire.

Interestingly, I have learnt many difficult lessons this year. From my challenges, uncertainties and disappointments, I am coming out stronger with life lessons. I think 2022 is the year that turned me to a man.

For now, save me any story about marriage.

My experiences with matrimonial causes (divorce, custody and the likes) have changed my view about marriage. I once wept after a client narrated to me his ordeals in the hands of his beloved wife. I have seen lovers turned enemies. From Bride and Groom to Petitioner and Respondent. I have seen the psychological effect of broken marriages on children. My perspective has changed.

As a constitutional lawyer, I have also done some pre-election litigations. I have seen the desperation, betrayals, lies and lawlessness of our politicians and the total absence of internal democracy in our political system. Zero internal democracy, I mean. They break their own rules and breach their very own constitution with reckless impunity. “Intra-party affairs are not justiciable”, the court would say. Yes, I have seen INEC. The same INEC that will conduct a ‘free, fair and credible election’ in 2023. My eyes have seen how rogues are likely to get to power through a dysfunctional justice system and an easily manipulated electoral system. I have wept for this country. I’m afraid it is finished.

I have seen, almost on a daily basis, how the poor suffer. I have seen injustices against the poor. Nigerian Police Force is almost irredeemable. They oppress the poor and get away with it. Our courts are not helping matters. Everything is rigged against the weak, poor and helpless. Even the laws are made in favour of the rich and at the expense of the poor. The justice system is unlikely to save you.

Who helps those wrongfully convicted to purse appeals knowing fully well appellate cases cost millions of naira? The weak and downtrodden are suffering. But, there is hope.

Our judiciary needs help. That sector needs complete reforms.

While acknowledging with gratitude the contribution of everyone on this journey to professional competence and fulfillment, I wish to specially appreciate the leadership and mentorship of Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Prof. Abiodun Amuda-Kannike, SAN, Aare Isiaka Olagunju, SAN and my very own uncle, Myson Nejo.

I sincerely thank my boss EAS Destiny for bringing me to Lagos and for being the greatest influence in my life.

Bi a o baku, ise otan.

To be continued…

Happy New Year in advance.