OCJ Okocha, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has expressed his displeasure upon hearing Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s statement that God would judge certain “so-called legal luminaries”. The seasoned legal practitioner with 46 years of experience, felt slighted by the governor’s remark, particularly as it was made without mentioning any specific names.
He highlighted his illustrious career, which includes serving as Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice in Rivers State, Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, and Chairman of the Body of Benchers. He emphasized his contributions to the legal profession and his leadership roles in various capacities.
He said in a live coverage by TVC from 5:40, ‘You know, in one or two days, a lot of difference can happen in the landscape. I am an authentic legal luminary, and I have been at the bar for 46 years. I was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1995. I became President of the Nigerian Bar Association in the year 2000, long after I had served as Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice of Rivers State from 1990 to 1992.
And then I served in the Federal Judicial Service Commission and the National Judicial Council. I’ve been Chairman of the Council of Legal Education and Chairman of the Body of Benchers. I was pained when somebody said so-called legal luminaries but no name was mentioned. And just before I knew it, it was my learned friend, Chief Frank, that had to send me some clips where people were already rising in defense of the person they called “so-called Legal luminary.”‘