I Remember, I Recall: Justice Okoi Ikpi Itam BY VICTOR NDOMA-EGBA

Unravel the mysteries of life and death and lay claims to divinity.

Life and death remain in God’s hands and His hands only. As faithful mortals we can only accept His will.

I do so with the sad news of the rather sudden demise of a friend, of a brother, the Honourable Justice Okoi Ikpi Itam, the Honourable Chief Judge of Cross River State.

I recall our growing up years, your visits to me in UNILAG and mine to you in Enugu Campus, years as young lawyers, your weekends with me in Ogoja and mine with you in Ugep and Calabar.

I remember your deep understanding of the law, the culture and traditions of your Yakurr people and your even deeper understanding of mechanical devices.

I recall how you spent weekends dismantling car engines and building them back up.

I remember your life on the Bench, both in Nigeria and the Gambia, my visits to the Gambia. I remember our relationships with our Parents; your son as a result lived with my father.

Friendships to you were sacred and everybody was special. I remember, I recall as that is all I can do now.

Just a few weeks ago we sat together at the burial of our father and friend, Chief Eteng Okoi Obuli and we cracked our usual jokes.

How was I to know that you will become memory so soon? What can I say other than that God’s will be done and that you find eternal rest in His Bosom, as you take your final bow from life’s Court.

Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN) is the Chairman, Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission.