Legal minds… For the love of their nation

A new book, For the love of their Nation- Lawyers as agents of change in Nigeria, is set for presentation tomorrow in Lagos.
Written by veteran judicial reporter, Mustapha Ogunsakin, the new book is a collection of interviews of judges, profiles of eminent Nigerian lawyers and their contributions to national development the reporter have published in the course of covering the administration of justice system in Nigeria in 22 years.
The book features rare collection of interviews on prominent judges such as the late Justices Kayode Eso, and Chukwudifu Oputa; and retired Justices of the Supreme Court such as Justice Odemwingie Uwaifo, and Justice Adesola Oguntade. Other judges such as Judge Bola Ajibola SAN, Justice Yahya Jinadu, Justice Nkem Izuako, and Justice Samuel Ilori were also featured among others.
The Attorneys General profiles in the book contains the incumbent Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Mohammed Bello- Adoke, Former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo SAN, former Attorney General of Lagos State, Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN, the incumbent, Mr Ade Ipaye, former Attorney General of Bayelsa State, Chief Anthony George- Ikoli SAN, the incumbent Attorney General of Kano State, Mr Malik Umar, the incumbent Attorney General of Niger State, Mr Abdullahi Bawa, the Attorney General of Delta State, Mr Charles Ajuyah SAN among others.
The book also have the profiles, thoughts and contributions of prominent lawyers such as the late Chief FRA Williams SAN, the late chief GOK Ajayi SAN, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN, and the late Mr Alao Aka- Basorun. It also includes living legends such as Chief Afe Babalola SAN, Wole Olanipekun SAN, Yusuf Ali SAN, Olisa Agbakoba SAN, Dele Adesina SAN, Paul Usoro SAN, Sen. Victor Ndoma- Egba SAN, and Mr Femi Falana SAN.
In the foreword, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr Wole Olanipekun SAN said the book “chronicles the pungent and piercing thoughts of the crème de la crème of the legal profession who have all spoken out of the abundance of their hearts for the love of their nation”. He added that some of the thoughts shared and the underlying theme as can be garnered from the entire collection of interviews “made me very sober and reflective; some others sent me into a state of frenzy on how we managed to get here as a nation.
Thankfully, some others got me enthusiastic about the future, even while I could not read some with dry eyes”. He added: “Ogunsakin has bequeathed a rare and exceptional gift to Nigeria and Nigerian people. The inspiration behind this work is divine, the passion intense, the energy is patriotic, the content is enchanting and pinching to the conscience of those who occupy the corridors of power”.
Lagos State Attorney General, Mr Ade Ipaye in his comments said the book “is an important, well- researched reference material about the contributions of the lawyers to the development of law and nation-building in Nigeria. It will undoubtedly inspire future and young lawyers to higher aspirations and goals and help return the noble profession to its pride of place. The book satisfactorily covers the career and achievements of some of the most prominent lawyers, including judges, Attorneys General, and Senior Advocates. It is a must read not only for anyone in the legal profession, but also for historians, sociologists, academics and development enthusiasts.”
Former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Pastor Dele Adesina SAN also said: “Lawyers were at the fore-front of the revolution that gave rise to American declaration of independence, Majority of the delegates to the constitutional convention that gave birth to American independence were Lawyers.