Encomiums, jubilation as Hon. Justice Ntong assumes duty at High Court 6, Uyo.
The Premises of High Court six, Metro Road Uyo was fill to capacity as members of the Bar and friends of the judiciary trooped out to formally receive Justice Ntong Ntong, now on transfer to the court.
The court’s activity began with an inaugural sitting to allow the Judge have an interface with members of the bar, litigants and visitors.
As would be expected, the lawyers reeled out their expectations from the Court, while describing Justice Ntong as a disciplinarian, committed to the promotion and defence of justice.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Publisher of All Federation Weekly Law Report, Taiwo Kupolati, SAN while praying for the Hon. Justice Ntong Ntong, said the Jurist has redefined Justice delivery in the country and this is worth emulating.
“When our paths crossed 25 years ago, I saw you as a restless and committed advocate given to extreme hardwork and useful friendship. Your down-to-earth nature, and somewhat radical approach to settlement of legal and non-legal issues, coupled with intense interest on the state of the law on every question, characterised you as an exceptional figure in the history of the development of Nigerian Jurisprudence,” Kupolati, SAN said.
He added that the elevation of Justice Ntong as a Judge in Akwa Ibom State some years ago has opened the path for the institution of genuine revolution in the field of administration of justice, emphasising that he has brought to the Bench the quality of truth-speaking and truth-doing.
According to him, “you deliberately developed your mind and personality, and now it is beyond debate that you have become a first-rated Judge of the 21st Century. An iconoclastic of the sorts. ”
“I do not flatter you. I have no reason to flatter you. It is evil for me to set before you cookies of deceit and harmful flattery.
“I am now in my 36th year of call to the Nigerian Bar. I qualify as a father and elder in the legal profession. So I must speak the truth from my heart.
“Your lordship has built, and continues to build, amazing blocks of strength for the justice system. Your great work will surely traverse your own time and stand as a reference point for great transformation in the justice sector. You are a revolutionary with a divine conscience.
“Your lordship has shattered the bad glass of late sitting in the court. You have revived and ennobled the fallen courage and cold love for legal practice among young lawyers. You have evolved a camaraderie between the Bench and the Bar.
“You have pointed all to the Almighty God the Creator as the God of Justice and whom you serve as His agent or finger. You have made known that you do justice without fear or favour regardless of whose ox is gored. The whole world knows you apply the law with true knowledge and with candour and without respect of persons.
“I have fought throughout my life as a professional lawyer to see the image of what I saw in your lordship’s court on 18th October 2021. I have , sadly, not found that type in reality.
” I am pleased in my heart that I witnessed a Judge with your orientation in my professional time of life.
So then I may boldly pray the good LORD preserve your soul and grant you good health and wisdom to continue in this formidable path till the end,” KUPOLATI, SAN narrated.
Among those who spoke glowingly about the humane lifestyle of Justice Ntong Ntong include the Chairman, NBA Uyo Branch, Ememobong Udoh Esq. and the Eze Ndi Igbo Akwa Ibom State, Eze CYC Emeakuka.
For Hon. Justice Ntong Ntong, truth and fairness remains his watch words, promising to always remain on the side of the law no matter whose ox is gored.
Hon. Justice Ntong Ntong was redeployed from Itu Judicial Division to Uyo in the recent posting by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Francesca Fabian Obot.
