.
|
Late Onuoha |
It
was that time of the evening when the lines on the palm of your hands could
barely be seen that I walked into the room allocated to me by the Nigerian Law
School authorities on full resumption at the Bwari campus of the foremost
Institution.
Since
I had earlier done clearance and a space given to me before travelling to
Kaduna for a few days, I went straight to the hostel Potter for the key to my
room upon a return to the campus.
I
was taken aback when the Potter announced to me that "we don clear person
go room 225, the key no dey here".
With
that news, I knew that I now have a roommate and I silently prayed that the
person should be someone that would not make life miserable for me and my stay
on campus uncomfortable.
I
picked up the parcel I had with me and since I had already brought and arranged
my luggage in the room, I walked briskly to the second floor of the hostel and
knocked on the door.
There
was a brief delay. Then I had footsteps and the 'click click' sound of the
key.
The
door swung opened revealing a lanky handsome young man with broad smiles. I
instantly estimated his age. He would be in his early 30s I thought to myself.
I
can't recall how our interaction went. But within seconds I could see that the
young man had been 'burning the midnight candles'.
"my
name is Itote Damisa, but some prefer to call me Prestige" I
introduced myself.
I
immediately observed that he preferred the latter name to the former.
This
was how I met and instantly bonded with the late Justus at the Nigerian
Law School.
Justus
was born on the 11th of November, 1983. He was an indigene of Idem Anara, Isiala
community of Mbano local Government Area in Imo state, Nigeria.
He
once told me the story of how he wrote several exams seeking to be admitted to
read Law in Nigerian Universities but was denied.
He
eventually settled for Political Science at the University of Calabar and
graduated in 2010.
His
quest to still become a lawyer took him to the University of Uyo in 2009 where
he obtained his LL.B Honours in 20014.
He
thereafter proceeded to the Nigerian Law School and was duly admitted to the
Nigerian Bar.
 |
| Late Onuoha. After Call to Bar |
Before
all these academic qualifications, he had had a brief stint at the Delta State
University, Abraka from 2004 to 2005 where he obtained a diploma in
Environmental Studies.
From
the foregoing, it can be seen that Justus was an embodiment of knowledge.
He
was an intellectual, full of life and indeed an inspiration to me.
I
benefited immensely from his intellectual reservoir.
At
the Nigerian Law School, Justus read for an average of 12 hours daily. He
extended this to about 16 hours at the beginning of the term preceding the
almighty Bar final exams.
He
was extremely serious and detailed with the course work and was always ready to
ask questions to clear grey areas.
It
did not therefore come as a surprise to me when Justus finished the entire Law School
syllabus thrice before the commencement of the final exam.
He
formulated his notes in the five voluminous courses and his notes greatly
helped me.
Among
the very few decent, deeply religious and highly faithful young men that I
know, Justus stood out.
He
was so into the things of God. In fact, he died in that ghastly motor accident
while on his way to attend the family's prayers in Owerri.
He
died while going to seek God!
He
was a very committed member of Bishop David Oyedepo's Living Faith church (a.k.a Winner's Chapel).
The
renowned preacher's messages are copiously available in Justus' laptop. He
slept and woke up listening to Oyedepo's words.
Some
of us nicknamed him 'Pastor' because this promising young man can speak in
tongues for two hours non-stop.
It
wasn't unusual to see Justus at the balcony of the hostel praying and speaking
in other tongues as early as 4:00am till about 6:00am.
It
was therefore a rude shock when I received the news of his untimely and very
disheartening demise that fateful Sunday afternoon while on a short trip to
Benin-City.
I
was lost in thoughts all through that day. I couldn't understand why he had to
go so soon leaving behind his aged parents and six siblings.
I
asked myself several rhetorical questions. The about 40 minutes flight from
Benin to Abuja was like 5 minutes to me that day.
I
didn't know where I was until the pilot's voice urging the air hostesses to
prepare for landing jerked me back to reality. It was like a spasmodic
movement!
The
legal profession has lost a rare gem.
A great lover of rule of law, justice and
fairness. A people's advocate.
He
never permitted anything that will oppress and intimidate others. He would argue
vehemently and drive his views to a logical conclusion without minding whose ox
is gored.
He
was a great fan of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He loved the ex
president's humility and meekness.
There
were instances where his super love for Dr. Jonathan would put him at loggerheads
with those opposed to the man - GEJ. This never worried him a minute. He always
stood for the truth even if he was alone.
I
have never seen a young man who was always willing and ready to render a
helping hand whenever a request is made of him.
I
am a beneficiary of his numerous acts of benevolence both in and out of Law
School.
He
knew virtually everywhere in Abuja and he was always of great assistance
whenever I needed to locate anywhere within the city. He never complained one
day.
He
was that humane, considerate and sensitive.
As
Justus is laid to rest today, I remember his gigantic unfulfilled dreams and
ambition.
I
remember his passion for Christ.
I
remember his desire to make heaven on the resurrection morning.
I
also remember the famous John Donne's poem "Death Be Not Proud" and I
believe that 'death shall be no more (one day), death, thou shalt die'!
Adieu
Justus, Adieu!
Rest
on man, rest on....
