AYATUTU LAWYERS’ FORUM HOLDS MAIDEN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Makurdi Convergence
Ayatutu Lawyers forum
Erdoo Due
21st day of December 2019 will go down memory lane for Tiv lawyers as “the Ayatutu Lawyers’ Forum” held her maiden meeting in Makurdi, Benue State. Before this day, the forum existed on the social media platforms as created by Daniel Sorkaa, with the aim to foster the spirit of unity and mutual co-existence among Tiv lawyers worldwide.
Highlights of the occasion included paper presentations, goodwill messages and constitution of the Forum’s Executive Committee. The Electoral Committee was chaired by Amb. Chive Kaave, in an election that produced Oscar Aorabee as Chairman. Others are Steve Abbaa, Vice Chairman, Daniel Sorkaa, Secretary General, Esther Leva, Assistant Secretary, Mrs.Terfa Suswam, Treasurer, Namga Ushahemba, Publicity Secretary, Timothy Kyuga, Assistant Publicity Secretary, Mrs. Awashima Addingi, Social and Welfare Secretary.
In an acceptance speech delivered by the Chairman, Aorabee, the EXCO expressed hope with the impressive turn up of Tiv lawyers to the occasion. The statement also described Tiv as not just a tribe but a nation and sued for unity and progress The EXCO pledged loyalty to work professionally in keeping to the mandate giving them.
Goodwill messages were delivered from the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Aondover Kaka’an and Justice Cosmas Idye whose message was delivered Fidelis Iortyer…….. of the Benue State Customary Court among others.
Dr. Steven Andzenge one of the guest speakers spoke on ‘‘Carving a niche in a competitive environment through multi disciplinary practice and specialization.’’ He stresses the need for lawyers to diversify into other ventures in order to stay on with current realities. He said unlike traditional law practice, contemporary lawyers can diversify yet keep to their practice effectively.
Another Guest Speaker, Amb. Chive Kaave said Ayatutu means unity among Tiv people. However, this has been limited over time, leading to a hangover of progress among Tiv people. He also said in spite of disunity, Tiv people have done very well in the area of Judiciary, Politics, Economy and other divides of life. The Diplomat also stresses the need for Tiv lawyers to do better by embracing in new challenges.
On their part, The NBA Chairman, Job Ishember said he felt happy that the forum has been formally inaugurated. He was optimistic that the forum will bring in unity and cohesion among Tiv lawyers. He also congratulated the Executive Committee with the hope that they shall take the forum to great heights with sentiments.
Some of the attendees including Agatha Tyokyaa said they expect unity from Tiv lawyers through ‘Ayatutu Lawyers’ Forum’ and that senior lawyers should tolerate the junior ones for professional guide.
Ayatutu lawyers’ forum is made up of Tiv lawyers across the world. It is an umbrella for cohesion, development and an opportunity in networking for collective professional successes.
