Sankera Lawyers Association Draws 2024 to a Joyful close with Annual Dinner
Sankera has suffered from so much insecurity that has almost destroyed the pride of the people. As a result, we sometimes forget that there is another side to the Sankera story. This is why The Transmitter finds it worthwhile to share in the glory of Sankera Lawyers who have worked together over the years for the progress of their land.
Barr kakwagh –Chairman
Today, Sankera Lawyers Association is fast becoming the envy of many such associations across Benue state and beyond as result of their consistency and unity of purpose. The Association is, understandably, a Professional Association which comprises of Legal Practitioners of Sankera extraction and their spouses who are called to the Nigerian Bar and Licensed to practice law as Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The Association strives to objectively promote and protect the cherished image of the Nigerian Legal Profession and interest of her members and Sankera community in general. In furtherance of her social objectives, the Association annually celebrates her members who have distinguished themselves in the pursuit of their professional career in various capacities.
In a keynote address which tend to be absolutely absorbing, delivered at this year’s edition of the Annual Dinner of Sankera Lawyers Association, Rt. Hon. Ianna Jato, PhD, expressed his happiness with the Sankera Lawyers Association, the organizers of the auspicious event, for finding him worthy instead of better qualified personalities that abound in Sankera to present an address at the occasion. He also revealed that:
“The endonym “Sankera” which encompasses the Shitile, Ukum, Tongov,Ugondo and Ikyurav-Tiev, etc. is attributable to Kukwa Sankera our revered TER Sankera, who was popularized by his leadership tact, prowess and sagacity among his subjects, subordinates, contemporaries and even people outside of his domain.”
Rt. Hon Jato lamented that Sankeraland, which was hitherto reputed for peace, civility and hospitality, wealth, opulence, and cradle of Christianity and Westernization in Tivland, has suddenly taken the center-stage of violence against persons and properties through terrorism, entrepreneural kidnapping, armed robbery and theft, arson, rampant killings, obstruction of developmental projects, etc “The seemingly idyllic communities have become battlegrounds where homegrown bandits and their cohorts wield weapons against their own kith and kin. Residents of Sankera have recounted harrowing tales of attacks, abductions and murders. Many have lost loved ones, while others have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety. The economic and social fabric of the community has been severely impacted, with farming and trading activities almost grinding to a halt. Burial ceremonies take place several kilometers from grave yards in Sankeraland! Efforts to address the situation have been made through dialogue, the deployment of security personnel and establishment of vigilante groups. However, more needs to be done to restore peace and security to the area.” He noted.
Exploring through precise historical rendition, Rt. Hon. Jato recalled that in 1972, Sankera community produced her first indigenous lawyer in person of Sen. Suemo Chia, the iconic author of Adan Wade Kohol Ga, which has been translated and annotated by Prof. Tyozua Akosu in English Language. In 1975 and 1979 respectively Sankera community also produced additional lawyers to wit: Terwase Kogi and John Kondoun. As the population of the community increased, the number of her indigenous lawyers also increased. The community has more than two hundred lawyers in both the official and private bar, which are known for its culture of excellence and unwavering commitment.
He revealed further that “DCP Simon A. Lough, SAN, of the Nigeria Police Force from Sankera extraction distinctively became the first Senior Advocate from the Military and Para military establishments in Nigeria. However, regrettably, death has unarguably whittled down the number of indigenous lawyers of Sankera extraction as evidenced in the untimely death of Hon. Justice David Teryila Ahura, Hon. Justice Gbim-Gbande, Hon. Justice S.S Chaha, Dr. T.A.T Yagba, Associate Prof Abraham Jande, Lohodedoo Sai, Iorliam Terna, Ordughga Tyoakaa, Tyokegh Mathew and D.V Dzuana etc.”
The keynote Speaker noted also that as a former legislator that represented the good people of Katsina-Ala East State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, he is conversant with the facts and is, therefore, compelled to lament and objectively state that the underlisted lower courts in Sankera community are manned by lay judges who often administer justice based on the figment of their imagination: Grade 1 Area Court Sankera, Grade 1 Area Court Kyado, Grade 1 Area Court Afia, Grade 1 Area Court Anyim, Grade 1 Area Court Amaafu, Grade 1 Area Court Anyagba. He equally decried the under representation of Sankera Legal Community at the lower bench of the Benue State Judiciary, noting that “ Sankera community comprising of 3 Local Governments with more than 200 lawyers have only three magistrates out of 108 Magistrates in Benue State. In the same vein Ukum Local Government has no representation in the State Ministry of Justice and Public Order. Also in Benue State University, we have only one lecturer in the Faculty of Law in the person of Prof. Aondofa Aligba.” Rt. Hon. Jato, therefore, made an appeal to the Governor of Benue State to recognize the area more.
A major highlight of the event was the celebration of the professional elevation and accomplishments of the following: Hon. Justice Terhile Theophilus Igba, Richard Terlumun Tombowua Esq and Bernard I. Nule Esq. The keynote speaker urged them to sustain and promote the culture of oneness that underscores the identity of Sankera community.
