By Pst Abel Augustine
In a world where the rule of law is often bent to serve the interests of the powerful, Jibrin Sam Okutepa SAN stands out as a beacon of hope.
A renowned lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Okutepa has consistently demonstrated his commitment to speaking truth to power and upholding justice.
At a time when many lawyers seem to prioritize personal gain over the pursuit of justice, Okutepa has remained steadfast in his dedication to the principles of truth and fairness. His unwavering commitment to justice has earned him the respect and admiration of many Nigerians.
Despite his achievements and stature, Okutepa has not allowed himself to be swayed by the allure of power and privilege. Instead, he has continued to identify with the downtrodden and the poorest of the poor, using his platform to amplify their voices and advocate for their rights.
When Senator Godswill Akpabio mocked Nigerians with his infamous “Things are getting better” slogan, Okutepa was quick to call him out for his insensitivity. He rightly pointed out that the Nigerian people were struggling to make ends meet, and that Akpabio’s comments were a slap in the face of the poor.
Okutepa’s commitment to justice and truth has also led him to speak out against the actions of the federal government. When the government deployed state instruments against a defamation case involving Senator Natasha Akpabio, Okutepa added his voice to the chorus of dissent, advocating for the rule of law and the protection of citizens’ rights.
As a minister in the temple of justice, Okutepa has consistently demonstrated his commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness. When corruption in the judiciary came under scrutiny, Okutepa stood on the side of the Nigerian people, calling on the judiciary to redeem its image by doing what is right and upholding justice.
When the government proposed a budget to install solar panels in the villa, Okutepa lent his voice to the debate, questioning the wisdom of awarding such a project to a foreigner when Nigerians could handle it. However, he also encouraged the government to proceed if it would help uncover corruption hiding in the villa.
Okutepa has also called out the opposition in Nigerian politics, urging them to be more proactive in speaking out against bad policies and holding the ruling party accountable. He believes that the opposition has a critical role to play in ensuring that the government is transparent and accountable to the people.
In the debate over zoning, Okutepa has taken a principled stance, arguing that it is alien to the Nigerian constitution. Instead of zoning, he advocates for competency to be the determining factor in appointments, rather than where one comes from.
Okutepa has also been vocal in his criticism of state governors who appoint chief justices of state in contravention of the constitution. He has argued that such actions are a total violation of the constitution and undermine the rule of law.
Through his unwavering commitment to justice and truth, Okutepa has established himself as a leader and a voice of integrity. His legacy serves as a beacon of hope for a Nigeria where truth and justice prevail.
Okutepa’s message is clear: we must strive for a Nigeria where justice and truth are the guiding principles of our society. We must hold our leaders accountable and demand that they uphold the constitution and the rule of law.
Okutepa’s conviction is rooted in his deep understanding of the law and his commitment to justice. He is a shining example of what it means to be a true champion of justice and a voice for the voiceless.
Okutepa’s legacy serves as an inspiration to a new generation of Nigerians who are committed to building a better future for our country. His example shows us that one person can make a difference and that our actions can have a lasting impact on our society.
Okutepa’s commitment to justice and truth has made him a voice for the voiceless. He has consistently used his platform to amplify the voices of those who are marginalized and oppressed.
Okutepa’s message emphasizes the importance of accountability in our society. He believes that our leaders must be held accountable for their actions and that we must demand transparency and good governance.
Through his work, Okutepa has shown us that a better Nigeria is possible. A Nigeria where justice and truth prevail, where our leaders are accountable, and where our citizens are treated right.