Hadi Siriki, Taraba, Edo AGs celebrate Godwin Idiagbonya on conferment of SAN (+Photos)

Former Aviation Minister, Hadi Siriki, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Taraba, Yakubu Maisasuwa and his Edo State counter, Dr. Samson Osagie, on Monday in Abuja, described Godwin Amuagbonrie Idiagbonya (SAN) as a bundle of resilience who fought his way to the top of his profession with dedication and integrity.

The trio and others, who spoke at hosting of Idiagbonya on the conferment of SAN, were unanimous in describing the lawyer in glowing terms, emphasising his unwavering disposition as a minister in the temple of justice.

Siriki, who was chairman of the occasion, traced his relationship with Idiagbonya to his vibrant advocacy during a case the celebrate was the defence counsel.

“I have the opportunity of interacting with him, of course in the trenches. I had filed a case and he was the defence counsel. He has this an innocent looking face and I thought the case was going to be a soft landing for me. But in course of the trial, his vibrancy and knowledge of law were opposite of his looks. Outside the court I wanted to meet him but he bluntly refused to see me. That was when I started to think who is this person behind this face.”
Samson Osagie with Onojie of Ewohimi Kingdom

According to the former Minister, he later met him through another lawyer and since then, over the years the relationship has blossomed to that of a brother.

Siriki stated further: “I saw in him diligence, dedication and knowledge. He is on top of his game. He has nurtured many young lawyers.”no

Taraba Commissioner for Justice, Maikasuwa said that they have been in a relationship since Idiagbonya’s early days in practice, when he walked into his office, wanting to be a partner in 2005. The commissioner said he has never regretted accommodating him from then till now.

He said: “This ceremony is not only a celebration of individual achievement but also recognition of the importance of hard work, determination, and team spirit. This determination, hard work, and resilience could hardly had been complete without the mention of the enormous sacrifices from the family of the learned Silk, especially the wife and children, whom I know endured countless nights and days without Godwin.”

The Attorney General continued: “The conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is a testament to the recipient’s exceptional expertise, professionalism, and commitment, to justice. Once again, I am deeply grateful to God for such an honour that I am part of this story.”

For Dr. Osagie, Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Idiagbonya SAN has built an enviable career from the scratch, and has become a pride to the state, noting the celebrant embodies the spirit of resilience. “He is one of the finest in the legal profession. His conferment as SAN is a testament of his dedication to the practice, we will continue to support him. As you were told during the conferment, SAN is not an end but a means to an end,” Osagie stated.

Dr. Collin Aimua, the founder of Philomath University, Abuja, described Idiagbonya, SAN as “ingenious and inspiring.” He noted: “I need to celebrate his ingenuity, humility and honesty. He is worthy to be celebrated.”

The Onojie of Ewohimi Kingdom, His Royal Highness (HRH), Lord Destiny Ebatamaehi Ojienefoh II, described him an ambassador of Ewohimi being the first SAN from the community, describing the feat as monumental achievement.

Other who spoke were set of class 1988 of Pilgrim Baptist Grammar School, Ewohimi, Edo State, the University of Benin, Law Class of 1998, Law School, Abuja, Class of 2004, and other notable personalities.

Responding, Idiagbonya SAN, pledged that “this elevation is not an end in itself but a solemn call to greater service – service to justice, to the Bar and the Bench, and to our beloved nation.”

He noted that the journey to where he is today was not an easily one – tortuous, demanding, and tasking – but gave God the glory, especially Maikasuwa, who has been there for him since destiny brought them together two decades ago.

“Permit me to single you out for special appreciation, the Honourable Attorney of Taraba State, and my Principal and mentor, Yakubu Maikasuwa, SAN. Sir, your role in my elevation to this rank cannot be over stated. You made my SAN journey short. Destiny brought us together in April 2005, and for the past twenty years, that destiny has kept us together side by side. I have learned immensely from your generosity of spirit, your willingness to lift others, and your uncommon commitment to seeing those around you succeed. For this and more, I say thank you.”

There was Esan cultural dance troupe to spice the occasion.