I have now been sworn in as a Notary Public by Hon. Justice Matilda A. Ayemieye, Chief Judge of Bayelsa State of Nigeria. I am grateful.
I applied in 2021 for a process that was meant to take about a year. It took almost five years. It tested patience. It tested resolve. But today, it is done.
I owe deep thanks to my partners at Tsedaqah Attorneys, Ikechukwu Uwanna SAN and Benjamin Ile for allowing me use their draft letters as my template, and for the encouragement when the process dragged on longer than expected. Thanks to Chinedu Blaise Okoroafor.
My sincere appreciation to Stanley Damabide, who guided me through the process and introduced me to Betty Arofah, Executive Assistant to the then Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Late Hon. Justice Kate Abiri, who helped me address the shortcomings in my application, among other things.
I remain deeply grateful to Late Hon. Justice Kate Abiri. Coincidentally, she also signed my Body of Benchers reference form, without which I would never have been called to the Nigerian Bar. At the time, unlike now, I did not know any Benchers.
Justice Abiri was swift and effective in dealing with my reference. I did not expect things to move quickly. I did not have a personal relationship with her. I can only say she was effective at her job, and that mattered.
Thank you Blessing Okoli-Nwafor for your help at the Supreme Court, and to Harcourt Ekpe John. for picking up my documents and for the introductions that made the process smoother. Thank you Eyedeinghabofa Perekeme for your assistance which ensured I was able to attend the ceremony.
I appreciate the current Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Matilda A. Ayemieye, for her consideration, her time, and her kind words and admonition. They will stay with me.
My thanks also go to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo KEKERE-EKUN GCON, JSC, for approving my application and for the appointment, as well as for her efforts at cleaning up and strengthening the appointment system.
I am grateful to Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving my travel and allowing me attend during a work week.
Special thanks to NGEagle Airlines for getting me to Bayelsa on time, after @AirPeace closed boarding without announcing a final boarding call and denied me entry without cause, despite issuing me a boarding pass.
Some journeys take time.
Some people act when it matters.
Both make all the difference.
Cheers!
theFernist
