*Photo: Dr Reuben Atabo, SAN*
A renowned lawyer, Dr Reuben Atabo, SAN, has called on the Federal Government to ensure the prosecution of all sponsors of killings in the country irrespective of their status.
Atabo also advocated the need to strengthen the law to prosecute former political office holders for abuse of power and wrong decisions made while in office.
The senior lawyer, who made the call at the event to mark his 36 years at the Bar in Abuja, stressed that such law would help to checkmate abuse of power by public officials.
He said it was high time political office holders are held accountable and transparency upheld while in office.
In his address titled, “Reflections of Legal Practice,” Atabo attributed his successes to God’s mercy.
“I give God the glory for His grace, wisdom, and strength in this last 36 years.
“Indeed, I can classify this period as period of amazing grace of God upon my life,” he said.
He highlighted some of the remarkable cases handled by his law firm during the period, including “Abdu Bello Ho & Anor vs. I & S Int. Ltd (2001), Sulgrave Holdings Inc. & 19 Ors vs. Federal Government of Nigeria & 3 Ors (2012), and Sampson Ebenehi & Anor vs. the State (2009).”
Atabo recounted his challenges in taking on the Kaduna State Government over land disputes, including the acquisition of 814 hectares of farmland without compensating landowners.
He remarked that his 36 years at the Bar were period of amazing grace, with trials and tribulations, but that ultimately, God triumphed.
Mrs Abaro-Gloria Haruna, Deputy Head of Chamber, R.O. Atabo, SAN & Co., in her opening remark, highlighted the senior lawyer’s humility, industriousness and principled advocacy, which she said had earned him respect and admiration.
Keynote speaker at the event, Dr. Joseph Akubo, SAN, described Atabo as “a man with a golden heart, humble, generous, amiable and hardworking.”
Akubo said Atabo is always willing to help anyone in need.
Mrs Elizabeth Max-Uba, former Secretary, Counsel of Legal Education, while sharing fond memories of Atabo, said she had known him since their University of Jos’ days in 1984.
Max-Uba called him a classmate and fellow of 1989 at the bar.
She described him as a man committed to doing things the right way without influence.
Mrs Martha Atabo, wife of the senior lawyer, expressed pride in her husband’s growth, saying shs had “seen the young barrister mature into a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.”
According to her, I am celebrating my husband’s character, resilience and excellence.
Mrs Atabo, who described her husband as “a champion for the defenceless,” wished him continued success, long life and good health.
The event was also used to recognise the dedication of staff members of the law firm with Josephine Umana, John Edwin and Danjuma Yakubu receiving cash awards of longest years of service.