By Chukwumah Umeorah
Senator representing Edo North and former governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has charged the 18 pioneer law students of the Edo University, Iyamho, to uphold the rule of law so as to sustain the nation’s democracy.
Oshiomhole, who established the university when he was governor of the state, spoke when he hosted the law graduates who were called to Bar after passing out at the Nigeria Law School last week in his Abuja residence.
“You are now capable of defending anyone whose right has been bridged and to canvas their rights as the judiciary that upholds the rule of law. So, you belong to a very noble profession. And when we talk about democracy, it is about the rule of law. Everything must be lawful; it is not the issue of power.
“Because when the rule of law collapses the rule of cutlass surfaces. God forbid nobody wants the rule of cutlass. Once we have courageous judges and hardworking lawyers who will ensure the law prevails that way Nigeria will be stable and democracy will be sustained. There is no democracy without the rule of law.
“I am happy that today all of you are qualified lawyers. My joy today is that as we are seated, we have people from all parts of the country. I saw the diversity here and that is my idea, to have a university that can compete with any university anywhere in the world. And that university is located in Edo State. We have people from the South South, South West and even more importantly people from the North. I saw a young man who told me he is from Adamawa. I feel so excited. I pray to God our creator who knows the beginning and the end, that he will use his awesome powers, to uphold each and everyone of you to rise to the top of your career. And that your parents who found Edo University worthy of a place to send their sons and daughters to, that they will find joy to say they made the right decision.
“Life is not a super highway. There are obstacles, but thank God he used me to put Edo University on the map from a small village called Iyamho. So, each and everyone of you will be on the map. And I am happy you studied in a university where there is no cultism and I pray all of you will excel in your legal profession,” he said.
Michael Aigbe, who expressed their gratitude to Oshiomhole, said the former governor has been supportive from the day they got admission to the university till date.
“You provided all the facilities needed in the university for us to enjoy a conducive learning environment. In fact, we have the best library and hostel in Nigeria and that is why the 18 of us who are pioneer law students of Edo University passed at the law school and today we have been called to Bar. I thank you so much, sir. You have been a father and we shall forever be grateful,” he said.