“In a gripping narration, young lawyer recounts an uncanny experience meeting a very Senior lawyer.”
The Nigerian Bar Association’s Annual General Conference (AGC) has come to be accepted as a sacred yearly ritual for lawyers with an average attendance of over 10,000 lawyers from across the country.
Beyond the enthralling breakout sessions, the AGC is famed for its allures, glitz and glamour. It affords members of the Bar and Bench the opportunity, not only to reunite, but to also unwind in an atmosphere of camaraderie. It is therefore commonplace during the AGC to see various sets of the Nigerian Law School hosting one re-union party or the other. The event also opens lawyers to upscale networking and side activities.
There is therefore no gainsaying that lawyers look forward to the august event with keen expectation, and so it was for me at the AGC held in August, 2016 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
As a National Youth Corps member that year, the AGC of 2016 presented a rollercoaster adventure and I threw myself into the frenzy; an opportunity to link up with old friends and law school mates was something I would never let pass me by. This is not to mention the attraction of the catalogue of books, stationery, court regalia and other memorabilia positioned in their various stands and awaiting the patronage of prospective buyers.
As a Corp member serving as a Research/Legal Assistant in the Akwa Ibom State’s Judiciary, an adventure into my first NBA Conference as a green horn in the profession could not wait, especially given that I was only two months away to the end of my National assignment.
For younger members of the Bar like me, the prospect of catching up with seasoned practitioners is one vantage shot to explore. I had always adored certain individuals in the profession; those who by dint of extreme hardwork and dedication, have attained some superstardom status. In fact, a host of them though dead, have assumed the status of what Prof. Pat Utomi called “material and spiritual immortality”.
Within the legal space however, it would take much more than the aforementioned attributes to attain same. Notable mentions are the likes of the late Chief F.R.A Williams, Q.C, SAN, Chief G.O.K Ajayi, SAN, Dr. Nabo Graham-Douglas, SAN, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, amongst others.
So it was on the 23rd August, 2016; a sweltering Tuesday afternoon, during the AGC lunch break, as I was savouring the ambience of the venue of the event- the Chief Alfred Diete Spiff Civic Centre, located in the heart of Port Harcourt City, I noticed this tall and hefty figure with a frame in the similitude of the character portrayed in the historic epic- Gulliver Travels. His face looked familiar and my brain immediately began to process the image that stood before me, and it did not take too long to figure out the image of the confident, suave and exceptionally articulate Counsel who shone like a million stars before the Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission, famously referred to as the “Oputa Panel.” (the sobriquet, ‘Oputa Panel’ is an eponymous adoption of the last name of the late iconic Supreme Court Justice- Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa).
The Oputa Panel was a Commission of enquiry set up in 1999 by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo with the mandate to investigate human rights violation during the period of military rule from 1984 to 1999.
My inquisitive self walked up to him. “Good day Sir. Sir, I think I have seen your face before. I have watched a clip of you cross-examining General Oladipupo Diya (Rtd.) during one of the Oputa Panel proceedings, are you actually the one sir,” I asked. “No, it’s not me,” he retorted, whilst clinging to his dapper suit gently draped over his broad left shoulder.
His non-affirmative response threw me into a state of stupefaction, as I took a second look at his face, above his towering frame. “I was only joking, he’s actually my brother,” he quipped.
This further jolted me into a state of perplexity. I quizzically shrugged my shoulders, thanked him for the audience and made to go away. Beaming with a grin accentuating his boyish dimples, he motioned, “Come back. I am Y.C. Maikyau, I’m actually the one you saw in the clip!” We both erupted into a guffaw, as I clung to his warm embrace. My star-struck self immediately asked for a photograph with him, after which he briskly doled out some crisp notes of Naira to me.
Furthermore, with his right hand stretched towards me, he said, “Take, that’s my Business Card. You can reach me through my contact.”
His generous gestures were clearly in excess of my craving at that moment; the ecstasy of my fortuitous encounter with his extraordinary personality was enough gratification. I was overwhelmed with thanks for his kind gestures.
The short but gracious encounter seemed like a surreal experience.
In my formative years, I had always wanted to practice law. Whilst nursing this hope, I lost count of the number of times I was arrayed in full legal regalia and steeped in arguments in a Court of Law, only to wake up to realize it was just a dream!
The totality of the experiences constituting my journey to becoming a legal practitioner today, though checkered, proved enough tonic to sustain the thirst and vision. The encounter with Y.C. Maikyau, SAN, however proved the catalyst to this lofty dream.
Coming on the heels of the imprimatur to reach him whenever I wanted; I called him two weeks later and expressed my strong desire to work in his law firm. He however stated that the employment space within his Abuja firm was filled up, but that I could still keep in touch with him in the event of any opening, and especially since I still had some weeks before my Passing Out Parade.
Six weeks later, after the successful completion of my NYSC Programme, I was fated to resume life as a law graduate and job hunter. However, armed with Mr. Maikyau’s espousal, I called and informed him of the completion of my National Assignment. This drew congratulatory plaudits from the very cerebral Learned Silk, after which he invited me to his office.
I came to Abuja and met him in his tranquil office sometime in October, 2016, during which course he said to me: “Samuel, I regret to state that the employment space in my Abuja office is still not available. However, don’t you worry. My firm, though headquartered here, also operates in Sokoto State. I quite appreciate your zeal to practice law, but I assure you that Sokoto State will afford you the best practical learning experience possible, as you could commence and conclude as much as two cases in a year, unlike in Abuja where a single case can last up to fifteen years and more! So I’m offering you the Sokoto option. You don’t need to bother about accommodation, or transport. I will take care of that. I will therefore avail you a period of two weeks to think about it, and then come back to give me your feedback.”
Though born in the northern state of Kano- the acclaimed commercial nerve center of the nation, and therefore conversant with the social, cultural and climatic condition of the northern hemisphere of Nigeria, Sokoto State did not come off as a destination I was willing to jump at. Tempting as Mr. Maikyau’s offer seemed, the opinions of my siblings, relatives and a few friends put paid to my reservations.
Consequently, I was compelled to return to Mr. Maikyau with a nay response, whilst affirming my preference for Abuja as a practice base.
Fast forward to the year 2020, Mr. Maikyau called me in a 20-minute conversation, inquiring to know how I have fared so far in practice, and if I still desired to work with him. This only came few months after my almost 3-year stint in the law firm of Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN) & Co.
Dear readers, this writer has risen to the position of a senior Associate in the law firm of Y.C Maikyau & Co. in a space of two years of joining the prestigious firm.
The man- Maikyau is an embodiment of so many things to so many persons. To his seniors, he represents the next generation of leadership. To his colleagues, he is an assertive, effervescent and youthful gentleman. To young lawyers, he is a mentor and philanthropist who understands what it means to hail from a humble background. His idiosyncrasies, most especially his infectious humility, compassionate heart and chivalry remain virtues worthy of emulation.
Over the past 6 years, he has shown genuine interest in my career progress and general well-being, just as he is with everyone who comes across him. On several occasions, I have had the luxury of being flown, to represent him at several occasions.
Mr. Maikyau once addressed some of his staff in the office one afternoon and stated how he desired that every one of his staff could relate with him as friends. I have studied Mr. Maikyau’s life in politics, philanthropy and most importantly, building people; his doggedness, capacity to serve, fairness, and good heart are traits that should be emulated.
I am an eye witness to his humility. A keen listener with an avid interest in uplifting the people around him. That is the legend called Y.C. Maikyau!
