Reverend Father With Four First Class Degrees Called To The Nigerian Bar

It was a beautiful scene to behold on the 29th day of November
2018, seeing this excellent Cleric walk up to the row of the
bench-men for his red scroll. Rev. Fr. Gabriel Uchechi Emeasoba had
again bagged a first-class honour. According to his friend, Henry
Ikwunemere, “Welcome to the bar, Fr Gab, an uncommon Scholar; 4/4
First class”.

The eulogy that was shared on Henry’s Facebook timeline reads:
“Fr Gab is everything genius, an intellectual power-house and an
all-round excellence”. These lines envelop the narrative that
discloses that the Cleric was bagging a first class honour for the
fourth time, justifying the 4/4 pass mark so quoted earlier. Fr Gab
had graduated with a 1st class in Philosophy (B. Phil), Theology
(B.Th), Law (LL.B) and Law (BL) in the Nigerian Law School. This is
a feat that hardly comes by. A feat in which a man is not just
skilled in the knowledge of ancient logics, but the law and also,
the biblica sacra. Not only does he have the certifications stamped
in his resume, he has excellently distinguished himself among his
equals.

But as we celebrate this man for this uncommon shine, his office
reminds us of a popular scenario where the rules and religion
engaged themselves in a civilized fight. Almost a year ago, a young
lady by the name Amasa Firdaus was denied her call-to-bar for
refusing to take off her headscarf. She had argued her fundamental
right to freedom of religion, stating that it is not Islamic for
her to expose her earlobe. Her refusal to obey the said code led to
her being denied permission into the International Conference
Centre, Abuja, and indeed the call to bar on December, 12th.
However, some months after, she was called to the Bar dressed in
the Honourable Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa style.

A debate exhumed after her refusal and denial. Some argued in
support of her action, while others argued against it. Those who
argued against had said that if Amasa is allowed to flout the code
because of her belief, what about those of other religions? What if
a Nun or a Reverend Sister claims she must be called dressed on her
veil, and a monk, a cowl? Or what if a traditional worshipper
appears before the ICC in some ugly cowries? Will the same be
denied the opportunity to be called or be called anyways? These
were some of the questions asked by observers.

Seeing Rev. Fr. Gabriel Uchechi Emeasoba been called to the bar,
one will begin to wonder what the scene would have been like if he
had argued that he must be dressed on his cassock without a wig and
gown, or that, he must wear his gown on his cassock.

These are some of the possibilities to be raised. But the bottom
line is simple: There must be a dividing line between the operation
of the law and religion. How cordial is the marriage between the
two and how to separate their functionalities is another.

But in all, Fr Gab is an evidence to show that truly, hard work
pass.

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