Christian lawyers under the aegis of the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON), Gombe Branch, on Sunday held their annual end-of-year dinner, a programme aimed at thanking God for His guidance throughout the year and strengthening fellowship among members of the legal profession.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of CLASFON Gombe Branch, Pastor Mrs Elizabeth Okotie, said the annual dinner has become a tradition for the body, providing members an opportunity to reflect, give thanks, and renew their commitment to service.
“Today, we had our end-of-year dinner for Christian lawyers in the Gombe Branch. This is an annual programme we hold every year to appreciate God for how He has been with us throughout the year. As it is our tradition, we come together to have dinner,” she said.
On the importance of young lawyers joining the fellowship, Okotie dismissed claims that participation in CLASFON is a waste of time, stressing that the body offers rare mentorship opportunities that young practitioners may not easily access elsewhere.
“It is not a waste of time. Today, we had in our midst a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Yakubu Philemon, who joined us from Abuja. Outside CLASFON, where can you see an SAN to get professional advice or mentorship without paying? As a junior lawyer, you get to be connected. Personally, I have benefited a lot from being a CLASFONITE,” she stated.
She further disclosed that the fellowship has consistently undertaken humanitarian and justice-focused outreach programmes, particularly custodial centres visits’ and free legal advisory services, although activities were limited this year.
“In the past, we have undertaken visits to prison. We normally hold constant prison outreach, but we were constrained this year because the authorities still cited COVID. However, on a one-on-one basis, we have been able to meet people with challenges and we proffer legal advice to them. We usually go to churches to ask how many people need legal advice for free. Hopefully, next year we will reach more people, including unbelievers,” Okotie added.
Speaking on the significance of the Christmas season, she reminded Christians of the spiritual essence of the celebration.
“Jesus is the reason for the season. As children of God, we must not forget the reason for the season, which is the coming of Jesus. He came to reconcile us to God,” she noted.
Also speaking at the event, Yakubu Philemon, SAN, who was honoured with an award by the fellowship, lauded CLASFON for recognising his contributions and described the organisation as one that instils integrity and professionalism in legal practice.
“CLASFON is a body that helps us to practise law with integrity. The award will help me push for more towards access to justice. CLASFON has taught me to stand firm in the face of adversity and fight for justice not just for those who can afford it but for those who cannot pay for it. You know, without integrity it will be difficult to succeed as a lawyer,” he said.
Philemon encouraged lawyers across the country to actively participate in the fellowship, insisting that involvement brings personal and professional growth.
“It is not a waste of time, and I will encourage those who think so to identify with the body. There are teachings in CLASFON for personal, academic, and career development. They should not throw away CLASFON because there, they can anchor their law practice on the teachings of the word of God,” he added.
Addressing national issues, Philemon urged Nigerians to remain calm and open-minded as the country approaches 2026, particularly in relation to ongoing reforms such as the new tax law.
“Anything that comes as new comes with teething problems and resistance, but what we need is to begin to practise the new tax law and see the areas of reform we want to come up with. The new tax law has good intentions, not just to raise revenue but to make citizens accountable so as to make our leadership accountable. Let us embrace the law and see how it turns out for our country, Nigeria,” he stated.
A gubernatorial hopeful, Victor Laima, also used the platform to decry what he described as persistent social injustice in the system, urging believers to actively participate in governance and nation-building.
“Since the creation of Gombe State, we have experienced injustice in many areas. Is it in the judiciary? One of us is a victim, Justice Beatrice Iliya was one of the biggest victims of injustice in the judiciary. Is it in the traditional setting? Dr. Maiyamba is a big victim, and many others. Or is it in the civil service? We have injustice in appointments and promotions. I joined this race to ensure justice—not to a particular group or people—but to everyone. Once there is justice for everyone, there will be dividends of democracy for everyone,” he said.
On his part, Chairman of the occasion, Benjamin Sati, who was immediate past Chairman of Gombe NBA, urged for unity among members.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the dinner provided an opportunity to reward outstanding members, supporters, and executives.
Some of those honoured included Justice Beatrice Iliya (retd.), Yakubu Philemon, SAN, Luka Haruna, SAN, Benjamin Sati, as well as presidential candidates.
The event brought together legal practitioners, faith leaders, and political stakeholders, reinforcing CLASFON’s growing role in promoting ethical legal practice, access to justice, and national development through faith-based engagement.
