I didn’t moot while in
year one. For a reason I can’t really remember, I neglected the act. But I was
happy my class created a landmark. A course mate of mine had emerged best
advocate for the Moot competition organized by the Moot and Mock Trial
Committee, organized that year. That move gave me confidence for the task
ahead. I was sure of being a part of the system the next competition-year.
Soon, a World Human
Rights Competition hosted by the Centre for Human Rights had begun. It was a
world class competition where schools all over the world battle out for a place
in the world stage. Each continent was expected to organize its own continental
phase selection, through which the best team for each continent will meet at
the world stage. International Human Rights was a course for the five hundred
level students of our Faculty, so I had every reason to refuse it. But I had to
test my hand on something challenging. So I didn’t care about the fact before
me. Myself and one Leonard Epidi, a one hundred level student by then were
settled to be part of the contest. We were the youngest in levels. This was not
the only disadvantage, we had not mooted before. That was something enough to
drive us out. But no, we didn’t relent. We had every reason to be skeptical but
we had to fight the fight, it was a necessary one.
Stephen Agbada was our
mentor. We had heard much of his mooting successes. Of how he represented NDU
and indeed Team Nigeria at Washington DC, USA at the Philip Jess Up Moot Court
Competition. He had also been to South Africa; hence we were sure we were
dealing with an experienced mooter. We got all the necessary lectures we needed
but I was kind of shaky; it was my first experience so I had every reason to.
I made a lot of
mistakes when rehearsing and those who watched us speak were not sure I will do
well, including myself. We were about three to four contestants that were to do
it for the first time. It was indeed a tight trial because only two were to
make it to South Africa eventually.
I did the best of the research
work I could do. I had to read articles, Charters of all kinds and of course,
cases. I practiced hard, waiting for the next step. And so it came; it was
already the day. We all sat down looking at the one judge that was to assess
us. We were about seven in numbers ready for the task. Hope Ogunka Azinuchi had
backed out for a reason I don’t know, but I knew she prepared for it.
Soon it was time and
they needed the first person that would be bold enough to come out and speak. I
was sitting at the front roll waiting for a signal. I never wanted to be the
first to speak, but I was called, and so I had no choice than to present
myself. The last time I had similar experience was in the Secondary School
during the debate competitions, but this one was different. I was faced with
one Judge who interrupted me when I spoke. Questions were coming in as I moved
like a swift wind. My movement was fast, I was arguing with so much speed. I
was just talking all that I knew. The Judge watched me steadily as I argued. I
flowed beautifully until I paused a while after I lost a point. The situation
caused a little hiatus in the atmosphere. I was a little unstable at the pause
but God willing; I picked up myself and continued. After a while I was down and
sat down. Others took their turn one after the other until it was time for the
results.
We all patiently waited
to know the two folks that will win the ticket to South Africa. My heart was
beating fast as the judge started giving his comments while announcing the
results. Somehow, he chose to start from the least on the log to the first. He
started with the last to the second to the last and on and on until we were
four left. Myself, Eniye Igbanibo, one
Sheila and Leornard Epidi. Two just had to win. Who could the two be? I
thought. Apart from Eniye, the remaining three was having their first mooting
ever. I believed none of us could beat Eniye because she had all the
experience, and indeed she was a good advocate with a sound understanding of
the law. I believed that maybe one of the novices will make it with her.
“Eniye Igbanibo” he called. That was his pertain. If he calls your name
it means you are already out of the contest. He affirmed she was good but she
was too fast and hardly was she heard. The excuse doesn’t really make sense to
us, no, not to all those who knew about her ability. But there was nothing
anyone could do. I had made it to the last three, at last. One of us must leave
for two to remain. Who could that one be? Could I be among the two or the one
to be defeated?
[STAR
ADVOCATE OF THE EPISODE- LEONARD EPIDI:
Leonard Epidi is currently a graduate of the Niger Delta University. A Bayelsan
based in Lagos State, Epidi is one of the best mooters I have ever known. He is
not just good in advocacy, he is smart. The first time I met him, a friend of
mine Elvis Otiti, threatened him that he was a gay, and would have a taste of
him in no time. He was a bit naïve, but got to understand it was a joke. Epidi
has a fine eloquence in that he can hardly make a “Humm” in oratory. He is sure
one of Bayelsa State’s best. He is not a shot one shouldn’t joke with. Though,
he always put on the unserious look, he remains one to beat all the time.]
[Suspense- in next episode, readers will get to know if I qualified
for the Regional Stage]
WATCH OUT FOR EPISODE
12