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By Anthony Maliki
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has described former Solicitor-General of the Federation Prof. Ignatius Akaayar Ayua, SAN, as a scholar of repute and a man of integrity who combined academic prowess with administrative excellence and political sagacity.
Governor Simon Bako Lalong who visited the family of the one-time Dean, Faculty of Law and Deputy Vice Chancellor ABU Zaria in company of some of his classmates of ABU Law Class of 1990, said the late Prof. Ayua impacted a lot of people particularly the students he taught, mentored, and inspired throughout his teaching and public service career.
He recalled how the late legal luminary insisted on excellence, honesty, the rule of law, justice and fainess in all his dealings in and out of the classroom, which motivated his students to be passionate in replicating his legacies many years after graduation.
Lalong said Prof. Ayua was in particular a source of pride for people of the old Benue-Plateau State and the Northern Region having distinguished himself in the legal profession and served as the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies among other responsibilities.
He urged his widow Hon. Justice Phoebe Ayua of the FCT High Court and the children to take solace in the fact that their father lived a resourceful life and impacted many people across the nation which constitutes a good legacy that will continue to speak for him even in death.
Leader of the ABU Law class of 1990 Mr. Sylvanus Tahir said the entire members of the class and indeed the former students of the Professor were saddened by the news of his death, but have to accept the sad event because he gave them his best and never hesitated to open doors for them whenever he had the opportunity.
Tahir said the Class at its last reunion meeting in Abuja acknowledged his love and sacrificial service during their days in ABU, assuring that they will continue to associate with the family and honour his memory.
While responding, his widow Justice Phoebe Ayua said the family was deeply honoured by the visit of Governor Lalong who is also Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum.
She thanked the ABU Law Class of 1990 for their show of love and support to the family at this difficult time, saying that such concern is highly comforting and reassuring.
She described her late husband as a man of integrity and a loving father who trained his children in the fear of God and gave them the same training he gave all his students.
