By Julius Nsikak, Uyo
As preparations gather pace for the 2025 Dinner Night of the Law Students’ Association (LAWSAN), University of Uyo Chapter, the State Director of the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), Otuekong Franklyn Isong, has challenged young law graduates to view advocacy not as an option, but as a national responsibility.
Receiving the LAWSAN, Uniuyo Chapter and its 2025 Dinner Night Central Planning Committee at CHRAN headquarters in Uyo Friday, 22 August 2025, Isong insisted that the future of accountability and good governance in Nigeria rests heavily on the shoulders of trained legal minds.
“Law graduates spend years studying the principles of advocacy and justice. If they are not ushered into advocacy early enough, with proper mentoring and guidance, the wealth of knowledge acquired in the lecture halls risks being wasted,” he cautioned.
He lamented that many graduates abandon their legal training to pursue careers in unrelated fields such as banking or the oil industry, leaving civil society organisations under-resourced in the fight for transparency.
According to him, “Nigeria needs more voices in the human rights space. The presence of more advocacy groups would compel politicians and public officials to act with greater caution, knowing that their actions will not go unchecked.”
Isong cited recent advocacy campaigns that successfully reversed controversial decisions, underscoring the power of collective voices in strengthening democracy. He also criticised the growing tendency of politicians to personalise public projects by plastering their names and images on them. “Public funds must serve the common good, not individual political promotion,” he argued.
Earlier, the chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the 2025 LAWSAN Dinner, Hon. Ime Idimudo highlighted the dinner plans and appealed for support from Isong, also inviting him to the dinner billed to take place next Friday.
In their respective remarks, LAWSAN President, Justice Obot, and other team members commended the CHRAN Director for his consistency in championing social justice, adding that the faculty intends to recognise Isong at the forthcoming Dinner Night.
He was joined by LAWSAN Vice-President, Elizabeth Okon; Hon. Peaceman Inyang; Emmanuel Luke; and the Central Planning Committee Chairman, who led the delegation.
Also present at the meeting from CHRAN were Dr. (Comrade) Victor David, Project Manager; Comrade Julius Nsikak; Comrade Michael Bassey, Comrade Uko Okon and many others.
