The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Makurdi branch, on Monday, held a valedictory session at the State High Court in honour of its departed colleague, Rev. Fr. Felix Apine.
A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who covered the court session, in Makurdi reports that it was attended by many members of the bar and the clergy.
NAN reports that Apine was until his death, the Catholic Priest in charge of Saint Paul’s Mission, Abule, in the outskirts of Makurdi.
The state NBA branch chairman, Emmanuel Agbakor, described the death of Apine as “a great loss not only to the Christian community but to the state”.
He pointed out that he was a member of the Benue State Advisory Council on the prerogative of mercy.
In his comments, the Attorney-General of the state, Michael Gusa, said that lawyers needed to reflect on their conduct and return to God.
He, therefore, moved the motion for the burial of the late priest, so that his ‘learned gentle soul’ might rest eternally.
Bernard Hon (SAN), who spoke on behalf of the other Senior Advocates of Nigeria, described death as an inevitable end, which must come to every man irrespective of age.
Upholding the motion, the Chief Judge of Benue, Terhemen Hwande, described death as something that would come at an appointed time.
He, however, regretted that Apine died too soon at the prime age of 47, when his services were most needed.
Meanwhile, arrangements were in top gear for the burial of the Bishop Emeritus of Makurdi Diocese, Most Rev. Althansius Usuh, who died July 14 in Abuja.
NAN reports that the burial of the bishop would be on July 29 at Our Lady of Perpetual Cathedral, Makurdi, even as scores of people have signed the condolence register at the bishop’s house. (NAN)
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