By Osaro Eghobamien, SAN
I had spent the last week in Abuja for two reasons: to prepare for a remarkable case and to take advantage of the long road stretches, preparing for the marathon scheduled for the 2nd of October.
The preparation had taken me to see the Vice-President, the Deputy Chief of Staff and the Senior Special Assistant on Legal Affairs. Each of them pledged some assistance, not only with the preparation but committing to participate in at least a portion of the race.
I was in very high spirit when I ran into Ken Etete at the airport in Abuja. We were both returning to Lagos. We exchanged pleasantries.
Ken, himself an exercise freak, we soon delved into comparing our excruciating sport regime. Ken inquired about my knees, knowing that I had successfully completed three marathons. I also told him I was now on 2,500 skips per session.
Ken inquired of my preferred trainers. I said “Nike”. He offered what he considered a superior alternative- sneakers manufactured by a company known as Hokker.
As we engaged in a debate comparing the superior manufacturer, he infused a level of excitement by retorting that he might just have an extra pair that might be my size. I thought nothing of it at that moment. Ken persisted by first sending a text to inquire of my exact size. I soon got follow up calls from his assistant to reinforce the enquiry.
On Sunday evening, I had a pair delivered to the house. I received a further call from Christy, making a special order for yet another pair from the United Kingdom.
This morning, I got into my newly “acquired” asset and the trainers were so comfortable, that I ran a speed I had never run before.
I encountered a young man and I dared him and he took up the challenge. We must have run an extremely fast pace for about 3km. When we arrived our destination, he asked me if I was a military man. I of course answered “no”. The feeling the question provoked cannot be compared to having a million dollars.
I don’t think Ken will ever appreciate the significance I place on this kind gesture of his. Ken has supported my quest to run in good health and at the same time provided an impetus for the #Run4Justice initiative.
Ken, I am grateful for the support in helping me to continue to remain enthusiastic about reforms in the administration of justice.
#Run4Justice