JUSTICE NTONG FESTUS NTONG: A LEGAL LUMINARY AND ERUDITE JURIST ASCENDS TO THE APPEAL COURT OF NIGERIA

By Francis Udoakpan

Justice Ntong Festus Ntong is among the 22 Justices that are  officially sworn in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ariwoola Olukayode as JUSTICE OF THE COURT OF APPEAL today,  July 10, 2024. Incidentally, Justice Ntong is the only erudite jurist from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, who’s  been distinguished for this honour.

Born on April 12, 1964, at the Aba General Hospital, Abia State, he hails from Iwukem in Etim Ekpo LGA of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. He began his primary education at St. Joseph’s Primary School, Iwukem, in Etim Ekpo LGA, between 1971 and 1976, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC).
He attended St. Augustine Secondary School, Urua Inyang, in Ika LGA, of Akwa Ibom State, from 1976 to 1981, earning his West African School Certificate.

He furthered his studies at Holy Family College, Oku Abak, Akwa Ibom State, from 1981 to 1983, obtaining his Higher School Certificate (HSC). He then proceeded to the University of Calabar, Cross River State, where he studied law and graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Law-LLB degree as the best student in Constitutional Law and won Margaret Utanda’s award as the overall best student. He attended the Nigerian Law School and was called to the bar as an advocate and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1992. He later earned his Masters of Law-LLM from Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State, between 2004 and 2007.

Justice Ntong served as a Chief of staff for Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, House of Representatives, in the 7th Assembly, from 2011 to September 2014.

Before this, he carried out his private legal practice in Lagos and Abuja from 1992 to 2014.

He was elevated as a High Court Judge in the Akwa Ibom State Judiciary on November 6, 2014, a position he held until now.

He also served as the Administrative Judge, High Court of Justice, Itu Judicial Division, Akwa Ibom State, from 2018 to 2021.
Over the years, he has enhanced his legal expertise by attending workshops, seminars, and conferences both locally and internationally.

Justice Ntong’s philosophy of life centers on doing good and delivering justice to all manner of men, not minding whose ox is gored.
His articles of faith include upholding justice, peace, love, unity, and brotherhood for everyone.