…speaks on his global advocacy for equal justice
Christian Oko, a distinguished legal scholar and advocate for equal justice, has shared insights into his career focused on promoting fairness in both Nigeria and the United States.
From his early leadership as President of the University of Nigeria Law Clinic to his current role as a Legal Fellow with the Franklin Hall Williams Judicial Commission in New York, Oko has dedicated himself to ensuring equity in the judicial system.
In an interview with The Nation, Oko highlighted his work in community outreach, legal aid, and advocacy for marginalised groups, all aimed at fostering equal justice and restoring public confidence in the judiciary.
Recognised across states for his contributions to the field, Oko emphasised that his lifelong commitment to equal justice stems from a belief that fairness and equity must be the cornerstone of any effective judicial system.
He said: “My commitment to equal justice as a legal scholar and educator comes from a deep belief that fairness and equity must be the foundation of any judicial system. Growing up in Nigeria, I saw firsthand how marginalised communities and low-income families often lacked knowledge of their rights and access to basic legal services, which inspired me to advocate for those who couldn’t advocate for themselves by raising awareness and educating people about their fundamental rights, and how to access legal aid institutions when necessary.
“Whether in Nigeria or the U.S., ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, has a fair chance within the justice system and that the justice system is systematically structured to enable equal justice to flourish motivates me.”
Reflecting on his advocacy journey in Nigeria as a student and lawyer, Oko shared that during his tenure as president of the University of Nigeria Law Clinic in 2019, he spearheaded community outreach programs.
These initiatives, according to him, focused on raising awareness among low-income families about their fundamental rights and connecting them to essential legal aid resources.
He said: “As President of the University of Nigeria Law Clinic in 2019, I led community outreach programs, raising awareness and educating low-income families on their fundamental rights and connecting them to legal aid resources. Moreover, as Director of Public Outreach for Advocate Movements Enugu in 2018, I actively promoted fundamental rights awareness in Enugu and Ebonyi States through several community outreach programs and speaking events while also facilitating access to free legal aid.
“Prison outreach was also a significant aspect of my work. We collaborated with correctional facilities across these states, detainees, and incarcerated individuals, educating them of their rights, working with legal aid societies and controllers of prisons to secure bail for those with bailable offences, and ensuring detainees weren’t held unlawfully beyond the legal limit.
“As an equal justice advocate, I believe combating systemic injustices starts with sensitizing communities, particularly marginalized and low-income groups, of their rights and access to remedies, and fostering a justice system that champions equality for all.”
Oko also spoke on how his pursuit of a Master of Laws in American Law at Syracuse University shaped his perspective on justice, especially within the U.S. legal system.
He stated: “Syracuse University significantly shaped my perspective on equal justice. The academic rigour and exposure to American law, particularly concerning justice, immigration, and civil rights, broadened my understanding of these concepts within the American context.
“Graduating with a 3.39 CGPA was rewarding, as it combined with my established expertise and dedication to equal justice advocacy to help me secure my first position as a Law Associate with Hiscock Legal Aid Society’s Immigration Program, funded by the New York State Office of New Americans.
“In this role, I helped low-income families and refugees from countries like Afghanistan and Ukraine navigate the Immigration and Nationality Act’s (INA) requirements, emphasizing the importance of complying with U.S. laws during and after their Adjustment of Status processes. Furthermore, I educated them on their fundamental human rights as immigrants and provided help in filing various immigration petitions.
“This experience allowed me to extend my educational and advocacy work in the field of immigration law and provide support to one of the most vulnerable populations in the U.S., including low-income immigrant families and refugees from war-torn and disaster-affected countries such as Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Guatemala, among others.”
He also elaborated on his role as the sole Legal Fellow of the Franklin Hall Williams Judicial Commission in New York and how it aligns with your advocacy for equal justice as a legal scholar and educator.
Oko further stressed: “As the Legal Fellow for the Franklin Hall Williams Judicial Commission, I work closely with judges across six counties in New York and across all courts in these counties. My role involves legal research, writing, and ensuring that court rulings are impartial and free from bias. I engage in constant meaningful conversation with Judges across all the courts on a rotational basis about cases before the court to help critically analyse these cases, inform their opinions, and essentially ensure that their decisions are free from any bias or misunderstanding of the law in the matter before them.
“I also monitor instances of racial or ethnic bias in the judicial system, reporting them to the commission and the Administrative Judge. I also help the Williams Judicial Commission in research and writing their report to the Office of Court Administrator to help inform judicial reforms to enhance the cause of equal justice in the court system which then serves as a model for other states’ judicial system. Additionally, I engage in community outreach, educating the public on their rights and working to restore confidence in the judicial system, particularly among minorities.”
Discussing the global impact of his work in the U.S. on the fight for equal justice, Oko stated that the principles of justice are universal.
He noted: “My work in the U.S. reaffirms my belief that access to justice should be a fundamental right, not a privilege. The principles of justice are universal, and my work in the U.S. reinforces my belief that access to justice should be a right, not a privilege. Whether in Nigeria or the U.S., the challenges of racial and ethnic bias, lack of knowledge of the law and fundamental rights, lack of resources, and unequal treatment persist. By actively engaging with organizations such as the NAACP, the Onondaga Bar Association, and the Nigerian American Lawyers Association, I aim to bridge the gap between the legal systems in these two countries and foster collaboration on a global scale through continuous and consistent community sensitization programs and working closely with relevant stakeholders within the justice system to eradicate systemic inequalities under the law.”
He highlighted how his engagement with various professional bodies, such as the Nigerian Bar Association and the Historical Society of New York State Courts, has enriched and strengthened his advocacy efforts.
Oko reiterated: “Being part of these professional organizations allows me to stay connected with fellow advocates and keep up with the latest developments in the field of equal justice. It also provides a platform to speak and educate the community about their rights, how to resort to the law when necessary, and their roles in ensuring a fair and equitable United States across all systems.
“Also, it provides me with the opportunity to collaborate on initiatives aimed at promoting equal justice, whether through policy recommendations, legal education, or community outreach.
Speaking on his next action in his advocacy for equal justice, he said he plans to continue advocating for marginalised communities in the U.S. and Nigeria.
He said: “I plan to continue advocating for marginalized communities in the U.S. and Nigeria. I’m particularly focused on sensitising our communities to equal justice mentoring the next generation of legal advocates and increasing access to justice for underserved populations. Through my work with various organizations, I hope to continue contributing to systemic changes ensuring equal treatment for all, regardless of race, gender, or economic status.”
