My Brother, the Finest Class of Lawyer
“MY BROTHER, CHINWE, WAS OF THE FINEST CLASS OF LAWYERS AT THE BAR. HE WAS A LAWYER’S LAWYER; OF THE CALIBRE OF WELL SEASONED LAWYERS LOOKED UP TO FOR INSPIRATION, AND WHO YOUNG LAWYERS ASPIRED TO BE”
My brother, Chinwe, was of the finest class of Lawyers at the Bar. He was a Lawyer’s Lawyer; of the calibre of well seasoned Lawyers looked up to for inspiration, and who young Lawyers aspired to be. He was a real thoroughbred professional, who had a unique way of finding the law and appropriating it to make his case.
Over the years, I watched Chinwe rise by sheer dint of hard work, determination and integrity, to earn a special and well deserved place and commanding influence at the Bar, and ultimately, the inner Bar. His excellent research skills and moving delivery, set him apart in more ways than one. His research assistance to me in my duties at the Bench, will forever remain priceless. He was always my first point of contact when I was faced with a complex issue, and his counsel never let me down.
Chinwe made excellence the hall- mark of everything he did. In truth, he was the definition of an outstanding Lawyer, through and through. He devoted himself to giving his best to the legal profession and rose to the peak, adding incomparable value and bringing pride to it. He was, and remains, the standard of nobility in the legal profession. He lived and stood firmly by what he believed in, never wavering in the face of opposition.
Chinwe, by his passing, has left a void in the hearts of many which will be difficult to fill. He lived an authentic life of service to the Bar and Rivers State, as an active member of the Port Harcourt Bar, Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice. He is irreplaceable.
He was the star of the family. A great son, a fabulous brother, a fantastic and firm father, and a loving husband.
Chinwe will be greatly missed. However, we take solace in the fact that he lived well, and he left a legacy worthy of emulation by the younger generations. He was at peace with his Maker.
Adieu Chinwe, my brother. Sleep well in the Lord's bosom.
Honourable Justice Elsie Thompson