Tribute to Emmanuel Chinwe Aguma, SAN
Writing this tribute, is one of the most difficult things I have ever done. The reason is simple. I should not be writing a tribute for Chinwe. He should be here. I met Chinwe in a Magistrate Court in Elimgbu around 1996. I was representing an individual client, he, a multinational. We sat together at the Bench and got talking while I was battling to figure out who was my senior. He let me know I was the most senior person in court, and I heard him explaining to Lawyers, who obviously did not know me, that I was the most senior Lawyer in court. That was Chinwe. Always looking out for people.
Fast forward decades later, to a time when he had become the Attorney-General of Rivers State and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He had my back. When I became Chairman of the Section on Legal Practice, he congratulated me, told me he was there for the Section, and I should just say the word and he would do his bit for the Section, being an avid Bar man. He did not just talk the talk, he walked the talk. He fully supported and was involved in the Section’s April Conference, and was instrumental in making sure it was a huge success. The evening before the Conference, he still called me to go over all issues pertaining to our having the privilege of His Excellency the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, deliver the key note address.
Chinwe was an exceptional Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a consummate professional, a quintessential gentlemen and a Bar man par excellence. He was a dogged fighter in everything he believed in. He always had your back. He said it like it was, whether you wanted to hear it or not. I can still hear him telling me, “Madam, I have told you my own”. That was Chinwe.
The ways of the Lord, are not known to mere mortals. So, while we question why He took you, I am not sure we will ever comprehend the answer. Chinwe, you are sorely missed. We pray God will give Inime, the children, your mother, and other members of your family the strength to bear the huge loss. Rest in perfect peace, my brother silk. Mia Essien, SAN