A Quintessential Barman is Gone!
Ihad heard the news, a few minutes after I stepped out of the aircraft in Lagos, and switched on my phone, that my Brother, my friend, my colleague, Emmanuel Aguma, SAN , Honourable Attorney-General of Rivers State, had gone to be with his Maker. Our common friend and colleague , Chike Adibua, had called to commiserate with me, unknown to him that I was oblivious of the fact that anything had happened to the good soul that Chinwe was. He broke the news to me unwittingly.What a heart breaking news! Still unbelieving and wishing it was not true, I had called another close friend of ours, who perhaps was the last person I discussed Chinwe with, Biriyai Dambo, SAN , who even before me asking just muttered “Beekay, it is true” repeatedly. He was devastated, as he was talking to me and repeating himself. I could tell from his voice, that he was a beaten man. And so it was with most other friends, who either called me to confirm or to break the already broken bad news to me. Such was who Chinwe was, that his death touched too many people.
Chinwenwo and I, come a long way. We struck friendship, when he came to do his Law Office attachment in the law firm of Olufemi Okunnu, SAN, as a student of the Nigerian Law School in 1988, whilst I was already a a pupil counsel in chambers.
The Chinwe that I met, was a returnee graduate of law from Warwick University in the UK, who was determined to conquer the law in Nigeria. He never hid the fact that, he was in Nigeria to stay and conquer. He was determined to be the best in the legal practice.
He returned to Port Harcourt to commence active legal practice, immediately after his call to Bar in 1988, and plunged headlong into the only thing he did all is life and passionately too, which was the practice of the noble profession. Emmanuel was indeed a noble man himself.
He practiced the profession and followed his passion for law, till his last day. My brother not only engaged in active law practice, but also actively participated in the affairs of the Bar, rising to become Chairman of the Port Harcourt Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, as well as a member of the National Executive Committee of the NBA, till the good Lord took him away to be with Him.
My brother was a Knight of the Anglican Church , which presupposes that he served God and was passionate about Him, as he was for the legal profession and legal practice.
Chinwe followed his passion, and rose to the pinnacle of our profession, after several attempts to become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He was also a member of the Body of Benchers. For 30 years since our paths crossed, we bonded like brothers. He was one of the few that would insist and rather call me by my middle name, “Kwame”. I met some great friends, through him . He made me and I gladly became a Port Harcourt boy, through my friendship with Chinwe and made great and lasting friendship with his friends. We played hard. I still recall our rascality, as young men. I recall our escapades We took risks, we played as hard as we worked. I recall Chinwe bringing me chunks and thighs of pork, on his visits to Lagos from our hangout joint on Olu Obasanjo Road, Port Harcourt. I recall his Mum’s cooking, which I was privileged to eat from.
My attendance at NBA Conferences were incomplete, without my friend’s company. We would plan to meet at Conferences, which was our annual ritual, even if we didn’t see all year. We were sure to meet and relive old times, and renew our bonds at the Conferences. Chinwe had this deep baritone voice, and infectious deep laughter. He had an excellent command of the English language, and his presence was imposing and infectious. You could not ignore him, or his presence.
Chinwe was godfather and mentor to my son, when he was posted to Rivers State for NYSC, as a young Lawyer fresh from Law School.
As Attorney-General, he specifically requested that my son be posted to his office, the AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers, and even offered him accommodation in his private property, as well as a car unknown to him, that both had already been arranged. Despite being on opposite side of the political divide, and supporting and passionate about rival soccer teams, in me Chelsea and he, Arsenal, we kept our friendship.
Chinwe just left us without notice at the age of 57 years. The Legal Profession has lost a an asset. Nigeria just lost a patriot. His friends have lost a gem. I have lost a beautiful soul. We have lost Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma, Senior Advocate of Nigeria in his prime.
His wife , also a Lawyer, and the children have lost a dutiful husband and father. Rivers State, has lost one of her best. Arsenal Football Club and it’s supporters, have lost a iconic supporter. We have lost a gem. Who are we to question God? All I can say is, good night my Friend, my Brother, my Colleague and learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chinwe.
Good Night! Good Night!! Good Night!!!