Tribute to Aguma, SAN, Rivers State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice (2015- 2018) Florence Atili Fiberesima
Late Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma, SAN, was sworn in as Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice on June 12, 2015 by His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS. This was a time in Rivers State, when the Administration of Justice had been comatose for over two years, with the closure of the courts and virtually all structures of Governance operating at an abysmal level. He therefore, from the start, had a huge task to work with the Governor, to revive and restore the dignity of the legal profession in the State.
The vision of His Excellency, Nyesom Wike, CON, GSSRS was clear, in terms of what he wanted to achieve in the administration of justice in the State, and so he had the task of strategising to ensure this vision was achieved. In his characteristic style, the Learned HAG set out like a General at war, and we who were members of the battalion, had to align with his strategies and work plan. There was no dull moment. It was work, work, work and more work. His ingenuity and creativity with legal principles, were amazing. He could see through legal problems and arrive at a solution.
He negotiated on behalf of the Rivers State Government, without fear or Favour. He had no patience, for those who wanted to do otherwise. He could not tolerate incompetence, and a lack lustre attitude to work. This was his major point of departure, with some persons who had to work with him. His intelligence was apparent in the exercise of his duties, surely men like him are gifts from above.
His untiring efforts, led to the great success achieved in the legal sector of the State.
The evidence is clear and standing tall to his credit, for all to evaluate. He ensured that His Excellency, the Governor of the State, achieved his desire to make Rivers State a regional legal hub in the South. He was the Governor’s trusted ally, to ensure that judicial infrastructure received the needed attention. The State can boast today, of world class facilities for the courts and the Bar. The NBA, Port Harcourt Branch House, the new Federal High Court Complex, the National Industrial Court Building, the renovated and remodelled Court of Appeal Complex, Judge’s Quarters, etc, are eloquent testimonies. Other significant contributions, include prison decongestion through the recommendation of the Prerogative of Mercy Committee for the commuting of the sentences of some convicts in the State, and the constitution of the Law Revision Committee, to collate all extant laws of the State for publication. The last exercise had been carried out in 2003. This exercise is still ongoing.
The Learned HAG’s ability to liaise with all sectors to achieve set down goals of Government, endeared him to so many leaders in the legal profession and beyond. He had a collaborative working relationship with the State Legislature, hence several Executive bills were sent on to the Rivers State House of Assembly for passage, to ensure good governance, law and order in the State.
He was concerned with the economic welfare of Lawyers, issues such as fiats for private criminal prosecution and consents for land transactions, were treated speedily. Even when his health was challenged, he worked on files, to ensure Lawyers were not disadvantaged in any way.
The Learned HAG, was a man of excellence, and would not compromise his standard in terms of output. He loved to put forth his best, and demanded that from everyone who worked closely with him.
His love for professionalism and diligence, led him to institute monthly capacity building training for Law Officers in the State. During the opening he spoke at length to the Law Officers, and I respectfully refer to a part of his speech:
“It is important to always remember that we are Civil Servants with a difference, we are to protect Government interest at all times, and in addition the rules of professional conduct for Lawyers apply to us. Define your goals and where you hope to be after Service. You must also add value to yourself, by improving your knowledge of the law through reading. We can best protect our client by adding value to his work”.
His words will remain as words on marble, in the hearts of Law Officers of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice. He spoke with the wisdom of a Father, who wants the best for his Children. He encouraged team work, and exemplified it in the way he ran his office.
As Solicitor-General of Rivers State and Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Justice, working under a result oriented boss, made me a better Lawyer. He kept me thinking on my toes, to assist him respond to the myriad of legal services required by the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government
The Late Honorable Commissioner of Justice and Attorney-General, was indeed diligent in his work, no wonder he stood before great men as the Holy bible declares in Proverbs 22: 29. “’seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men’’.
The legacy left by E.C. Aguma, SAN, will be cherished by the Ministry and the entire State, for he was a worthy son of Rivers State, who served with zeal, knowledge, and loyalty for the greater good.
Adieu our shining star, Adieu Learned Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice. May you find peace and eternal rest for your soul.