Akalites celebrate as another new wig is called to bar.

Last week, another young lawyer Mr Iwunnakwe Promise Chidiebere from Umuaka; precisely Umuele Amazano was called to bar in Abuja. He spoke with Umuaka Times correspondents on his journey to the bar.

Excerpts:

Congratulations for your call to bar last week. Please may we know you?

Thank you sir. My name is Iwunnakwe Promise Chidiebere and I am from Umuele Amazano Umuaka in Njaba LGA Imo State.

Tell us the schools you attended.

I attended Government Secondary School Nyanya Abuja and also took NECO exam at Duruji International School Umuaka in Imo State.

Tell us what inspired you to read law?

For me, the journey towards studying law began with a simple but powerful drive: the desire to be educated in a profession that is respected for its depth, discipline, and intellectual rigor.

Which profession is that?

The legal profession of course. The profession is often described as the home of the learned, from the beginning; I felt a strong pull to be part of that noble profession. A place where knowledge is not just acquired but applied to shape society.

Why did you say so?

I said so because it is a field that stands the test of time with its enduring relevance. A discipline that doesn’t fade but evolves, adapts, and remains a constant part of the ever evolving world.

Was there any other motivation?

Beyond these external motivations, there was a deeper, more personal one. Growing up, I learned early that every human being will one day give account of the life lived here on earth. That understanding shaped my mindset. It made me see life as something you must be prepared for, not only spiritually but intellectually. If we must all give an account, then we must also learn how to defend that account. Law teaches you how to stand, eat, how to speak and how to carry yourself. Choosing law was therefore not just a career decision. It was a commitment to a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, purpose, and preparedness even beyond humanity.

Which law school campus did you attend?

I attended Bagauda Campus, Kano.

Tell us a little about your university days. How smooth or rough were they?

My university days were rough at some point; financial constraints but then with support from family and siblings the days were better managed.

Was there any time you thought of quitting? If yes give details.

Yes, school stress and financial problems like I stated.

Now that you are lawyer, would you like to practice or not?

Of course, I didn’t go through all these academic rigours not to test the law. In fact, my aim is to explore as many areas of law before mastering one of it.

If you are given an opportunity to change something about studying law in Nigeria, what would you like to change?

I’d introduce more of legal drafting to law courses, emphasize more on advocacy and mooting to include all students; starting from undergraduate level.

How were you able to make it to this level of call to bar?

Determination! I’ve always believed that “where there is a will, there’d always be a way”.

If you did not read law, what could you have read?

Technology related courses. I still have the intention of combining law with tech areas. Expect that!

Who would you like to thank on this your long walk to the bar?

My family! I cannot exhaust this list if I start mentioning names. But help me say thank you to my parents and my uncle, Mr. Victor Obieze who made this interview possible.

Finally, mention two lawyers you respect a lot who have also inspired you.

(Smiles).My principal at (F.S.Abah& Associates) in Wuse Abuja.I’ve always known him right from before becoming an “Imo Star” (a tag for IMSU students). I’ve been privileged to tutor under him and have been exposed to certain grey areas of law practice, office management and some other informal learning to excel in the profession. Like the importance of honesty and integrity while aiming for all these.

Who is the second fellow?

The second is someone at the Bench- the late Hon. Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, JSC (as he then was) whom I fondly refer to as the Nigerian Lord Denning. His judgments remain some of the most intellectually rigorous, philosophically grounded, and enduringly respected in the history of Nigerian jurisprudence.

Fortunately, I must also mention my uncle, Guinness Ohazuruike, Esq., who currently practices in the United States and has been unwaveringly supportive throughout my journey. My sincere appreciation also goes to Barr. Arinzechukwu Obodo, Barr. Otitodiri Onyema, and Barr. G.O.C Ihebom (my project supervisor); Prof. U.U Chukwumaeze (SAN). They are lecturers who made an immense impact on me academically and personally.

Any other persons?

I would equally not forget my learned colleague, Nze C. S. Ekpunobi (NzeAroja); Mrs. Kikelomo EgwimEsq; D.C Duru Esq and many of my colleagues whose names I may not exhaustively mention here, but their contributions to my growth remain invaluable.

Mr  Iwunnakwe, Umuaka Times wishes you all the best in your chosen profession.

Thanks a lot Umuaka Times.