Anthony Nwofor had many career dreams, including Law, Medicine, and Politics. But his late father wisely nudged him in the direction that he has come to love. In this interview, he tells KAMIYE TAIWO how he became the first lawyer in his large extended family.
Tenth child, ninth son
My name is Anthony Chibuike Nwofor. I’m from Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State. I’m from a family of 11 children – 10 males and one female. I’m the 10th child and ninth son. My family is even larger now because we have several daughters-in-law and grandchildren.
Madonna University Alumnus
I had both my primary and secondary education in Anambra State. I am an alumnus of (a private Catholic institution) Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State, which I attended between 2005 and 2010. Interestingly, I did my one-year National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) programme before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School (NLS), Bwari, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in the year 2012. I was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2013.
First lawyer in a family of diverse professionals
Funnily enough, I was the first lawyer in my entire kindred. It is interesting to note that my kindred has produced top medical personnel of high rankings in practice, engineers of advanced national and international records, top military officers both within the country and in the Diaspora and a good number of successful entrepreneurs.
Inspired by dad to choose Law
I’ve always had a personal aspiration to rescue people from the bondage of injustice, such as the one experienced by one of my siblings. I was also inspired by several people, especially my late father, to choose Law, even though there was never any time he approached me directly and told me to study law. What he did was that, he wisely and indirectly lured me into certain gatherings or events that exposed me to the benefits of taking such a decision. For instance, the first time I entered a courtroom was the day I accompanied him to observe proceedings in a matter where he was one of the community’s representatives. I was in Junior Secondary School (JSS) 3, but the interesting drama in court that day boosted my interest in becoming a lawyer.
Apart from my father, my siblings also inspired me in one way or the other.
But aside interest in Law, I also wished to be a medical doctor or a professional in any medical-related profession like Pharmacy, for instance. I also had a passion for politics.
I had my most memorable time at the Law School
My days at the Law School were some of the most memorable of my life. There were a series of events, both academic work, compulsory dinners, sports activities etc. I didn’t encounter any serious challenges, compared to my experiences at the university level. In fact, the knowledge and exposure that I acquired during my service year seriously paved way for my ‘soft landing’ at the Law School. Afterwards, my family members and friends celebrated my Call to Bar with a party in Abuja and a thanksgiving party in my home town. Even my aged mother travelled to Abuja to grace and witness the event.
Most memorable court experiences
I’ve had a couple of memorable days in court. I remember one particular week, a few months after my Call to Bar. I had about three judgments delivered in our law firm’s client’s favour: it was a remarkable week. I remember my efforts and contributions to the case after I inherited the case file, drafted the final written address under the supervision of my boss, filed and adopted both.
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Another memorable day was the first time judgment was delivered in my favour as counsel to the applicant in a fundamental rights application at the Federal High Court and a cost of N200,000 was awarded against the respondents. This was achieved less than one year after my Call to Bar.
Other spectacular days that I had in court was when I secured the bail of 140 defendants who were remanded at Enugu Prison for almost three months. On the day of report of compliance, I reapplied for their bail and backed it up with a series of authorities. The court delivered its ruling and granted them bail after a three-hour stand down. I felt so touched when I discovered that one of defendant’s wives was a senior lawyer. In fact, it was a remarkable day in my career because the news circulated everywhere; there was even a press conference afterwards and I received a series of calls from within and outside the country.
No money issues with my principal
I never had money issues with my former principals because I so much believe that it is God that can make me great, not human beings, and money will always get to me if it is the will of God. Aside that, my hands are not tied to make my own money. Naturally, I don’t always depend on a particular individual to survive.
I can marry anyone
I can marry anybody in so far as it is the will of God. A lady’s profession cannot be enough ground to avoid settling with a lady that I love and cherish.
My mentors aren’t lawyers
My mentors in this life are not even lawyers, funny enough, but I will explore in my own way
Judge, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) or Professor?
I will probably appreciate attaining the SANship position
The future
I have a series of plans, one is to establish a legal aid centre strictly on human rights violation-related cases. I equally want to venture deep into politics. Probably have a settled home, create more advanced empire for legal assistance.
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