By Boma Nwuke
The serene atmosphere of the Chinese Restaurant,Aba Road Port Harcourt was enlivened on Sunday , December 8 as an esteemed gathering of lawyers, friends, and family members came together to celebrate the illustrious career of Barrister Azubuike Nwuke marking four decades since his call to the Nigerian Bar. The event, a blend of legal tradition and personal tribute, highlighted the honoree’s remarkable journey and contributions to the legal profession.
A Legacy of Excellence
Nwuke, a distinguished legal practitioner, was called to the Bar in 1984. Over the years, he has built a legacy of professionalism, advocacy, and mentorship within the Nigerian legal system. Known for his unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law, Nwuke has handled landmark cases that have shaped jurisprudence in Nigeria. His dedication has earned him recognition not only among peers but also in the larger society.
A Day of Reflection and Celebration
The milestone event commenced with a solemn church service at the Christ Church,Old GRA Port Harcourt, where prayers and thanksgiving were offered for the Nwuke’s career and contributions to society.
The service presided over by visiting Bishop of Etche Diocese,Okey Nwala was attended by family members, friends, and colleagues who joined in giving glory to God for four decades of remarkable achievements.
The celebration continued with an elegant anniversary dinner held at the Chinese restaurant. Guests were treated to a sumptuous feast while enjoying moments of camaraderie and celebration. The dinner was a roll call of childhood friends, professional colleagues, and well-wishers, all gathered to honor the honoree.
An Evening of Goodwill and Tributes
The event’s formal program opened with a prayer acknowledging God’s success and purpose for Nwuke’s calling , Leading the prayer was Professor Ideriah who praised Nwuke for his steadfastness and impact on the profession..
Citation of Barrister Zubi Nwuke
One of the major highlights of the evening was the Citation of Nwuke.
Delivering the citation,,Tubotamuno Soprinye Hillary Gogo Cookey,a bossom friend of Zubi on behalf of other childhood friends- Charles Ala Fingesi and Wilcox Abereton SAN,said “Azubuike Nwuke Esq popularly called Zubi was born on the 5th day of February 1961 to Chief ( Hon) J.H.E Nwuke MP and Mrs Evelyn Eberechi Nwuke nee Nsirim. At the time of his birth his parents were in residence at No 2 Harley Street, European quarters now known as Old GRA,Port Harcourt and his father was then the Provincial Commissioner for Port Harcourt Province.
To put that in context, the then Port Harcourt Province encompassed the current Rivers State and Bayelsa State and the Provisional Commissioner was like a Governor though without full executive powers because of the parliamentary system of government then operational.
“Later that year, his father was elevated to the position of Minister of State in the Ministry of Works in the Eastern Region Government and so the family relocated to No.1, Independence Layout Enugu. So,it was that the young Zubi commenced kindergarten at Mrs. Amobi’s and finished primary school at Township School, Moscow Road,Port Harcourt passing out with distinction at the First School Leaving Certificate Examination held in 1972.
“In January 1973, Zubi was admitted to the prestigious Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borikiri,Port Harcourt and finished in 1977 with Division One ( Aggregate 20) and had proficiency certificates in two subjects namely, Literature in English and Government. For context,it means Zubi was adjudged the best student in those two subjects.
“After obtaining his ” O” Levels Certificate,Zubi secured a Rivers State scholarship to study in any UK university which however,required him to have an “A” Levels Certificate first to be eligible for admission. He tried unsuccessfully to change his scholarship to study in the USA after securing admission to Bridgeport University, Connecticut,USA. He then proceeded to Federal Government College ( FGC), Port Harcourt for his ” A” Levels studies in 1977 and finished in 1979, passing all his four subjects. Thereafter, he was admitted into the Law Faculty of the University of Lagos in 1979 graduating with LLB ( Hons) in 1983 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984.
“He did his NYSC in the Legal Department of Sketch Press Limited Ibadan,publishers of the Sketch Newspapers and commenced as Pupil Counsel in 1985 in the Law Firm of Wole Olufon &Co,Awolowo Way,Ikeja, Lagos. In 1987, he established the firm of A. Nwuke & Associates with office at No. 84,Opebi Road, Ikeja, Lagos and became the Managing Partner and in 1997, he relocated the firm to Port Harcourt and established offices first at No 6A, Railway Close,D/ Line, Port Harcourt and currently at No 30A,Opobo Crescent GRA Phase 1, Port Harcourt.
“He had been in cognate Law practice for a period of 40 years,two years as Pupil Counsel learning the rudiments of the profession and 38 years as Managing Partner off the Law firm of A. Nwuke & Associates.
“On a lighter note,Zubi was quite a rascally and feisty lad in our junior secondary school days, which often got him into trouble with senior boys and sometimes into skirmishes with his mates. For some unexplainable reason during his rascally and feisty days,he took on the nickname ” Confucius” after the name of the legendary medieval Eastern Philosopher, maybe associating the name more with confusion rather than his philosophy.
“He was actively involved with all manner of sporting and gaming activities right from our class one (1) days at Government Comprehensive Secondary School through to Federal Government College ( FGC), Port Harcourt and to University of Lagos, Lagos. He especially excelled playing table tennis and became the Rivers State Junior Table Tennis Champion for some time. He also won many other table tennis laurels or medals representing our secondary school,FGC,PH,Rivers State table tennis team,as well as the table tennis doubles gold medal for University of Lagos at the National Universities Games ( NUGA), held in Benin in 1980.
“As we furthered our education from FGC,PH to University of Lagos,Zubi became more studious and took his studies even more seriously. He also became gentler,less and less rascally and feisty, rather skittish,and paid more attention to his looks and social skills. Zubi loved music and dancing,no wonder he was a constant feature at most parties and gigs whilst we were in secondary school,FGC,PH and university of Lagos. Zubi and I earned our membership into the RHO CLUB, the foremost and most prestigious social club of university of Lagos with a total membership of 25 persons each year university wide.
“Don’t be fooled with his present hair style impressed on him by nature.Zubi in time past had good looking Afro hair style when it was in vogue, which he nurtured with hot pick comb and Wella kinky hair straightener, sported jerry curls and sporting waves hairstyles before nature struck. That notwithstanding,Zubi had always been handsome even up till now and in time past half been’ ladies ” man.
“Having known Zubi from January 1973 when we first met in Section one, House 2, Dormitory and Class 1A at Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borikiri, Port Harcourt and also having been together all the way from then to Federal Government College,Port Harcourt,1977 to 1979 for our Higher Schools Certificate and thereafter to University of Lagos, Lagos,I am not surprised at the height he has attained in his chosen profession.
“Why do I say so? Well, it is because of these simple words that have defined his character and personality:
- Intelligence
- Integrity and honour
- Resilience and Perseverance
- Tenacity and purpose
- Spunk and suave.
He has now morphed into a classy,well dressed and learned gentleman extraordinary,to God be all the glory in Jesus Christ name amen having been gracious and merciful unto him.
Goodwill Messages
Messages creating remarkably positive rimpression were delivered by notable personalities, including Mrs Mia Essien SAN, Barrister Anthony Nikoro and Barrister Bill Ukachukwu who highlighted the honoree’s enduring legacy and invaluable mentorship.
Honoree’s Remark
In his speech, Nwuke affirmed that the citation by his friends “is true and probative even as I testify that the mischief of our Comprehensive years still abides and endures in them. I thank them wholeheartedly for the citation with the Caveat that be it here resolved that at their own thanksgiving I retain the right of first refusal to return the favour.”
Zubi, who traced his success story to God thanked God for helping him saying ” His word tells us that he is the one who gives us the ability to make wealth and that it is because of his mercies that we are not consumed “.
Continuing he said , ” All our God requires from us is thanksgiving and praise and so,I crave your indulgence to render praise to our faithful God.”and went further to sing songs of praise “There are many things that make me come to your presence,my helper” and ” In my heart I have a reason to praise the Lord “
He recalled how he wanted to read Economics, his best subject in the United States but reluctantly settled for law after his maternal grandmother following his robust explanation on ” a particular occasion of interrogation” referred to him in Ikwerre language as ” Ka bu lawyer onwe ya”. Meaning “This one is his own lawyer”
Zubi said taking into consideration” of this interaction,I reluctantly settled for law”.
” With the benefit of hindsight I thank God that I did not proceed to the U S in 1977 at the age of 16. Something deep down tells me that the outcome would have been disastrous and that I would not have been here today flesh and blood with you to give thanks to God. Indeed,He is the Omnipresent, Omniscient and Omnipotent God. He is the one who orders our footsteps and directs our path. To Him alone be all the glory, honour, majesty, dominion and power now and forever more. He ordered my footsteps into the Law post call “
The honoree expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family, mentors, colleagues, and clients who have supported him throughout his career. “This journey has been one of learning, growth, and service. I’m grateful for the trust and opportunities that have come my way,” Nwuke remarked.
Tributes and Testimonials
Colleagues and friends took turns to share glowing tributes.They include , long-time associates, who described the honoree as “a beacon of integrity and a source of inspiration for younger lawyers.” They highlighted Nwuke’s mentorship, stating, “ He has been a pillar for many of us. His advice and guidance have been invaluable.”
His elder brother,Hon .Ogbonna Nwuke shared touching stories that shed light on the honoree’s life outside the courtroom. Speaking with current matters, Ogbonna recalled moments of sacrifice and dedication that defined Zubi’s career, adding, “Behind the courtroom victories is someone who truly cares about people.”
Entertainment and Toasts
The evening also featured a mix of music,jokes and toast highlighting Nwuke’s career milestones.
Guests raised their glasses in a toast led by Barrister Tonye Krukrubo SAN, who encapsulated the sentiments of the evening: “To Nwuke, a brilliant lawyer,lawyer’s lawyer, a friend, and a mentor. May the next 40 years be even more rewarding.”.
Looking Ahead
As the celebration came to a close, it was evident that Nwuke’s influence extends beyond the legal profession. His legacy as a mentor, advocate, and social circle serves as an enduring inspiration. Reflecting on the milestone, many attendees expressed optimism about the honoree’s continued impact on the legal field and society at large.
The evening was a fitting tribute to a career defined by excellence, integrity, and service. As Nwuke embarks on the next phase of his journey, the wishes of the speakers resonate: “ Four more decades of Rewarding Excellence .”
