Afam Osigwe is my friend and Lawyer of over 25 years. We were at the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus at the same though I was one year ahead of him.
We belonged to the same political tendency in the student movement.
He was a foundation member of the Eastern Youth Forum (EYF) and a key player in our effort to form a strong Southeast bloc in the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
After school, we regrouped in Abuja, and my house was the base for all our UNEC friends who ended up in Abuja.
I was among the lucky few with a government-allocated house, a three-bedroom house – a rare event in Abuja in the mid-2000s and for a level 8 officer. But I digress.
I connect with Afam at many levels. He is cool-headed and calculated, with occasional Nnewi aggression. He is meticulous, honest and forthright.
On this count, I speak as a knowledgeable insider – he has been my lawyer and compliance officer in my private endeavour and public offices as Corps Marshal and Minister.
I partly owe my success in complying with rules and avoiding misdemeanours in my public roles to Afam’s forthrightness, commitment to respect for regulations and profound capacity for fearlessness in discharging his duties.
If you want to hear the truth amongst our friends, go to Afam, many will say. He is a strong voice against oppression and is quick to fight for the underdog.
I visited with him today to find out how he is faring with his campaign for the President of the Nigeria Bar Association(NBA). We had a useful conversation, and I am confident he is on a sound trajectory.
I look forward to the elections and have no hesitation in expressing my confidence that Afam would be a good fit for the Bar Association.
If I had been called to the Bar, he would have my vote, and I hope many will share in my optimism as they cast their vote.
•Osita Chidoka.
10 July 2024
Osita Chidoka Speaks On Afam
