My father’s passion as a judge inspires me —Victory Abang

Mr Victory Abang is the second among the five children of a
well-known judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Okon
Abang.

The young Abang, who was called to the Bar in November 2018,
speaks to ADE ADESOMOJU about his professional
plan and his father’s career on the bench, among sundry
issues

Can you give us an insight into your
background?

I am the second son of Honourable Justice and Mrs Okon-Efreti
Abang, a family with five kids. I graduated from King’s College,
Lagos, after which I proceeded to study Law at the University of
Lagos.  I was called to the Nigerian Bar in November, 2018. I
look forward to practising my profession and hopefully becoming one
of the best in the country in the next few years.

Apart from your father and you, are there other
lawyers in your immediate family?

No.

Was your dad part of your motivation to study Law?
If he was, how did he motivate you?

Yes, my dad was a huge part of my motivation to study Law
because I was influenced by his passion for the profession directly
and indirectly. I was influenced indirectly when I was in secondary
school because after school I would go to wait for him in court
while he was still practicing as a lawyer; thus I grew up exposed
to legal practice. That was part of my indirect influence. Also, I
was a part of the journey, so saw how hard-working he was as a
lawyer. So, when he was elevated to the bench I was really
motivated because this shows that hard work really pays.

Your dad’s name rings a bell among many Nigerians
who follow developments in the judicial sector. But sometimes, the
publicity about him could be negative. When this happened, was the
family worried?

Well, I don’t think I can speak for the family, but on a
personal note I can say that negative publicity has worried me in
the past, but I soon came to realise  that both positive and
negative publicity follow people that are doing great things, and
being a judicial officer, the nature of the job requires that of
the two parties one will leave happily while the other will not be
very happy; therefore, negative publicity is bound to come. I have
therefore accepted it as part of the job.

What was the mood in the family each time the NJC
exonerated him?

Lively, cheerful and confident as usual.

How has your father’s popularity affected your
relationship with your colleagues in the university and law
school?

Well, I tried to keep my identity hidden as much as I could, but
somehow most of my colleagues got to know who I am. I was already
quite popular among the students, but I must admit that my name did
help me meet people and people also got to know me just because of
who I am.

Tell us what you find to be inspiring about your dad
as a lawyer and now as a judge?

That would have to be his passion for his job, I find that very
inspiring.

Would you want to become a judge as your
dad?

I don’t know what is going to be my opinion in the next few
years, but as of  now I am fairly certain that I do not want
to be a judge, Hopefully, in the next few years I would have the
great honour of becoming a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. I really
admire that title and I have already begun the chase for the silk
gown.

Culled from Punch

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