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]]>