By Augustine Aminu
On a defining afternoon in Abuja, where 240 lawyers were formally sworn in as Notaries Public of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, one name stood out—Barrister Somayina Chigbue, Esq. For many across the legal community, his inclusion on this prestigious list was not just a ceremonial milestone, but a reaffirmation of a steadily rising profile built on service, professionalism, institutional leadership, and depth of character.
A LEGAL MIND ROOTED IN SERVICE AND INSTITUTIONAL LEADERSHIP
Somayina Chigbue, Esq. has carved a respected niche in Nigeria’s legal sector, distinguished not only by his practice but by an unwavering commitment to institutional growth within the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). His tenure as Social Secretary of the NBA Abuja Branch (Unity Bar)—one of the most influential branches nationwide—positioned him at the heart of legal administration and professional development in the Federal Capital Territory.
Elected into office during the transformative 2020 NBA Abuja Branch elections, Chigbue became part of an executive team responsible for sustaining and expanding the achievements of previous administrations. Under the leadership of Chairman Bulus Y. Atsen, the executive inherited a branch known for innovation: health insurance schemes for lawyers, welfare structures, aviation support programs, and landmark interventions such as the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme. Within this ecosystem, Chigbue’s portfolio demanded tact, diplomacy, creativity, and strong organizational discipline—qualities he has since become known for.
His work fostered unity, uplifted professional ethics, and maintained the vibrant culture for which the Unity Bar is renowned. In many ways, it was a proving ground—one that validated his leadership instincts and prepared him for broader responsibilities.
A DUAL PUBLIC IDENTITY—AND A NECESSARY CLARIFICATION
Interestingly, a digital analysis of Chigbue’s public footprint reveals an unexpected twist: his name is shared with an entirely different entity—the title character of Somayina, a 2016 novel centered on the emotional journey of a fictional orphan navigating displacement and the clash between rural and urban worlds. The coincidence has occasionally blurred public searches, but professional investigation makes a clear distinction.
Barrister Somayina Chigbue is a legal practitioner, not a literary creation.
His identity is firmly institutional, grounded in service, leadership, and a verifiable record within Nigeria’s legal landscape.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BEING SWORN IN AS A NOTARY PUBLIC
The role of a Notary Public in Nigeria is one reserved for tested legal practitioners whose integrity and professional competence have been recognized at the national level. To be sworn in is to be entrusted with a duty that reinforces the credibility of legal transactions within and beyond the country’s borders.
For Chigbue, this elevation is more than an additional credential. It reflects:
Years of ethical legal practice
Commitment to justice and professional standards
Institutional contribution to the NBA
A reputation for thoroughness, professionalism, and public trust
His presence among the 240 newly inducted notaries underscores the judiciary’s confidence in his capacity to uphold the sanctity of legal instruments and safeguard public accountability.
WHERE PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE MEETS STRUCTURED EXCELLENCE
As the Principal Law Office of Chigbue & Chigbue, he continues to represent the values that have defined his career—clarity, integrity, strategic thinking, and respect for due process. The firm’s evolving reputation mirrors his approach to the law: methodical, client-focused, and ethically grounded.
His legal practice spans advisory services, advocacy, and corporate engagements, all underscored by a deep understanding of institutional frameworks and human-centered professionalism.
A SYMBOL OF EMERGING LEADERSHIP IN THE NIGERIAN LEGAL COMMUNITY
In an era where the legal profession continues to redefine its relevance in governance, civic responsibility, and public trust, personalities like Barrister Somayina Chigbue stand out. His story is one of deliberate growth—rooted in service, shaped by leadership, and now elevated by national recognition as a Notary Public.
His journey reminds the profession that excellence is built both in public view and in the quiet, consistent work behind the scenes that strengthens institutions and inspires peers.
LOOKING AHEAD
As Barrister Chigbue steps into his new role as Notary Public, the trajectory of his career suggests that his influence within Nigeria’s legal and civic space is only beginning to expand. With a background that blends professional rigor, institutional service, and an enduring commitment to legal excellence, he represents the evolving face of leadership within the Nigerian Bar.
And for many young lawyers observing his path, he stands as proof that clarity of purpose, ethical service, and commitment to one’s professional community remain timeless markers of distinction.
Augustine Aminu is the national coordinator Volunteer Media Advocacy For Accountable Leadership