Barr. Fedude Zimughan Esq.

Prologue: “There is something irresistible about an outstanding career or a life of service to community, country and humanity. A successful life stands out and confers dignity on a name, however humble, the beginning may have been.” - Wodi and Eheazu (2006:15)

Who is Fedude Zimughan Esq.? Courage, hard work, simplicity and kindheartedness are key words to understand the life and character of Fedude Zimughan Esq., an erudite scholar and brilliant peoples’ lawyer. Fedude maintains a non-exploitable relationship with members of his community; takes care of the weak and less fortunate; always desires to work with others and share with others the fruits of common labour. Born March 28, 1958 in his native hometown Amabulou in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State of Nigeria, Fedude attended the Local Authority (LA) Primary School Amabulou Town between 1965 and 1970. He proceeded to the prestigious Government College Bomadi and graduated with the West African School Certificate in 1975. Not yet done, Fedude got admitted in to Nigeria’s first indigenous university, the University of Nigeria, Nsuka, where he read Law between 1978 and 1982 and graduated with the LL.B degree with honours and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1983.

Professional Practice: Apart from a one – year stint with the Rivers State Teaching Service Commission after leaving Government College, Bomadi, Fedude has been a lawyer all his adult life; starting in the Ministry of Justice, Kano as a pupil lawyer in his National Youth Service year (NYSC) while serving his fatherland and later in the Law Firm of Wilfred Ogbuadu Onoriode in Warri, Delta State where he relocated to after the mandatory one-year service of the fatherland. In October 1985, he established his own law firm, Fedude Zimughan Esq. & Co. This firm has flourished to date and he has had robust practice.

Public Service: Fedude’s practice tenure was punctuated by the Bayelsa State Government when he was called to serve the State as Commissioner of Commerce and Industry; Environment and Local Government, positions he handled with professionalism and bureaucratic dexterity. Within the limits of technocratic red-tapes existing in the democracy space like ours, Fedude, was one of the outstanding Commissioners of his time. A man of peace and a catalyst for change; Fedude has been called severally as a friend of the oppressed whose word is his bond, a symbol of hope and inspiration for not only his fellow lawyers but the indigent yet hopeful youths of Bayelsa State.

Societal Recognitions: In recognition of his numerous contributions to humanity and society, Fedude Zimughan Esq. has been honoured with several philanthropic awards. He is a fine gentleman and a renowned community leader of his Oporomo Kingdom.

Epilogue: A devout christian of the Catholic faith, Fedude Zimughan Esq. believes true family values are at the core of life and good society. Fedude is happily married and the marriage is blessed with two girls and two boys and a granddaughter. When he is not discussing law and national development, Fedude is likely to be seen playing table tennis and lawn tennis or swimming with his family.