G.C. Nonyelu

Gilbert Chukwudike Nonyelu QC (1914-1972) was the First Federal Director of Public Prosecutions (Attorney General) of Nigeria (1960–1964) and one of the pioneers of the Nigerian Bar Association . In 1961, Nonyelu was appointed a Queen's Counsel.

Political and Legal career

Nonyelu set up a legal practice (Nwezidunma Chambers) in Port Harcourt The main objective of the conference as outlined by the Chair, Mr Oliver Lyttleton, was the question of Nigeria's self-government. After his resignation, he tried to keep a low profile and focus on his career as Barrister. He died in 1972 barely two years after the end of the civil war. G.C's influence spanned beyond the Eastern region as he set up a sister Chamber in Lagos.

Personal life

Nonyelu married Emily (Emilia) Aguta, a nurse trained by the Christian Missionary Society (CMS). Emily was from Mbieri, Imo State, the granddaughter of Chief Abraham Aguta, the traditional ruler of Ubaku Mbieri in Ikeduru, Imo State. Nonyelu had five children, three girls and two boys.

Philanthropy

Nonyelu and his wife founded Iruka Clinic which catered to pre and post-natal care. G.C. also contributed to the development of the Eastern part of Nigeria by training and educating some of the local children, donating musical equipment to churches, notably, St Peter's Church in Port Harcourt and offering free legal advice to those who could not afford his legal fees.

Awards

In 2017, G.C's philanthropy and great contributions to the development of Amawbia and Nigeria was recognised (posthumously) by the Amawbia Town Union in Anambra State.

On 9 March 2022, the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, recognised Nonyelu (posthumously) and presented an award to the Nonyelu family to honour G.C.'s "outstanding performance and achievements nationally and internationally."

Death Nonyelu died in 1972, two years after the Nigerian Civil War. He is buried in the Nonyelu compound in Amawbia.