I got my best result after losing my leg – Chioma Omaka – TheNigerialawyer

Chioma Omaka is a first-class graduate of the Nigerian
Law School. The lawyer, who lost her right leg in an accident while
on the verge of completing her law degree programme in 2015, tells
TIMILEYIN AKINKAHUNSI how she was able to excel in her education
despite the setback

What situation led to your leg being
amputated?

I was going home by bike in 2015 when I was hit by a car. My leg
had to be amputated. I was in my fourth year in school at the time.
When it happened, it only affected ankle, but while they were still
deliberating on how to do the amputation, the virus had spread
further. My mum didn’t want them to amputate it but I just wanted
to save my life; she wanted to take me to a traditional healer. She
was crying and didn’t sign the consent form so my sister had to
sign it. The procedure is very expensive; everything about living
with a disability in Nigeria is financially demanding.  I have
had to change my prosthetic leg twice; one got broken. I have been
careful with it; I only wear it when I am going out and not in the
house.

How did the incident change your
life?

It changed my life forever because everyone around me was very
devastated by it. My life changed; I was fighting to stay alive, so
my leg was the least of my worries. I got motivation and
encouragement from people around me.

What were some of the difficulties you faced at that
stage of your life?

I went through a lot of things after the accident; it wasn’t
easy. I couldn’t do anything by myself for the first six months. I
was just in bed. I needed to go back to school in February, 2016
for my exams so I had to study hard despite my condition. I had to
travel from Lagos to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, alone, but I didn’t
have a choice; I had to be strong. If I had deferred that semester,
I wouldn’t have graduated with my mates. There was no need for me
to hide myself from my colleagues because most of them already knew
about my condition. Interestingly, that semester’s result was my
best ever. I guess it was because I was conscious of the fact that
I missed too many lectures so I had to do more by studying hard. I
am glad my efforts paid off.

I never expected to be a first-class graduate of law school; I
wished for it and I worked towards it. With prayers, it was
possible by the grace of God. My parents were surprised when I
graduated with a first-class degree.

At what point did you know you were going to lose
your right leg?

I knew I was going to lose my leg immediately after the accident
because the injury was serious. Although as a Christian I was still
hoping there would be a miracle, the rational part of me was not
optimistic. I was focused on getting to the hospital first. Before
the doctor confirmed it; I was already prepared for the
amputation.

How did it affect your relationship with
people?

It didn’t really affect my relationship with people. However, I
started obtaining favours from people. I didn’t like the fact that
people pitied me but I had to get used to it. Some of them admired
the strength in me because I didn’t let the situation weigh me
down. I have even made more friends since I had the accident and we
connect on various levels. When I was still in the hospital, I used
to read stories about people living with disabilities. After my
hospital experience, those stories helped me in the real world.

My mother was always blaming me for going out the day the
accident happened but my dad always told her that it could have
happened anywhere. But it is all over now.

Have you ever faced any form of stigma because of
your disability?

Yes, I have been stigmatised several times. Some people are just
very rude. People stare at me rudely. When I started using my
prosthetic leg, I used to wear socks to avoid stares. The
prosthetic leg is not the same thing as a natural leg, I limp
especially when I am tired. I was always in pain because I didn’t
want it to be noticeable but the more I tried to walk like every
other person, the more intense the pain became. I gave up one day
on trying to look normal; I removed my socks and started walking
like someone who actually had a prosthetic leg on. People stared at
me a lot but I got used to it. The stares don’t get easier because
they always stop me to ask about my leg.

There was a time someone insulted me for sharing my opinion in a
discussion. The person insinuated that I didn’t have a right to
contribute to the discussion because I had just one leg. I didn’t
have to fight because my friends defended me. She apologised
eventually.

A recent experience that made me feel bad was when I decided to
share a flat with someone on the Lagos Island to enable me to stay
closer to my office. When I told her I was using a prosthetic leg,
the tone of the conversation changed. We had already talked about
how we were going to share the rent and pay the bills but she
suddenly declined and said she couldn’t stay with someone living
with a physical disability. She said she was scared of an emergency
situation; I tried to convince her that my disability was not a
sickness but she was adamant. She hasn’t picked up my call since
then. It made me feel bad, but I have a place of my own now. I made
sure the experience didn’t weigh me down; I was even ready to pay a
higher share of the rent. I’m getting used to situations like this;
such is life.

How do you manage to do your daily activities in a
busy place like Lagos?

It has not been easy; I wish I could drive myself around. I am
always scared that my prosthetic leg could break on the road while
I’m trying to get a bus. The distance from my parents’ house to my
office is very far, but I’m happy I have my own apartment now. I
don’t face any form of discrimination in my office; they are
amazing people.

Have there been situations when people tried to take
advantage of you because of your disability?

Nobody can take advantage of me, I don’t want to be treated
differently; instead I use my disability to my advantage. It is my
cross to bear, so I use it to my advantage.

Are there some things disability has robbed you
off?

I am a very social person but before I go out these days, I have
to think very well because I cannot run if there is any form of
danger. In Nigeria someone has to be very conscious of their
safety; so I am very careful of the places I go to. I am always
with my pepper spray because of my inability to run for my life; at
least it would serve as a form of defence if anyone wants to harm
me. I would rather be in my house that go out and be anxious.

Also, I love to dance but I can’t do that anymore. I tried to
dance recently and my prosthetic leg fell off so I quit. I only
dance while I’m seated.

Before the accident happened, were you in a
relationship?

Yes, I was, and after the incident I got into another
relationship. The initial relationship didn’t end because of the
accident; it happened because of something else. People always ask
me if it has affected my relationship. I always tell them that it
can never have any effect on it because I am not going to make
anybody make me feel less than human. There is always a man for
every woman. I feel I am still very attractive. I am beautiful and
no one can bring me down.

Anytime I meet a man, I always tell him about my disability
immediately we start talking. Even before the accident, I was used
to telling men about my physical attributes before meeting them in
person. For example, there was a time when men were wary of tall
ladies; so I always told any man about my height even before
meeting them. So now, I tell them about my amputated leg right from
the first conversation.  At some point, I didn’t even want to
meet new people again until my present boyfriend came around. He
came to me despite my disability.

Culled from Punch

Subscribe ToNairalaw News!