The Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi SAN, Body of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and President Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Yakubu Maikyaiu (SAN), eulogized late Justice Chima Nweze of the Supreme Court for a life well spent.
Late Justice Nweze of the Supreme Court died on Saturday, 29th July 2023, at the age of 64 years at National Hospital Abuja, approximately six years before the mandatory 70 years retirement age for Justices of the Supreme Court bench.
Speaking at the valedictory Court Session, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola said the late Justice Nweze “was one of those cerebrally mobile judicial officers in contemporary history who had latched on court’s memory an enviable degree of intellectual eminence and legal finesse that encompassed all spheres of philosophy and methodical reasoning.”
He said Justice Nweze was a unique and nationalistic personality with a radical posture of justice and the rule of law.
“He was always very warm and engaging, which underscored the litany of friends and admirers that were always milling around him. Like all great men, my Lord was a man of paradox; simple without being simplistic in disposition; elitist and dignified in carriage, yet he related exceptionally well with everyone around him, especially the underprivileged and the downtrodden in the society.
The CJN also said: “Justice Nweze’s entire life was completely devoid of duplicity, undue arrogance and elitism; as some people often manifest once fortune smiles on them and they are elevated to positions of influence and affluence.”
According to him, the simple, honest and humble lifestyle of His Lordship was manifestly a reflection of his environment, his upbringing and, of course, his philosophy of life, which had, invariably, elevated him to the enviable status he attained before the cold hands of death surreptitiously snatched him from us in a shocking and disheartening manner.
“His Lordship was one man who strongly believed that honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.
Justice Ariwoola also noted that Justice Nweze whom I knew very well and had remarkable acquaintance with, was a dogged fighter for whatever cause he believed in; yet an astute advocate of the arts of mediation and reconciliation.
“Those who knew him very well will harbour no doubt of his expansive landscape of courage that does not hurt or intimidate others. He epitomised the generosity that does not vaunt; and even showed a loving kindness for people that have arisen triumphant over his human frailties.
“Like the proverbial mountain of refuge, he willingly offered his enamoured curtain of cloud as a shield over his clan of friends and acquaintances. His judgments which were firmly rooted in law and wisdom, permeated even the most delicate hearts like a soothing balm.
He was a man with a very large heart that accommodated people from all walks of life and different shades of opinions and dispositions. He became a formidable refuge to a vast clan of followers who continually drew inspiration, succour and strength to guide their journey through life.
Also speaking at the valedictory Court Session the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) said late Justice Nweze’s life will continue to shine as an example to all.
Represented by the Solicitor General of the Federation Mrs. Beautrice Jeddy- Agba said, the late Justice Nweze had contributed immensely to the development of the judiciary of the country.
Representative of Body of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (BOSAN) Demian Dodo (SAN) and President of Nigeria Bar Association Yakubu Maikyaiu (SAN) also paid glowing tributes to late Justice Nweze adding that his quality judgements have made significant impacts on our jurisprudence.
