- He was a jurist of impeccable character – CJN
It was a festival of encomiums at the Supreme Court on Tuesday during the Special Court Session held in honour of the late Hon. Justice Chima Centus Nweze at the apex court’s ceremonial courtroom in Abuja.
As eulogies and more eulogies poured in, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola described His Lordship as a jurist of impeccable character who has contributed significantly to the enhancement of the Nigerian judiciary sector.
Justice Nweze died on Saturday, 29th July 2023, at the age of 64 at National Hospital Abuja, nearly six years before the statutory retirement age of 70 for Justices of the Supreme Court.
Justice Ariwoola told the fully packed courtroom that, Nweze who has over 60 publications in books and journals “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.”
Describing Nweze as a unique and nationalistic personality with a radical posture of justice and the rule of law, The CJN said: “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…
“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… His Lordship was one man who strongly believed that honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.
Justice Ariwoola also remarked: “Nweze that 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.
“He became a formidable refuge to a vast clan of followers who continually drew inspiration, succour and strength to guide their journey through life,
“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.”
On his part, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) said the late Justice Nweze’s life will continue to shine as an example to all.
Represented by the Solicitor General of the Federation Mrs. Beatrice Jeddy- Agba, the AGF noted that, the late jurist contributed immensely to the development of the judiciary of the country.
A representative of the Body of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (BOSAN) Damian Dodo (SAN) and President of Nigeria Bar Association Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) also paid glowing tributes to the deceased jurist noting that his excellent judgements made significant impacts on the country’s jurisprudence.
It was also a very sobering event as it became even more apparent that the one who had the power of life and death over those who appeared before him in court as noted by Dodo, SAN “now stands alone before the judge of all judges” for the ultimate verdict.
The event was attended by former Chief Justices Mahmud Muhammad and Walter Nkanu Onnoghen, serving and retired justices of the Court of Appeal, Heads of Courts, judges of other superiors courts of record, the Nweze Family and many others.
