Judges and lawyers have paid tribute to late judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Jude Okeke, who died on August 4 after a brief illness. He was aged 64.
The night of tributes ceremony and the valedictory session took place at the Ecumenical Centre and the FCT High Court in Abuja respectively.
The ceremonies had Justices of the various divisions of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court and the FCT High Court.
Speaking at the valedictory session, the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Ishaq Bello, described late Justice Okeke as a team player who carried others along in every task given to him.
He said that his firmness could be traceable to diligence and experiences he garnered in private practice as a young lawyer who rose through the ranks.
“We in the legal profession are grateful for his time with us, his wonderful achievements and contributions to the practice of law in Nigeria,” he said.
“I received the news of Okeke’s demise with rude shock because from our meeting a few days earlier, he did not portray any sign of someone that would succumb to the cold hands of death.
“It is indeed the sad and cruel ironies of life that July this year, I recommended him for elevation as Justice of the Court of Appeal based on my firm conviction that he possessed perfect judicial temperament to excel,” Bello said.
Lawyers and associates paid glowing tributes to his good character and outstanding knowledge of the law.
Among those present at the events were the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, who were represented.
Some Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), included Chief Chris Uche, Joe Kyari-Gadzama, Ikechukwu Ezechukwu, Victoria Awomolo, Jibrin Okutepa, Sunday Ameh, Patrick Ikwueto, Muyiwa Akinboro and Ola Olanikpekun.
Also present were the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Chief Osita Okechukwu and the chairman of the NBA, Abuja Branch, Hauwa Shekarau.
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