By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja
The Nigerian Judiciary has been thrown into mourning as it lost its two prominent Justices, Justice Chima Centus Nweze of the Supreme Court and Justice Peter Mallong of the Federal High Court, to the cold hands of death.
The statement released by the Director of information, Supreme Court Dr Festus Akande, Monday, said the Justice Nweze died at the age of 64, after a brief illness.
Also, the Chief Registrar, federal high court, Hassan Sulaiman, Monday confirmed that Justice Mallong, from Plateau, who was born in January 21 1963, in Yauri, Kebbi State died on Sunday after a brief illness.
Justice Nweze gained significant attention for his dissenting judgment in 2020, wherein he declared Emeka Ihedioha of the People Democratic Party (PDP) as the rightful winner of the 2019 Governorship election in Imo State. This decision sparked heated debates and polarized opinions among legal experts and the general public.
Another controversial moment in his judicial career came in a split decision of three-against-two, when Justice Nweze declared then Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, as the authentic candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Yobe North Senatorial District during the 25 February general election. These rulings showcased the significant impact of his decisions on the political landscape.
Born on September 25, 1958, in Obollo, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Justice Chima Centus Nweze had a long and distinguished career within the Nigerian legal system. His journey to the highest echelons of the judiciary culminated in 2014 when Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration approved his appointment to the Supreme Court, following a recommendation from the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Justice Nweze’s passing leaves a void in the legal community, as he was renowned for his thoughtful and rigorous approach to cases, earning him respect among his peers and legal scholars. As the nation mourns the loss of this accomplished jurist, his legacy of upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law will undoubtedly endure in the annals of Nigeria’s legal history.
The supreme court statement reads in part;
“His Lordship was a Judge of the High Court of Justice, Enugu State, from 1995 to 2007; Justice of the Court of Appeal from 2008 to 2014; and was elevated to the Supreme Court Bench on 29 October, 2014, where he served until his death.
“Hon. Justice Chima Nweze gave a sterling account of himself in the discharge of his official duties at the Supreme Court. He had largely made himself a pliable legal personality that had diligently sunk a pool of enduring legal knowledge and experience in all his judicial pronouncements.
“He had been a formidable ally of his brother Justices, an admirable pillar of support to the staff and management of the Supreme Court; and indeed, a dependable father-figure to all. It will be an understatement to say we are all going to miss him dearly.
Funeral arrangements would be announced by the family in due course.
