Northern govs eulogise late Justice Oputa, the ‘People’s Judge’

The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has expressed sadness over the death on Sunday of a former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa who passed away at the ripe age of 96.

Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu on Monday in Minna said Justice Oputa’s death was saddening and painful, particularly that it came at a time when his advice and guidance were required to consolidate the gains made in the nation’s judiciary.

The forum’s condolence, which was contained in a statement, signed by Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo described the late Justice Oputa as the ‘Justice of Justices’, adding that the late judge was held in high regard by the Judiciary, the Bar and the public, because of his bold judgments, which made huge contributions to the nation’s common law.

The statement said Justice Oputa’s incisive judgments and notable judicial pronouncements in all his decisions on the Bench have become reference points for other judicial officers to follow.

The statement further said Justice Oputa’s renowned chairmanship of the Oputa Panel, which was set up by former President Obasanjo to address past wrongs in the country, remains a turning point in the history of Nigeria.

The forum said it was painful that the legal luminary died at a time he still had much to contribute not only to the development of the bench and bar but to the society in general.

It urged members of the Oputa family and colleagues on the Bench and Bar to take solace in the fact that the late Justice of the Supreme Court lived a fulfilled life of service to the nation and humanity.

The statement prayed God to grant eternal rest to the soul of Justice Oputa and to give members of his immediate family and his former colleagues on the bench and the bar the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.