Last week, I received the devastating news of the demise of an eminent member of the Nigerian Judiciary, Hon. Justice Okeke Jude, who died at the age of 64 on 04 August 2020. Until his death, His Lordship was the ninth most senior Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
I am still deeply distraught by the demise of His Lordship. Hon. Justice Okeke was a Judge with a high level of integrity and honour. He was an epitome of hope to the common man and an inspiration to many persons. As a Judge, His Lordship served with boundless dedication, uprightness, incorruptibility, utmost humility and commitment. As a private legal practitioner before he was elevated to the Bench in 2007, he was a committed and active member of the Nigerian Bar Association, and was a voice to the voiceless. Throughout his life time, he exhibited deep sense of justice and genuine love for humanity.
Indeed, the Nigerian Judiciary has lost a towering jurist and we shall all miss his noble service. The exit of His Lordship has created an irreparable loss not just to His Lordship’s family but also to the entire Nigerian Judiciary. I therefore commiserate with His Lordship’s entire family and the Nigerian Judiciary, particularly, the High Court of FCT.
I pray that God grants His Lordship eternal rest, and gives His Lordship’s family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. My thoughts and prayers are with His Lordship’s immediate and extended family in this trying time.
JOYCE ODUAH, FICMC
General Secretary Elect
Nigerian Bar Association
