| OWERRI – Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo has expressed shock over the death of former Supreme Court judge, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.
Okorocha expressed the shock when he visited the family of the late jurist in Oguta, Imo on Monday.
“The news about the death of Justice Oputa was broken to me last night which necessitated my visit to sympathise with the family.
“Oputa was an intellectual scholar, jurist, and one of the most notable judges among his contemporaries in the bench. Nigeria will miss his unbeatable style of judgement,’’ he said.
The governor said that the late jurist was appointed the Chief Judge of Imo in 1966 and later became a Supreme Court justice from where he retired.
He said the late Oputa during his time at the bench dedicated his time to the service of the country and humanity.
Okorocha said that one incident that brought the late judge to limelight was the `Oputa Panel’ set up by the former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
He prayed for the soul of Oputa to rest in peace, adding that he had been in contact with his son, Charles, and said that the state government would play a major role in his burial.
The nephew of the late jurist, Mr Nkem Oputa, received the governor, his deputy, Mr Eze Madumere and other members of the state executive council on behalf of the bereaved family.
He described the late legal icon as one who showed love to both the old and the young in the community, saying that the family would miss him. (NAN) |
