| AWKA – The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, on Tuesday said that Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, who died on Sunday at the age of 96, lived a fulfilled life.
Umeh told newsmen in Awka that “what happened to this eminent jurist showed the final authority of God over human beings’’.
He said that the Igbo were grateful to God that the great jurist and scholar was a celebrated Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and known for his forthrightness and courage.
He recalled that a former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, made Oputa the Chairman of the Thruth and Reconciliation Committee based on his exceptional qualities and character.
“God granted him long life. Dying at 96, he did not die prematurely. At 96, we can say he had a fulfilled life. His exit will create a big vacuum in Igbo land and in Nigeria.
“It is very difficult to find somebody with great integrity and somebody who would combine his career with great Christian spirit.
“He applied himself in good conscience in the discharge of his duties as justice of the Nigerian judiciary. His works as a justice of this country will remain immortal.
“His name will be mentioned in the courtroom in this country forever because he rendered very landmark judgments,’’ Umeh said.
The chairman urged the Igbo to pray God to give them more people like Oputa in future. (NAN)
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