Celebrating Justice Idoko: Legacy That Transcends Time

 

By Prosper Okoye

22 years after the demise of Honourable Justice Alhassan Idoko; daughter, Joy Ojomakpene Idoko immortalizes his life and legacy in a 200 pages biography, titled: “Honorable Justice Alhassan Idoko _ A Legacy that Transcends Time.”

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In her welcome speech at the occasion of the tribute evening and book signing, Joy Idoko recounted the memory of the late chief Justice, “My father understood the concept of living a purpose driven life, looking back today I believe he died empty.”

He has “a brilliant and beautiful mind, he questions things and sought to understand the things he did not. He seeks to know you and understand the reason you do the things you do. For a judge, he lived a very non judgemental life,”  Joy Idoko further narrated.

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The late “incorruptible judge” of Benue state as he is described, was said to have affected the lives of his generation and the generation to come, through his selfless living as a judge, preacher of the gospel of Christ and renowned publisher.

The biographer, said that the nudge to write his biography was a Divine call that started 3years ago, to build on her father’s existing legacy, so as to enable contemporary society learn from his life.

“We owe it to the next generation that our father’s tradition does not die in our hands. People are not inspired by perfect people, they are inspired by the imperfect people who have owned their story and are able to do extra ordinary things regardless of their imperfections.”

The event which held recently at the dreams event center had in attendance the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Makurdi Branch, Justin Gbagir, Esq, who underscored how the hard work, courage and foresight of the late second Chief Justice of Benue state has possitively affected the development of the judiciary in the state.

Former Chairman NBA, Makurdi Branch J.k Ishember representing Hon. Justice Kwaha Kwagher, read a review of the book written by Dr. Alex Izinyo SAN. He mentioned that the book had earlier been launched at Abuja.

Reading the review, Izinyo described the book as the “graphic capturing of the legacy of the indomitable jurist.”

The biography contains ten chapters, and opens with a Kaleidoscope experience of the author’s challenges and resolve to write the book.

Chapter one is titled “Humble Beginning. It documents the biography of  late Idoko, his birth, growing up and educational attainment.

Chapter two, “Becoming a Lawyer,”  it dealt with his law education at the Ahmadu Bello University, and the outbreak of the Nigerian civil war.

Chapter three: “The Practice”_ contains his life after been called to bar, and his coming to Benue state as a high court Judge.

Chapter four is titled the “Incorruptible Judge.” An insight of his first position as a judge, his reforms and achievements.

Chapter five: “The Judgement.”  Cases that were decided by Hon. Justice Idoko were reproduced in this chapter, as were written in the law report.

Chapter six: “For The Love of The Country”_ dealt with the integrity of the Late Justice, that stood him out; “his appointment in various areas where he served this  great country.”

Chapter seven: “The Builder of Men” presents late Idoko as a mentor and builder of men.

Chapter eight: “A living Epistle of Christ”_ this details his service to God, and his Christian Life.

Chapter nine: “Home Is where The Heart Is”_ deals with his family life, friends and acquaintances. And chapter ten: has records of his last moments on Earth.

Dr. Izinyo added that the book is an accurate account of the late Justice Idoko, as no one could have known a father better than a close daughter.

Also, other guests present at the event, including Love Idoko, another daughter of late Justice Alhassan Idoko eulogized his impact in their lives.

The Erudite Chief Justice, during his life time served in the Benue state Judiciary from 1985 to 1999. And he published an impressive number of law materials and other book tiles: “Heaven’s Servant;” “Epistle of James;” “Marriage Divorce and Relationship with Children.”

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