Ortom, Body of Senior Advocates, NBA Extoll Late Justice Hwande’s Efforts In Judicial Development

By Prosper Okoye –

Former Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Iorhemen Hwande had been acknowledged for his enormous contributions to the state judiciary .

In his remarks Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom described the late former Chief Judge, Justice Iorhemen Hwande as a great man who will be remembered for his passion justice,equity and fairness in the discharge of his duties to the state and humanity, and above all for his work in the sharing the gospel of Christ,stating that the state will continue to appreciate his work

The Governor spoke at the valedictory Court Session held in honour of late justice Iorhemen Hwande,held at the premises of the state High Court of Justice Makurdi. He condoled with the wife children and entire family of the deceased,and prayed God to help them bear the loss .

Reacting to comments made on non payment of benefits of retired judges and magistrates, Infrastructural deficit of the State, and place of priority of politics over development, the Governor expressed hope that the challenges will soon be over. He explained that efforts have been made to see to the payments of entilements soonest, since budgetary allocation meant for the judiciary are been remitted to the judiciary.

In his valedictory court ruling, the Chief judge Benue State Justice Aondover KaKa’an, described the former chief judge as a man he held in high esteem, a mentor to many devote Christian, whose contributions to the state judiciary cannot go unnoticed.

“I saw first-hand the beauty and merits of building consensus through openness and collegiality. His Christlike humility was on full display as he accorded every judge the privilege of making inputs into his policy plans. There was absolutely no trace of self-importance about him,for he refused to allow the immensity of his powers as Chief judge to attenuate his humanism”, he said.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Benue State, Michael Gusa, in his remarks,described the death of justice Hwande as one too many,stating that,their hope of having his wise counsel has been dashed. Also he condoled with the family of the deceased and enjoined them to take solace in God.

Chief Mike Usman, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, speaking on behalf of the body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria from Benue State; amongst other SANs present which included: B. I Hom SAN, Chief Mike Aondoakaa, SAN, Prof. A. A Ijohor, SAN, J. S Okutepa, SAN, S. T Hon, SAN, Chief EK Ashiekaa, SAN, Prof Alubo, SAN, T. D Pepe, SAN and others, extolled the virtues of the late Learned Jurist, describing him as a man with an open heart that will not stop at anything in celebrating the success and progress of another fellow brother. He said further that the good life the late Justice Hwande Lived will remain ingrained in the heart of all who came in contact with him.

Justice COSMAS A. Idye, President Customary Court of Appeal, Makurdi, Benue State.

In his remarks, the President Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Cosmos Idye, condoled with the family of the late Justice. He praised the steadfastness of his wife, who stood by him through thick and thin. He noted that Late Hwande displayed a great sense of responsibility, and his legacies will continue to speak for him.

For the judiciary to be effective, Justice Idye recommended that the judiciary should be independent, with no interference from the other arms of government.

The Nigerian Bar Association NBA Makurdi Branch Chairman, Justin Gbagir who spoke on behalf of other branches within the state, eulogised the deceased, stating that he served meritoriously,and used most of his productive years serving his fatherland. Gbagir regretted that Justice Hwande demise came when his wealth of experience was most needed.

He further condemned the desposition of those in authority in paying lip service to the welfare issues of retired Judges, Magistrate and other senior citizens. As well, he lamented the infrastructural deficit in the State, and called for a change of attitude.

Justin Gbagir further urged those in authority to give life to the already passed and assented law on financial autonomy to the various arms of government including the Judiciary and Legislature.

Delivering the valedictory exaltation, Brother Gbile Akaani of Peace House Gboko, who read from Revelations chapter 14 from verse 13-14, admonished Christian’s to prepare for eternity while on earth,stating that: “the life you live here on Earth determines one’s place in eternity.

Others who were also present during the valedictory court session included Hon. Justice Ejembi Eko of the Supreme Court of Nigeria; Retired Supreme Court Justice James Ogebe; Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal Lagos Division, Justice Joseph Ikegh; and that of Makurdi Division Hon. Justice Akugbe; Former Chief Judge of Benue State Hon. Justice Adam’s Onum; all Magistrates of Benue State Judiciary as well as Permanent Secretary Judicial Service Commission Mrs. L. N Tsumba, Esq.