By Olusegun Emmanuel, Abuja.
President Goodluck Jonathan has eulogised the late retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, describing him as a most distinguished and courageous jurist who made very significant and indelible contributions to the advancement of Nigerian jurisprudence.
Jonathan who said he received the news of the death of Justice Oputa with a deep feeling of immense national loss, condoled with the bereaved family, noting that the late erudite justice would always be honoured now and in posterity having served well.
In a release issued by Presidential Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Rueben Abati, the President said he is “confident that although Justice Oputa has now left the world of the living, the late jurist will be long remembered for his spirited legal activism and will continue to serve as a splendid role model for present and future generations of Nigerian judges.”
“Justice Oputa will always be honoured now and in posterity for having served the nation as a most distinguished and courageous jurist who made very significant and indelible contributions to the advancement of Nigerian jurisprudence.”
“As they mourn the passage of the retired Justice of the Supreme Court who will always be remembered, amongst other career highlights, for his celebrated chairmanship of Nigeria’s Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission 14 years ago, President Jonathan urges them to be comforted by the knowledge that Justice Oputa lived a long, very fulfilled and achievement-laden life,” he said.
Adding: “On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the President extends sincere condolences to the eminent jurist’s family, relatives, associates and friends.”
“He prays that God Almighty will receive Justice Oputa’s soul and grant him a well-deserved rest from his diligent and exemplary labours on earth,” he added.
