CJN Ariwoola Eulogizes Late Justice Chima Nweze At Valedictory Session

11th October 2023

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, paid tribute to the late Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Chima Centus Nweze, who passed away on July 29, 2023, at the age of 64. During a valedictory court session held in honor of late Justice Nweze in Abuja, the CJN lauded the late jurist for his profound intellect and legal acumen, which left an indelible mark in the annals of contemporary judicial history.

The CJN said, "He was one of those cerebrally mobile judicial officers in our contemporary history who had latched on our memory an enviable degree of intellectual eminence and legal finesse that encompassed all spheres of philosophy and methodical reasoning."

Justice Ariwoola described the late Justice Nweze as a unique and nationalistic figure with a firm commitment to justice and the rule of law, despite his unassuming appearance. He highlighted the late Justice's warmth, engagement, and the ability to relate well with people from all walks of life, including the underprivileged and the marginalized.

He praised Justice Nweze's authenticity, emphasizing his principled disposition, humility, and lack of arrogance, even when elevated to positions of influence and affluence. The CJN noted that Justice Nweze was not only a fierce advocate for causes he believed in but also an advocate for the arts of mediation and reconciliation.

Justice Nweze was born on September 25, 1958, in Obollo, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State. He pursued his education, gaining admission to the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC) in 1979, where he studied law and graduated in 1983.

Justice Ariwoola emphasized Justice Nweze's dedication to his judicial duties and remarkable adjudicatory skills, which earned him elevations to the Court of Appeal in 2008 and later to the Supreme Court in 2014. He noted that Justice Nweze's judgments were marked by academic depth and intellectual rigor, leaving a lasting impact on the legal profession, law students, and the general public.

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), expressed concern about the workload of cases in the Supreme Court, describing it as one of the most overburdened courts in the world. He recognized the late Justice Nweze's significant contribution to the development of the nation's judiciary.

The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) acknowledged Justice Nweze's distinguished service on the Supreme Court Bench, highlighting his delivery of high-quality judgments. The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), commended late Justice Nweze for his substantial contributions to the growth of the nation's jurisprudence.