President Muhammadu Buhari and President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu have congratulated a former Justice of the Supreme Court, Emmanuel Ogwuegbu, on today’s celebration his 90th birthday.
In a congratulatory message on Wednesday in Abuja, by his spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, President Buhari joined family and friends to celebrate God’s grace of a worthy long life of service, with many achievements, especially in the judiciary.
The President also congratulated other retired and serving Justices, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and Body of Benchers on the milestone.
He saluted the courage of the former Judge of the High Court, Imo State, 1976 to 1987, for putting the interest of the nation and her people first by standing for the truth, and administering it.
President Buhari affirmed that the legal luminary worked hard to earn his respected position in the Judiciary, the country, and beyond it, upholding standards of clarity and balance in judgments for many years, and consistently sharing his wisdom with leaders.
The President thanked the nonagenarian for believing so much in Nigeria that he returned to the country to start his private legal practice in 1963, after studying at University of Liverpool and University of London in 1976.
He prayed for continued good health and sound mind for the venerable retired jurist.
President-elect Tinubu described Justice Ogwuegbu as an excellent judge who distinguished himself both on the bench and in public service.
After spending only five years at the Appeal Court, Justice Ogwuegbu was elevated to the Supreme Court of Nigeria as justice in February 1992. Later in December 1999, he was appointed Justice of the Supreme Court of The Gambia.
The President-elect said Justice Ogwuegbu was noted for dispensing justice without fear or favour, and particularly in the interest of the downtrodden for which he was nicknamed “Judge Goodheart”.
While commending Justice Ogwuegbu for his contributions to jurisprudence and the country in general, the President-elect wished him good health and increased wisdom.
In a statement yesterday by Mr. Tunde Rahman of his media office, the President-elect said: “Congratulations to former Supreme Court Justice Emmanuel Obioma Ogwuegbu on turning 90 on March 16.
“Justice Ogwuegbu distinguished himself while on the Bench, particularly at the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, and in public service.
“His contributions to the legal profession where he earned the moniker ‘Judge Goodheart’ and to nation-building are particularly noteworthy.
“Earlier in his career, which took him to the zenith, Justice Ogwuegbu was appointed among others as Coroner for Umuahia Judicial Division, East-Central State of Nigeria from 1973 to 1976. He also headed the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as vice chairman, Umuahia branch, between 1975 and 1976.
“While thanking him for his useful contributions to jurisprudence and to Nigeria, I wish Justice Ogwuegbu continued good health, more wisdom and continued God’s protection.”
