By Okungbowa Aiwerie,
Asaba
Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has eulogised the late Supreme Court Judge, Justice Samuel Oseji, describing him “as an incorruptible jurist” and “a man of unassailable integrity”.
He said the death of the eminent jurist was a great loss to Delta State and Nigeria.
Okowa spoke at a Night of Tributes for the late jurist held at the Court of Appeal, Asaba.
He said Oseji died at a time the country was in need of men and women with unassailable integrity, adding that he left when his wisdom and service were most needed.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Delta State, I commiserate with Mrs. Minnie Oseji, the Oseji family of Idumuje-Unor, Supreme Court of Nigeria and the good people of Aniocha North Local Government on the demise of Justice Oseji.
“My heart goes out to his beloved wife, the children and the entire Oseji family for this sad loss; it was as shocking as it was unexpected.”
is my personal loss as well, and I can only imagine the pain that his sudden exit has inflicted on his wife, immediate family, and those whose lives he touched.
“His demise has robbed the Supreme Court of Nigeria of an eminent and incorruptible jurist.
“We are living at a time in the history of this country that we are in desperate need of men and women with unassailable integrity like the late Justice Oseji, to keep us on the straight and narrow way.
“It is so sad that he left us when his wisdom and services were most needed.
“His performance and judicial pronouncements, from his days as a High Court Judge in Delta State and Judge of the Federal Court of Appeal, helped in no small measure to shape the course of jurisprudence and the administration of justice.
“As Chief Registrar of the Delta State Judiciary, the late Oseji was renowned for his disciplined work ethics, unpretentious mien and leadership skills. He was a team player and very respectful of all, including his subordinates.
“The late Justice was a rare gem, a special gift to our generation and it is my prayer that God will give us more of the likes of him who will make us proud with their diligence, dedication to duty, probity and commitment to excellence,” Okowa said.
The Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Theresa Diai, said the calibre of people gathered at the night of tributes attested to the character of the late Oseji.
“The late Justice Oseji made friends and enjoyed close relationship with people wherever he worked and he would be missed by all whose lives he touched in several ways,” she said.
The tribute session was attended by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro; Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Chief Ndudi Elumelu; Speaker, Delta House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, Justices of the Court of Appeal, among others.
