Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, on Thursday announced the decision of the state government to immortalise the immediate past ambassador of Nigeria to the United States of America, the late Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, by renaming the Imo High Court Complex after him.
Uzodinma made the disclosure on Thursday at the Valedictory Session held in honour of late Justice Ngwuta at the Court of Appeal, Owerri Division.
The Governor described Ngwuta as a man who stood for justice and fairness when he served as a Court of Appeal Judge.
“My government will immortalise Ngwuta because he was a man with a high level of integrity and he made us proud as a state.
“His legacy should be emulated by every leader; he showed good example as a lawyer and also gave remarkable judgements as a judge,” Gov. Uzodinma said.
The late Ngwuta, who hailed from Oguta Area Council of Imo State, was appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States of America in 2017 until his death in December 2020.
Uzodinma said Ngwuta served Nigeria with diligence and fear of God, adding that he promoted diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and U.S.
“Even in death, we are proud of him because he represented us well and we must honour him by immortalising him in Imo,” he said.
The Presiding Judge of the Court of Appeal, Owerri Division, Justice Ayobode Sodipe, said the late Ngwuta would be remembered for his contributions to the “bench”.
“I was able to read most of his judgements as an Appeal Court Judge, I saw wisdom in all his decisions and his legacies will forever remain.
“He was a great man who was respected by the international community, on behalf of my colleagues here, we say a last farewell to a Hon. gentleman,” he said.
Mike Ahamba (SAN), in his tribute, said Ngwuta had a good track record as a judge and represented Nigeria well as an ambassador.
“We are very proud of him, even in death, he will be highly respected because he served both Imo state and the Federal Government diligently,” he said.
Barr. Blessing Iweajunwa, an Owerri-based female lawyer, told NAN that Ngwuta’s track record was a big source of motivation for lawyers.
“He practiced as a lawyer before he was elevated as a judge, he had excellent career and we are very proud of him,” she added.
(NAN)
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