It was a night of accolades as the Abia State Government, Tuesday, held a valedictory dinner in honour of the retiring Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Onuoha Kalu Arisa Ogwe.
The well attended dinner held at the Banquet Hall, Government House Umuahia had in attendance leaders and captains of the legal family as well as friends and well wishes who took turns to extol the outstanding leadership qualities of Justice Ogwe.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu while congratulating the outgoing Chief Judge on his honesty and forthrightness in the discharge of his duties, lauded him for the cordial relationship that existed between the State Judiciary and the Executive arm of government.
While noting that the peace, harmony and rapport between the various arms of government is legendary, Governor Ikpeazu said that Abia is the most stable state in Nigeria interms of peace between the Judiciary, Executive and Legislative Arms of Government.
He said: “I am proud to be associated with you. Your name and reputation is a sufficient capital to see you through and all those associated with you”.
Governor Ikpeazu assured that Abians who served the State meritoriously will be celebrated adding that the ultimate goal is for all hands to be on deck to serve the state and make it great.
Also speaking, the member representing Bende Federal Constituency, Hon. Ben Kalu, stated that Justice Ogwe is a prophet with honour in his home town, saying that over the years he has been the pride of Bende.
He commended Governor Ikpeazu for robust relationship with the legislature adding that Abia is the first State to ratify the ongoing constitution amendment.
Speaking on behalf of the State Executive council, the Secretary to the State Government ,Barr. Chris Ezem ,said the State Government enjoyed cordial and robust relationship with the Judiciary under Justice Ogwe.
He said the State would continue to tap from his experience and described him as a gentleman per excellence.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Uche Ihediwa SAN, said the retiring Chief Judge deserves to be honoured having ascended the position when the Abia State Judiciary was in turbulence, noting that he was a stabilizing factor and contributed to developing the laws in the State.
He described Justice Onuoha Ogwe as a quintessential jurist and judiciary icon who stabilized the Abia judiciary and thanked the Governor for organizing the banquet for him.
In their goodwill messages, friends and colleagues of the retiring Chief Judge including The Chief Judge of Cross Rivers State, Justice Ekon Ekpema, the President, Abia State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Okey Nwamoh, Chief Okey Amaechi, SAN, Razak Lawan,SAN among others said the retiring Chief Judge is worthy of being celebrated.
They described him as honest, accessible and uncompromising Christian and jurist, whose life style has been a role model and thanked the Governor for honouring him.
In his response, the outgoing Chief Judge of the State, Justice Onuoha Kalu Ogwe thanked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu who provided him a conducive atmosphere to work and finish strong and appreciated the gesture he extended to him.
The event attracted many dignitaries including the wife of the celebrant, Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha Ogwe, the Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, PDP Governorship candidate Prof. Uche Ikonne and his wife, PDP State Chairman, Rt. Hon. Asiforo Okere, Commissioners, Head of Service, Sir Onyii Wamah, Judges and Justices of Appeal and High Courts, stakeholders, State CAN Chairman, Apostle Emmanuel Agumuo among others.
