By Onoriode Etatsemi
Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Isaiah Bozimo has eulogized the contributions, achievements and years of dedicated service of Justice Patience Onuwa Elumeze to the legal profession.
Bozimo stated this in Asaba on the occasion of the special valedictory court session to mark her retirement.
He said that retirement was not an end but a new beginning, filled with endless possibilities and expressed confidence that Justice Elumeze would continue to be a beacon of wisdom.
Bozimo stated that Justice Elumeze had exemplified four cardinal principles of a judge including hearing courteously, answering wisely, considering soberly and deciding impartially, adding that she had earned the respect and admiration of her peers, colleagues and the people she served.
The AG recalled that from her early days as a state counsel in Cross River state, Justice Elumeze distinguished herself through her brilliant performances, leading to her steady rise through the ranks
He noted that through her career, she advocated for gender equality and women’s rights, stressing that she served as a mentor to countless young lawyers and jurists.
Also speaking, the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice T. O Dai said that the valedictory court session was designed to celebrate Justice Elumeze who was bowing out of the State Judicial Service after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 65 years prescribed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Justice Dai said that Justice Elumeze was bowing out of service not only in good health but with her integrity unblemished, recalling that some had their careers terminated mid way , either by death or for grave misconduct.
She appreciated Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for his unflinching support for the State Judiciary while also commending the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Isaiah Bozimo for ensuing that the wheel of administration of justice in the state was taken to a greater height.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) , Asaba Branch, Mr. Precious Nwadimuya said that due to the sterling performance of the celebrant during her mandatory one year National Youth Service she was retained and employed in Cross River state into their civil service as a state counsel where she rose to the position of Director before she joined Delta State Judicial Service as a judge in the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal.
He described her as a transparent jurist, adding that she carried out her assignments with utmost commitments and operated an open door policy.
