By Tony Okafor
The ancient community of Nri in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State came alive on Friday as eminent Nigerians gathered to pay their last respects to the former Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Emmanuel Umegbolu Nri-Ezedi.
Among the dignitaries were former Senate President and interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark; former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; and the ADC governorship candidate in Anambra State, Mr. John Nwosu.
Nwosu, accompanied by a large crowd of ADC members, had earlier received Senator Mark at the Chinua Achebe International Airport before joining the cortege to the late jurist’s country home.
In a moving sermon at the funeral service, the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, described Justice Nri-Ezedi as “an incorruptible and upright judge who left an indelible mark on the judiciary and his family.”
Bishop Ibezim reminded the congregation of the three stages of death: physical death, when the body ceases to function; spiritual death, which he said comes from separation from God; and eternal death, the final separation from God after judgment.
“The only way to live for God,” he said, “is to live a righteous life. That was the path Justice Nri-Ezedi chose.”
The late jurist, remembered for his integrity and courage, was widely credited with standing firm against political cabals that sought to turn Anambra into their fiefdom.
His unwavering stand for justice was pivotal to the reversal of the unlawful impeachment of then Governor Peter Obi in 2006.
Speaking to our correspondent, one mourner remarked, “History will remember him as one of the few judges who would rather die than pervert justice.”
The burial was attended by an array of lawyers, judges, politicians, and community leaders who described Justice Nri-E tozedi as a beacon of incorruptibility in the judiciary.
