Ogbaru- The Senator Representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Senator Dr Tony Nwoye in company of the Member Representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Hon Afam Victor Ogene joined other eminent Nigerians, Igbo sons and daughters to attend the burial ceremony of foremost Constitutional Lawyer and former Secretary General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Prof Ben Nwabueze.
Prof. Benjamin Obiefuna Nwabueze, a former Minister of Education, foremost Nigerian statesman, legal luminary and thinker, died at the age of 94.
Speaking at the burial ceremony which was attended by several dignitaries such as the Labour Party National Leader, Mr Peter Obi, the former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Sir Emeka Anyaoku, President of Ohaneze
Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Revered Traditional rulers, and top government functionaries, Nwoye paid glowing tribute to the late legal luminary, whom he described as a legal colossus.
He said Nwabueze made indelible footprint within and outside the country with his scholarly works in the legal profession, stating that the legal luminary used his rich experience and knowledge in serving the country and humanity.
Nwoye remarked,,”Prof. Ben Nwabueze lived an extraordinary life that was self-evident. The knowlege and experience driven leadership and counsel he provided always with unfailing courteousness were the unique virtues that underpinned his extraordinary achievements as a legal luminary, educationist and bridge builder which will be talked about for generations.
“It is a great loss both to Nigeria and the Igbo nation. He was a very decent constitutional lawyer and minister par excellence. He was known for being vocal and ensuring an anti-corrupt system. You cannot talk about the evolution of the entire legal system in Nigeria without mentioning his invaluable contributions.
While consoling his family, friends and the people of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Anambra State – where Professor Ben Nwabueze hailed from, the Distinguished Senator prayed that the almighty God will grant the departed eternal rest, and comfort all who mourn him.
Recalled that on 15th of November, 2023, Sen. Dr. Tony Nwoye had asked the Federal Government to immortalise the late former minister and erudite lawyer, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, as he called for the renaming of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State after Professor Ben Nwabueze.
This was sequel to a motion sponsored by Senator Dr Tony Nwoye at the plenary session before the commencement of business of the day, as Dr. Nwoye moved a point of order to call his colleagues to the death of the legal luminary.
In his lead debate, Dr. Nwoye intimated his colleagues with the biography and achievements of Prof. Nwabueze, a native of Atani in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who was born in 1931.
Addressing the Senate, the distinguished Senator described Prof. Nwabueze as an uncommon professional, who distinguished himself in the legal profession throughout the many years he practiced both in Nigeria and across the world and transcended beyond, without blemish, noting that as a former Federal Minister, constitutional lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and author of many books and essays, the late Prof. Nwabueze dedicated his entire life to serving humanity rather than himself.
Consequently, the Senate observed a minute of silence and conveyed their condolences to the deceased’s family and Anambra State, the Lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to immortalize the late legal icon, as the red chamber resolved to send a letter to commiserate with the family of Nwabueze and the good people of Anambra State.
