The death of the late Professor Uche Uko Uche has created a huge gap in the legal profession, the Abia Acting Chief Judge Lilian Abai has said.
She made the comment during the valedictory court session held in honor of Professor Uche at the Umuahia High Court on Wednesday.
The Abia State Acting Chief Judge’s procession signaled the commencement of the court session as members of the magistrate bench, and members of the family amongst others sat to witness the court proceedings.
The Acting Chief Judge and Commissioner for Justice among others showered encomiums on the late professor for his giant strides in the legal profession, noting his contributions to society, academia, teaching, and a legacy that reached an enviable height.
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Justice Lilian said “the legal luminary, top academic? renowned law expert, and astute businessman, Professor U. U Uche was a devoted Christian and a philanthropist.
“A soft-spoken gentleman with a great command of English, always welcoming and ready to assist, his love for Ohafia and the people was well known. His love for the legal profession is also not in dispute,
“I was privileged to have carried out my law school chambers attachment in his prestigious law firm, situated at Western House Broad Street, Lagos. He also offered me my first employment after law school in one of his law firms situated then at Ebem Ohafia in Ohafia LGA of Abia State.
“In other words, he was one of those who set the foundation for what I have become today.”
On his part, the Attorney General of Abia State Uche Ihediuwa admitted that the late Professor Uche was a crusader for equity and justice.
“Surely, he will be greatly missed, and on behalf of the Government of Abia State, I officially commiserate with the family, legal profession, and indeed the good people of Ohafia, and also admonish that they should consolidate on the legacy of the great Prof. Surely, this is what he would have wanted.”
As lawyers bid farewell to one of the greatest achievers in the legal profession, there is no doubt that the lacuna his death created may take a while to fill.
