Mbah expresses sadness as S’Court justice, Cletus Nweze, dies at 64

There were strong indications, yesterday, that Enugu State Supreme Court Judge, Justice Chima Nweze, is dead. Although his family was yet to announce Nweze’s death at press time, a source said that the judge, 64, died during a brief illness.

Nweze, a native of Obollo, Udenu Council of the state, was born on September 25, 1958. He was known for his dissenting judgment in 2020, which declared Emeka Ihedioha of the People Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the 2019 governorship election in Imo State against the decision of majority of the panel members.

was also the justice in the panel, who did not grant the request of the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to inspect the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) server, while challenging President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory in 2019.

Also, in a split judgment of three against two, Nweze delivered the controversial judgment of the Supreme Court, which declared then Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, as the authentic candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Yobe North Senatorial District during the February 25 general election.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, following his recommendation by the National Judicial Council (NJC), appointed him to the Supreme Court in 2014. 
MEANWHILE, the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has expressed shock and sadness over his death.

Mbah, in a statement, said he was deeply pained by the loss of the appellate court justice, saying the people of Enugu and Nigeria, in general, will miss his wealth of knowledge and immeasurable contributions to the development of the country’s justice system.

Describing the late justice as an epitome of humility, dedication, commitment, integrity and selflessness in the discharge of his duties, the governor condoled with his family and members of the legal profession over the irreparable loss.