By Okechukwu Onuegbu
It was an atmosphere filled with encomiums and jubilation, yesterday, as Anambra State born retired International judge, Justice Nkem Izuako marked her 70 birthday with pomp and pageantry at Mbaukwu, Awka South Local Government Area.
The event which also featured official unveiling/presentations of Justice Nkem's author biolography, Without Fear or Favour, was attended by the people from all walks of lives, including the Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chika Sylvia Ifemeje; former Senator representing Anambra Central zone, Uche Ekwunife; Fr Ben Shiba from US; the anchor, Professor Williams Obiozor from the Adult and Continuing Education department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; among others.
Justice Nkem, whose recommendations led to appointment of female customary court presidents in Anambra State, was the first female judge at Solomon Islands, even as she had equally served as ECOWAS and UN judge across many countries within and outside Africa, including the Gambia.
Speaking at the occasion, the Traditional Ruler of her home-town, Mbaukwu, Awka South Local Government Area, Igwe Peter Nwokike Anugwu , described her as a brave woman, keeper of promise and worthy daughter, arguing that she had never relented in showcasing a good virtue of proper home bringing, lovely wife and caring mother wherever she goes.
"She is living up to her expectations before God and man. She has never relented in fulfilling God's purpose in her life. She is not disappointing us. She is not also disappointing her late husband and our entire community. I celebrate her and pray God to keep her alive to do more for the humanity," he added.
On his part, Dr Livinus Izuako, who is younger brother to Justice Nkem's late husband, explained that the celebrant was brainy and well behaved wife, adding that the family would never regret associating themselves to her.
"Her life of perseverance, humility, love and peace worth emulating. She is a go-getter and so contended. If the new generation can emulate her good virtues, we will have a greater society. We are so proud of her. We pray for God to keep her alive to enjoy the fruits of her labour. Nobody can kill her," he stated.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of Peter's University Achina-Onne, Rev. Fr. Prof. Emmanuel Umezinwa, who officiated the mass presiding the birthday celebration, commended the celebrant for remembering to serve God throughout her active service as a legal luminary and up to her retirement age.
Umezinwa called on the younger generation to emulate her godliness, forthrightness, passion and love for Christ.
On his part, a legal luminary, Hon. Justice Chudi Nwankwo, who unveiled a book authored by the celebrant, recounted his experience while appearing as a lawyer before Justice Izuako as a Magistrate and Judge in Nigeria, hinted that both the bar and the bench have a lot to learn from her personality and professional life.
" When I appeared before her as a judge and magistrate, she was an epitome of beauty, elegant and embodiment of legal knowledge. She was so beautiful yet she knows the law. The younger judges and magistrates should imbibe the spirit of resilience, hardworking, principle and other virtues that made her successful as a magistrate, high court judge and an International judge," he disclosed.
On her part, the leader of Ekenabo Ovolo Mbaukwu women's wing, Mrs Nneka Ifezue, said they were marvelled at her humility, philanthropy and joyous lifestyle.
"She always associate with us whenever she is around. You will never knew that she is a judge or had travelled to different parts of the world when you see her. She is so humble, associating and provides us with our various needs whenever we called on her," she noted.
To the Parish Priest, St Theresa's Parish, Mbaukwu, Fr. Augustine Egilibe, God has used the celebrant to uplift many lives, as instrument of salvation and evangelism, especially in sponsorship of seminarians.
"God has used her in doing many things in our parish and Mbaukwu generally, especially as an instrument of salvation and evangelism. We thank her for allowing God to use her as a gift to humanity. We pray God to extend her years on earth so that she will do more. I am urging her children and others around her to emulate the true virtues of motherhood she posses," he added.
Reviewing the author's book, Without Fear or Favour, Mrs Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, said the over 300 pages book chronicled Justice Izuako's lifestyle, courage, character as a fearless and dogged fighter, passionate and incorruptible magistrate and judge, caring mother, carrier woman, who also fought against gender based violence and exploitation from her childhood to adulthood.
Ibezim-Ohaeri, who is an activist/Executive Director, Spaces for Change, added that "The book encourages the younger generation to live a life of impact, characterised by good virtues, value, result oriented, dignity and courage. She also gave accounts of how her family survived economic policy of strangulation introduced by the federal government as a result of civil war.
"Her good character and proper home upbringing also showed in the book when she rejected the military officers request to invite young girls to their party. Her refusal also inspired her school to turn down the offer as well. She made a difference as a magistrate and judge.
"The work also encouraged the younger generation to learn to express gratitude to those who assisted them one way or the order. Even when she was denied promotions due to her legal standing, she maintained her ground. Some of those things made her who she is today."
Speaking in an interview, the celebrant, Justice Nkem Izuako (retired), expressed happiness over the love shown to her on the 70th birthday, noting that it made her feel a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
"However, the journey has not ended. But I want to say that so far, I have nothing to complain about. My people are wonderful. We have the time of good, bad and ugly. But in all, we triumphed. I'm entirely grateful to all those God used to bless and celebrate me today," she stated.
On what could be done to strengthen Nigeria judiciary, retired Justice Izuako, argued that it was necessary since people believed the judiciary to be the last hope of a common man.
"The judiciary needs to grow and become stronger than what it is today. Everyone keeps saying that judiciary is the last hope of common man. And that is how it should be. The judges, magistrates, lawyers and others in the legal profession need to bring courage and determination to what they do. They need to live up to their calling. They should look inward and do a self reexamination and take a decision to make the country better.
"We can only do so by strengthening the judicial system. The judicial officers need to know that they have a lot of commitment to make to build a stronger society. I'm also calling on the government to grant financial independence (autonomy) to the judiciary. If we have a strong judicial system, there will be trust and confidence," she added.
Earlier, the first daughter of the celebrant, Mrs Obiageri Nwuba, who is a diplomat, said they organised the birthday party to celebrate her because she is always sacrificing, selfless, humane and generous.
"Our mother always put the needs of others above hers. She is so dearing to us. We are already learning from her. We pray for her joy, peace, happiness, long life, prosperity and good health for her to continue to reap the fruit of her labour much longer," she maintained.
