By Tobi Soniyi, Abuja
Published: Monday, 5 Feb 2007

The former chief justice spoke in Abuja at the weekend at a valedictory dinner held in his honour by the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute.

Belgore maintained that the judiciary was one arm of government that had retained its respect, dignity and honour in the face of the political situation in the country.

He observed that the judiciary and all judicial institutions in the country must be strengthened and well funded for the nation to make meaningful progress.

Speaking earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Dr. and Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki, said that though Justice Belgore spent a brief period as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, his tenure was remarkable and memorable.

He stated that the contributions of Belgore to the development of law and the sustenance of democracy would remain unforgettable in the history of the country.

The governor explained that Belgore‘s high sense of humility and commitment to work and pursuit of excellence were some of the virtues worthy of emulation for the young generation.

The Administrator of NJI, Justice Timothy Adepoju Oyeyipo, who read the citation of Belgore, described him as an enigma and indefatigable judge who spent most of his life to ensure that the judiciary was taken to greater heights.

He said the great achievements of Justice Belgore in the judiciary would be remembered by those in the legal profession.

Others who also spoke glowingly of Belgore were the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Lawal Gummi, the Vice- Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Nuhu Yakub; NJI Director of Studies, Mrs. Phoebe Ayua; Delta State Chief Judge, Roseline Bozimo; NJI Secretary, Alhaji Rilwan Aikawa; and Justice Nasir Mamman (retd)