When news filtered into town on the sudden passage of His lordship, Hon Justice Ahmad o. Belgore, Thursday, April 11, 2024, l was devastated.
His lordship was a good in and outside the courtroom.
He was also intensely religious and caring.
He was a real human being: compassionate, kind, fair minded, accessible and decent.
He had a kind word for everyone.
Our paths first crossed in the late 80’s when as a student of the Nigerian law school, l served my Chambers internship in the firm of the legendary late JB Majiyagbe SAN at club road in Kano.
His lordship was a counsel in Chambers.
He was a huge study in comportment, dignity and decency.
When later l decided to relocate to Kano to begin my private practice, His lordship was one of the senior counsel who offered guidance and support to me and many others.
A lot of Distinguished senior counsel in Kano, notably OEB offiong SAN, Mr Ayodele SAN, Yemi Candide Johnson SAN, Soji Oyeleke SAN, Mohammed Bello Adoke SAN, A B Mahmud SAN, Hon Justice lawan Shuaib now justice of the court of appeal, JD Adefila Esq of counsel, KT Turaki SAN and many others would recall His lordship’s exploits as a formidable counsel obsessed with the theory of ethics and professionalism.
His lordship was a thorough bred professional and a good man. A very good man.
I was delighted when His lordship was elevated to the bench and served diligently in the Kwara State judiciary without blemish in his service records.
His lordship’s impeccable records as a jurist saw His lordship’s elevation to the Court of Appeal from where he later retired after attaining the statutorily compulsory retirement agent.
Again His lordship served the Court of Appeal with stellar distinction.
Brilliant, accessible, helpful and Kind, his lordship was always ready to offer guidance and counselling.
Absolutely incorruptible, His lordship was a fine jurist of uncommon distinction. His lordship was also very versed and highly knowledgeable.
In personal relationships and comportment, His lordship was thoroughly distinguished and honourable.
Undoubtedly, His lordship passage will leave a huge void in popular consciousness.
Indeed one of our finest jurists had passed on.
We will all miss him.
I will miss him particularly.
I feel a deep sense of personal loss in the passage of a persona l consider an Elder brother.
May His lordship’s gentle soul find peaceful repose in Aljannah firdaus.
Ameen.
Farewell, farewell, farewell
