FOREVER MISSED: Late Hon.Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa, (22nd September 1924–4th May 2014)

On the Courts and Justice

“It is an essential prerequisite of the Rule of Law that judges and Magistrates and lawyers too- these sacred ministers in the equally sacred temple of justice are honest, upright, responsible and fearless.
Justice demands that those who administer her are completely insulated from all pressures from any quarter or from any adverse circumstances.
She demands that all judicial officers are absolutely left alone to do their duty, without fear or favour, without interference; without pressure be it political, economic or social, and *without the fear of unjust and unmerited removal hanging over their heads like the proverbial Sword of Damocles*.”

Per Oputa J.S.C in his book *Judicial Activism, page 171