Family, community, colleagues bid late Hon. Justice Aniefiok Udoh farewell.

Akaiso Akaiso, Uyo.

As the remains of late Hon. Justice Aniefiok Udoh were committed to the mother earth at his country home, Ibiaku Uruan over the weekend, his entire family members were fully on hand to pay their last respect.

Among them was Pharmacist Zachary Gwa, PhD who marries the first daughter, Barr. Uduak.  He didn’t come only as a sympathizer but a bereaved being the only son in law, hence his active role at the funeral service which took place at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Udoudoma roundabout, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state. Little wonder he literally followed the deceased to its final resting at Ibiaku Uruan.

Accompanied by a contingent of sympathizers  from Bunue State uniquely dressed in a typical Tiv traditional colors of black strip  headties upon white up and down by the females and black caps on white jumpers upon trousers by males, Dr. Gwa recounted the fond memories he shared with his departed father in law while alive.

“The first time my late father in law saw me when I came to seek the hand of his first daughter in marriage he received me whole heatedly without minding where I come from.

“Anyway, I am from Benue state. He treated me as if I am from Akwa Ibom state, even as if I am from the same local government with him. He was a gentleman to the core, a jurist per excellence and a detribalised Nigerian. I miss him so much but since it pleases God to call him home at this very point in time I can’t query God.”

Dr. Gwa however had a few words of consolation for his mother inlaw and especially his brothers and sisters in law, saying that even though death of one’s parents either father or mother no matter how old, is always painful they should be consoled that it wasn’t the other way round.

Noting that while alive his late father in law was a man of peace, he therefore prayed that the children carry this legacy forward by first living in peace with themselves and continue to stay together in love and above all trust in God.

On behalf of his community, Nka Iberedem Ndito Uruan, a socio-cultural organization he founded was well represented. Members of the group who also fully participated at the funeral spoke well of their departed member.

Speaking separately, Iberedem Prof. Gabriel Edem and Archibong Archibong said as the founder of the organization, late Hon. Justice Aniefiok Udoh was always there to make sure Nka moved forward which earned him the moniker “Ete Nka”.

“Ete Nka was the founding father of Nka Iberedem Ndito Uruan and when we started  Nka in 1986 he hosted us and since then he has always been for us and groomed Nka to a lofty height”.

Extolling the good birthday of the late Ete Nka, the respondents  believed even though he has gone, his wife and other members he had groomed will take over and continue to move Nka forward.

One of his colleagues who spoke anonymously described him as a consummate jurist who believed in serving justice accordingly irrespective of whose ox is gored.

The respondent who was pleased with the turn out of dignitaries from all walks of life at the burial joined others to wish him a peaceful rest at God’s bosom.

Late Hon. Justice Aniefiok Udoh died at the age of seventy seven having retired as a high court judge.

May his soul rest in peace in the bosom of the Lord.