OKPAKPOR WAS A GREAT PATRIOT, CONSUMMATE LAWYER – DELTA CJ

Okpakpor Adueniforae Patrick Johnny, late first Attorney General in Delta State has been described as a patriot and great lawyer.

The Delta State Chief Judge, Justice Marshal Umukoro stated this when he visited the family of Okpakpor of Iyede in Isoko North Local Government Area over the demise of the former Commissioner for Justice

Accompanied by brother judges of the state judiciary to the deceased residence at Uvwian in Udu Local Government Area, Justice Umukoro who spoke through Justice A. A. Onojovwho described late A. P. J. Okpakpor as a great patriot and legal colossus of no mean status.

CJ’S SYMPATHY

The Chief Judge told the family that they came to pay official condolence. The visit, he said was necessary since there would be no conventional court session to honour him.

He whom he said contributed to the growth of the profession and a pillar to the Nigerian Bar Association.

The CJ stated that due to the COVID-19 pandemic it would be unsafe to participate in that kind of activity having regards to regulations of court sessions.

He said that Okpakpor, who was a Commissioner of Finance in the defunct Bendel State, consummate community leader and quintessential grassroot politician, lived a life worthy of emulation and left outstanding legacy in the sands of time.

Justice Umukoro charged the bereaved family to take solace in the fact that the deceased contributed immensely to the social, economic and political development of his community, Delta State and society at large.

The visit also featured a prayer session led by Justice Emmanuel Dolor. The judges prayed to God to comfort the family members and give them the fortitude to bear the great loss.

FAMILY RESPONSE

Responding on behalf of the family, the immediate younger brother of Late A. P. J Okpakpor, Mr Joppy Okpakpor, thanked the chief judge and his entourage for finding time out of their busy schedule to remember them at this mourning period.

He noted that their presence and empathy had given them great relief in the midst of great pains.

BIOGRAPHY

Late Okpakpor started his legal practice in Punuka Chambers at No.18 Okumagba Estate (now Avenue), Warri. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1974.

During his active practice which spanned over four decades, the late septuagenarian was a legal adviser to many European companies. They include Julius Berger PLC, B + B Gas and Oil Services Nigeria Ltd and Strabag Nig. Ltd.

In public service, the late legal luminary was onetime Commissioner for Finance in the defunct Bendel State. He was the pioneer Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Delta State

He served as a member, Delta State Advisory Council of the Prerogative of Mercy and later chairman of the body from 2017 to 2019.