As Justice Galadima Enters The Eighth Floor

By Matthew Tukura

Not all parents become friends with their children, let alone with other children. But I am fortunate to have found both a father and a friend in retired Justice Suleiman Galadima, who always wants the best for me. He is a father in the truest sense of the word. A revered father, a distinguished elder statesman, a legal luminary, and a respected community leader, Justice Galadima is a patriotic Nigerian whose exemplary life and career have inspired many, both within and beyond the legal profession.

Today, as he turns 80, Justice Galadima remains a source of pride for the Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and for Nigerians. His remarkable contributions to peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic groups in Toto are well documented.

Justice Galadima has watered and continues to water the tree of peace in Toto. In this vein, he has repeatedly expressed concern about the growing number of chieftaincy cases pending in court and has urged the parties to withdraw them for amicable settlement at home. The elder statesman remains a unifying force among all the tribes in Toto Local Government Area.

His love for peace has continued to resonate with the people, who have shown him love in return. One incident that keeps recurring to me is what happened on Christmas Day in 2017, when Justice Galadima travelled along the deplorable road to celebrate with the people of Mateni. Talking drums sounded as women fanned him and his entourage with their clothes, welcoming them to a village without government amenities other than a primary school. Villagers from surrounding communities turned out in large numbers to welcome an apostle of peace and justice.

The Judiciary, as the third arm of government, has long been the subject of ceaseless allegations of corruption. While some of these allegations may be difficult to prove beyond doubt, Justice Galadima’s 26 years in the Judiciary were remarkable, as he left office with an unblemished record. The moral lessons he received from his father, the late Alhaji Sada Abdulrahaman Aguye Galadima, who cautioned him against ill-got wealth, remain his guiding light. They have set him apart as a good seed in a corrupt society and a beacon of hope for the younger generation. Justice Galadima remains a respected community leader who lives a simple life, mingles freely with people, enjoys local delicacies, and has no inordinate appetite for material wealth.

Justice Galadima spent over 47 years in public service, from 1969 to 2016, including 26 years in the mainstream Judiciary and six (6) years at the Supreme Court. His rise to such an eminent position was a reward for hard work, courage, good character, discipline and honour. He became a Chief Magistrate and was seconded to Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi State as Deputy Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, a position he held until November 1984. He was appointed Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice in the old Plateau State from March 1990 to April 1991; became a High Court Judge from May 1991 to September 1996; and served as the pioneer Chief Judge (CJ) of Nasarawa State from October 1996 to December 8, 1998. On December 9, 1998, he joined the Court of Appeal, serving in Lagos and Enugu. He later became Presiding Judge of the Port Harcourt divisions from September 2006 to September 2010, before his appointment to the Supreme Court on September 16, 2010, where he served until October 10, 2016.

Justice Galadima delivered well-researched and sound judgments, some of which are documented in a compendium of his notable judicial pronouncements titled Sustaining the Course of Justice. His philosophy of life is anchored on the belief that the human race is one big family of brothers and sisters. If more Nigerians had followed in his footsteps, Professor Chinua Achebe might not have needed to write The Trouble with Nigeria.

As Daddy, as I fondly call him, turns 80 today, I celebrate a man whose fatherhood goes beyond providing food and shelter. He gives his children direction, cares for people, and fulfils his fatherly responsibilities justly. I am always bold to say that, in Justice Galadima, I have a father who listens and helps resolve problems, whether or not he knows those involved. He loves people who fear God, corrects those who err, and praises those who do well. When people are in need, he assists without announcing it to the world. I learnt from him the virtues of being truthful, even when doing so is difficult.

He often reminds me that “Your name is a valuable asset you have. It is a blank cheque that can give you more than money. It gives you virtues and honour. Guard it jealously.” I understand what you mean. Early this year, I received a text from Justice that read: “Honour your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land God has given you.”

I join millions in celebrating an eminent jurist today, a life devoted to peace and to embracing the role of a father to all. Today, we celebrate a man whose academic journey began at Qua Iboe Mission Primary School, Shafan-Abakpa (Sofiyo), continued at Senior Primary School, Laminga, and Katsina Ala Provincial Secondary School, then Government College, Keffi, and culminated at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the University of Jos, where he earned a law degree and a master’s degree, respectively. I beseech God to grant him many more years. Age with grace, Daddy.

–Tukura writes from Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State