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"Tribute to a Judicial Icon" - JusticeBelgore By Olisa Agbakoba - November 30, 1999

-  A unique and nationalistic Nigerian with a radical posture to Justice and Rule of Law. Simple , yet very strict.
-  Very warm and engaging at all times, which explains My Lord's enviable Litany of relationships and friends.
-  A detribalized personality, who has traversed the nooks and crannies of Nigeria without reservation.
-  His penchant for learning  - little wonder why His Lordship speaks several languages and dialects.
-  Consummate Arbitrator - Natural flare for peaceful resolution of disputes - between the mighty, high and the very low.
-  An Agent of Change - Tenure though very short, but remarkable contributions:

      (a)  Impeachment Procedure Rules.
      (b) Increased conferees of the Silk Robe Procedure  Rules.
      (c)  Vitality into NJC Procedure Rules.
      (d)  Discipline of erring Judges.
      (e)  Landmark decisions  of Supreme Court.
      (f)  Justice Sector reforms:
            *  Simplification of the Rules of Court.
            *  Unification of the Criminal Justice administration and the Rules of Evidence: for which he was appointed as the Chairman of the National Working Committee for the amendment of the Evidence Act.

HIS IMPACT
-  It is not easy to a start task well and end it well and that is what SMA has done.
- He Contributed in remarkable ways to the development of the Nigerian Judiciary. His appointment  as CJN is a pointer to this fact.
-  The Rule of Law and Constitutionalism has received very great support. As a unique man ,he has used his twilight to make the greatest contribution to the Nigerian Nation, the profession he loves, our future and our children.
-  The GALE OF IMPEACHMENTS would have derailed our democratic system  with obvious implications. Let it be noted that the Apex Court under the leadership of Belgore CJN rose to the challenge of saving Nigeria from the brink of Constitutional crisis, which would have paved way for anarchy.
-  The crisis in Anambra, Plateau, Oyo and Ekiti would have contiued to other states unabated, were it not for the Judicial intervention under the regime of the retiring CJN.
-  In Oyo , the SC set a litigation record of probably the fatest decided case in the history of the SC.
-  In Anambra, Ekiti, Plateau and Oyo States respectively, cue has been taken by judicial officers as erring Judges have been rightly reprimanded for their roles in the illegal and politically motivated impeachment.
-  By institutionalizing due process in the impeachment saga: A new impeachment directions was issued by the CJN.
-  Decentralization of payment and receipt of practicing fees: NBA will benefit from the improvement of payment system of Practicing Fees.