The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on the Nigerian judiciary and political class to prioritise truth and place the pursuit of justice above personal or sectional interests.
In a statement posted on his X page on Thursday, Fubara said he made the call on Wednesday night during a state banquet held at Government House, Port Harcourt, in honour of Obietonbara Owupele Daniel-Kalio following his retirement from the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division.
He stressed that the true measure of leadership lies not in how it begins but in how one’s years of service end. According to the governor, restoring excellence in public life requires a steadfast commitment to integrity and high ethical standards.
Fubara praised Justice Daniel-Kalio as a model of excellence, noting that his honourable exit from the bench served as a source of pride for Rivers State and a vital lesson for the next generation of legal practitioners and politicians.
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The governor added that, despite his retirement, the state would continue to draw on the jurist’s wealth of experience for future development initiatives.
Also speaking, Simeon Amadi, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, acknowledged the profound impact of Justice Daniel-Kalio’s mentorship, noting that he benefited immensely from the retired jurist’s guidance during his transition into office.
Similarly, Vera Sam-Dike, Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, described the honouree as a pillar of the rule of law whose career was defined by an unwavering commitment to justice that touched countless lives.
In his response, Justice Daniel-Kalio expressed gratitude for what he described as a “rare show of appreciation” by the state.
Reflecting on his years on the bench, he said his career had been deeply fulfilling and reaffirmed his belief that an independent judiciary remains the primary stabilising force in any progressive society.
