Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has called on the judiciary and the political class to stand on the side of truth and place justice and legacy above personal interests.
The governor, who added that the true measure of leaders lies in how their service ends, spoke on Wednesday at a State Banquet held in honour of Justice Obietonbara Owupele Daniel-Kalio who retired from the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division, recently.
Justice Daniel-Kalio is the immediate past Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division.
Addressing a gathering of jurists, government officials, traditional rulers and other dignitaries at the event, held at the Government House, Port Harcourt Governor Fubara stressed the need for high standards in public service.
He notes that despite challenges, excellence can be restored through collective resolve, adding: “It is about us coming together, believing in setting a standard and not allowing our personal interest to over-ride the standards. That is the only way that we can restore the good old days.”
Sir Fubara, who described the retired jurist as a model, charged younger lawyers and politicians, to always uphold the primacy of truth and integrity in their career and every other endeavour in life.
“The message tonight is about how a career ends. The conclusion of Justice Daniel-Kalio’s service brings honour to the state. It is a lesson for the upcoming young ones, and those of us in politics.
“When we leave the stage how would our story be told? It is not about us winning now, it is how did it end? We must strive to do the right things to defend the most important thing, and that is justice.
Always stand on the side of truth so that at the end you will be remembered for what is right,” Governor Fubara said.
He remarked that though Justice Daniel-Kalio may have retired, he was not tired but still strong enough to contribute to the development of Rivers State.
The state government, the governor said, would seek further ways to tap from his wealth of knowledge and experience. He urged the retired jurist to be available whenever the state calls on him to share in his expertise.
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to the guests for their presence during what he described as a significant period for his administration and acknowledged their support when it mattered most.
“Our vision and desire here is to ensure that Rivers State continues to grow from strength to strength.
“It hasn’t been easy, but I feel very humbled and opportune to say that those of you that are here today, celebrating one of your own are very special to us in Rivers State. We can’t pay you for doing that, but God will reward you,” he said.
In her welcome address, Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Vera Sam-Dike, said the event was to honour an illustrious son of the state and a jurist of exceptional integrity who served with loyalty, fairness and commitment to the rule of law.
She described Justice Daniel-Kalio’s retirement as both the end of an era and a celebration of a career that upheld justice while impacting many lives.
Mrs Sam-Dike praised the retired jurist’s courage, wisdom and intellect and said the banquet was a token of appreciation and a wish for a peaceful retirement.
Responding, Justice Daniel-Kalio thanked Governor Fubara for what he called a rare show of love and candour in organising such a state reception in his honour.
He described his years on the Bench as deeply rewarding and stressed that the judiciary remained a stabiliser of any sane and progressive society.
