Yesterday, I joined the government and the good people of Bayelsa State, the former president of Nigeria who was ably represented by his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, the Chief Judge, other Judges and legal practioners, elders of the state, family members and well-wishers to bid farewell to Late Hon. Justice Kate Abiri, former Chief Judge of Bayelsa State.
I flew in from Abuja to attend the valedictory court session, and even though my flight was delayed as a result of the bad weather, I was glad that I made it before it ended.
I also attended the night of tributes in her honour where In my tribute, I gave credit to her for living a life of service. She was a diligent officer of the law who started as a magistrate and ended up as a Chief Judge.
She was also the daughter of an Ijaw Nationalist, a former Police Officer and therefore a daughter of the Ijaw struggle, and I related with her as such.
She swore me in twice as Governor of Bayelsa State, just as she swore three other governors of the state and she was the first female and longest serving Chief Judge of our state.
She served under Hon. Justice Ugbuku, first Chief Judge and Hon. Justice Igoniwari, his successor, who both mentored her.
She was a hardworking, humble and simple woman who did well in all departments of her life. She was successful in both her family and professional life.
She was the first highest female Judicial Officer in Bayelsa State and retired in January this year after clocking the mandatory age of retirement in the judiciary which is sixty-five years.
I was very sad and heart-broken when I received the news of her passing and shocked because I didn’t know of any ailments. I found in her, a hardworking and God-fearing woman who prayed with me on major issues and collaborated with me on several initiatives that I executed for the judiciary such as the Judiciary Autonomy Law, the employment of Research Assistants to judges of the state, the digitalization of the judiciary, the building and renovation of court complexes, the construction of the judges quarters and several other initiatives.
I took her into confidence in some of my monumental decisions such as the November 2nd Thanksgiving Law and the building of the Ecumenical Center. She was also a regular feature at all monthly prayer sessions that I instituted which are still ongoing.
She worked well with me, my predecessor, and I also know that she worked well with my successor until her retirement which we had all hoped she would enjoy after her long years of service and also be available to make contributions at the state and national levels. She will be greatly missed.
On behalf of my family, the government and people of the state, my Lord the Chief Judge and Judges, magistrates, the chairman and members of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), I thank all her colleagues and other judges who came from far and near and senior lawyers who graced all the occasions and wish them all journey mercies.
For the family, I urge them to take solace in the good and great life she lived as her death is a celebration of a life well lived. She laid a good foundation and they can be sure that she left worthy legacies and a huge credit in their favour in terms of goodwill and experience from which they will draw.
It is my prayer that God will grant her soul eternal repose and the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
HSD
