Encomiums as Appeal Court honours Justice Barka

Justice Gumel said his personal interactions with Justice Barka had significantly impacted both his professional and personal life, adding that the retiring jurist consistently demonstrated maturity and intellectual depth in his judicial duties, qualities that earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues.

He noted that while Justice Barka’s retirement marks the end of an era, it also represents a fulfilled and impactful journey in service to the judiciary and the nation.

Justice Mohammed Danjuma, Presiding Justice of the Kano Division of the Court of Appeal, recalled his long-standing relationship with Justice Barka, whom he said he had known since 1985.

He also worked closely with him in 2008 during the Election Appeals Tribunal in Umuahia, Abia State, where Justice Barka served as chairman.

Referring to him as “an excellent brother,” Justice Danjuma described Justice Barka as humble, dedicated to service and integrity, and a jurist committed to delivering justice rather than seeking personal recognition.

Describing him as a man of faith, Justice Danjuma recalled that Justice Barka was not deterred when he was not appointed Chief Judge at a point in his career, until his eventual elevation to the Court of Appeal, a development he attributed to divine providence.

Another member of the Court of Appeal bench, Justice Bilikisu Aliyu, said her relationship with Justice Barka began about eight years ago in Ilorin during her early days at the court.

She said that upon her elevation from the Federal High Court, she had limited experience in appellate jurisdiction, but Justice Barka mentored her.

She added: “I observed his lordship in and outside the court for over one and a half years that we sat together.

“I have never seen a more humble, hardworking jurist, and I am forever indebted to his lordship for his guidance, mentorship and support when I first came to this court.”

Justice Aliyu noted that since January, justices in the Abuja Division had been expressing concern over the impending retirement of Justice Barka.

“We are wondering how we will manage without his lordship’s gentleness, kindness, guidance and the way he conducts proceedings and the affairs of this division,” she said.

Justice Abba Mohammed of the Court of Appeal said working closely with Justice Barka over the past three years had been one of the most fulfilling experiences in his judicial career.

He described Justice Barka as “a gentleman, an amiable person and indeed a very good leader,” who provided mentorship and guidance that contributed significantly to the achievements recorded by the Abuja Division.

He added that under Justice Barka’s leadership, the division consistently earned commendation from the President of the Court of Appeal.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, John Adele, who spoke on behalf of lawyers at the event, highlighted Justice Barka’s calm disposition, sense of humour and commitment to professionalism both on and off the bench.

Adele said Justice Barka was “never ruffled” and maintained composure in handling judicial matters, ensuring that issues brought before him were addressed with diligence and efficiency.

He added that he had long admired Justice Barka and studied many of his lead judgments, which he described as impactful and instructive.

Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal, Umar Bangari, traced the career path of the retiring jurist, noting that he was appointed a Magistrate in 1981 in Bauchi State, a year after he was called to the Bar.

According to Bangari, Justice Barka later served as a judge of the High Court of Bauchi State until March 3, 2014, when he was elevated to the Court of Appeal.

At the appellate court, he served in various divisions, including Benin, Ilorin, Akure, Calabar and Abuja, where he is currently the Presiding Justice.

Justice Barka expressed appreciation to everyone present, particularly the PCA and his brother justices, for the honour.

He recalled his career progression from a Grade II Magistrate to a High Court judge and eventually Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal.

Justice Barka, who commended Justice Dongban-Mensem for being instrumental to his elevation, also expressed delight at the cordial atmosphere in the court.

He said: “My Lord, the President (PCA), I cannot thank you enough. The good Lord will reward you for all you have done. You were instrumental to my coming to the Court of Appeal.

“My application, which had been pending since 2003 and again in 2014, was kept alive by you. It is only at this level of the court that I realised one can truly have friends and be loved.

“Since I came to the Court of Appeal, I have made many friends. I do not remember having any enemy in this court; all are my friends.”

Justice Barka, who also spoke about his family, said he was overwhelmed by the kind words and the court’s decision to host a luncheon in his honour.

“When I lost my wife of over 40 years, I thought I would never marry again. But a colleague gave me her daughter to support me in my old age. I thank my mother-in-law and my wife.

“When I was asked whether there would be a valedictory session for me, I said no. But this is more than a valedictory session. All the good things said about me surprised me. Am I really that good?”

“Wherever I go, I will remain an ambassador of this court. My Lord, the President, I will remain with you whether you are still the President or when you retire. Send me wherever you want; I will be available,” he said.