Fubara, others pay tributes to retired Appeal Court justice, Daniel-Kalio
…governor organises state banquet in honour of retired justice Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and other notable personalities have paid glowing tributes to the retired justice of the Court of
...governor organises state banquet in honour of retired justice
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and other notable personalities have paid glowing tributes to the retired justice of the Court of Appeal, Obietonbara Owupele Daniel-Kalio.
Fubara spoke at a Valedictory State Banquet he organised in Government House in honour of Justice Daniel Kalio, who until his retirement was the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division.
The governor, who described the retired justice as a distinguished personality, said it was a privilege for him to organise a state banquet in his honour.
He said though Daniel-Kalio was retired, he was still strong to contribute to the growth and development of Rivers and promised to call on him for advice and support.
The governor reflected on Daniel-Kalio's on the benefits he enjoyed in the old Rivers State and said such priveleges could be possible again if all stakeholders could come together, beleive in setting a standard and stop allowing personal interest to overide collective good.
Fubara said the vision and desire was to ensure a progressive Rivers but aknowledged that the journey so far had been difficult.
"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 and very special to us in Rivers State, we can't pay you for doing that but God will reward you", Fubara said.
Addtessing the retired justice, he said: "Honourable Justice Obietonbara Owupele Daniel-Kalio you will continue to shine. We as a government will look for other areas to do something to show that you are a model. When we leave here we will think of what to do to show you are indeed a model
"What is happening in Rivers State today on your behalf has never happened in Nigeria, I stand to be corrected. 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".
Fubara counselled the young ones on the importance of striving for excellence and making the state proud in imitation of the likes of Justice Daniel-Kalio.
Addressing Daniel-Kalio again, he said: "So let me congratulate you for successful service, you are retired but not tired. Anything that has to do with the betterment of our state especially in the judiciary we will always bring you in".
Earlier in her remarks, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Rivers State, Mrs Vera Sam-Dik3 described Justice Daniel-Kalio as a jurist of impeccable integrity, titan of the Bench and icon of the law.
She said: "My Lord, Justice Daniel-Kalio, has served this nation with unwavering loyalty, fairness, and a profound commitment to the rule of law. His retirement marks the end of an era, but more importantly, it marks the celebration of a journey that has touched the lives of many and upheld the highest tenets of justice.
"As His Lordship bows out, we look back with pride at a legacy built on courage, wisdom, and profound intellectual prowess. We are gathered here today to celebrate a stellar career and to toast to a well deserved rest.
"To our guests of honour, the Honourable Justice Obietonbara Owupele Daniel-Kalio Rtd, we say: you have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, and you you have kept the faith. May God reward your hardwork, integrity and selfless service, to your nation."
In his speech, Daniel-Kalio, went down memory lane to recall his birth, growth and development saying Rivers had been good to him.
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He thanked the governor for the honour and vowed to keep serving Rivers and the country with all his heart.
He said, "Rivers State has been good to me. Your Excellency I thank you for this great honour. I will continue to serve Rivers State and Nigeria with all my heart, because we have no other country. It is a beautiful country and Rivers State is a beautiful place.
"All Rivers people are nice people. I keep saying Rivers State can compete with Lagos easily and even overtake Lagos. At times I think people don't want us to go that way, they want to drag Rivers State back, but they cannot succeed.
"I am certain that Rivers State is going to achieve her destiny of greatness. We are all going to work together to make sure that this State is beautiful. We are all going to do our best.
"I thank the governor, I thank the good people of Rivers State for this great honour and I also thank you for hosting my colleagues who came from far and near."
