Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has described the late former chief judge of the state, Justice Kate Abiri, as an incorruptible, courageous and fearless jurist who championed the cause for uniform retirement age for judges in the country.
Governor Diri said her advocacy resulted in the law that unified the retirement age of state and federal judges at 70 years.
Unfortunately, he said the late Justice Abiri did not benefit from it as the president signed the bill into law after her retirement in January this year.
His chief press secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as speaking during her funeral service at Aleibiri community in Ekeremor local government area of the state.
Senator Diri said her death was a huge loss to Bayelsa as it has created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
The governor stated that she would be remembered for her meritorious service to the state and Nigeria at large.
He noted that the number of dignitaries at her funeral was a testament to the good life she lived.
“For us, her demise is painful but I hope we all take solace in her worthy legacies and which we must all sustain,” he said.
At the night of tributes held at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, Diri said the late chief judge made impact nationally and that the Nigerian judiciary would always remember her courage and fearless attributes that stood her out among judges.
