By Ignatius Okorocha
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has described the transition of former Supreme Court Judge, Justice Adolphus Godwin Karibi-Whyte to eternal life as a deep loss not only for Nigeria but the world in general.
In a statement by media Adviser to Senator Omo-Agege, Yomi Odunuga, the loss is mitigated by warm memories of Karibi-Whyte’s profound and impactful contributions at state, national and international levels.
Reacting to the demise of the retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Omo-Agege urged his family members, people of Rivers State, members of the Nigerian Bar Association and Body of Benchers as well as friends and associates of the late judge at home and abroad, to take solace in his unforgettable imprints.
“He lived a long, highly productive life but even upon his exit at 88, the retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Professor of Law, Justice Adolphus Godwin Karibi-Whyte, CFR, profoundly impacted Rivers State, Nigeria and the global community with cerebral contributions in his chosen field.
“It could be easier for many to remember his very significant contributions as a Justice of the Supreme Court and as Judge and Vice-President of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia at The Hague but his noble impact pre-dated those assignments.
“The quality of his interpersonal relationships and intellectual achievements through Kalabari National College in Buguma, Rivers State which he left in 1950, the two United Kingdom universities where he studied before coming to the University of Lagos for his Ph.D eloquently attest to his towering capacity.
“His service records at the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, the Federal Revenue Court, Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court and on numerous national assignments that included chairmanship of both the Nigerian Constitutional Conference of 1994-1995 and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) speak of uncommon diligence and patriotic focus.
“I pray that God Almighty will grant the soul of our dear Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte, eternal rest and comfort the family left behind,” Senator Omo-Agege stated.
In another development, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has condoled with the family of Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya over the death of his wife, Hajiya Halima Gaya.
In a condolence message to his colleague, the Deputy Senate President noted that even as a private citizen, Hajia Halima Gaya contributed to the improvement of the society.
Urging Senator Gaya and members of his family to find solace in the Islamic faith and the good memories left behind by Hajia Gaya, Senator Omo-Agege counselled that her legacies should be kept alive.
“It is from God Almighty that we came and unto Him we shall all return. It is the positive difference we are able to make for the betterment of the people around us during our earthly sojourn that matters.
“We all know the pains that such exit causes in every family and I pray that God Almighty grants His Excellency, our dear Senator Kabiru Gaya and all members of his family, the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“It is noteworthy that Hajiya Gaya established schools to help address one of the greatest development challenges in Northern Nigeria and such noble legacy deserves to be sustained for the continuing benefit of the younger generation,” he stated.
