Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on members of the judiciary and the political class to always place truth, justice and legacy above personal interests.
The governor made the call on Wednesday night during a state banquet held at the Government House in Port Harcourt in honour of retired Justice Obietonbara Owupele Daniel-Kalio, the immediate past Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division.
The event was attended by judges, senior lawyers, government officials, traditional rulers and other dignitaries from within and outside the state. The ceremony celebrated the retirement of Justice Daniel-Kalio after years of service on the Bench.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Onwuka Nzeshi, Fubara said the true measure of any leader is how his or her service ends.
According to the governor, public office holders should focus on how history will judge them after they leave office.
“The message tonight is about how a career ends,” Fubara said. “The conclusion of Justice Daniel-Kalio’s service brings honour to the state. It is a lesson for the upcoming young ones, and for those of us in politics. When we leave the stage, how will our story be told?”
He stressed that leadership is not only about holding power or winning political battles, but about standing for what is right.
“It is not about winning now; it is about how it ends. 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,” the governor stated.
Fubara noted that Nigeria’s judiciary plays a key role in sustaining democracy and maintaining peace in society. He said judges must continue to uphold high standards of fairness and integrity, even in the face of pressure.
Nigeria operates a constitutional democracy with three arms of government – the executive, legislature and judiciary. The judiciary is responsible for interpreting the law and ensuring that actions of government and individuals comply with the Constitution.
Over the years, the judiciary has played a major role in settling political disputes, including election cases. Court decisions often shape the political direction of states and the country as a whole.
Fubara said that for democracy to thrive, both politicians and judges must respect the rule of law and avoid actions that could damage public trust.
“It is about us coming together, believing in setting a standard and not allowing our personal interests to override those standards. That is the only way we can restore the good old days,” he said.
The governor described the retired jurist as a model of integrity and dedication. He urged young lawyers and politicians to learn from Justice Daniel-Kalio’s example.
Justice Daniel-Kalio recently retired as Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division. The Court of Appeal is one of the highest courts in Nigeria, second only to the Supreme Court. It handles appeals from lower courts, including election petitions and major civil and criminal cases.
Fubara said although the jurist has retired from active service, he remains strong and capable of contributing to the development of Rivers State.
“He may have retired, but he is not tired,” the governor said, adding that the state government would continue to seek his advice and experience when needed.
The governor also thanked guests who attended the banquet. He described their presence as a sign of support for his administration during what he called a significant period in the state’s political history.
“Our vision and desire here is to ensure that Rivers State continues to grow from strength to strength,” Fubara said. “It hasn’t been easy, but I feel very humbled and privileged to say that those of you here today are very special to us in Rivers State.”
Rivers State has experienced political tensions in recent years, with disputes among political leaders attracting national attention. In such times, the judiciary often becomes central in resolving conflicts.
Observers say the governor’s message about truth and legacy may reflect the broader political climate in the state, where legal battles and court rulings have influenced governance.
In her welcome address, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Vera Sam-Dike, said the banquet was organised to honour a distinguished son of the state.
She described Justice Daniel-Kalio as a jurist of exceptional integrity who served with fairness, loyalty and commitment to the rule of law.
According to her, his retirement marks both the end of an era and a celebration of a career that touched many lives.
She praised his courage, wisdom and intellect, adding that the event was a token of appreciation for his years of service.
Responding, Justice Daniel-Kalio expressed gratitude to the governor and the people of Rivers State for organising the reception in his honour.
He described his years on the Bench as rewarding and said the judiciary remains a stabilising force in any progressive society.
The retired justice noted that without a strong and independent judiciary, democracy cannot survive. He urged legal practitioners to remain committed to fairness and the Constitution.
