Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Justice Adolphus Enebeli of Rivers State High Court has retired after 31 years in active service.
Justice Enebeli who joined the state judiciary in 1992 as a Magistrate, retired at a mandatory age of 65.
In his tribute to the judge, at a special valedictory court session to mark his retirement, Governor Nyesom Wike said the people of Rivers State are indebted to Justice Enebeli for all the services he rendered to the justice system in the state.
Governor Wike described the renowned jurist as a courageous and committed judge.
He noted that unlike some judges, Justice Enebeli had distinguished himself throughout the 31 years he served in the Rivers State judiciary as one judge who never turned down cases assigned to him by the Chief Judge of the state.
“When somebody is committed to his job and courageous, some of us will always identify with such persons and give them the necessary support. It is not everybody that is committed to his job. It is not everybody that is courageous to do things that most people run away from.
“Just like what the Chief Judge said, Justice Enebeli has never returned any case assigned to him. So many people will find an excuse or the other by claiming people are saying this, they are saying that, and then run away from their job.”
Wike, who disclosed this while performing the unveiling and presentation of two books titled: ‘The Cradle: Footprints of Honourable Justice Adolphus Enebeli in the Magistracy 1992-2002’ and ‘The Spirit of the Law Through the Cases of Honourable Justice Adolphus Enebeli’ published in honour of the retired judge.
In his remark, the Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, noted that Justice Enebeli, joined the state judiciary in 1992 as a Magistrate, and was later appointed a judge in 2005 during the administration of governor Peter Odili.
Justice Amadi said Enebeli was a very productive judge, who never at any time returned any case assigned to him by the Chief Judge of the state.
The Rivers State Chief Judge stated that Justice Enebeli, who he described as one of the staunch pillars of his administration, remains one of the best jurists the state judiciary has produced.
On his part, the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Zacchaeus Adangor, SAN, acknowledged the dedication with which Justice Enebeli discharged his judicial responsibility.
Professor Adangor said Justice Enebeli’s immense personality, great intellect and integrity is an affirmation that the office of a judge is truly a calling.
Speaking on behalf of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Eberechi Adele (SAN), said except the office of the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Enebeli held all relevant positions in the state judiciary without any blemish.
In his address, Justice Enebeli, charged judges to be courageous in the discharge of their duties.
Enebeli commended Governor Wike for providing the Rivers State judiciary with the necessary infrastructure required for the speedy dispensation of justice.
