By Emeka Amaefula
JUSTICE ADOLPHUS ENEBELI RETIRES FROM RIVERS STATE JUDICIARY IN GRAND STYLE —LAUNCHES TWO BOOKS
The Rivers State Judiciary Service Commission and Ministry of Justice on Friday jointly conducted Valedictory services for erudite Honourable Justice Adolphus Enebeli who on Friday 31st of March, 2023 bowed out from active service as a Judge after 31-years. In attendance were dignitaries including Rivers state Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike who paid glowing tribute to Honourable Justice Adolphus Enebeli for his forthrightness, dedication, integrity, and courage while he held sway as a Judge. The Ndoni Rivers state born erudite Judge emeritus Justice Enebeli was described as one who never wavered in his his duties irrespective of the challenges that he faced.
Governor Wike 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. Governor Wike said that “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 one excuse or the other by claiming people are saying this, they are saying that, and then run away from their job.”
In the second part of the Valedictory ceremony was the launching and unveiling of two books which included “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” all published in honour of the retired judge.
The Rivers State Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Simeon Amadi, in his speech extolled Justice Enebeli, who he said joined the Rivers State judiciary in 1992 as a magistrate, and was later appointed a judge in 2005 during the administration of governor Peter Odili, throughout his career exhibited a sound understanding of the law. Justice Amadi said that Justice 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 statement at the occasion, the celebrant Justice Enebeli, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 65, charged other judges to be courageous in the discharge of their duties. He commended Governor Nyesom Wike for providing the enabling environment with required infrastructure that aided speedy dispensation of justice in Rivers State judiciary.
The occasion attracted who is who in Rivers state and beyond as dignitaries who were present at the Special Valedictory court sessions include Rivers State deputy governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo; former Rivers State governor, Dr. Peter Odili, his wife, Hon. Justice Mary Odili, JSC rtd; former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose; Rivers State governor-elect, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu; King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, Edward I, Perekule XI, Natural Ruler and Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom; former President, Nigerian Bar Association, Onueze C.J. Okocha, SAN among others.
Justice Adolphus Enebeli in his days at the Rivers state judiciary at a time was Chief Registrar whose impeccable record of service was excellent as he climbed higher and higher with the appointment as a Judge in the Judiciary leading to his 31-years active service and having clocked 65 years of age.
——————Emeka Amaefula—————–+234(0)8111813069
