Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged politicians in the country to allow the judiciary to perform its constitutional functions, saying society is dynamic.
Jonathan gave the admonition during the book presentation/reception of week-long activities marking the retirement of the Bayelsa Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri, in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital on Saturday.
The former president acknowledged the critical role Justice Abiri played when she swore-in Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, thus averting a constitutional crisis and advised politicians not to be blinded by the power they wield.
Jonathan equally cautioned judicial officers to strive to be impartial and courageous in upholding the rule of law, which he noted was significant in the delivery of justice.
His words: “I advise politicians that while in office, let us not try to blackmail the judiciary because it is conservative.
“When we get political power, we get so blinded. Politicians should know that society is changing.
“Today, we are celebrating our retiring Chief Judge because she has served meritoriously.
“In 2015, she left Bayelsa for Rivers to perform the swearing-in of the governor, thereby averting anarchy. It appears that the judicial arm is more functional than the executive.”
Also speaking at the event, the governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, hailed Justice Abiri for her outstanding achievements, noting that during her 15-year term as Chief Judge, she swore in three governors in the state and one in Rivers State.
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He listed the governors as Timipre Sylva (2008), Sen. Seriake Dickson (2012), Douye Diri (2020), and Nyesom Wike (2015).
Governor Diri described Abiri as a legal icon, who rendered unblemished and meritorious service in three decades of legal practice.
He said the state would still require her services due to her commitment and wealth of experience.
Diri said her retirement was the beginning of a fresh chapter for the renowned judge, who displayed exemplary character and attracted dignity to the Bench.
He noted that Abiri is soft-spoken and humble but also a personality that carried the full weight of the law, with a balanced approach to leadership.
The governor assured that his government will continue to respect the rule of law as well as partner with the judiciary in delivering the dividends of democracy to all the people of Bayelsa State.
Other dignitaries at the event were the wife of the former president, Dame Patience Jonathan; wife of the Bayelsa State Governor, Justice Patience Diri; and the wife of the first civilian governor of the state, Margaret Alamieyeseigha; among others.
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