President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria has expressed his condolences to government and people of Rivers State over the death of a legal icon, author and Professor of Law, Justice Adolphus Godwin Karibi-Whyte.
Buhari in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina, prayed God to comfort all who mourn the legal colossus, especially his family, the academia, Nigerian Bar Association and Body of Benchers, friends, and associates.
He commended the contributions of the late legal icon to law and jurisprudence in the country, and beyond, leaving a legacy of integrity and nationalism.
The president noted, with deep conviction, that the legal luminary used his knowledge, wisdom, and experience in serving the nation he loved so much, working diligently as a scholar for many years, before transiting to the judiciary, and pursuing his passion of ensuring fairness through the Federal Revenue Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He affirmed that Justice Karibi-Whyte played many historic roles in growing Nigeria’s legal system, strengthening democratic institutions and shaping the policy direction of many governments and international agencies, as he served as Chairman, Nigerian Constitutional Conference, 1994-1995, Counterfeit Currency Tribunal, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities, and Judge and Vice-President of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia at The Hague.
He said that he believes the erudite jurist lived and led by example, set a standard for resourcefulness and patriotism, and brought honour to the country, praying that the Almighty God will grant his soul peaceful rest.