Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, along with the state Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN), and other personalities have eulogized late Justice Stanley Alagoa, describing him as one of the best justices of the Supreme Court.
Ewhrudjakpo, who spoke at a special valedictory court session held in Yenagoa at the weekend, said there were a lot of positive lessons to learn from the exemplary life of the late justice of the Supreme Court.
He eulogized Justice Alagoa as an incorruptible judge, emphasizing that his judicial pronouncements, and judgements would be quoted for as long as justice system remains in Nigeria, and called on his family to take solace in his worthy legacy.
“There are two sets of people in the world – those who left their shoes dirty, and those who left theirs clean. The late Justice Alagoa is of the latter group.
“Alagoa was a man of integrity. He condemned corrupt politicians as a challenge to the Nigerian justice system. It is not how long a man lives, but how well.
“Justice Alagoa has taught everyone in Nigeria a lesson; his pronouncements and judgements will be quoted as long as the justice system remains. Let us immortalize him by promoting what he represented,” the deputy governor said.
The state Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Abrakasa-Ayemieye, pointed out that the late Justice Alagoa was the first Bayelsan to climb to the Supreme Court, and did so much in contributing towards the development of the country’s legal jurisprudence.
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Justice Ayemieye, who described Alagoa as one of the finest jurists at the Supreme Court, explained that he was a man of integrity, whose notable contributions to the growth of the Nigerian justice delivery system would not be easily forgotten.
She however, used the opportunity to remind the living that they came from God, and shall return to Him in due time, stressing that everyone shall give account of their deeds at an appointed time.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN), said it is evident from his biography that Justice Alagoa was a diligent judge, who rose through the ranks to the pinnacle of his illustrious career at the Supreme Court, and deserved the honour of being given a befitting funeral.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, Mr. Somina Johnbull, noted that the deceased who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1974, was an exemplary ambassador of the state judiciary, having been one of the three judges from Bayelsa State that ascended to the Supreme Court.
Other dignitaries present at the session were retired Justice Francis Tabai, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, represented by Justice A. Victor; the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah, retired Justice Margaret Akpomiemie, the Head of Service, and Mrs. Biobelemoye Charles-Onyeama, amongst others.
