President Muhammadu Buhari has sent his condolences to the government and people of Rivers State over the passing of legal icon, author and law professor, Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte.
The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, conveyed the message in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.
Buhari prayed that God would comfort those mourning the legal luminary, especially his family, the academia, Nigerian Bar Association and Body of Benchers as well as friends and associates.
He commended Karibi-Whyte’s contributions to law and jurisprudence in Nigeria and beyond, saying that Karibi-Whyte left a legacy of integrity and nationalism.
The president noted that Karibi-Whyte used his knowledge, wisdom and experience in serving the nation.
Buhari also acknowledged that the deceased worked diligently as a scholar for many years before transiting to the judiciary, to pursue his passion of ensuring fairness through the Federal Revenue Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He affirmed that Karibi-Whyte played historic roles in growing Nigeria’s legal system, strengthening democratic institutions and shaping the policy direction of many governments and international agencies.
Karibi-Whyte 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 as well as Judge and Vice-President of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia at The Hague.
Buhari said that the jurist lived and led by example, set a standard for resourcefulness and patriotism and brought honour to Nigeria.
He prayed God to grant Karibi-Whyte eternal rest.
Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, also expressed profound sadness and pain over the demise of Karibi-Whyte.
Amaechi, who referred to the deceased as a father and great advisor, had during his time as governor of Rivers State appointed Karibi-Whyte Pro-Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) to strengthen the institution’s education and values.
He said: “Justice Karibi-Whyte, for me, was a father figure. He was an exemplary personality, a great advisor and I have the utmost respect for him.
“During his tenure as Pro Chancellor of RSUST where he brought his astute disposition and intellect to bear, there was a remarkable turnaround in the quality of education and handling of affairs in the institution.
“He was also a key member of the State’s Economic Advisory Council when I was governor and my administration and Rivers State benefited richly from his wealth of experience and expertise.
“As a Justice of the supreme court, he was very upright, fearless and upheld the rule of law. He was a colossus and great teacher. I will miss him deeply. Rivers State and Nigeria just lost a good man, a great man”, Amaechi said.
Amaechi prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed Justice Karibi-Whyte and comfort for his wife and entire family.
Meanwhile, the death has been described as a huge loss to the legal profession, Nigeria and Rivers State in particular.
Immediate past Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, stated this at the weekend.
He described the late Justice Karibi-Whyte as one of the finest jurists of his generation, who brought tact, discipline, and sound judgments to the legal profession.
According to him, the late jurist represented one of the Rivers’ finest professionals that excelled at the very top of their careers and contributed immensely to the growth and development of Nigeria.
“Late Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte was a complete gentleman and an intellectual to the core, he was never found wanting throughout his time in the judiciary and represented one of the best of his generation.
“He brought confidence to the bar and bench, he spoke with authority and delivered sound judgments that have stood the test of time. He was a disciplined man, who ensured justice was fair and sound and, brought honour to legal jurisprudence.
“As former Solicitor-General of Rivers state, he contributed immensely to the expansion of the judiciary, in addition to his offerings on laws made in the state,” he stated.
The former House of Representatives member stressed further that the late jurist departed at a time “we are bringing all men of goodwill together to commence the rebuilding of the state.”
Peterside sympathised with his family and prayed to God to grant them the perseverance to bear the loss of an icon, whose fatherly advice and guidance were still needed at various times.
The President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Paul Usoro (SAN), expressed condolence to the family of Karibi-Whyte.
In a statement by NBA Spokesman, Mr Kunle Edun, the association described the late justice as a quintessential jurist whose impact in the Nigerian legal system could not be forgotten in a hurry.
“The NBA hereby expresses its deep condolences to my Lords, Honorable Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the entire Nigerian judiciary, government and people of Rivers State, families and friends of our departed noble Lord.
“Justice Karibi-Whyte left behind sterling legacies and delivered landmark judgments that continue to define the Nigerian legal jurisprudence,” it said.
The NBA described the late Supreme Court jurist “a judicial colossus and one of the greatest jurists that Nigeria ever had.
“Hon. Justice Karibi-Whyte was a retired Justice of the Supreme Court and an erudite Professor of Law.
“He served in other capacities as Chairman of several high-powered Commissions of Inquiry and Tribunals.
“Justice Karibi-Whyte also served as a Judge and Vice President, International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia (sitting at the Hague) on November 7, 1993, and Chairman, Nigerian Constitutional Conference between 1994 to 1995.
“He authored 13 books and 55 academic publications in reputable local and international journals, and was highly sought after speaker on legal issues,” the NBA said.
The NBA said Karibi-Whyte was a gentleman of indisputable stellar accomplishments and prayed God to bless his soul and grant him a peaceful rest.
Also, the Ikorodu branch of NBA mourned Karibi-Whyte.
Expressing sadness over the passing of the jurist, Mr Bayo Akinlade, the Chairman of the Ikorodu branch of the NBA, said that the country had lost an eminent jurist who was a “rare breed.”
“Another legal icon is gone and it just goes to show that there is a need for persons in the legal community to be unafraid to do what is right.
“We need more individuals like the late Karibi-Whyte who will analyse issues properly and do what is fair for all,” he said.
The NBA Ikorodu Branch Chairman, who described the late jurist as very knowledgeable and bold, said the Nigerian legal community was running out of icons that younger generations of lawyers could look up to.
“The nation has lost a brilliant mind, may his soul rest in peace,” he said.
Karibi-Whyte, a professor of law who hailed from Abonnema in Rivers State, was judge of the Federal High Court from 1976 to 1980, judge of the Court of Appeal from 1980 to 1984, and justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 1984 to 2002.
He wrote 13 books and 55 academic publications in local and international learned journals.
He was conferred with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 1998 and in 2008 respectively.
