The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra, says she will eternally be grateful to Governor Nyesom Wike, who made it possible for her to emerge as the 8th Chief Judge of the State despite being a non-indigene. “Not standing on ceremonies and putting aside all the sentiments and prejudices that have hobbled this otherwise great country of ours since its founding. His Excellency, as if against the run of play, appointed me the Chief Judge on 8th day of March, 2016, making me the second non-Rivers indigene,” she said.
Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra, stated this during the valedictory Court session to celebrate her retirement after 35 years of unblemished service and 65th birthday celebration. At the event, the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, eulogising Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra, said: “On behalf of my the Government and people of Rivers State I once again congratulate Hon Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra for a most successful career and thank her for her meritorious service and contributions to the development of the State.” The Governor presented to her the certificate of occupancy of a new deluxe home built for her by the State government and keys for a brand-new sport utility vehicle and a Hilux van.
While the Rivers state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor lauded Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra for developing a very unique style of saving precious judicial time that ensured speedy determination of causes and matters before her. “Your service to the Rivers State judiciary and contributions to the development of our law and the sustainable growth of the legal profession will forever be appreciated by all men of goodwill.”
Former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Onueze C.J. Okocha (SAN), said Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra judicial career was unblemished and commended her for digitalisation of the state judiciary. Dignitaries and legal luminaries who graced the valedictory ceremony included the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Mary Odili, the President Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem. Others are the Chief Judges Abia, Bayelsa, Enugu, Akwa-Ibom, Bauchi, Imo, Osun, Yobe States. Highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a book: Contemporary Issues in Women and Children’s Rights, A Compilation of Essays and Cases in honour of Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra by Justice Mary Odili.
