Fubara Hosts Grand Banquet for Retired Appeal Court Judge Daniel-Kalio Amid Peace Breakthrough in Rivers

It was a night of legal and political stars in Port Harcourt on Thursday as Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara led a chorus of tributes for the retiring Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal (Asaba Division), Hon. Justice Obietonbara Owupele Daniel-Kalio. The valedictory state banquet, held at the Government House, served as a rare moment of “State of Harmony” in a week otherwise dominated by legislative drama.

Governor Fubara, who personally organized the event, described Justice Daniel-Kalio as a “shining model” of integrity whose career on the bench should serve as a lesson for those in power. “It is not about us winning now; it is about how it ends,” Fubara remarked in a poignant speech. “We must strive to do the right things and defend the most important thing, and that is justice. Always stand on the side of truth so that your story is told correctly when you leave the stage.”

The Governor’s call for justice and collective interest over personal ego felt particularly timely. Earlier on Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly following an intervention by President Bola Tinubu halted its months-long impeachment proceedings against the Governor. With the “war drums” temporarily silenced, Fubara used the banquet to signal a fresh start, announcing that he has finalized a list of 20 commissioner nominees to revitalize his administration.

For Justice Daniel-Kalio, the night was a sentimental journey home. Recalling his growth and development within the state, the retired jurist thanked the Governor for the “unprecedented honor” and pledged to keep serving the state as an elder statesman. “Rivers State has been good to me,” he noted. “We are all going to work together to make sure this state remains beautiful.”

The event was attended by judicial heavyweights from across the country, many of whom praised Daniel-Kalio’s “intellectual prowess and courage.” As the retired Justice bows out after decades of service, the message from Alausa and now Port Harcourt is clear: whether in the courtroom or the boardroom, the standard of truth remains the only path to a lasting legacy.