Buhari sends condolences to Rivers over demise of Justice Karibi-Whyte

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Retd.) has sent his condolences to the people of Rivers State on the demise of a legal icon, Justice Adolphus Godwin Karibi-Whyte.

Late Karibi-Whyte who died at the age of 88 was described as an “erudite jurist” who “lived and led by example”, according to the president's statement which was released by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, on Saturday.

The deceased died of heart failure in a hospital in Port Harcourt, Rivers State hospital, according to his eldest son and Lagos based lawyer, Mr. Dagogo Karibi-Whyte

The Presidency’s full statement reads:

President Muhammadu Buhari sends condolences to government and people of Rivers State over the passing of legal icon, author and Professor of Law, Justice Adolphus Godwin Karibi-Whyte.

President Buhari prays that God will comfort all who mourn the legal colossus, especially his family, the academia, Nigerian Bar Association and Body of Benchers, friends and associates, commending his contributions to law and jurisprudence in the country, and beyond, leaving a legacy of integrity and nationalism.

President Buhari notes, 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.

The President affirms 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.

The President 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 a peaceful rest.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 23, 2020