‘She bore her pains with so much dignity’ – Akwa Ibom CJ mourns late justice Ibanga

Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaete Obot, has expressed shock at the demise of Justice Felicitas Ibanga of the State High Court, who died while in service.

In her tribute on Friday in Uyo during a special court session in honor of the late judge, who served the state judiciary from 2001 to 2024, the Chief Judge noted that Ibanga bore her pains with dignity without slacking in her job.

While describing Ibanga as an upright, strict, incorruptible, and erudite jurist worthy of emulation, Justice Obot said Ibanga was an asset to the judiciary, hardworking, steadfast, and maintained high standards in judicial proceedings brought before her.

Her words: “For her passion and love for her job, she was appointed, deployed to, and successfully served in the Jigawa and later Zamfara State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Sokoto State.

“Justice Ibanga returned, rested, and resumed work in Okobo High Court before she took ill. She bore all her pains with so much dignity.”

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In his tribute, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Justice Uko Udom, said Ibanga was a remarkable professional, public servant, and jurist, who dedicated herself to excellence in all that she did.

Udom said that Justice Ibanga will be remembered for her brilliant presence, pronouncements, and impact as a judge of Akwa Ibom State High Court for nearly 10 years.

Mr Augustine Udoh, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Uyo branch, said that Ibanga has left a void, and her intellect and expertise will be greatly missed.

Udoh said that Justice Ibanga’s exceptional judicial acumen, unwavering integrity, and commitment to upholding justice and fairness were truly admirable and have left indelible marks on the lives of numerous individuals and the NBA.

Mr. Joshua Ibanga described his late wife as a pillar of support, saying that no one else could take her place as a virtuous woman.

“You were beautiful on the inside and on the outside.

“Those sweet and painful memories we shared for over 30 years together, I will hold dear and cherish forever.

“A vacuum very difficult to fill has been created in my life with your demise, especially when I thought you were recovering from the ailment,” he said.