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The Bayelsa State judiciary has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of the former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Kate Abiri.
According to family sources, the late Abiri died at the Gloryland Hospital Opolo, Yenagoa, yesterday morning, aged 65
A native of Aleibiri in Ekeremor Local Government Area, the late Abiri was the longest serving Chief Judge of Bayelsa State serving from 2010 to January 2023 when she retired from the bench with accolades.
The deceased was credited with outstanding reforms, innovations and infrastructure development at the Bayelsa State Judiciary and she was celebrated by former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Douye Diri and legal luminaries for her integrity and professionalism while at the bench.
The late Abiri was seen last in public during the swearing -in of her successor, Justice Margret Ayemieye at the Government House and also at the double book launch of King Bubaraye Dakolo, Adaga IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman Council of Traditional Rulers Bayelsa.
A statement from the Aleibiri community stated that mourning has already opened in her residence located at old Commissioner’s quarters Opolo, Yenagoa
Chairman of Aleibiri Federated Community, Yenagoa Branch, Bibobra Kitchen described her death as a monumental loss.
“This is to inform all Aleibiri indigenes residing here in Yenagoa and the general public that our daughter Hon. Justice Kate Abiri, former Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, is late.
“She died this morning 3rd Thursday August, 2023. As usual, the 4 days mourning and gathering commences today being Thursday 3rd at her Compound, Former Commissioner’s Quarters, Opolo, Yenagoa.”
The late jurist is survived by a widower, Mr Patrick Abiri, children and grandchildren.
