Former Acting Chief Judge of Gombe State, Justice Beatrice Iliya receives commendations from Nigerians
By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
Nigerians from all walks of life, during the weekend, conveyed at Christian Association of Nigeria CAN Centre to celebrate an Amazon, a celebrated jurist, who distinguished her meritorious service as a Retired Acting Chief Judge of Gombe State, Justice Beatrice Iliya.
Among the dignitaries who attended the epochal event is the Gombe State Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, who joined thousands of Nigerians in celebrating a celebral jurist,an amazon and indefatigable judge, Justice Beatrice Lazarus Iliya who retired as the Acting Chief Judge of Gombe State and rejoices for God’s faithfulness in her eventful career that ended in praises.
Meanwhile, the mammoth crowd was at CAN Centre to join Retired Acting Chief Judge, Gombe State as she celebrated God’s faithfulness in her life at Christian Association of Nigeria Centre, Gombe.
The various speakers were expressing gratitude to God for leading the retired Acting Chief Judge through thick and thin in her entire career.
The Gombe State Deputy Governor who was the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion said it’s worth appreciating God for seeing Justice Beatrice Iliya throughout her service successfully.
The Deputy Governor noted that the act of Thanksgiving is an indication that one is God-fearing, dedicated, committed to things of God by appreciating the provision and guidance of the Almighty in his or her life.
Citing copiously the various scriptures from the book of Ecclesiastes Chapter 9 verse 11, the Deputy Governor stressed that, to succeed in life, the race is not for the swift nor for the strong but for those who trust in the Lord.
He called on her to consider using her retirement life in assisting humanity.
Speaking the sermon, the Bishop John Wesley Yohanna of United Methodist Church of Nigeria explained that Justice Beatrice Iliya could be like the Biblical Queen Esther who chose the path of justice for her people rather than seeking part of the kingdom for herself.
Also, taking his messages from book of Esther 7:1-8, and quoting other references, the Bishop charged the congregation to always seek what will benefit the entire society and save humanity irrespective of religious or tribal differences whenever opportunity presents itself.
Specifically speaking to the celebrant, the clergyman said, that because she has served God and humanity through serving Gombe State and Nigeria diligently, she will be victorious in every way of her future endeavours.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Members of Federal House of Representatives, representing Kaltungo-Shongom and Balanga-Billiri Constituencies, Hon. Simon Karu and Hon. Victor Danzaria Mela congratulated the retired Acting Chief Judge for a successful retirement, urging her to accept whatever happened in the course of her careers as an act of God.
Other goodwill messages came from the Member, representing Billiri East in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Rambi Ibrahim Ayala, Justice Haruna Habila Kereng the Representative of the Chief Judge, Gombe State, Justice Joseph Ahmed Awak, Hon. Justice Ebiowei Tobi J.C.A on behalf of Penile Forum, United Methodist Church, Board of Trustee, Dr. Mike Dio, The immediate past Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria ( CLASFON) Dr. Moses Stone Okwori and Justice Julian Asabe Kyentu P.C.A. ( Rtd) on behalf of friends in their separate specches commended the justice Beatrice Illiya for her examplary leadership in the bench and a reputable judge of Gombe State judiciary service.
They all described the retired Justice Beatrice Lazarus Iliya as a lovely, humble, diligent and dedicated person who served in various capacities growing through the ranks as a lawyer and ended up as a judge to the pinnacle of her careers, wishing her a successful retirement life.
Earlier, Justice Beatrice Iliya explained that, she started her journey as a practicing lawyer in 1982 in the then Bauchi State as a State Counsel, and ended up as a judge in 1999.
She said, the story of her careers has been one of challenges, rigours and successes, ascribing glory unto God for starting well and ended well.
She appreciated God for raising Destiny helpers who stood by her through thick and thin, and appreciated her immediate family members especially her husband whose support can not be quantified and also to her extended family for being supportive to her.
Also, in his address of welcome, the CAN Chairman, North East, Dr. Abare Kallah welcomed everybody to the event which he described as celebrating the goodness and faithfulness of God in the entire careers of Justice Beatrice Iliya.
It could be recalled that Justice Beatrice Iliya a product of University of Maiduguri, Borno State where she began her careers in 1982 as State Counsel with defunct Bauchi State and rose through the ranks to become Deputy Director Litigations. She was appointed a High Court Judge in 1999 and Acting Chief Judge in 2019; a position she occupies until her retirement.
