By Elkass Sannoh
The Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards, together with other judges of the Superior Court of Judicature, has bade farewell to Hon. Justice Miatta Maria Samba (JSC) to serve as the first Sierra Leonean Judge at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Delivering his farewell speech at a well-attended cocktail party in honour of Justice Miatta Samba, the Hon. Chief Justice said she deserves to be celebrated by all for being the country’s first judge from the Judiciary of Sierra Leone to serve as Judge of the ICC.
He went on to note that Justice Samba’s appointment was based on her high-level of performance and the approval she received from the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) – a Commission he (Chief Justice) heads.
The Hon. Chief Justice said, “having Justice Samba as the first Sierra Leonean Judge at the ICC does not only speak volume about her person but also about Sierra Leone and the caliber of people that could rise to be champions if the right opportunities are given.”
Commenting on the professional life of Hon. Justice Miatta Samba in the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, Hon. Justice Edwards said she was appointed Judge of the High Court of Sierra Leone in 2015, Court of Appeal in 2017 and Supreme Court Justice this year, stressing that her promotion was motivated by her extraordinary commitments and outputs in her job.
The Hon. Chief Justice beseeched Justice Samba to do all she could to make them proud by living up to the great ideals and substance that led to her appointment.
He encouraged her to set her footprints on the sands of time for many to emulate her steps.
Describing the new ICC Judge, Supreme Court Judge, Hon. Justice Eku Roberts, referred to her as an excellent personality that is very tenacious.
“Professionally, you deserve what you have and what God has given you. I can remember very well the extraordinary commitment you placed on your studies for the interview. We wish that you do well and we fervently pray even though we are certain, for extraordinary performance,” Hon. Justice Roberts prayed.
In her statement to the Hon. Chief Justice, colleague judges and senior administrative staff of the Judiciary, Hon. Justice Samba said she is a Judge of the ICC today due to the overwhelming support and prayers she got from Sierra Leoneans, including Judges.
She thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for affirmatively supporting her movement during the election period.
Justice Samba described her time at the Judiciary of Sierra Leone as a pleasant and remarkable moment, adding that she treasured the bond among them as judges as well as from the administrative staff.
“My Lord the Hon. Chief Justice and My Lords, I want you to deeply know that I do appreciate each and every one of you,” she said, noting that, “I know that you know me well. Do have no doubt that I am more than capable to defend my own as it has always been. Please remember me in your prayers as that will fortify me in all my activities.”
The ceremony was chaired by Court of Appeal Judge Hon. Justice Reginald Fynn.
Meanwhile, Justice Miatta Samba on Monday left the shores of Freetown to resume work.
