● Tonye Okurumo
Port Harcourt – Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his commitment to upholding justice in the state, emphasizing that no cost is too high to defend the course of justice. This declaration was made during the 2024/2025 Legal Year opening and Re-Dedication Service at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul’s, Anglican Communion, Diobu, Port Harcourt on Thursday, October 17, 2024.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara underscored the sacred role of the judiciary as the temple of justice, insisting that it must always remain a beacon of fairness for all who approach it. “The Judiciary is a sacred temple of justice and should provide assurances for everyone seeking justice, not the other way around,” he stated.
The Governor also criticized some legal practitioners who, he said, have compromised their professional ethics to serve the interests of their paymasters. He condemned such actions, calling them aberrations in the practice of law. “Some of you call yourselves legal luminaries, yet you knowingly twist the truth to pacify your paymasters and turn the law upside down,” he remarked.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara (4th left); his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu (2nd left); the State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi (3rd left); the State President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Ihemnacho Wilfred Obuzor (left); and other top judicial officers shortly after the opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year and Re-Dedication Service at the Cathedral Church of St Paul’s Anglican Communion, Diobu (Garrison), Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Governor Fubara stressed that legal matters concerning the administration of governance within Rivers State fall under the jurisdiction of the State High Court, regardless of the involvement of other bodies like INEC or the police. “It is a State’s matter! I am not a lawyer, but I know that much,” he emphasized. “God will judge those who pervert the law.”
In his address, Governor Fubara acknowledged the crucial role judges play in upholding justice, likening their position to that of divine agents on earth. He urged them to dispense justice without fear or favor. “Judges, you are the God we see. Your role is to stand firm and tell the truth to those who come before you,” he said.
The Governor also cautioned the judiciary on the gravity of their decisions, noting that court judgments carry profound consequences. “Every evil done in the course of administering justice will be accounted for, and the guilty will pay dearly,” he warned.
He commended the Rivers State Judiciary, particularly the High Court, for their unwavering support to his administration despite external pressures. “I want to thank the High Court for standing by us, keeping the administration afloat despite calculated antagonisms,” Fubara expressed.
Governor Fubara (2nd right) Addressing the judges and lawyers
Governor Fubara acknowledged that many judicial officers in the state have faced threats, physical assaults, and frivolous petitions aimed at coercing them. Nevertheless, he urged them to remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice. “Be courageous. Nothing lasts forever, and this storm will soon pass,” he encouraged.
The Governor assured the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, of his continued support, promising never to pressure him or any judge to compromise their integrity. “If anyone, including myself, asks you to do something wrong, expose us publicly,” he insisted.
Governor Fubara stressed the importance of building strong institutions to foster democracy and good governance, noting that weakened institutions harm society as a whole. “Institutional strength is what will bring development, not individual power,” he explained.
He further warned that when institutions are undermined, it leads to societal decay. “This state belongs to all of us. If we destroy its institutions, the same fate will befall future administrations,” Fubara said.
Reflecting on his administration’s journey, the Governor noted that while challenges persist, his government remains focused on its objectives. He promised to soon showcase the positive achievements of his administration, despite efforts to overshadow them with negative news.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara (right); in a handshake with the State President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Ihemnacho Wilfred Obuzor (left); while the State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi (middle); watch on arrival at the opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year and Re-Dedication Service at the Cathedral Church of St Paul’s Anglican Communion, Diobu (Garrison), Port Harcourt on Thursday.
In his sermon, the Bishop of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, Rt. Rev. Wisdom Budu Ihunwo, spoke on the theme “Called to Uphold Justice,” lamenting the damage done by conflicting court judgments in Nigeria. He warned that those who manipulate justice will ultimately face divine retribution.
The service also featured prayers for the judiciary’s continued strength, wisdom, and courage in the discharge of their duties, as well as for peace in Rivers State and Nigeria. The State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, read the only lesson of the service. GMTNewsng
