Governor Sim Fubara who has tasted all kinds of judiciary in uncountable circumstances in his brief span in politics and governance, appears hungry of a judicial system that operates in its personal with out interference.
He appears hungry for a time when a person dealing with a case in courtroom would depend on interpretation of the regulation by legal professionals and judges with out weird twists and turns that come exterior of jurisprudence.
The governor has thus pledged crucial help to make sure the Judiciary operates as a really unbiased and efficient justice system.
Gov Fubara gave the peace of mind whereas formally declaring open the 2025/2026 authorized 12 months at a particular courtroom session on the State Excessive Court docket Complicated in Port Harcourt on Friday.
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He expressed satisfaction not solely with the occasion’s success but in addition with the Bar and Bench’s dedication to advancing the integrity of the judicial system.
The Governor mentioned that the Rivers State Judiciary ranks among the many greatest in Nigeria, including that it options a few of the brightest judicial minds who courageously interpret and apply the regulation with a excessive sense of justice.
He reminded the legal professionals, that as ministers within the temple of justice, they’re below oath to conduct themselves truthfully of their follow of the regulation earlier than the courts, to uphold the rule of regulation and advance the course of justice always.
“Equally, each choose is below a judicial oath to supply equal justice to all individuals in keeping with regulation to one of the best of their data and talent with out concern, favour, or affection”, he mentioned.
He burdened that the judicial oath is just not composed of mere phrases however calls for that judges act with ethical braveness to withstand stress, and be certain that each buddies and foes have entry to equal and neutral justice.
He, due to this fact, requested that every one courts, inferior or superior, ought to carry out their duties with braveness, adjudicate and interpret the legal guidelines and circumstances in ways in which promote substantial justice, democracy, and residents’ elementary rights.
The governor, nonetheless, declared that the political disaster is now over, with all events totally reconciled, and his administration again on its toes, affirming that he holds no grudges or unwell emotions towards anybody.
He acknowledged that the administration is now re-energised and has resumed the implementation of people-centric insurance policies, programmes, and tasks with higher dedication to realize the developmental milestones set to reinforce the well-being of the folks of Rivers State.
Governor Fubara reiterated his dedication to work with the State Home of Meeting, the Judiciary, and different stakeholders to get well misplaced floor, maintain peace and speed up improvement of the state.
He additionally appreciated the Chief Choose for offering practical, efficient management, distinctive braveness, and an unwavering dedication to make sure justice is served to all who search assistance from the courts. The Chief Choose was believed to have held the Judiciary agency throughout the impeachment threats and his place was mentioned to have saved the state of affairs because it allowed the Government arm and legislative arm to resolve their issues with out utilizing the Judiciary because the linchpin.
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Talking earlier throughout the thanksgiving service on the Corpus Christi Catholic Cathedral, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara referred to as on the Judiciary to stay steadfast as a ‘true temple of justice’, urging the courts to not let the harmless undergo unjustly.
In his remarks, Simeon Amadi, the Chief Choose of Rivers State, highlighted the absence of a Committee on Prerogative of Mercy within the state, which, he mentioned has contributed considerably to congestion in custodial centres.
He famous that the non-reduction of sentences for inmates, together with 493 male and 15 feminine death-row prisoners, is past the Chief Choose’s powers, and referred to as for presidency intervention.
He thanked the governor for the help given to the Judiciary thus far, and solicited for extra encouragement to scale back the pressures judicial officers face within the efficiency of their duties.
Additionally talking, Cordelia Eke, the chairman of the Nigerian Bar Affiliation (NBA), Port Harcourt Department, mentioned the 2024–2025 authorized 12 months started with optimism however was quickly overshadowed by political and institutional turbulence.
She famous that the state of emergency and suspension of key elected officers disrupted democratic governance and examined the resilience of the justice system. “The absence of an Legal professional Basic prompted severe delays in justice supply, unprocessed authorized functions, and monetary losses,” Eke acknowledged.
In keeping with her, the state of affairs underscored the pressing must fortify legal guidelines that defend establishments and be certain that the justice system continues to perform even in tough occasions.
Talking on behalf of the Physique of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), Onueze Okocha (SAN), expressed concern over the battered picture of the Judiciary, lamenting that many Nigerians have misplaced religion within the courts on account of inconsistent judgments and extended case delays.
He urged judges to withstand private pursuits that would affect their skilled conduct, calling for renewed integrity and sooner dispensation of justice.
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Earlier in his homily throughout the thanksgiving service, Patrick S. Eluke, Apostolic Administrator, Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, urged members of the authorized occupation to uphold ethical and non secular integrity of their follow, reminding them of their “sacred responsibility” to make sure that justice displays honesty, compassion, and equity.
He cautioned in opposition to hypocrisy, rivalry, and unhealthy competitors inside the authorized occupation, stressing that true justice should defend the weak and stay unswayed by materials or political affect.
He additional referred to as on elected leaders to reveal patriotism and accountability to the individuals who entrusted them with energy, noting that democracy and justice thrive solely the place integrity and equity prevail.
Highlights of the occasion have been presentation of presents to the Governor, his Deputy, Speaker, Rivers State Home of Meeting, and the Chief Choose; in addition to prayers for the Authorities, the Judiciary, the State and the nation.
