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Independent, impartial judiciary key to achieve rule of law — Gov Fubara

Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara has identified an independent, impartial, and efficient judiciary as the central key to the collective aspirations for a state and country where the rule of law, democracy, human rights, and good governance reign supreme.

He expressed his belief that the rule of law and justice are deeply rooted in moral ethics and values for the creation of a just, secure, and egalitarian society.

The governor made this known at a Special Court session held at the Ceremonial Court Hall, Court C, High Court Complex, Port Harcourt marking the opening of the 2023/2024 legal year.

Fubara reiterated that his interest in the rule of law, judicial independence and effective justice in Rivers State was profound and heartfelt.

“I know that the judiciary and justice delivery system in Rivers State is still a work in progress, but we have come a long way when compared with most other states of the federation in terms of institutional infrastructure, strength, capacity and competence,” he stated.

The governor acknowledged the huge contributions of the Nyesom Wike administration to improve the justice delivery system in the state saying; “however, while we can all see and feel the improvements and resultant impact of these improvements on justice delivery, we must also admit that our judiciary has not yet reached the point of self-actualisation, meaning that there is still work to be done by all stakeholders since access to effective justice delivery is a shared and collective responsibility.

“I wish to assure you of my commitment as the head of the executive arm of our government to provide tangible support in creating a sustainable environment to secure effective judicial independence and the efficiency of justice delivery in Rivers State.”

While launching the book titled, ‘History of Rivers State Judiciary, A Compendium of Personalities on the Bench’, Fubara donated the sum of N50 million, assuring that his administration would not relent in improving the welfare of judicial officers.

Earlier at a rededication church service held at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Hospital Road, Port Harcourt, the governor said concerning the former governor of the state and current minister of the FCT; “l have always called him my Oga, is still my Oga, regardless of whatsoever that has happened in the last few days, and l never recruited anybody to malign any person.”

He urged Rivers people to put behind them the discomfort created by the political tension experienced days ago and join efforts with his administration in its determination to ensure continuous peace and development in the state.

In his sermon, ‘Fear Not’, Bishop of the Diocese of Niger Delta, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja said the spirit of fear needs to be overcome by firm trust in God and urged the judicial officers to uphold the truth fearlessly in the discharge of their duties.

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