Governor Fubara has issued a stern warning to judges, urging them to avoid delivering conflicting judgments that could undermine the justice system and erode public trust.
Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, has advised judges and lawyers to maintain their integrity and avoid inconsistencies or susceptibility to influence in court rulings.
His statement came after several conflicting judgments that nearly disrupted the local government election in the state.
Some of you claim to be legal experts, yet despite knowing the truth, you’ll publicly twist interpretations of the law just to appease those who employ you.
We all understand that matters related to the administration of state governance fall under the jurisdiction of the state high court.
“It makes no difference if you joined INEC or the police; it’s a state issue. I’m not a lawyer, but I believe that as long as you’re doing the right thing, God will be your judge,” he said.
On Thursday, the governor delivered a speech at the opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year and re-dedication service held at St. Paul’s Cathedral Church, Anglican Communion, located in Diobu near Garrison Junction in Port Harcourt.
The governor asserted that, without a doubt, the judiciary is a sacred temple of justice and should consistently uphold these assurances for everyone who seeks its guidance, rather than doing otherwise.
He stated that since court judgments have far-reaching implications, careful consideration is necessary when making judicial pronouncements.
Allow me to put it this way for clarity: Judges, you are the highest authority we recognize. Your role is to protect and advocate for us. It’s your duty to assess each individual impartially and deliver the truth.
“If you choose not to act now, a significant question will arise later. As the preacher warned, any wrongdoing committed in the name of justice will come with serious consequences.”
Fubara praised the Rivers State judiciary, especially the High Court divisions, for their various forms of support that have helped sustain his administration in the face of deliberate opposition.
He hinted that some judicial officers in the state had faced threats, physical assaults, or baseless petitions designed to intimidate them into submission.
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He encouraged them to stay steadfast in their dedication to uphold truth and never compromise justice.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Rivers State judiciary, particularly the High Court of Rivers State, for your support in sustaining this administration up until now.
We are fully aware that many of you have faced threats, both through phone calls and physical assaults. Additionally, we understand some have encountered professional intimidation via false and frivolous petitions.
However, it’s important to realize that facing opposition is inevitable when you’re doing the right thing. To those of you who are upholding what’s right despite resistance from all sides: stay strong and courageous. Remember, this challenging period will soon come to an end—nothing lasts forever.
He assured the judges that under his administration, Justice Simeon Amadi’s leadership as Chief Judge of Rivers State would achieve greater successes.
He emphasized the importance of strong institutions for establishing democracy and good governance, aiming to create a healthy and prosperous society.
The governor stated that society would ultimately suffer when institutions were intentionally weakened.
In his sermon on the topic “Called To Uphold Justice,” Rt Rev Wisdom Budu Ihunwo, the Bishop of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, stated that Nigeria is in a state of decline partly due to inconsistent rulings frequently issued by courts with equal authority.
Bishop Ihunwo observed that the judiciary’s intentional inconsistency undermined leadership and threatened national unity.
