-
Says ‘I’m committed to defence of justice’
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has accused some judges of smearing their conscience to canvass what is professionally an aberration in order to please those he described as their “pay masters.”
Governor Fubara, who spoke earlier today (Thursday, October 17) at the opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year and Re-Dedication Service at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul’s, Anglican Communion, Diobu, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, however, restated his avowed determination to defend the course of justice in the State, no matter whose ox is gored.
While praising the judiciary as the sacred temple of justice that should always reassure everyone who approaches the temple of justice and not the other way round, Fubara said: “Some of you, you say, you are legal luminaries. You know the truth, but you will go on air just to pacify your pay masters to turn the law upside down.
“We all know the law when it comes to issues that have to do with the administration of the State; it is within the jurisdiction of the State High Court.
“It doesn’t matter whether you joined INEC, or Police. It is a State’s matter! I am not a lawyer, but I know that one. And you stand and say you are doing the right thing? God will judge you.”
Governor Fubara stated that within the temple of justice, judges are seen to represent God, who must not be afraid to look at those who come to equity, and dispense justice rightly without fear or favour.
He warned that, because court judgments have far-reaching implications, great care needs to be taken in making judicial pronouncements.
“Let me say it here so that you will understand: Judges, you are the God that we are seeing. Your position is to stand and defend us. Your position is to look at whoever and tell the person the truth,” Fubara remonstrated.
“Because if you don’t do it here, you will have a big question to answer. The preacher said “every evil done in the course of administering justice, you will pay for it dearly.”
Applauding the Rivers State judiciary, particularly, the High Court Divisions for their courageous support that has contributed to keeping his administration going despite calculated antagonisms, the State he is aware that some judicial officers in the State have been either threatened, physically assaulted or slammed with frivolous petitions raised against them to coerce them to submit.
But, he urged them to remain resolute in their commitment to standing on the side of truth and never compromise justice.
He added: “I want to thank the Rivers State Judiciary, more especially, the High Court of Rivers State, for your support, for keeping this administration afloat up until this hour.
“We know quite alright that a good number of you have been threatened by way of phone calls and even physical assaults. We are also aware that some of you have been threatened professionally through petitions that are fake and frivolous.
“But one thing that you need to understand is that you must be persecuted when you are doing the right thing. And those of you who are doing the right thing that are being fought from all sides, be courageous. Very soon, this whole thing will be over. Nothing lasts forever.”
Governor Fubara assured that the leadership of the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, will record more successes under his administration, promising never to call him or any other judge to do anything that is wrong.
He insisted that should there be such a call, the chief judge should not hesitate to disgrace him publicly, and do the same boldly to any other person who will call the CJ to do the wrong thing against the law.
He also harped on the importance of having strong institutions to thrive to entrench democracy and good governance so as to engender a healthy and prosperous society.
In his sermon, the Bishop, Diocese of Niger Delta North, Rt. Rev. Wisdom Budu Ihunwo, preaching on the topic, “Called To Uphold Justice”, said Nigeria is collapsing, owing partly to the conflicting judgments always emanating from courts of coordinate jurisdiction, which have deepened the festering crisis.
Bishop Ihunwo noted that such deliberate incoherence from the judiciary skews leadership, jeopardises unity of the country, and affects smooth governance, making Nigerians direct or indirect victims of such a brute justice system.
He warned that those who engage in such merchandise will be punished by God no matter how long it takes.
The State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, read the only lesson of the Service.
There were prayers said for the continuous help, strength, wisdom and boldness of the judicial officers to discharge their responsibilities, peace of Nigeria and Rivers State.
