Fubara urges judges to be fearless, criticises lawyers serving paymasters

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has told judges to be fearless and not yield to threats and intimidations from anyone.

The state governor stated that it was obvious some judicial officers in the state have been threatened, physically assaulted, or faced frivolous petitions aimed at coercing them into submission.

Governor Fubara urged them to remain resolute in their commitment to stand on the side of truth and never compromise justice.

He made this statement at the opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year and re-dedication service at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul’s, Anglican Communion, Diobu, at Garrison Junction in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Governor Fubara criticised some legal luminaries who compromise their principles to please their paymasters.

Fubara said, “We know quite well that a good number of you have been threatened through phone calls and even physical assaults. We are also aware that some of you have faced professional threats through fake and frivolous petitions.

“But one thing you need to understand is that you must be persecuted when you are doing the right thing. For those of you who are doing the right thing and are being attacked from all sides, be courageous. Very soon, this whole situation will be over. Nothing lasts forever.”

The governor stated that the judiciary is an unassailable temple of justice that should always provide assurances to everyone who approaches it, not the other way around.

Fubara condemned lawyers who compromise their integrity.

He said, “Some of you claim to be legal luminaries. You know the truth, but you will go on air just to appease your paymasters and turn the law upside down.

“We all know that when it comes to issues related to the administration of governance in the state, they fall within the jurisdiction of the State High Court.

“It doesn’t matter whether you join INEC or the police. It is a state matter! I am not a lawyer, but I know that. 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 represent God and must not be afraid to face those who come for equity and dispense justice rightly without fear or favour.

The governor warned that because court judgements have far-reaching implications, great care must be taken in making judicial pronouncements.

He said, “Let me make this clear: Judges, you are the God that we see. Your position is to stand and defend us. Your role is to look at anyone and tell them the truth.

“Because if you don’t do it here, you will have a big question to answer. As the preacher said, every evil done in the course of administering justice will cost you dearly.”

Governor Fubara applauded the Rivers State Judiciary, particularly the High Court Divisions, for their support that has contributed to sustaining his administration despite calculated antagonisms.

He vowed to defend the cause of justice in the state, no matter the cost.

Governor Fubara assured that, under the leadership of the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, more successes will be recorded during his administration.

The Governor promised to ensure this is possible and stated he would never call the Chief Judge or any other judge to do anything wrong.

He insisted that should such a call arise, the Chief Judge should not hesitate to publicly expose him and do the same to anyone else who attempts to lead the Chief Judge to do something illegal.

He also stressed the importance of having strong institutions to uphold democracy and good governance, fostering a healthy and prosperous society.

The governor explained, “What we are praying for in this country is institutional strength, not individual strength. Institutional strength is the only thing that will bring development to this country.

“If I am a businessman coming into Nigeria to invest, why would I invest when I see that institutions are weak and individuals are stronger than institutions?”

The governor further stated, “This state belongs to all of us. It is not just about Fubara today. If this institution is destroyed, when another person comes in tomorrow, the same thing will happen.

“We need to stand and defend it, and you are the right people to do it. I assure you that even if it costs me my last breath, I will defend the cause of justice in this state.”

Governor Fubara acknowledged the support he has received from those who have remained steadfast despite numerous attacks for refusing to let detractors undermine the state.

He noted that the journey has not been easy for him and all Rivers people due to recent events, but assured that his administration remains focused regardless.

Governor Fubara insisted, “A lot of the good work we are doing is overshadowed by bad news from our enemies.

“But very soon, we will highlight the areas and programmes to showcase what we have accomplished, not just for the judiciary but for other aspects of governance in our dear state.

“I want to thank you and assure you that I will continue to support you (the judiciary). My prayer, as you begin your new legal year, is that God will be with you and support you.”

Governor Fubara recalled that in October 2023, the situation was different, but today, one year later, everyone is smiling because of the grace of God.

He said that when God is involved in business affairs, no matter the level of opposition, it will be difficult to be defeated, adding that because his administration continues to trust in God, He will lead him and his team to a glorious end.

In his sermon, the Bishop of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, Rt. Rev. Wisdom Budu Ihunwo, preaching on the topic, “Called to Uphold Justice,” stated that Nigeria is collapsing partly due to conflicting judgements emanating from courts of coordinate jurisdiction, which have deepened the ongoing crisis.