Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called for an end to technicalities, political manipulation and undue delays that impede the administration of justice in Nigeria.

Fubara made the call on Saturday while speaking at the 66th annual conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The governor said the judiciary remained critical to the sustenance of democracy, the rule of law and good governance, stressing that the courts must be able to dispense justice without undue interference or unnecessary procedural barriers.

He expressed concern over what he described as “serious impediments” to justice, including unjust precedents, technicalities, inadequate access to justice, undue delays, rigid adherence to processes, political manipulation and corruption.

According to him, the prevalence of such practices has continued to undermine public confidence in the judiciary and damage the reputation of both the bench and the bar.

Fubara said the courts should not be viewed merely as venues for resolving disputes but as institutions that provide protection and justice for all citizens, particularly ordinary Nigerians who may have limited access to power and influence.

“The courts are not merely venues for resolving social disputes. They serve as the ultimate refuge for all, including the common man like myself,” he said.

He urged judges to consider the broader implications of their judgments on society, arguing that the quality of justice delivered by the courts was closely linked to law, order and national development.

“This means that judges responsible for the administration of law and justice must consider the overall impact of their judgement on the polity because law, order, and the rate of national development are linked to the quality of justice the court can deliver with integrity,” the governor said.

Fubara also urged judges to demonstrate independence, courage and integrity in the discharge of their duties, saying they must not become “mere apologists or conformists” if they are to serve as guardians of democracy and the rule of law.

“Consequently, we expect that our judges should not be mere apologists or conformists if they are to be the ultimate guardians of our democracy, the rule of law and the advancement of peace and good governance in our country,” he said.

The governor further cautioned against insulating the country’s laws from contemporary realities, noting that the justice system must evolve to respond to the changing needs of society.

“We cannot continue to insulate our laws from today’s reality. It is not possible. Rather, justice should remain shackled by unjust precedents, technicalities, inadequate access, undue delays, slavish adherence to rigid processes, political manipulation, or brazen corruption,” he said.

Fubara said the judiciary and legal profession had a responsibility to restore public confidence in the justice system by upholding the principles of fairness, accountability and integrity.

He urged members of the bench and bar to reflect on their roles in society and recommit themselves to serving the public interest with character, compassion and a strong sense of responsibility.