Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, has pledged unwavering support to ensure the Judiciary in the state remains independent, effective, and true to its constitutional mandate of dispensing justice without fear or favour.
The governor made the commitment on Friday, while formally declaring open the 2025/2026 Legal Year at a special court session held at the State High Court Complex in Port Harcourt.
Addressing judicial officers, legal practitioners, and dignitaries present, Governor Fubara lauded the courage and professionalism of judges in Rivers State, describing the judiciary as one of the best in the country and home to “some of the brightest judicial minds.
“As ministers in the temple of justice, lawyers have a sacred duty to uphold the rule of law and advance the course of justice.
“Judges, on their part, must remain resolute in applying the law with integrity, without fear, favour, or affection, ” he stated.
Gôvernor Fubara emphasised that judicial oaths are not mere ceremonial words but solemn promises that must translate into impartial decisions that strengthen democracy and protect the rights of citizens.
He called on all courts, whether superior or subordinate, to interpret the law courageously and in ways that promote fairness, justice, and the rule of law.
Governor Fubara also declared that the recent political crisis in the state had been fully resolved, with all involved parties reconciled.
He said his administration is now back on track and focused on delivering people-oriented policies, projects, and programmes.
“I bear no grudge against anyone. We have moved on. This administration is now fully re-energised to pursue its development goals for the good of our people,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to working with the State House of Assembly, the Judiciary, and other stakeholders to recover lost ground, maintain peace, and fast-track the state’s development.
He commended the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simeon Amadi, for providing “functional, courageous, and effective leadership” within the Judiciary.
Earlier in the day, a thanksgiving service to mark the new legal year was held at Corpus Christi Catholic Cathedral, Port Harcourt, where the governor read the First Scripture Reading from 2 Chronicles 19:5–9, while Justice Amadi took the Second Reading from Psalm 100:1–5.
In his sermon, Right Reverend Patrick S. Eluke, Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, urged members of the legal profession to uphold spiritual and moral values in their practice.
He warned against hypocrisy and internal rivalry and called on judges and lawyers to ensure justice reflects truth, compassion, and fairness.
In his address, Justice Simeon Amadi raised concerns over the absence of a Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, which he said has worsened congestion in correctional centres across the state.
He disclosed that more than 500 inmates, including 493 male and 15 female death-row prisoners, remained incarcerated with no legal avenue for sentence review due to the committee’s inactivity.
He called on the governor to intervene and establish the committee, which would provide a legal pathway to decongest prisons and ensure justice reform is effective.
Justice Amadi also thanked the governor for his administration’s support to the judiciary and called for more logistical and institutional backing to ease the burden on judicial officers.
Also, Mrs. Cordelia Eke, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, lamented the disruption of the 2024–2025 legal year due to political instability and the absence of an Attorney General.
She said these gaps resulted in delays in justice delivery, unprocessed legal applications, and financial losses, weakening the efficiency of the justice system.
Eke called for the urgent strengthening of laws that protect democratic institutions and judicial independence, stressing that resilience in legal processes is critical, especially in times of political uncertainty.
Representing the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), Chief Onueze Okocha (SAN) expressed deep concern over growing public distrust in the judiciary.
He attributed the crisis of confidence to inconsistent judgments, delays in trials, and perceived political interference in judicial decisions.
He urged judges to uphold professionalism and ethical integrity, reminding them that public trust must be rebuilt through timely and unbiased delivery of justice.
The event featured prayers for the governor, his deputy, the judiciary, and the state at large.
Gifts were also presented to Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule (Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly), and Chief Judge Simeon Amadi.
The 2025/2026 Legal Year opens against a backdrop of renewed calls for judicial reform, institutional strengthening, and a deeper commitment to justice as a foundation for peace and democratic development.
