Omiete Joseph
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has harped on the relevance of the Judiciary as an important arm of government noting that democracy cannot endure without it serving as a guidance for its smooth operation.
Governor Fubara made this known on Thursday, at the opening ceremonies of the 2024/2025 Rivers State Legal Year held at the Special Court of the Rivers State High Court, Port Harcourt.
The governor emphasised that the judiciary remains an important ally in his administration’s collective quest for human security and progress, saying that no society can advance without an independent, free and fearless Judiciary,.
He stressed that the State has a judiciary that can be described as stable, independent, productively effective, and devoid of controversies.
The governor said that his government is alive to the constitutional responsibilities towards the State’s judiciary as he has done a lot to honour legal commitments to create a conducive environment for the judiciary to thrive.
Governor Fubara assured of improvements to ensure universal access and speedy dispensation of justice, which are fundamental for earning the trust and confidence of all citizens.
“We have respected and will continue to respect the autonomy and independence of the judiciary as a separate and co-equal arm of government.”
Fubara reiterated his administration’s willingness to continue to provide legal and material support to advance the basic objective of making the Rivers State judiciary one of the best and most productive in the country.
He expressed his determination to finish construction, furnish, and deliver the new High Court complex along Forces Avenue, Old GRA, Port Harcourt before the end of this year.
The Rivers State governor promised to work closely with the Chief Judge to renovate and equip all existing courts so that the judges and magistrates can have the comfort and convenience that they deserve to perform their duties
Fubara said in recognition of the enormous contribution of the State Judiciary his government has provided the material needs of the arm within available resources to enable the magistrates and judges to discharge their duties without fear of intimidation or interference from any person or entity.
“We have provided new vehicles to enhance the comfort and mobility of our magistrates appointed in 2018 by the previous administration. We facilitated the appointment of seven new judges to strengthen our judicial system further and enable our judges to cope with the ever-increasing caseload and demand for justice in the State.”
The governor charged the Judiciary on the need to have and sustain the citizens’ trust and confidence in the judicial system, which is possible if it can guarantee affordable and effective access and speedy resolution of disputes.
Governor Fubara said he is proud of all the magistrates and judicial officers who have remained faithful to their judicial oath in their service to the State and contribution to its advancement.
“We also thank all other stakeholders, including the Bar, the Bench, judicial workers and the security agencies for the positive roles they have played in strengthening the judiciary and advancing the rule of law, judicial independence, and administration of justice in the State.”
Speaking, the State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, commended Governor Fubara for his commitment to supporting the Judiciary and ensuring Judicial autonomy in the State.
He said the government has helped in improving the speedy dispensation of justice through numerous supports and provision of required materials to enhance efficiency, assuring continuous collaboration with the Government to make the State better