Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, expressing frustration over conflicting court judgments, has called for divine intervention against judges who allegedly accept bribes to manipulate justice.
He made these remarks during 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, on Thursday.
Addressing some members of the legal profession who, according to him, compromise their ethics for financial gain, Governor Fubara stated, “Some of you, you say you are legal luminaries. You know the truth, but you will go on air just to pacify your paymasters to turn the law upside down.”
He continued, emphasizing the jurisdiction of state courts, “We all know the law when it comes to issues that have to do with the administration of governance in 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 highlighted the role of judges as representatives of divine authority in the judicial system, urging them to deliver justice without fear or favor. He noted that the consequences of judicial pronouncements are significant and cautioned judges to exercise great care in their decisions.
“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. Because if you don’t do it here, you will have a big question to answer. The preacher said it, every evil done in the course of administering justice, you will pay for it dearly.”
The Governor also praised the Rivers State Judiciary, particularly the High Court Divisions, for their support in sustaining his administration despite challenges. He acknowledged that some judicial officers in the state have faced threats, physical assaults, and frivolous petitions aimed at coercing them into submission.
Fubara encouraged them to remain steadfast in upholding the truth and justice, despite the adversities they face.
He said, “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.”
He added, “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 stressed the importance of strong institutions for promoting democracy, good governance, and societal development. He emphasized that institutional strength, rather than individual influence, is crucial for progress.
He stated, “What we are praying for in this country is institutional strength and not individual strength. Institutional strength is the only thing that will bring development in this country. If I am a businessman, and I am coming into Nigeria to invest, why will I invest when what I am seeing today is that institutions are weak and individuals are stronger than institutions?”
Reflecting on the past year, Fubara recalled that the situation in October 2023 was different, but now, one year later, things have improved significantly due to what he described as the grace of God.