Rivers Judiciary Has Financial Autonomy,Says Amaechi

In a bid to ensure speedy and efficient justice delivery in Rivers State, Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, says his administration has given the state judiciary full autonomy and freedom to perform its duties without executive interference.

Rt. Hon. Amaechi said this Monday during the flag-off of a 5-day workshop/seminar for chairmen and members of the customary courts in the State in Port Harcourt.

Represented by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, the State Chief Executive noted that the state government had created a conducive atmosphere, financial independence and free space for the courts to do their duties, saying that this was with a view to enable them administer justice effectively.

He charged the judges to exhibit courage, impartiality ‘and fairness in the discharge of their duties, stressing that justice delivery should begin from the grassroots in order to deliver the society from criminality and corruption, advising them to update their professional knowledge.

Pledging government’s continued support to the judiciary, Governor Amaechi commended the managers of the State Judicial Services for the judicious management of the resources allocated to them, calling on the Judiciary to partner with the present administration in its bid to ensure good governance through effective legal frameworks.

Earlier, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Umaru Eri, represented by the Secretary of the institute, Dr P.M. Ayua, said the in-house workshop was aimed at inculcating in the judiciary staff the need to be creative and innovative in order to achieve excellence in the discharge of justice at the grassroots.

He explained that the theme, “Towards Excellence in the Dispensation of Justice at the Grassroots,” underscores the need to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and productivity of customary court judges, calling on them to eliminate delays in dispensing with cases.

In his goodwill message, the State Chief Judge, Justice Iche Ndu, represented by Justice Daisy Okocha, reiterated the need for the Customary Court judges to be more discreet in the administration of justice at the grassroots, warning them to eschew partiality, greed and bias.

In his speech, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Peter Agumagu, said the workshop was focused on transforming customary courts officials from solicitors and advocates to ministers in justice administration, urging them to imbibe virtues that would enable them to effectively discharge their duties.