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Mixed Reactions Trail Lawyers Protest In Rivers
Mixed reactions have continued to trail yesterday’s peaceful protest organised by a group of lawyers under the aegis of the Forum of Concerned Lawyers of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt branch in Rivers State, over what they described as non-appointment of a substantive or acting Chief Judge by the state government.
The protesting lawyers, numbering about 40, all dressed in their ceremonial wigs and ties, carried various placards, with some inscriptions such as “the law is for all humans”, and “Governor Amaechi, give us a Chief Judge”, among others, marched around the Rivers State Judiciary and the Federal High Court premises to register their grievances.
Reacting to the incident in a telephone interview, Chairman, NBA, Port Harcourt branch, Mr Lawrence Oko-Jaja, said those who carried out the protest yesterday were hired lawyers, adding that members of the NBA in the state did not plan to protest or participate in any purported peaceful protest in Port Harcourt.
According to him, the people, who were said to have participated in the protest, were allegedly given suits and wigs to wear to create the impression that they were lawyers, adding that he was reliably informed by members of his executive that they only recognised two lawyers amongst the protesters.
“My brother, I’m also a lawyer. Currently, I’m out of the state for a matter but will come back in the next few hours. The people you see there are not all lawyers but are hired people except only two persons. And you know that court premises are a public place. But the people you see wearing suits and wigs are only creating an impression that they are lawyers when they are not,” Oko-Jaja said.
The Port Harcourt NBA chairman used the opportunity to thank members of the association for not participating in the protest, adding that both executive and general meetings of the body would be called soon to address the matter.
He said that if the conveners of the protest are found guilty of any acts of misconduct, they would be punished in accordance with the relevant sections of the law guiding the NBA, stressing that the leadership of the NBA did not give approval for such protest.
However, while addressing journalists at the Rivers State Judiciary Complex in Port Harcourt, Chief Coordinator of the Concerned Lawyers Forum of the NBA, Port Harcourt branch, Barrister Chris Itamunoala disclosed that the peaceful protest was to register their disenchantment over the continued failure of the state government to appoint a substantive or acting Chief Judge for the state judiciary in accordance with the provisions of the rule of law.
Itamunoala said that the non-appointment of a Chief Judge has gravely affected the fortunes of lawyers and the litigants in the state as well as other stakeholders of the judiciary in the state.
According to him, “judiciary staff, who are due for promotion have not been promoted; opening ceremony for the 2013/2014 legal year, has not been kick-started, among others,” adding that “even our fallen colleagues are no longer given valedictory session, occasioned by the unavailability of a Chief Judge in the state judiciary.”
He, however, appealed to the state government and the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to ensure the appointment of either a substantive or acting chief judge for the state.
Reacting to the illegal protest, Chief Registrar (High Court), Leonard K. Adoki said in a statement, that the state judiciary was not on strike and has not permitted any group of persons to carry out protest within its premises.
Adoki further said that, “accordingly, staff of the state judiciary, lawyers and members of the public are advised to go about their lawful duties and businesses in the court complex,” and ignore any group pretending to be protesting over the appointment or otherwise of a chief judge for the state.
The Tide learnt that judges, magistrates and judiciary workers had defied the earlier warning by the protesters to stay away from the courts, and resumed normal duties in their respective offices as early as 7:30am, thus ensuring that the impact of the protest was not felt, as judges, magistrates, lawyers and judiciary workers were on hand performing their legitimate duties without any molestation.
It was further learnt that at the state judiciary, the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal complexes, no officials from the courts came out to receive and address the protesters.
The Tide gathered that the organisers of the protest were visibly frustrated and embarrassed when, at every point, they were not noticed or accorded due attention.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo