Discharge Your Duties Without Fear, Wike Tasks Judiciary

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has challenged the Judiciary to ensure that budget control is not only the motivational factor in their craving for independence, but also the discharge of their functions without fear of intimidation or favour.
He noted that this was imperative because no government and country can make meaningful progress, if the Judiciary was not allowed to carry out their functions independently.
Wike stated this at the official presentation of 29 brand new Renault Koleos 2020 SUVs to chairmen of the Customary Courts of the Rivers State Judiciary at the State Judiciary Complex in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
He maintained that no one can talk about democracy without the rule of law.
Wike, however, described as unfortunate the unwillingness of the Judiciary in Nigeria to seek true independence to discharge their functions without harassment and intimidation.
“If Nigeria wants to move forward, if this country wants development, then, we must allow the Judiciary to operate independently and do their work,” the governor said.
He explained that the independence those in Judiciary were desirous of seems limited to how they can control their budget and finances.
“They’ve always said they want to be independent, but truly speaking, you don’t want to be independent. I have never seen an arm of government that is so afraid, intimidated by other arms of government like the Judiciary. I have never seen that in my life”, he said.
“The independence of the Judiciary you are looking for is only for budget. But you are not talking about independence of how you can carry out your job without any influence or intimidation. Independence is more when you are able to carry out your job without anybody influencing you”, Wike reminded the judicial officers.
Wike stated that the vehicles were given to the Customary Court chairmen to enable them discharge their functions unhindered.
In his remarks, the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Zaccheus Adangor (SAN), commended the governor for his unwavering support for the Judiciary.
The President, Customary Court of Appeal, Rivers State, Justice Christy I. Gabriel-Nwankwo, said the provision of the official vehicles would inspire and motivate the beneficiaries to perform their work.
On her part, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Inyie Iyayi-Lamikanra, said Governor Wike’s commitment to enhance the welfare of judicial officers in the country remains unparalleled.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt branch, Prince Nyekwere, said the governor has put the state Judiciary in an enviable position since he assumed office in 2015.