Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has stated that the Judiciary remains the strongest and most dependable foundation of Nigeria’s democracy and must not be allowed to falter in the face of any evolving challenges.
Speaking at the public presentation of a book titled, “Contemporary Essays  in Legal Practice”, in Port Harcourt, to mark the retirement of  Justice Anwuri Chikere, a Rivers-born retired Justce of the Federal High Court, Governor Wike said the VAT dispute between Rivers State Government and the Federal Government pending before the Supreme Court was a litmus test for the nation’s Judiciary to exercise its statutory functions as the protector and guardian of the rule of law by expediting the speedy processes of hearing and delivery of justice in the matter.
Governor Wike who alerted on the constitutional implications of the VAT contention on Nigeria’s democracy, decried the tendency of armtwisting of judicial processes in the country through the intimidation of judges by the National Judicial Council (NJC), a supposed flawless judicial arbitre on the dictates and vested concerns of powerful individuals and parties in the outcome of a litigation.
He urged judges not to yield to such intimidations but remain firm in the discharge of their duties, adding that the NJC should protect its integrity by refusing to be used as amenable tool to intimidate judges in matters of judicial complaints and discipline, thus undermining the system of justice delivery in the country.
Governor Wike pointed out that any attempt to subvert the Judiciary was a deliberate onslaught on democracy and as such signals the loss of hope of justice for the citizens.
The Rivers State Governor, who earlier attended a valedictory court session held at Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, in honour of the celebrant, Justice Anwuri Chikere (rtd), commended her for her courage and independent mindedness during her, years in service.
Meanwhile, Governor Wike has reiterated the commitment of his administration towards the fight against illegal oil refining which he likened to the war against terrorism.
Addressing the Chief of Defence Staff (CODS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, who was on courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday, Governor Wike said his administration owed it as a duty to ensure that illegal oil refining which posed serious health threats to Rivers people and destroyed the nation’s economy was stopped.
He urged the CODS to direct the security operatives to join in the war against illegal oil refining and assured that necessary logistic supports would be given to security agencies to fight against the illicit act,
He added that all security personnel found to be involved in the act should be prosecuted.
On his part, the CODS, Gen. Irabor,  said the visit to Port Harcourt was part of the tour of military formations in the Niger Delta to assess security strategies and to motivate officers for greater efficiency.
He commended the Rivers State Governor for his bold efforts in the fight against illegal oil refining, describing the oil theft as a major threat to the nation’s oil and gas industry.
Also within the week, the Rivers State Government gave approval for the state to assess its share of the Healthcare Support Credit Fund established by the Central Bank of Nigeria. The approval was given at the state executive council meeting, presided over by Governor Wike at the Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Rivers State Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, said the fund was introduced by the CBN to cushion the effects of the  Corona virus on the health of the people.
He explained that out of the N2.5billion fund, N2billion  would be channelled into healthcare infrastructural development while N500million would be a revolving  credit for medical consumables.

By: Beemene Taneh