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Prove Those Losing Faith In Judiciary Wrong, Fubara Urges Judges, Lawyers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged judicial officers and all legal practitioners to be more dutiful in eliciting citizens’ trust in the ability of the Judiciary to confidently dispense justice according to law.
The Governor maintained that the Judiciary must remain upright, independent, free and fearless, if it must play its role as an important ally in the collective quest for human security and progress of any society.
Governor Fubara gave the charge while speaking at the Special Court Session organised to mark the Opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year at the Rivers State High Court premises in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
The Governor said, the Judiciary must always be on the side of the law, no matter the pressure, which is why it is considered as the last hope of the common man.
He insisted: “Under our Constitution, the Executive arm and the Judiciary play different roles as separate and independent arms of government.
“However, we both share an enormous constitutional responsibility to uphold the rule of law and ensure sustainable peace and security in our State through effective administration of substantive justice to all citizens.
“For us, therefore, the Judiciary remains an important ally in our collective quest for human security and progress as no society will progress without an independent, free and fearless Judiciary. Even democracy will not endure without the Judiciary serving as its guardian angel.”
Governor Fubara noted that the Judiciary in Rivers State has remained a crest of pride for being stable, independent, productively effective, and devoid of controversies often associated with its peers elsewhere.
He lauded magistrates and judicial officers in the State, who have remained faithful to their judicial oath as they discharged their service to the State and contributed immensely to its advancement.
He said, “We also thank all other stakeholders, including the Bar, the Bench, judicial workers and the security agencies for the positive roles they have played in strengthening the Judiciary and advancing the rule of law, judicial independence, and administration of justice in the State.”
Governor Fubara, however, said that it is not yet time to rest on the laurels achieved because there are still areas requiring improvements, stressing that more has to be done to ensure universal access and speedy dispensation of justice, which are fundamental for earning the trust and confidence of all citizens.
He assured that as a government, his administration will remain alive to its constitutional responsibilities to the State’s Judiciary.
Governor Fubara said: “Since assuming office, we have done a lot to honour legal commitments to create a conducive environment for the Judiciary to thrive.
“We have respected and will continue to respect the autonomy and independence of the Judiciary as a separate and co-equal arm of government.
“Materially, we have been doing our best within available resources to enable our magistrates and judges to securely discharge their duties without fear of intimidation or interference from any person or entity.”
Governor Fubara said his administration has provided new vehicles to enhance the comfort and mobility of magistrates appointed in 2018 by the previous administration.
He also stated that his administration has facilitated the appointment of seven new judges to strengthen the judicial system further and enable the judges to cope with the ever-increasing caseload and demand for justice in the State.
He added, “We are equally determined to finish construction, furnish, and deliver the new High Court complex along Forces Avenue, Old GRA, Port Harcourt before the end of this year.
“Furthermore, we are working closely with the Chief Judge to renovate and equip all existing courts so that our judges and magistrates can have the comfort and convenience that they deserve to perform their duties.
“Finally, as you start the new legal year, I wish to reiterate the need to have and sustain the citizens’ trust and confidence in our judicial system, which is possible, if it can guarantee affordable and effective access and speedy resolution of disputes.”
Governor Fubara commended the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, for his progressive leadership and transformational strides.
He urged him to take the State’s Judiciary, under his watch, to enviable heights as the true last hope of the common man.
Governor Fubara also stated the willingness of his administration to continue to provide legal and material support to advance the basic objective of making the Rivers State Judiciary one of the best and most productive in the country.
In his address, Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, stated that the Judiciary, under him, will continue to promote the rule of law and order in the State.
Justice Amadi, explained that the Rivers State Judiciary now has 51 judges with 45 of them of the State High Court and 6 of the Customary Court, adding that between 30th October, 2023 and 30th September, 2024, a total revenue of N525,322,478.85kobo had been generated.
The Judiciary, he said, also disposed of 22,725 cases of 31, 886 cases brought forward; with 14,791 cases filed, and 23,870 cases now pending.
Presenting his address, Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dagogo Israel Iboroma, SAN, said, that within the past year, he personally ensured the vetting of all legal advice to stem incidences of compromise.
He also addressed 65 fliat applications in favour of legal practitioners, signed 337 consent files, resolved 41 cases on mediation, offered 15 pro-bono representations, and attracted over N124million as tax to the State Government.
On his part, Chief Onueze Okocha, SAN, who spoke on behalf of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, expressed the hope that the courts in Rivers State will continue to discharge their duties to the best of their abilities to avert unnecessary delays that affect the just, efficient and speedy dispensation of justice.
Speaking on behalf of the eight Branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Rivers State, the Port Harcourt Branch Chairman, Mrs Cordelia Eke, blamed legal officers for the deteriorating legal system, emphasising that their wrong legal opinions, and inability to condemn evil have contributed to making the Judiciary the place for needless battles.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol