From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has hit some legal luminaries, who he claimed smeared their conscience to canvass what is professionally an aberration just to please their pay masters.
He also restated his determination to defend the course of justice in the state, no matter what it would cost.
Governor Fubara spoke at the opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year and Re-Dedication Service at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul’s Anglican Communion, Diobu in Port Harcourt yesterday.
The governor described the judiciary as a sacred temple of justice, which should always hold up such assurances for everybody that approached it and not the other way.
Fubara said: “Some of you said you are legal luminaries. You know the truth, but you will go on air just to pacify your pay masters to turn the law upside down.
“We all know the law when it comes to issues that have to do with the administration of governance in the state; it is within the jurisdiction of the state high court.
“It doesn’t matter whether you joined the INEC or the police. It is a state’s matter. I am not a lawyer, but I know that one and you stand and say you are doing the right thing. God will judge you.”
Governor Fubara stated that within the temple of justice, judges are seen to represent God, who must not be afraid to look at those who come to equity, and dispense justice rightly without fear or favour.
The governor warned that because court judgements have far-reaching implications, great care needs to be taken before making judicial pronouncements.
“Let me say it here so that you will understand; Judges, you are the God that we are seeing. Your position is to stand and defend us. Your position is to look at whoever and tell the person the truth because if you don’t do it here, you will have a big question to answer. The preacher said every evil done in the course of administering justice, you will pay for it dearly.”
He applauded the Rivers State Judiciary, particularly the High Court Divisions for their sundry support that have contributed to keeping his administration going despite calculated antagonisms.
The Governor alluded to the fact that some judicial officers in the state have been either threatened, physically assaulted or slammed with frivolous petitions raised against them to coerce them to submission.
He urged them to remain resolute in their commitment to stand on the side of truth, and never compromise justice.
“I want to thank the Rivers State Judiciary, more especially the High Court of Rivers State, for your support, for keeping this administration afloat up until this hour.
“We know quite alright that a good number of you have been threatened by way of phone calls and even physical assaults. We are also aware that some of you have been threatened professionally through petitions that are fake and frivolous.
“But one thing that you need to understand is that you must be persecuted when you are doing the right thing. And those of you who are doing the right thing that are being fought from all sides, be courageous. Very soon, this whole thing will be over. Nothing lasts forever.”
He assured that the leadership of the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Simeon Amadi, would record more successes under his administration.
The governor, who promised to ensure that such is possible, also said that he would never call him or any other judge to do anything that is wrong.
He insisted that should there be such a call, the chief judge should not hesitate to disgrace him publicly, and do the same boldly to any other person who would call the CJ to do the wrong thing against the law.
He also harped on the importance of having strong institutions thrive to entrench democracy and good governance, so as to engender a healthy and prosperous society.
The governor said when institutions are deliberately weakened, it is the entire society that suffers eventually.
He explained: “What we are praying for in this country is institutional strength and not individual strength. Institutional strength is the only thing that will bring development in this country.
“If I am a businessman, and I am coming into Nigeria to invest, why will I invest when what I am seeing today is that institutions are weak and individuals are stronger than institutions?
“This state belongs to all of us. It is not about Fubara today. If this institution is destroyed, when another person comes in tomorrow, it is the same thing that will happen.
“We need to stand and defend it, and you are the right people to do it. I am here today to assure you that even if I have my last breath, I will defend the cause of justice in this state.”
He acknowledged the support he has so far received from some persons who have remained resolute, despite the several attacks they have received because they refused to allow detractors to sink the state.
He said the journey has not been easy for him and all Rivers people following the happenings, but assured that his administration has remained focused, regardless.
“A lot of the good work that we are doing, the enemy is overshadowing it with bad news.
“But very soon, we are going to go into areas and programmes to showcase what we have been doing, not just for the judiciary, but for other aspects of governance in our dear state.
“I want to thank and assure you that I will continue to support you (Judiciary). And my prayers, as you start your new legal year, is that God will be with you, God will support you.”
He recalled that in October 2023, the story was different, but today, one year after, everybody is smiling because of the grace of God.
He emphasised that when God is in every business affairs, no matter the level of gang up, it would be difficult to be defeated, adding that because his administration has continued to trust in God, He will lead him and his team to a glorious end.
In his sermon, the Bishop, Diocese of Niger Delta North, Rt. Rev. Wisdom Budu Ihunwo, preaching on the topic, “Called To Uphold Justice,” said Nigeria is collapsing, owing partly to the conflicting judgements always emanating from courts of coordinate jurisdiction, which have deepened the festering crisis.
Bishop Ihunwo noted that such deliberate incoherence from the judiciary skews leadership, jeopardises unity of the country, and affects smooth governance, making Nigerians direct or indirect needless victims of such a brute justice system.
He warned that those who engage in such merchandise would be punished by God no matter how long it takes.
Bishop Ihunwo also reiterated the eternal blessings associated with submission to constituted authority, regardless of the age and education of the occupants of such positions, asserting that all authority is ordained by God, and warning that rebels would always be treated as rebels.