…As Rivers State Legal Year Opens with Church Service
… Tells Judges not to be involved in miscarriage of justice as they are seen as gods
…Says if need be, he will defend cause of justice with last breath
… Tasks lawyers not to misinterprete law to pacify paymasters
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has declared that strengthening institutions is what the country needs to develop rather than strengthening individuals that want political control.
Gov. Fubara made the declaration at the re-dedication service for the opening of the 2024/2025 legal year at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Diobu, Port Harcourt on Thursday.
The governor noted that investors will only be attracted to the environment where the institutions are strong and not those with weak institutions but strong individuals, admonishing the people to work with faith as hard times will soon be over.
“You must work with faith, for that time shall surely come. What we are praying for in this country is institutional strength, not individual strength. Institutional strength is the only thing that will bring development to this nation. If I were a businessman coming to invest in Nigeria, why would I do so when I see that institutions are weak and individuals are stronger than the institutions?”
While commending the Rivers State Judiciary for standing firm and supporting his administration, Gov. Fubara berated some legal minds who know the truth but decide to subvert justice to satisfy certain individuals.
“I want to thank you again and assure you of my continued support. My prayer, as you begin your new legal year, is that God will be with you, and we will support you. The leadership of the Judiciary, led by my Lord the Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, will record great successes. We will give you all the support you need. If we ever call you to do anything wrong, disgrace us publicly! Likewise, if someone calls you, be bold enough to tell the world that you were approached but refused.”
“Some of you, as legal luminaries, know the truth, but you go on air just to pacify your paymasters, turning the law upside down.”
He praised the courage of the legal family in Rivers State who remained resolute on the side of truth even when they face persecution, assuring that his administration will continue to support the Judiciary to thrive in truth, justice, equity and fairness.
“I want to thank the Judiciary especially the High Court of Rivers State for your support and keeping this administration affloat till date.”
“We know most of you have been threatened through phone calls, even physical assault and through frivolous petitions. One thing you need to understand is that you must be persecuted when you are doing the right thing. And those of you doing the right thing and being fought from all sides, be courageous, very soon this whole thing will be over.”
The governor charged the Judges to always be firm as according to him, “Judges, you are the “gods” we see here. Your position is to stand and defend us, to look at whoever comes before you and tell them the truth. Because if you don’t do it here, you will have a big question to answer later. The preacher said it; for every evil done in the course of administering justice, you will pay for it dearly.”
“We all know the law. When it comes to cases involving the administration of governance in the state, it is the duty of the State High Courts. It doesn’t matter whether INEC or the Police are involved; it is a straightforward matter. I’m not a lawyer, but I even know this.”
“This state belongs to all of us. It is not about Fubara today; if this institution is destroyed, the same will happen when someone else comes tomorrow. We need to stand and defend our institutions, and you are the right people to do it. I’m here today to assure you that, even in my last breath, I will defend the cause of justice in this state.”
“Like the word of God says, surely all the ups and downs we are experiencing in this state will come to an end. So, let me thank you for your support. More challenges will come; they will attack you in many ways, but be strong. As a government, I have never called any of you to do what is wrong, and I never will. I have always preached that we stand on the side of truth.”
“I know the journey has not been easy due to all the challenges. A lot of the good work we are doing is being overshadowed by negative news, but very soon we will start showcasing what we are doing—not just for the Judiciary but in other areas of governance in our dear state.”
He further applauded Rivers people for their support and standing with his administration, noting that as at this time last year, the story was different, but today the people are smiling because they have what no amount of opposition can take away which is God and donated the sum of N50million to the Church for its support and prayers for the government and the people of the State.
“When God is involved in your affairs, no level of gang-up can defeat you. We put our trust in Him, and He will lead us to the end and even beyond, in Jesus’ name!”
In his sermon titled call to uphold justice, Rt. Rev. Wisdom Budu Ihunwo, Bishop of the Niger Delta North Diocese, admonished the people to always obey those in authority as they are placed by God and by so doing they will avert the punishment that goes with disobedience.
He charged those in the legal profession to always uphold fairness, justice and equity as they were called by God to do and decried the conflicting administration of justice in Nigeria lately which is causing disharmony and problems in Nigeria and Rivers State.
The only lesson read from Rom. 23 vs 1-5 for the service was taken by the Rivers State Chief, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi
