Rivers Political Crisis is Over," Fubara Declares, Vowing to Uphold Judicial Independence

Rivers Political Crisis is Over," Fubara Declares, Vowing to Uphold Judicial Independence

Port Harcourt – Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared an end to the political crisis in the state, announcing that all parties are now fully reconciled. He made this declaration while reaffirming his administration's commitment to supporting an independent and effective judiciary during the opening of the 2025/2026 Legal Year in Port Harcourt.

Speaking at a special court session at the State High Court Complex, Governor Fubara emphasized the critical role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law. He stated his administration is now focused on working with the State House of Assembly, the Judiciary, and other stakeholders to "recover lost ground and accelerate development."

While commending the Bar and Bench for their dedication, Fubara reminded lawyers of their oath to act with honesty and urged judges to demonstrate moral courage by resisting undue pressure.

However, other legal luminaries highlighted significant challenges facing the justice system. The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, called for urgent government intervention to decongest custodial centers, pointing out the absence of a functional Committee on Prerogative of Mercy. While thanking the governor for his support, he solicited more encouragement to reduce the immense pressure on judicial officers.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, Mrs. Cordelia Eke, reflected on the "political and institutional turbulence" of the 2024-2025 legal year, which she said disrupted democratic governance and tested the justice system's resilience. She called for sweeping reforms to protect state institutions.

Representing the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), Chief O.C.J Okocha (SAN) expressed grave concern over the "battered image of the Judiciary," citing inconsistent judgments and prolonged case delays as major issues. He implored judges to shun personal interests that could compromise their professional conduct.

The event began with a Thanksgiving service at the Corpus Christi Cathedral, where the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, Rt. Rev'd Patrick S. Eluke, admonished the legal professionals to uphold moral and spiritual integrity, describing their duty to ensure justice as "sacred."

During the service, Governor Fubara read the First Bible Reading from 2 Chronicles 19: 5-9, and Chief Judge Simeon Amadi read the second from Psalm 100: 1-5. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of gifts and prayers for the government, the judiciary, and the nation.