Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has cautioned Nigerian judges and lawyers against delivering conflicting court judgments, citing recent instances that nearly disrupted the local government elections in the state.
Fubara emphasised the importance of upholding the law, particularly in State governance matters, which fall under the jurisdiction of the state high Court.
Speaking at the opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year and re-dedication service at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul’s, Anglican Communion, Diobu, Port Harcourt, Fubara urged judges to stand firm against external pressures and uphold truth.
“Some of you say you are legal luminaries. You know the truth, but you will go on air just to pacify your paymasters to turn the law upside down.
Related news: Resist Godfatherism In Rivers, PANDEF Chief Urges Fubara
“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 INEC or the police. It is a state matter. I am not a lawyer, but I know that if say you are doing the right thing? God will judge you,” he said.
The Governor noted that some judicial officers had faced threats, physical assaults, and frivolous petitions aimed at coercing them to submit to compromised rulings.
“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 it. Every evil done in the course of administering justice, you will pay for it dearly.”
Fubara acknowledged the judiciary’s sacred role in delivering justice, stating, “You are the gods 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.”
He emphasized that judges have a critical responsibility to uphold justice, as their rulings have far-reaching implications.
The governor revealed that some judicial officers had been threatened or intimidated to influence their decisions. He assured them of his administration’s support and encouraged them to remain resolute in their commitment to truth.
“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 well 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 is being fought from all sides, be courageous. Very soon, this whole thing will be over. Nothing lasts forever.”
In his sermon, Bishop Wisdom Budu Ihunwo of the Diocese of Niger Delta North condemned conflicting judgments from courts of coordinate jurisdiction, stating they undermine national unity and leadership.
He warned that those engaging in such practices would face divine punishment.
