Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has warned that political manipulation, brazen corruption, undue delays and excessive reliance on technicalities are undermining public confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary.
Fubara spoke on Saturday at the 66th annual conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Port Harcourt, where he challenged judges and lawyers to strengthen the justice system and protect democracy through integrity and courage.
The governor said the judiciary remained a critical pillar of democracy and good governance, stressing that the courts must remain accessible to every citizen, irrespective of status.
According to him, courts should not only resolve disputes but also serve as the “ultimate refuge” for ordinary Nigerians seeking justice.
He said the quality of justice delivered by the courts had direct implications for law and order, national development and the stability of the country.
Fubara stated, “We cannot continue to insulate our laws from today’s reality. It is not possible. Rather, justice should remain shackled by unjust precedents, technicalities, inadequate access, undue delays, slavish adherence to rigid processes, political manipulation, or brazen corruption.
“The prevalence of these serious impediments to justice in our polity has damaged and continues to damage the reputation of the judiciary and the bar.”
The governor further urged judges not to become “mere apologists or conformists,” insisting that those entrusted with the administration of justice must be prepared to uphold the rule of law even when confronted with political or institutional pressure.
He argued that judicial decisions should be considered within the broader context of their impact on society, particularly the country’s democratic development, peace and good governance.
“The courts are not merely venues for resolving social disputes. They serve as the ultimate refuge for all, including the common man like myself,” Fubara said.
He maintained that judges, as guardians of democracy, must exercise their responsibilities with independence, integrity and a clear understanding of the consequences of their decisions on the polity.
Fubara also called on members of the bench and bar to reflect on their roles in society and recommit themselves to serving the public interest with character, compassion and professionalism.
He stressed that restoring public confidence in the justice system required collective responsibility from lawyers, judges and other stakeholders in the administration of justice.
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