I hold no grudges against anyone – Fubara
Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has declared that he holds no grudges against anybody after the reconciliation that followed the political crisis in the state.
The Governor also pledged to give necessary support to ensure an independent and effective justice system in the state.
Fubara gave the assurance while formally declaring open the 2025/2026 Legal Year during a special Court Session at the State High Court Complex in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The Governor declared that the political crisis was over with all parties fully reconciled and his administration back on its feet, affirming that he held no grudges or ill feelings toward anyone.
He stated that the administration had been re-energised and had resumed the implementation of people-centric policies, programmes, and projects with greater determination to achieve the developmental milestones set to enhance the well-being of the people of Rivers State.
Fubara reiterated his commitment to work with the State House of Assembly, the Judiciary, and other stakeholders to recover lost ground, sustain peace and accelerate development of the state.
He also appreciated the Chief Judge for providing functional, effective leadership, exceptional courage, and an unwavering determination to ensure justice is served to all who seek the aid of the courts.
He expressed satisfaction not only with the event’s success but also with the Bar and Bench’s commitment to advancing the integrity of the judicial system.
The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi said that the Rivers State Judiciary ranked among the best in Nigeria, adding that it featured some of the brightest judicial minds, who courageously interpreted and applied the law with a high sense of justice.
He reminded the lawyers, that as ministers in the temple of justice, they were under oath to conduct themselves honestly in their practice of the law before the courts, to uphold the rule of law and advance the course of justice at all times.
“Similarly, every judge is under a judicial oath to provide equal justice to all persons according to law to the best of their knowledge and ability without fear, favour, or affection”, he said.
He stressed that the judicial oath was not composed of mere words but demanded judges to act with moral courage to resist pressure, and ensure that both friends and foes had access to equal and impartial justice.
He requested that all courts, inferior or superior, should perform their duties with courage, adjudicate and interpret the laws and cases in ways to promote substantial justice, democracy, and citizens’ fundamental rights.
In his remarks, Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, highlighted the absence of a Committee on Prerogative of Mercy in the state, which, he said had contributed significantly to congestion in custodial centres.
He noted that the non-reduction of sentences for inmates, including 493 male and 15 female death-row prisoners, was beyond the Chief Judge’s powers, and called for government intervention.
He thanked the governor for the support given to the judiciary so far, and solicited more encouragement to reduce the pressures judicial officers face in the performance of their duties.
Also speaking, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, Mrs. Cordelia Eke, said the 2024–2025 legal year began with optimism but was soon overshadowed by political and institutional turbulence.
She noted that the state of emergency and suspension of key elected officials disrupted democratic governance and tested the resilience of the justice system.
“The absence of an Attorney General caused serious delays in justice delivery, unprocessed legal applications, and financial losses,” Eke stated.
According to her, the situation underscored the urgent need to fortify laws that protect institutions and ensure that the justice system continues to function even in difficult times.
Speaking on behalf of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), Chief Onueze Okocha (SAN), expressed concern over the battered image of the Judiciary, lamenting that many Nigerians had lost faith in the courts due to inconsistent judgments and prolonged case delays.
He urged judges to resist personal interests that could influence their professional conduct, calling for renewed integrity and faster dispensation of justice.
Earlier in his homily during the thanksgiving service, Apostolic Administrator, Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, Right Reverend Patrick S. Eluke, urged members of the legal profession to uphold moral and spiritual integrity in their practice, reminding them of their “sacred duty” to ensure that justice reflects honesty, compassion, and fairness.
He cautioned against hypocrisy, rivalry, and unhealthy competition within the legal profession, stressing that true justice must protect the vulnerable and remain unswayed by material or political influence.
He further called on elected leaders to demonstrate patriotism and accountability to the people who entrusted them with power, noting that democracy and justice thrive only where integrity and fairness prevail.
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