Governor Siminialayi Fubara has tasked judicial officers in Rivers State to be upright in the discharge of their duties.
Governor Siminialayi Fubara said this while swearing-in eight new judges on Friday, September 20, 2024 at the Government House Port Harcourt.
The eight new High Court judges sworn-in include Hon. Justice Frank Onyiri; Hon Justice Victor Chinedum Ugoji; Hon Justice Godswill Vidal Obomanu; Hon Justice Rita Chituru Oguguo; Hon Justice Alatuwo Elkanah Fubara; Hon Justice Bariyima Sylvester Kokpan; Hon Justice Lesi Wifa-Adedipe; and Hon Justice Ibietela Madighi Obu.
Governor Fubara told the newly sworn-in judges to ensure speedy judicial service delivery without fear or favour.
Governor Fubara noted that he will never call any of the Judges to ask them to do anything wrong because he expects them to be bold in standing up for the truth and restoring hope in the Judiciary.
He added, "So, I am not going to ask you for anything, and I know that I have never called anyone of you here to ask for anything. Discharge your duty with the fear of God. I am saying it here, I will never call any of you here or even the older ones there to go and do what is wrong. Stand for what is right, and that is the only way God will elevate you; that is the truth.
"There is a line in our new national anthem that says 'a country where no man is oppressed'. You are supposed to be at that balance. When anybody calls you for something that is not just, you ought to have the boldness to tell the person: this is not right, and I am not going to do it.
"My message is simple: do what is right, defend the cause that you stand for, justice and equity."
Governor Fubara also said: "I also know that you are not going to disappoint the Judiciary, because if you do that, you are disappointing and failing those very poor voiceless people who believe that the only way they can truly correct the wrong is through the Judiciary. So, I appeal to you, stand on the side of right."
The Governor further assured that his administration will sustain its support to the Judiciary to ensure that they do not lack anything to enhance their work.
He advised them to work amicably with their seniors with respect so that those coming after them can naturally respect them too.
He further challenged them to ensure they follow due process in the dispensation of justice, saying that due diligence was necessary for the system to function effectively and strengthen good governance.
