Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has delivered a scathing rebuke to legal professionals who, according to him, manipulate the law to please their paymasters. Speaking on Thursday at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul’s, Diobu, during the 2024/2025 Legal Year Opening and Rededication Service, the governor did not hold back in condemning such practices, warning that divine judgment awaits those guilty.
"Some of you call yourselves legal luminaries, yet you twist the law to satisfy your paymasters," Fubara thundered. "You know the truth, but you go on air to deceive the public. God will judge you!"
Fubara called on judges to resist external pressures, describing them as the custodians of justice.
"Judges, you are the gods we see. Your duty is to stand and defend the truth. If you fail, you will answer for it—not just before man, but before God," he warned.
The governor also revealed that members of the judiciary in Rivers State have faced intimidation through phone threats, physical assaults, and fraudulent petitions. He praised them for standing firm and supporting his administration amidst these attacks.
"When you do the right thing, persecution is inevitable. But be courageous; this storm will pass. Nothing lasts forever," Fubara encouraged the judges.
The governor stressed the need for institutional strength in Nigeria, cautioning that development cannot thrive where individuals hold more power than institutions.
"If I were a businessman, why would I invest in a country where institutions are weak, and individuals are stronger? Only institutional strength can guarantee sustainable progress," he remarked.
Fubara also criticized public officials who align with agencies like INEC and the police to interfere in state matters, asserting that such issues are solely within the jurisdiction of the State High Court.
"I'm not a lawyer, but even I know that much. Yet some people still turn the law upside down. Shame on them!" he said.
Governor Fubara challenged the judiciary to expose him if he ever pressures them to act unethically.
"If I ever ask you to do what is wrong, disgrace me publicly. Likewise, if anyone tries to influence you, tell the world—you owe it to justice."
The governor assured the judiciary of his continued support and urged them to remain steadfast, emphasizing that justice must be the bedrock of governance in Rivers State.
"The good people of Rivers State are behind you. This isn’t about Fubara; it’s about safeguarding our institutions for future generations."
Fubara concluded with a message of faith, reminding the audience that divine intervention is the ultimate defense against opposition.
"We have God, and with Him, no level of gang-up can defeat us. Our trust is in God, and He will see us through to victory."
