Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has charged judges to uphold justice and defend the people.
The Governor's remarks came as he reiterated his commitment to supporting the judiciary in its quest for truth and fairness.
He made the remarks while rendering an address at the 2024/2025 Legal Year and Re-Dedication Service on Thursday.
Governor Fubara described the judiciary as the "sacred temple of justice" and stressed its critical role in ensuring that justice is served. He cautioned judges to remain impartial and fearless in their dispensation of justice.
Fubara said, "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."
The Governor took aim at some legal luminaries who prioritize their personal interests over the truth.
He said, "Some of you, you say you are legal luminaries. You know the truth, but you will go on air just to pacify your pay masters to turn the law upside down.
"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 Police. It is a State's matter! I am not a lawyer, but I know that one. And you stand and say you are doing the right thing? God will judge you."
Governor Fubara commended the Rivers State Judiciary, particularly the High Court Divisions, for their unwavering support. He said he is aware of the challenges faced by judicial officers, including threats and physical assaults.
"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 all right 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 are being fought from all sides, be courageous. Very soon, this whole thing will be over. Nothing lasts forever."
The Governor called for the strengthening of state institutions. According to him, when such institutions are deliberately weakened, it is the entire society that suffers eventually.
He said, "What we are praying for in this country is institutional strength and not individual strength. Institutional strength is the only thing that will bring development in this country.
"If I am a businessman, and I am coming into Nigeria to invest, why will I invest when what I am seeing today is that institutions are weak and individuals are stronger than institutions?"
The Governor further said: "This State belongs to all of us. It is not about Fubara today. If this institution is destroyed, when another person comes in tomorrow, it is the same thing that will happen.
"We need to stand and defend it, and you are the right people to do it. I am here today to assure you that even if I have my last breath, I will defend the cause of justice in this State."
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