Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has accused lawyers and judges of distorting the law to appease paymasters.
Speaking at the 2024/2025 Legal Year opening and re-dedication service in Port Harcourt, on Thursday, Fubara stressed that judges must defend truth, not special interests.
Some of you claim expertise, yet distort the law to appease paymasters, Fubara said. State governance issues fall within the state high courts jurisdiction, regardless of INEC or police involvement. Doing right earns divine judgment. It doesnt matter whether you joined INEC or the police. It is a state matter. I am not a lawyer, but I know that if say you are doing the right thing? God will judge you, he said.
He said because court judgments have far-reaching implications, care needs to be taken in making judicial pronouncements. He, therefore, cautioned judges and lawyers against compromising justice through conflicting court rulings, emphasizing the judiciarys sacred role in upholding truth and fairness.
Fubara praised the Rivers State judiciary, especially High Court divisions, for supporting his administration amidst opposition. He acknowledged threats against judicial officers via phone calls, physical assaults and frivolous petitions.
This call to integrity follows conflicting judgments nearly disrupting local government elections. Fubaras words underscore the Judiciarys vital role in ensuring justice and accountability.
