Fubara Reaffirms Commitment To Judicial Independence …Approves 50% Increase In Judicial Overhead

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the independence, autonomy and effective functioning of the State Judiciary, assuring judges and magistrates of continued support to enhance justice delivery.

?Fubara stated this yesterday during the Special Court Session marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year at the Ceremonial Court Hall, High Court Complex, Port Harcourt.

?Represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, the governor commended the Judiciary for its contributions to peace, stability and socio-economic development through the administration of justice.

?He congratulated the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, and the entire Judiciary on the commencement of the new legal year, describing the occasion as an opportunity for reflection, accountability and renewed commitment to the administration of justice.

?He commended the leadership of the Rivers State Judiciary for its vision and efforts to sustain the independence, integrity and dignity of the judicial system.

?According to him, the Judiciary remains a critical component of government and a cornerstone of peace, stability and development.

He noted that public confidence in the courts is essential to building trust between government and citizens.

?The governor acknowledged the contributions of the Judiciary to peace, stability and socio-economic development through the settlement of disputes, but noted that the institution still faces challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and manpower, heavy caseloads, case-management difficulties and delays in the administration of justice.

?He assured the Judiciary that his administration would continue to respect its constitutional autonomy and provide the necessary resources for it to discharge its responsibilities without interference.

?According to the governor, his administration had, over the past three years, supported the transformation of the Judiciary through improved access to justice, the appointment of additional judges and magistrates, digitalisation of case management, and the strengthening of institutional frameworks.

?He disclosed that, following the passage of the 2026 Appropriation Law, his administration had approved a 50 percent increase in overhead expenditure for the State Judiciary and its institutions to meet their operational needs, enhance judicial welfare and support training for judicial officers and staff.

?In his address, Justice Amadi commended the governor for his commitment to the rule of law and for allowing the Judiciary to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities as the third arm of government.

?He stressed that the Judiciary must remain a sanctuary of justice where the weak can seek protection and the powerful are held accountable under the law.

?The Chief Judge urged judicial officers to remain faithful to their judicial oath, describing the ideal judicial officer as one who is fair without being harsh, patient without being passive, and independent without losing sight of the responsibility that accompanies judicial authority.

?He stressed that strengthening the Judiciary through improved manpower and better conditions of service would enhance the effective administration of justice and ensure that the judicial system is adequately equipped to meet the needs of the people.

?On his part, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Ihemnacho Wilfred Chibuzor, who recommitted himself to service and integrity, noted that a well-motivated and respected Judiciary would ultimately promote integrity and eliminate corruption.

?It would be recalled that a Thanksgiving and Rededication Service was held at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Rebisi, earlier in the day to kick-start the 2026/2027 Legal Year.