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Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that his administration will continue to promote the independence of the judiciary for the sustained growth of the state.
Addressing the members of the bench and bar during the Rivers State Golden Jubilee Special Court Session on Friday, Governor Wike charged judges to be courageous as they dispense justice.
The governor said that the Nigerian Judiciary has reached a stage where only courageous judges can uphold the rule of law.
He said: “Nigeria has come to a point where if you don’t have courage, justice will not be done. The judiciary must continue to uphold the tenets of the law.”
He regretted that the judiciary has come under intense blackmail under the present administration.
“Why is it that only when a matter comes that the Federal Government has interest that monies are found in the account of judges?” he asked.
While confirming the need to fight corruption, he condemned the approach that is politically motivated and selected.
He suggested the promotion of the welfare of judicial officers to make corruption unattractive for them. He explained that his administration has embarked on the construction of Judges Quarters.
The governor said that the administration will always work with the state judiciary to develop Rivers State.
Speaking, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyaye-Laminkara lauded the governor for the financial autonomy of the judiciary and the independence it enjoys.
Justice Iyaye-Laminkara said that the special court session was held to commemorate the fifty years of the existence of the judiciary in the state and also celebrate her contributions.
Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Emmanuel Aguma SAN said the Wike administration has played very critical roles in repositioning the judiciary after her years of turbulence.
Goodwill messages came from the Former NBA President, Chief Onueze Okocha, SAN Chief BN Wifa (SAN) and the NBA Port Harcourt branch.
The event attracted lawyers from the eight branches of the NBA.
