Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers state, says technicalities, political manipulation and undue delays should not be allowed to create “serious impediments” to the dispensation of justice.
Speaking at the 66th annual conference of the Nigerian Bar
Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Fubara said the judiciary’s
reputation has been damaged by “brazen corruption” and “unjust precedents”.
The Rivers governor said the judiciary is essential for any
country that is seeking to foster true democracy and good governance.
Fubara said the courts are not merely avenues for resolving
disputes but also serve as a refuge for every citizen, including the common
man.
The Rivers governor added that judges should not be “mere
apologists or conformists” if they are to be ultimate guardians of our
democracy.
“The courts are not merely venues for resolving social
disputes. They serve as the ultimate refuge for all, including the common man
like myself,” he said.
“This means that judges responsible for the administration
of law and justice must consider the overall impact of their judgement on the
polity because law, order, and the rate of national development are linked to
the quality of justice the court can deliver with integrity.
“Consequently, we expect that our judges should not be mere
apologists or conformists if they are to be the ultimate guardians of our
democracy, the rule of law and the advancement of peace and good governance in
our country.
“We cannot continue to insulate our laws from today’s
reality. It is not possible. Rather, justice should remain shackled by unjust
precedents, technicalities, inadequate access, undue delays, slavish adherence
to rigid processes, political manipulation, or brazen corruption.
“The prevalence of these serious impediments to justice in
our polity has damaged and continues to damage the reputation of the judiciary
and the bar.”
The Rivers governor urged the bench and bar to reflect on
their roles in society and commit to serve the public interest with character
and compassion.
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