Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Marking a ceremonial and aspirational start to the 2025/2026 legal calendar, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Friday, October 17, 2025, charged the State Judiciary to renew its commitment to justice, urging them specifically to guard against the suffering of innocent people.
The Governor delivered the charge while addressing stakeholders at the Thanksgiving Service held at the Corpus Christi Cathedral in Port Harcourt, which officially opened the new legal year.
Call for a ‘New Beginning’
Governor Fubara framed the opening of the legal year as a moment of renewal following recent political developments in the State, referencing the ongoing spirit of reconciliation and peace.
“We are marking a new beginning after the reconciliation and peace in our State,” Governor Fubara stated. “I strongly believe whatever we have lost, now that we are together, we will regain those grounds. The progress and development we have all yearned for, I strongly believe we will not deviate from it.”
He emphasized the need for unity across the arms of government, assuring that the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary—along with all key stakeholders—will operate as a cohesive team to achieve the collective vision for Rivers State. The Governor also extended gratitude to the Church, acknowledging that its “prayers cannot be removed from the peace that we are enjoying in the State today.”
Clergy Admonishes Integrity and Fairness
Earlier in the service, the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, Most Reverend Patrick Eluke, delivered a stirring homily, focusing on the judiciary’s essential role as ministers in the temple of justice.
The clergy reminded members of the bar and the bench that their profession is built on the pillars of fairness, equity, justice, and integrity. He stressed that they must discharge their duties with a high sense of morality and be impeccable in their judgments. Most Reverend Eluke further implored them to exercise patience when dealing with citizens who consult them to seek justice.
Ceremony Highlights
The service featured readings by key state figures, underscoring the collaborative nature of the state’s leadership. Governor Siminalayi Fubara read the first Bible passage from the book of second chronicles 19: 5-9, while the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, read the second lesson from Psalm 100:1-5.
The thanksgiving ceremony concluded with the Bishop, Most Reverend Patrick Eluke, presenting special gifts on behalf of the Church to Governor Fubara, his Deputy, Prof. Mrs. Ngozi Odu, Chief Judge Justice Chibuzor Amadi, and the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Chike Amaewhule.
