Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged judges to consider the broader implications of their judgments on the polity, stressing that the quality of justice delivered by the courts is closely linked to law and order, democratic stability and national development.
Governor Fubara made the call on Sunday while declaring open the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with the theme, “Beyond Limits.”
He charged judges to ensure that truth and justice prevailed irrespective of the status, influence or social affiliations of the parties appearing before them.
The governor said Nigeria could no longer afford a justice system constrained by outdated realities, unjust precedents, technicalities, delays, political interference or corruption.
“We cannot continue to insulate our laws from today’s reality; neither should justice remain shackled by unjust precedents, technicalities, inadequate access, undue delays, slavish adherence to rigid processes, political manipulation, or brazen corruption,”
Fubara said the persistence of such impediments had damaged the reputation of both the judiciary and the legal profession, warning that the consequences extended beyond the courtroom.
According to him, the legal system in a democratic society establishes the rules governing relationships between government, public and private institutions, and citizens.
He noted that, beyond upholding the rule of law, the judiciary remained indispensable to any country seeking to promote democracy, good governance and economic development.
The governor described the courts as more than venues for resolving disputes, saying they should remain the ultimate refuge for citizens seeking justice, accountability, protection of human dignity and enforcement of their constitutional and legal rights.
He maintained that the ultimate purpose of law was to protect and advance the security and wellbeing of citizens by guaranteeing equality before the law, safeguarding fundamental rights and creating an environment conducive to socioeconomic development.
Fubara warned that the erosion of the rule of law could undermine democratic governance and create conditions for social instability.
He therefore urged judges to demonstrate independence, courage and integrity rather than become “mere apologists or conformists”, describing them as the ultimate guardians of democracy, the rule of law, peace and good governance.
The governor said public confidence in the judiciary could only be strengthened when judges demonstrated sound knowledge of the law, sound legal reasoning, courage, commitment and integrity in holding both government and citizens accountable to the Constitution.
He argued that justice must be accessible to all citizens, particularly those on the margins of society, rather than being perceived as a privilege reserved for the powerful.
Fubara also called on members of the legal profession to remain vigilant whenever political power attempted to exceed constitutional limits.
He said the courage of lawyers and judges was particularly important during periods of political uncertainty, when the Constitution and rule of law could come under pressure.
Addressing the conference theme, “Beyond Limits,” the governor challenged Nigerian lawyers to rise above real or perceived constraints in defending the Constitution and advancing citizens’ rights to democracy and good governance.
He said Rivers State had experienced significant political challenges but remained committed to protecting its unity, peace and development.
“We have walked through the furnace of power, may have been bruised, yet remain unbowed in our determination to safeguard our unity, peace and progress and are more resolved than ever in our commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to our people,”
Weah calls for fearless and independent judiciary
Former Liberian President, George Weah, who delivered the keynote address, also stressed the importance of an independent judiciary in protecting democracy and citizens’ rights.
Weah urged lawyers and judges to remain impartial and committed to the fair administration of justice, arguing that every serious nation required an independent judiciary supported by a courageous legal profession.
He warned that threats to democracy did not come only from armed force or political leaders who refused to relinquish power after losing elections. According to him, democratic governance could also be threatened when judicial institutions were weakened and prevented from performing their constitutional responsibilities.
The former Liberian leader stressed that democracy did not end on election night but was tested every day through the strength and independence of public institutions.
He said democracy could not be sustained by “strong men” but by strong institutions capable of checking abuses of power and protecting citizens’ rights.
Weah further warned against governments that profess democratic credentials while engaging in corruption or attempting to compromise the judiciary to undermine the rule of law and manipulate society.
The conference brings together members of the Nigerian legal profession and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting the administration of justice, democracy, governance and the rule of law in Nigeria.
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