Gov Fubara Tasks Judiciary on Justice, Integrity as Rivers Opens 2025 Legal Year

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has charged the state’s judiciary to continue living up to its responsibility of safeguarding justice and ensuring that innocent people do not suffer unfairly.

The governor gave the charge today Friday, October 17, 2025, during a thanksgiving service held at the Corpus Christi Cathedral, Port Harcourt, to mark the opening of the 2025/2026 Legal Year.

Fubara described the new legal year as a fresh start following the reconciliation and renewed peace in the state, expressing optimism that Rivers would regain its lost grounds.

“We are marking a new beginning after the reconciliation and peace in our state. I strongly believe that whatever we have lost, now that we are together, we will regain. The progress and development we all yearn for will not elude us,” he said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaboration among the executive, legislature, judiciary, and other stakeholders in building the Rivers State of their collective dream.

The governor also appreciated the church for its prayers and continued role in sustaining peace across the state.

Earlier in his homily, the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, Most Rev. Patrick Eluke, urged judicial officers to uphold fairness, equity, justice, and integrity in the discharge of their duties.

He reminded them to be patient and moral in their dealings, whether at the bar or on the bench, as they serve as ministers in the temple of justice.

Governor Fubara took the first Bible reading from 2 Chronicles 19:5–9, while the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, read the second lesson from Psalm 100:1–5.

Highlight of the thanksgiving service was the presentation of special gifts to Governor Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, the Chief Judge, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Chike Amaewhule, by Bishop Eluke on behalf of the Church.