Supreme Court Verdict Will Be Implemented In Full Says Gov Fubara

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has revealed that his administration would implement the Supreme Court judgement in full.

Fubara disclosed this today during the inauguration of the New Judges’ Quarters built by his administration in the Old GRA, Port Harcourt.

He maintained that no personal interest should override the collective good and peace of Rivers State assuring that no price would be too much to pay for peace.

Fubara acknowledged that the past 16 months had been rough for his government saying that he will leave office one day but that his good work will speak for him.

The Opobo-born technocrat stated that since the crisis started a lot of money and resources that should have been channelled to the development of the State had been wasted by both sides.

According to him, “It has not been easy these past sixteen months, but what is important is the interest of our state must be above our personal interest.

“I want to say it here very clearly the Supreme Court has given a judgment, my administration will implement the judgment to its fullest. The reason is clear, it is not about me, it is about the good of this state.

“I can assure you that any day, any time, I have not gone back on my statement that nothing is too big to pay for peace in this state, at the end of the day, it is about our people. It is not about me, because I will leave but the good that I have done will speak for my administration.”

The governor elaborated that the delivery of the project is a further proof that his administration took the issue of welfare seriously and recalled that the project was inherited from the former government.

“When we came on board this particular project is one of the projects that we inherited and after the reports that we received from the ministry and some concerns that were made from the judiciary we felt it doesn’t matter who started the project and it doesn’t matter who the contractor is, but what is important is to complete this project because it is all about Rivers State”.

He enjoined the Chief Judge to work with the government on the issue of maintenance of the new quarters to keep the facilities in a good shape

In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, described the inauguration as another milestone and great accomplishment for Rivers judiciary.

He said: “We are pleased with this landmark achievement which represents the continuation of the policy of providing befitting residential accommodations for the judges of Rivers State on owner occupier basis or monetary grant in lieu thereof as backed by Rivers State law on State Housing Scheme for Judicial Officers number 10, 2021.

He pointed that having official residential accommodation is a necessity for any judicial officer in view of the sensitive and important duties of their office.

Justice Amadi thanked Governor Fubara, for keeping faith and completing the legacy project for the enhancement of the judicial duties of judges of Rivers State.

He noted that the policy of providing official accommodation for judges had greatly reduced the pressure on judicial officers, who hitherto struggled to build retirement homes while in service with limited resources.

The Chief Judge commended Gov. Fubara for keeping up with the policy and delivering the project on record time and also told the governor that there is a need for construction of more quarters for judges to cater for future appointments, since having residential accommodation had become a mandatory requirement by the NJC for the appointment of new judges.

Justice Amadi congratulated the beneficiaries of the apartments saying they will own the houses after their retirement.

While thanking the governor for his unflinching support for the Rivers judiciary, the Chief Judge said the judges will continue to remain committed to discharging of their statutory duties for the peace, security and economic growth of Rivers.

On her part the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice and Rivers State Solicitor General, Mrs. Ibiwari Clapton Ogolo thanked Gov. Fubara for completing the judges’ quarters.

She said the Rivers State Government Housing Scheme for judicial officers Law No. 10, of 2021 establishes a housing scheme for judicial officers who are indigenes of Rivers State or married to indigenes of the State on owner occupier basis, adding that it can also be monetized sequel to government approval.

Mrs. Ogolo noted that the seven duplexes which are exquisitely furnished for the judges will not only serve as a residence, but homes where the judges will find peace and rest as they discharge their duties.

The Chairman of Port Harcourt branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mrs. Cordelia U. Eke in her goodwill message commended the governor for keeping to his words of delivering the judges’ quarters as promised the association in the recent past.

She added that the government of Rivers State has continued to prioritize the welfare of judicial officers which is demonstrated by the provision of the quarters.