By Our Reporter
PORT HARCOURT (PRECISE POST) — Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on the Nigerian Bar and Bench to uphold justice with courage, integrity and independence, warning that the quality of justice delivered in the country today would determine the peace, stability and progress of the nation tomorrow.
Fubara made the call while declaring open the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with the theme, “Beyond Limits.”
The governor, who disclosed this on his X handle on Monday, described the opportunity to host and declare open the conference as an honour, stressed the critical role of the legal profession in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring the protection of citizens’ rights.
He urged lawyers and judicial officers to remain committed to the principles of justice, fairness and the rule of law, saying the Bar and Bench must discharge their responsibilities without fear or favour.
According to him, justice must be administered with courage, integrity and independence, without undue political influence, unnecessary delays or technicalities capable of frustrating the course of justice.
Fubara said Nigeria’s democratic development depended largely on the strength and independence of its institutions, particularly the judiciary, which he described as a critical pillar in safeguarding citizens’ rights and sustaining public confidence in the rule of law.
He maintained that democracy could only thrive when the rule of law was respected and institutions were sufficiently strong to protect the rights of every citizen, irrespective of status or political affiliation.
The governor emphasised that the legal profession had a responsibility beyond the courtroom, noting that lawyers and judicial officers play a crucial role in shaping the country’s governance, accountability and social order.
He therefore urged participants at the conference to use the opportunity to reflect on ways of strengthening Nigeria’s justice system and addressing challenges that continue to undermine effective and timely access to justice.
Fubara said the theme, “Beyond Limits,” was particularly relevant to the current realities confronting the nation, urging members of the legal profession to look beyond existing limitations and contribute innovative ideas towards building a stronger justice system.
He expressed the belief that reforms that promote judicial independence, reduce delays and eliminate unnecessary technicalities would enhance public confidence in the justice system and contribute to national development.
The governor further stressed that justice should not merely be delivered, but must be delivered in a manner that inspires confidence among citizens and reinforces their faith in democratic institutions.
He said the consequences of the quality of justice administered in the present would extend far into the future, noting that a credible and independent justice system remained essential to achieving lasting peace, stability and sustainable progress.
The NBA conference brings together legal practitioners and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting the legal profession, the judiciary, democracy and national development.
Fubara urged participants to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of Nigeria’s justice system, stressing that the legal profession remained central to the protection of democracy and the preservation of the rule of law.
