Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has publicly declared that the months-long political crisis which had gripped the state is now completely over, with all political parties having reconciled their differences. Governor Fubara made this declaration while speaking at a special court session for the opening ceremony of the 2025/2026 Legal Year at the State High Court Complex in Port Harcourt on Friday. He affirmed that his administration is now re-energised and fully focused on implementing policies and programmes designed for the benefit of the people of Rivers State, having put the past turbulence behind him.
The Governor’s spokesman, Mr Nelson Chukwudi, quoted the Governor as expressing his administration’s renewed commitment to supporting the judiciary to ensure it functions as a genuinely independent and effective justice system. Governor Fubara also praised the Bar and Bench for their dedication to advancing the integrity of the judicial system, stating his satisfaction with the success of the legal year opening event. He maintained that the Rivers State Judiciary is ranked among the finest in Nigeria, highlighting that it comprises some of the brightest legal minds who interpret and apply the law with a profound sense of justice.
In his address to the lawyers and judges, Governor Fubara underscored their solemn responsibilities as ministers in the temple of justice. He reminded lawyers of their oath to conduct themselves honestly in their practice before the courts, to uphold the rule of law, and to consistently advance the course of justice. Similarly, he stressed that every judge is under a judicial oath that requires them to provide equal justice to all people according to the law and to the best of their knowledge and ability, free from fear, favour, or affection, emphasising that this oath demands moral courage to resist external pressures.
Governor Fubara stressed the critical need for all courts, both inferior and superior, to perform their duties courageously, interpreting and adjudicating cases in ways that promote substantial justice, reinforce democracy, and protect citizens’ fundamental rights. The Governor publicly stated, “The political crisis is now over, with all parties fully reconciled, and my administration is back on its feet, but I hold no grudges or ill feelings toward anyone.” He committed to working collaboratively with the State House of Assembly, the Judiciary, and other stakeholders to regain ground lost during the period of conflict, sustain the existing peace, and accelerate the overall development of the state.
Meanwhile, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, used the occasion to highlight a significant issue contributing to the high congestion in custodial centres: the absence of a Committee on Prerogative of Mercy in the state. Justice Amadi noted that the lack of such a body means that the non-reduction of sentences, including those for the 493 male and 15 female death-row prisoners, remains outside the Chief Judge’s powers, prompting a call for urgent government intervention. The Chief Judge also thanked the Governor for his support to the Judiciary thus far and requested more encouragement to ease the pressures faced by judicial officers.
