Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has voiced his frustration over the growing issue of judicial corruption in Nigeria. He called on God to bring judgment on any judges accepting bribes to distort justice.
Speaking during the opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul’s Anglican Communion in Diobu, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara expressed concerns about the moral decay within the judiciary. He emphasized that justice must be dispensed fairly and without bias, highlighting the critical role judges play in shaping the future of the country.
Fubara criticized certain legal professionals for abandoning their principles to serve the interests of their paymasters, describing their actions as a betrayal of their responsibility to uphold justice.
He said, “Some of you, you say you are legal luminaries. You know the truth, but you will go on air just to pacify your paymasters to turn the law upside down.”
The governor pointed out that state courts have jurisdiction over matters related to governance within the state, and yet, some lawyers continue to misrepresent the law for personal gain.
“We all know the law when it comes to issues that have to do with the administration of governance in the state; it is within the jurisdiction of the State High Court. It doesn’t matter whether you joined INEC, or Police. It is a state’s matter!” he declared.
In his speech, Fubara stressed the sacred role judges play in society, likening their positions to that of divine figures tasked with administering justice. He warned that any judge who fails to uphold this sacred duty would face divine consequences.
“Judges, you are the God that we are seeing. Your position is to stand and defend us. Your position is to look at whoever and tell the person the truth,” he said. “Because if you don’t do it here, you will have a big question to answer.”
Judicial corruption has long been a subject of concern in Nigeria. Critics argue that the judiciary, which is meant to be the last bastion of hope for citizens seeking justice, has become tainted by the influence of money and power. High-profile cases of corrupt judges accepting bribes in exchange for favorable rulings have damaged public trust in the legal system.
Governor Fubara’s statements reflect the frustration of many Nigerians who feel that corruption has crippled the judiciary’s ability to deliver fair justice.
The governor also thanked the Rivers State Judiciary, particularly the High Court Divisions, for their support in ensuring the smooth running of his administration, despite facing external pressures.
Fubara said that some judges in the state have been threatened or harassed in an attempt to force them to compromise their rulings. He commended those who have remained steadfast in upholding justice despite these challenges.
“We know quite alright that a good number of you have been threatened by way of phone calls and even physical assaults,” he noted. “We are also aware that some of you have been threatened professionally through petitions that are fake and frivolous.”
He encouraged them to continue doing the right thing, reminding them that every evil act committed in the name of administering justice would have consequences.
Governor Fubara also touched on the importance of strong institutions in promoting democracy and good governance. He emphasized that Nigeria needs institutions that are stronger than individuals, pointing out that weak institutions lead to poor development outcomes.
“What we are praying for in this country is institutional strength and not individual strength. Institutional strength is the only thing that will bring development in this country,” he added.
Fubara’s speech resonated with many in attendance, highlighting the need for judicial reform and accountability in a country where corruption remains a major obstacle to progress. His call for divine intervention against corrupt judges underscores the depth of the frustration felt by citizens who believe the legal system has failed them.