Political manipulation, corruption damaged judiciary’s reputation –Fubara
Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers state, says technicalities, political manipulation and undue delays should not be allowed to create “serious impediments” to the dispensation of justice.
Speaking at the 66th annual conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Fubara said the judiciary’s reputation has been damaged by “brazen corruption” and “unjust precedents”.
The Rivers governor said the judiciary is essential for any country that is seeking to foster true democracy and good governance.
Fubara said the courts are not merely avenues for resolving disputes but also serve as a refuge for every citizen, including the common man.
The Rivers governor added that judges should not be “mere apologists or conformists” if they are to be ultimate guardians of our democracy.
“The courts are not merely venues for resolving social disputes. They serve as the ultimate refuge for all, including the common man like myself,” he said.
“This means that judges responsible for the administration of law and justice must consider the overall impact of their judgement on the polity because law, order, and the rate of national development are linked to the quality of justice the court can deliver with integrity.
“Consequently, we expect that our judges should not be mere apologists or conformists if they are to be the ultimate guardians of our democracy, the rule of law and the advancement of peace and good governance in our country.
“We cannot continue to insulate our laws from today’s reality. It is not possible. Rather, justice should remain shackled by unjust precedents, technicalities, inadequate access, undue delays, slavish adherence to rigid processes, political manipulation, or brazen corruption.
“The prevalence of these serious impediments to justice in our polity has damaged and continues to damage the reputation of the judiciary and the bar.”
The Rivers governor urged the bench and bar to reflect on their roles in society and commit to serve the public interest with character and compassion.
