Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has announced the end of the political crisis that rocked the state and pledged to recover all grounds lost during the six-month emergency rule.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025/2026 Legal Year at the Rivers State High Court Complex in Port Harcourt on Friday, Fubara said reconciliation among all parties has been achieved and peace has returned.
“We are marking a new beginning after the reconciliation and peace in our state,” he said. “I strongly believe that whatever we have lost, now that we are united, we will regain it.”
Fubara, along with his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, was suspended from office on March 18, 2025, following the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu.
During the emergency period, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the state’s administrator. The emergency rule was lifted on September 18, allowing Fubara and other elected officials to resume office.
Since his return, Fubara has reversed several appointments made during the interim administration, including dissolving and restructuring the boards of the State Microfinance Agency and the State Pensions Board.
Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening judicial independence and effectiveness. He praised the Rivers State Judiciary as one of the best in the country, commending its judges for their integrity and courage in upholding justice.
He emphasized the need for both judges and lawyers to act with honesty and impartiality:
“Judges must provide equal justice to all persons without fear or favour. Their oath is not mere words but a commitment to moral courage,” he said.
He urged the courts to interpret laws in ways that support democracy, uphold citizens’ rights, and ensure substantial justice.
Governor Fubara declared that his administration is re-energised and focused on implementing people-oriented policies, programmes, and projects. He emphasized teamwork across the executive, legislature, and judiciary to achieve the state’s development goals.
“We will work as a team to build the Rivers State of our dreams. We will not deviate from the path of progress,” he assured.
At the same event, Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, highlighted the absence of a Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, noting it contributes to overcrowding in custodial centres.
He cited the case of 508 death-row inmates 493 male and 15 female whose sentences cannot be reviewed without such a committee.
Justice Amadi called for the governor’s intervention and thanked him for his support of the Judiciary so far.
Chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch, Cordelia Eke, said the legal year began with optimism but was quickly disrupted by the political crisis. She noted the suspension of key officials and the lack of an Attorney General severely delayed legal processes.
Eke stressed the importance of legal reforms to protect institutions and ensure continuity in governance during crises.
Representing the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Chief Onueze Okocha (SAN) decried the waning public trust in the Judiciary, blaming it on inconsistent rulings and case delays. He urged judges to resist undue influence and work to restore confidence in the justice system.
During a thanksgiving service at Corpus Christi Catholic Cathedral earlier in the day, Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, Right Reverend Patrick S. Eluke, admonished legal practitioners to uphold moral and spiritual integrity.
He warned against hypocrisy and unhealthy rivalry, stressing that true justice must be fair, compassionate, and free from political or material influence. He also called on elected officials to remain accountable to the people who gave them the mandate to lead.
The event concluded with the presentation of gifts to Governor Fubara, his deputy, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, and the Chief Judge. Prayers were offered for the state’s leadership and peace in the nation.
Notably, the Speaker and other allies of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike were in attendance, signalling a potential thaw in political tensions.
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