NBA conference: Fubara, Weah call for independent judiciary to protect democracy

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called on judges to ensure that truth and integrity prevail in all their judgments, emphasizing the critical role of the judiciary in maintaining law and order and driving national development. Fubara made these remarks on Sunday while inaugurating the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt.

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We cannot continue to insulate our laws from today’s reality; neither should justice remain shackled by unjust precedents, technicalities, inadequate access, undue delays, slavish adherence to rigid processes, political manipulation or brazen corruption.

Speaking on the theme 'Beyond Limits,' Fubara urged judges to consider the broader societal impact of their decisions. He stressed that justice should not be hindered by unjust precedents, technicalities, inadequate access, undue delays, rigid processes, political manipulation, or 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," he stated.

Fubara highlighted that in a democratic society, the legal system defines the rules of conduct and the framework for relationships between the government, institutions, and citizens. Beyond upholding the rule of law, he asserted that the judiciary is essential for fostering true democracy, good governance, and economic development. He described the courts as the ultimate refuge for all citizens, including the common person, to seek justice, accountability, human dignity, and the enforcement of their legal and constitutional rights.

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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.

"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," Fubara noted. He added that public confidence in the judiciary would grow if judges demonstrate sound legal knowledge, excellent reasoning, courage, commitment, and integrity, holding both the government and the governed equally accountable to the constitution and the rule of law. This, he believes, is the path to ensuring justice transforms society.

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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.