Apparently miffed by obvious conflicting judgments from the courts, the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has invoked God’s judgment on some judges who allegedly collect “bribes” to twist justice.
Governor Fubara spoke at the opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year and Re-Dedication Service at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul’s, Anglican Communion, in Diobu, Port Harcourt, on Thursday.
The governor took a swipe at some legal luminaries who, in his view, have compromised their integrity to please their paymasters. 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.”
Fubara emphasized that issues concerning the administration of governance fall within the jurisdiction of the State High Court, regardless of involvement from agencies like INEC or the Police. He stated, “I am not a lawyer, but I know that one. And you stand and say you are doing the right thing? God will judge you.”
The governor asserted that judges represent God within the justice system and must dispense justice rightly without fear or favor. He warned that court judgments have far-reaching implications and urged judges to exercise great care in their rulings.
“Let me say it here so that you will understand: 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. Because if you don’t do it here, you will have a big question to answer. The preacher said it, every evil done in the course of administering justice, you will pay for it dearly.”
Governor Fubara applauded the Rivers State Judiciary, particularly the High Court Divisions, for their support that has contributed to the continuity of his administration despite calculated antagonisms.