*Says his return to Office after emergency declaration paved way for NBA Conference to return to Rivers
*Lawyers must see their profession as more than a business or avenue for social status
The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has challenged Nigerian judges to demonstrate courage, integrity and independence in holding both government and citizens accountable to the Constitution and the rule of law.
Fubara gave the charge while welcoming delegates to the 2026 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Port Harcourt, describing the judiciary as a critical pillar of democracy, good governance and national development.
The governor said public confidence in the judiciary could only be sustained where judges demonstrate sound knowledge of the law, strong legal reasoning and the courage to dispense justice without fear, favour or political affiliation.
He said judges must not become “mere apologists or conformists” if they are to serve effectively as guardians of democracy, the rule of law, peace and good governance.
Justice, he said, must go beyond being an abstract concept and become a reality that transforms the lives of ordinary citizens, including vulnerable and marginalised members of society.
Declaring the conference open, Fubara said the rule of law remains the foundation of a democratic society, and that the legal system provides the framework for relationships between government, public institutions, private organisations and citizens.
“The ultimate aim of law is to protect and advance citizens’ security and their wellbeing by assuring equity before the law, safeguarding the fundamental human rights of all, and fostering an environment conducive to socio-economic activities and national development,” he said.
He added that meaningful human progress prevails “wherever the law is treated as sovereign.”
The governor warned that undermining the sanctity of the rule of law, democracy and good governance could lead to social disorder and hinder national progress.
Fubara described the courts as the “ultimate refuge” for citizens seeking justice, accountability, protection of human dignity and enforcement of their constitutional rights.
He argued that the quality of justice delivered by the courts is closely linked to peace, order and national development.
Turning to the Bar, the governor urged members of the legal profession to uphold their constitutional and moral responsibilities, saying lawyers must see their profession as more than a business or an avenue for social status.
Lawyers, he said, have a duty to safeguard the Constitution, promote the rule of law and defend the rights of ordinary Nigerians.
Fubara assured delegates of their safety and security throughout their stay, and welcomed lawyers from across the country as well as international delegates from Africa and beyond, noting that the conference has become one of the largest gatherings of legal practitioners on the continent.
He commended the outgoing President of the Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and his National Executive Committee for bringing the conference back to Port Harcourt.
He recalled that Rivers State was originally scheduled to host in 2025, but that the event was moved to Enugu following the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of democratic institutions in the state.
The governor said his return to office had made it possible for the state to host the legal community once again, adding that the large turnout of delegates demonstrated the state’s return to peace, security and economic transformation.
He expressed optimism that the conference would be peaceful, successful and memorable, and said the state government had partnered with the leadership of the Association to ensure a conducive environment.
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