Rivers governor urges legal professionals to resist abuse of power and protect citizens’ fundamental rights.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged lawyers and other legal professionals to remain courageous in defending the rule of law, constitutional democracy and the fundamental rights of citizens.
Fubara made the call at the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, themed “Beyond Limits.”
The governor described the legal system as the foundation of the relationship between government, public institutions and private organisations, stressing that its ultimate purpose is to protect the security and wellbeing of citizens.
He said lawyers must ensure equality before the law, safeguard fundamental rights and create an environment that supports socio-economic activities and national development.
Fubara warned that disregard for the rule of law, democracy and good governance could lead to social disorder, urging citizens to see the courts as a refuge for those seeking justice rather than merely venues for resolving disputes.
He also charged judges to remain independent and consider the wider implications of their judgments, stressing that justice delivered with integrity was essential to maintaining law and order and promoting national development.
The governor urged lawyers to resist political interference and speak truth to power whenever political authority attempts to undermine the Constitution or democratic values.
“As a layman, I am compelled to agree with the description of lawyers as the subtle nerves of the nation’s spine,” Fubara said.
Speaking on his administration’s experience in Rivers State, the governor said his government had pushed beyond limits despite navigating difficult political circumstances, adding that the experience had strengthened its resolve to protect the unity, peace and progress of the state.
Fubara also highlighted efforts to strengthen the judiciary, saying his administration had worked with the State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, to expand access to justice through the appointment of additional judges and establishment of more courts.
He disclosed that the state government had constructed a Federal High Court facility that would soon be handed over to the Federal High Court.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the administrative and financial autonomy of the judiciary, as well as improved security and welfare for judges.
He stressed that a strong and independent judiciary remained critical to sustaining democracy, protecting citizens’ rights and promoting good governance.