The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onoghen has stated that all problems of the country can be resolved through strict adherence to the rule of law.
The CJN made the remarks during the commissioning of the ultra-modern National Industrial Court, Port Harcourt Division building, constructed by the Rivers State Government under the leadership of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
The CJN also declared that if Nigeria consistently respects the rule of law for four years, the building blocks of development will be firmly in place
The CJN also commissioned the Court of Appeal building re-modelled by the administration of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike of Rivers State.
Commissioning the National Industrial Court Complex, the CJN, Justice Walter Onoghen said: “I believe that the solutions to our numerous problems lie in the adherence to the principles of the rule of law. If we do that for four years consistently, you will see that everything will fall back into place.
“The constitution provides for each and every one of us. It has given us designated and special functions. If we adhere to these functions and discharge them to the satisfaction of our conscience, there will be development. ”
He stated that in adhering to the rule of law, people will realise that there are societal taboos.
“For instance, locking up the courts. How can you in a democratic society think of locking up the courts? How can you say that you should deprive the judiciary of its funds, for instance?”, he said.
He charged Nigerian Judges to be fair, firm and courageous in the discharge of their functions.
He said: “You know that a man of integrity cannot be intimidated. You don’t expect a man with integrity to be subservient. Sacrifices must be made if we are to come out of the woods”.
He said that the construction of the National Industrial Court by the Rivers State Government is a welcome development, urging other State Governors to emulate the Rivers State Governor.
“All other State Executives should learn from what is happening in Rivers State “, the CJN said.
In his remarks at the commissioning ceremony of the National Industrial Court, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, said nothing can be more important to the country than for the nation to secure the independence of the judiciary and ensure that it is no longer threatened by political and other interests.
He said: ” This is possible if our judges can stand firm on the constitution under any circumstances and act consistently as morally autonomous agents with an unshakable belief in the rule of law, human rights and the shared values of our democracy.
” I declare so because all through history, judicial independence is fought and won by the courage, commitment and vigilance of judges who would yield to nothing in defence of the constitution and the rule of law.
“The challenge, therefore, is for the Bench and the Bar to resolve to stand firm against all forms of pressures, blatant or subtle, physical or venal, that interfere with, impair or impugn the character and content of judicial decisions.”
Governor Wike said until Nigerian judges are able to do justice in the face of threats; apply the law in the face of opposition from the government; resist peer pressures and be seen to be courageous, just and fair, only then can the nation’s judiciary be independent and Nigeria respected among nations.
He noted: ” While I congratulate the Chief Justice of Nigeria on the ongoing reforms to strengthen our judiciary, I wish to remind you with respect, that on your shoulders rest the responsibility, hopes and expectations of a truly independent, impartial and proactive judiciary: a judiciary that can do justice even though heaven may fall.”
On the National Industrial Court constructed by his administration, Governor Wike said that the administration is proud to be contributing to the dispensation of justice and making Rivers State the Judicial Hub of the region.
He said: ” Against this background, permit me to further reiterate the point that our decision to spend hundreds of millions of naira in building a federal courthouse is not because we have so much money to throw after the responsibility of the federal government.
“But the Court system, whether Federal or State, serves the same purpose and Rivers people are the primary beneficiaries of the services rendered by these courts, irrespective of ownership.”
Former NBA President, Chief Onueze Okocha (SAN) in a goodwill message commended the Rivers State Governor for his contributions to the dispensation of justice.
President of the National Industrial Court, Justice Babatunde Adejumo placed it on record that this is the first time such a developmental gesture will be coming from a state government.
Chief Justice Of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyayi-Laminkara and the Attorney General of Rivers State, Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) represented by the State’s Solicitor General lauded the investments of Governor Wike in the development of the justice sector.
At the commissioning of the Court of Appeal building remodelled by the administration of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done at the facility.
She said though she was initially sceptical about the proposal to remodel the Appeal Court by Governor Wike because, at the time, no such remodelling had been undertaken by a State Government, she was convinced by the fact that Governor Wike intervened in other Federal Courts and establishments in the state.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike explained that the administration resolved to remodel the Court of Appeal because it had degenerated to an embarrassing level.
He said: ” And so today, we are happy to have also delivered what is arguable, the best and most functional Court of Appeal complex, outside the headquarters building in Abuja to the glory of God and for the progress of our State and the Nation.
“With this courthouse delivered, we are the only State Government in our country that have directly intervened and provided the most modern courthouses for all existing Federal Courts in the State; namely, the Federal High Court, the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal”.
The Chief Justice Of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onoghen said every right-thinking person will appreciate efforts put in place to make the judiciary function optimally.
He called for financial autonomy of State Judiciary across the country, saying that a judiciary driven by integrity cannot be timid.
Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Special Projects, Alabo George Kerley said that the courtrooms, offices and facilities were remodelled in a way that will promote security and performance.
Former NBA President, Okey Wali (SAN) in his goodwill message said Governor Wike has lived up to the expectations of the people as a member of the Body of Benchers.
The two ceremonies were attended by high profile judges and legal practitioners from across the country.
