Rivers State judiciary, on Friday, marked the opening of the 2018/2019 legal year.
This is as members of the Bench and Bar of the Rivers State Judiciary have been advised to promote truth, equity and impartiality in the system so as to ensure the overall growth of the state.
Anglican Cleric, Venerable Fyneface Akah, in his sermon during the re-dedication service at the ecumenical centre, Port Harcourt, charged members of the bench and bar to diligently uphold the truth and eschew technicalities as such will lead to the destruction of justice.
According to him, “The main thrust of justice is to be fair to all persons at all times. Judges must watch out for those who lie to mislead them and destroy the legal system.
“As judges, you must be conscious that there are people who come forward to tell lies. We will grow as a society when judges don’t premise their judgments on technicalities “.
“Our society is so depraved that once you are accused, the society sees you as guilty. But that ought not to be so.
“Many are held in detention for years for mere allegations. Many are put in confinement for mere accusation. This is more in the political sector “, he said.
He noted that the court should not discriminate but be fair to all irrespective of their socio-economic status in the society.
“The way the court must address the poor when they are right, should be the same way they should address the rich when they are right.
“God has placed the judiciary in a distinct position. May the society not be disappointed in the judiciary “, he said.
Also in attendance for the re-dedication Service were the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike; his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike; his deputy, Ipalibo Harry Banigo; Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyaye-Laminkara; top government officials; the judiciary and hundreds of lawyers.
