Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has taken a significant step toward enhancing judicial accessibility by approving the establishment of two new Judicial Divisions within the State High Court. In a notice dated November 8, 2024, the governor sanctioned the creation of the Abua Judicial Division in the Abua-Odual Local Government Area and the Bonny Judicial Division in the Bonny Local Government Area. This move brings the total number of judicial divisions in the state to fourteen.
The Chief Registrar of the High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, confirmed that this decision was made following a recommendation from the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simone Chibuzor-Amadi, in line with Section 39, Subsection 2 of the High Court Law, Cap 62, Laws of Rivers State 2021. The new judicial divisions are scheduled to commence operations on December 2, 2024.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has announced his upcoming presentation of the 2025 budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo. The governor highlighted the collaborative relationship between the executive and legislative branches, which has resulted in the swift screening of nominees and the expedited passage of executive bills.
During the inauguration of two new community town halls and a scholarship and empowerment program in Bonny Local Government Area, Fubara, represented by Chief of Staff Edison Ehie, praised Speaker Oko-Jumbo for his support and dedication to constituency projects. He contrasted this commitment with the inactivity of 25 former lawmakers, referring to them as “Abuja-based politicians.”
Fubara commended the Speaker for his role in delivering community projects, empowering 100 Bonny indigenes financially, and awarding tertiary scholarships to 30 Bonny students. He assured residents that the executive and legislative branches would continue to work together to improve the lives of Rivers State residents.
In his response, Speaker Oko-Jumbo expressed gratitude to the people of Bonny for their continued support for the 10th Assembly. He emphasized that the Assembly would not be deterred by the opposition and confirmed that Bonny Local Government Area would be a priority in the 2025 budget’s infrastructure projects.
“We are committed to the development of Bonny Kingdom, and I assure you that the upcoming budget, to be presented by His Excellency, will include key projects for our community,” Oko-Jumbo stated, underscoring his commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents.
