Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged judges to consider the wider impact of their judgments on the nation’s political and socio-economic development.
Fubara made the call on Sunday while declaring open the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The governor stressed that judges must uphold truth and justice without allowing social status, political affiliations or other influences to affect their decisions.
He criticised what he described as unjust precedents, excessive technicalities, delays, political interference and corruption, saying such challenges had damaged public confidence in the judiciary.
According to him, an effective judiciary is essential to strengthening democracy, promoting good governance and creating an environment for economic development.
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Fubara said courts must remain a refuge for all citizens, particularly the vulnerable, by protecting fundamental rights, ensuring accountability and upholding the rule of law.
He urged Nigerian lawyers, as custodians of justice, to rise above real or perceived limitations and defend the Constitution and the rights of citizens.
Also speaking at the conference, former Liberian President George Weah called for an independent judiciary and a fearless legal profession to safeguard democracy and citizens’ rights.
Weah warned that threats to democracy could arise not only from military intervention or leaders refusing to relinquish power, but also from weakened judicial institutions.
He said democracy was tested every day and could not survive on strong individuals alone, but required strong and independent institutions.
