By Tina Chinyere – Portharcourt
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has charged the state judiciary to remain steadfast in upholding justice and ensuring that innocent citizens do not suffer injustices.
The governor gave the charge on Friday, October 17, 2025, during a thanksgiving service to mark the opening of the 2025/2026 Legal Year, held at the Corpus Christi Cathedral, Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara described the ceremony as symbolic of a new beginning for the state, following a period of reconciliation and peace.
“We are marking a new beginning after the reconciliation and peace in our state. I strongly believe that whatever we have lost, now that we are together, we will regain those grounds. The progress and development we have all yearned for will not elude us,” he said.
The governor assured that the executive, legislature, and judiciary, along with other stakeholders, will continue to work collaboratively toward realizing the collective vision of a united and prosperous Rivers State.
“I thank everyone for your support, prayers, and belief in one Rivers State. This is the one state where everyone can sit and praise the Almighty together.”
Governor Fubara also commended the church for its prayers and its role in fostering peace and stability across the state.
Delivering his homily, the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, Most Reverend Patrick Eluke, urged members of the judiciary to uphold fairness, equity, and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
He reminded them that as ministers in the temple of justice, they must combine legal professionalism with moral uprightness and patience in attending to those seeking justice.
Governor Fubara took the first Bible reading from 2 Chronicles 19:5–9, while the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, read the second reading from Psalm 100:1–5.
Highlights of the thanksgiving service included the presentation of special gifts to Governor Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, Justice Amadi, and the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Chike Amaewhule, by Bishop Eluke on behalf of the church.
