Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the independence of the judiciary for effective service delivery.
The governor announced the approval of a 50 per cent increase in the overhead expenditure of the state judiciary following the passage of the 2026 budget.
He said the additional funds would enable the judiciary to meet its day-to-day expenses, enhance the welfare of judicial officers and staff, and support the training of personnel, assuring judges and magistrates of continued support to enhance justice delivery.
Fubara stated this during the Special Court Session marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year at the Ceremonial Court Hall, High Court Complex, Port Harcourt, on Thursday.
Represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, the governor commended the judiciary for its contributions to peace, stability and socio-economic development through the administration of justice.
Fubara stated, “Following the passage of the 2026 budget we have approved a 50% increase in overhead expenditure of the state judiciary and its institutions to meet their day to day running expenses and to enhance judicial welfare and training of judicial staff, officers,, magistrates, enabling them to co continue working in comfort, dignity and peace of mind.”
The governor congratulated the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, and the entire judiciary on the commencement of the new legal year, describing the occasion as an opportunity for reflection, accountability and renewed commitment to the administration of justice.
He commended the leadership of the Rivers State Judiciary for its vision and efforts to sustain the independence, integrity and dignity of the judicial system.
According to him, the judiciary remains a critical component of government and a cornerstone of peace, stability and development, noting that public confidence in the courts is essential to building trust between government and citizens.
The governor acknowledged the contributions of the judiciary to peace, stability and socio-economic development through the settlement of disputes, while noting that the institution still faced challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and manpower, heavy caseloads, case-management difficulties and delays in the administration of justice.
Fubara assured the judiciary that his administration would continue to respect its constitutional autonomy and provide the necessary resources for it to discharge its responsibilities without interference.
The governor said his administration had, over the past three years, supported the transformation of the judiciary through improved access to justice, the appointment of additional judges and magistrates, digitalisation of case management and the strengthening of institutional frameworks.
In his address, Amadi commended Fubara for his commitment to the rule of law and for allowing the judiciary to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities as the third arm of government.
Amadi stressed that the judiciary must remain a sanctuary of justice where the weak could seek protection and the powerful would be held accountable under the law.
He urged judicial officers to remain faithful to their Judicial Oath, describing the ideal judicial officer as one who is fair without being harsh, patient without being passive, and independent without losing sight of the responsibility that accompanies judicial authority.
Amadi stressed that strengthening the judiciary through improved manpower and better conditions of service would enhance the effective administration of justice and ensure that the judicial system was adequately equipped to meet the needs of the people.
On his part, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Ihemnacho Chibuzor, who recommitted himself to service and integrity, noted that a well-motivated and respected judiciary would ultimately promote integrity and eliminate corruption.
It would be recalled that a Thanksgiving and Rededication Service was held at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Rebisi, earlier in the day to kick-start the 2026/2027 Legal Year.