The Rivers State Governor, Chief Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has challenged the state judiciary to ensure transparency in the delivery of justice.
Governor Wike made the call while speaking at the special court session to usher in the 2015 legal year at the Chief Judge Ceremonial Court Hall in Port Harcourt.
According to him, “you should eliminate all activities contrary to the ethnics of the law professional”, pointing out that his administration has fulfilled some of three cardinal promises he made earlier of revamping judiciary such as the opening of the courts, appointment of Acting Chief Judge, and releasing of fund for the renovation and maintenance of facilities in the court.
Governor Wike further reiterated his desire to use the judiciary in enhancing the development of the state stressing that the judiciary must partner with his administration to ensure fair deliver of justice promising release of more funding to the judicial arm of government.
He maintained that his administration will abide by the rule of law, equity and separation of power.
The Chief Executive Officer of the state who frowned at the shortcoming in the criminal justice system revealed that his administration has already sent a bill to the state House of Assembly to revamp the criminal justice delivery.
In his speech the state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state, Barr. Chinwo Emma Aguma SAN noted that the plan by the state government to adopt the multi-court system was for quick delivery of justice.
He maintained that Justice delivery was a crucial means to attract investors and create enabling environment in the state, pointing out that Governor Wike had fulfilled three cardinal promises he made to the state judiciary on assumption of office by appointing an acting Chief Judge in both state High Court and Customary Court of Appeal and granting independent judiciary in both courts adding that the present administration has improved the process of land titled and acquisition.
Speaking for the Nigeria Bar Association NBA the former Nigeria Bar Association President, OCJ Okocha SAN who recalled the closure of the state judiciary for a year due to politicization of the judiciary commended Governor Wike for restoring the court.
According to him, the politicalizing the judiciary by the past administration has damaged the integrity of the court.
He, however called on both the bar and the bench to adhere to the rule of law and never to allow such to reoccur again.
In her address, the Acting Chief judge of the state justice Daisy Okocha lamented the decongestion of the court attributing it to the crisis that rocked the past administration.
Justice Okocha who blamed the lawyers and litigants for delaying matters, called on legal practitioners to help the judges in the speedy of trial in the disposal of cases in the court.
The Acting Chief Judge commended judges for their courage and zeal in disposing matters before them after resumption in June this year despite set back the judiciary witnessed during the past administration.
She noted that since assumption, her administration has revamped the judiciary with renovation in various courts in Rivers State. ###
Emeka Jilly Ejiowhor
