Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara has called on legal practitioners to remain committed to upholding the rule of law, constitutional democracy and the fundamental rights of citizens.
Governor Fubara made the statement during the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Conference, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, under the theme, “Beyond Limits.”

He described the legal system as the cornerstone of the relationship between the government, public institutions, and private entities, emphasising that the primary aim of the law was to safeguard and promote the security and welfare of citizens.

He asserted that this objective could be realised by ensuring equality before the law, protecting fundamental human rights, and fostering an environment conducive to socio-economic activities and national progress.

The governor said that order, peace and significant human advancement flourished where the law was regarded as supreme, cautioning that neglecting the sanctity of the rule of law, democracy, and good governance could result in social unrest.

He said that courts should not merely be seen as places for dispute resolution but as the ultimate sanctuary for citizens in pursuit of justice.

Governor Fubara also encouraged judges to contemplate the broader implications of their rulings, highlighting that the quality of justice administered with integrity is intrinsically linked to law and order, as well as the pace of national development.

He advised judges against becoming mere apologists or conformists, asserting that they must remain bold as the ultimate protectors of democracy and good governance.

“As a layman, I am compelled to agree with the description of lawyers as the subtle nerves of the nation’s spine,” the governor said.

Fubara urged lawyers to exhibit bravery whenever political authority seeks to exceed the boundaries set by the Constitution and the rule of law, emphasising that the legal profession bears the duty to prevent the misuse of power and uphold democratic principles.

He said that the paramount obligation of a lawyer is to embody the conscience, dedication, and bravery necessary to confront power with truth and advocate for the rights of citizens.

Reflecting on his administration’s experiences in Rivers State, the governor remarked that his government understands the significance of transcending limitations.

He stated that the administration has “navigated the trials of power” yet remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the unity, peace, and advancement of the state.

Fubara noted that these experiences have further strengthened his administration’s determination to provide the benefits of democracy to the populace.

The governor also underscored his administration’s efforts towards judicial development, mentioning that over the past three years, his government has collaborated with the State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, to enhance access to justice by appointing additional judges and establishing more courts.

He revealed that the state government has also built a Federal High Court facility, which, he said, would soon be transferred to the Federal High Court.

Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s ongoing commitment to ensuring both administrative and financial independence for the judiciary in Rivers State.

The governor said that his administration had taken deliberate steps to improve the security and welfare of judges, stressing that a strong and independent judiciary remained essential to sustaining democracy and good governance.