Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called for a stronger, more independent and accountable judiciary, warning that political interference, corruption, excessive technicalities, prolonged delays and limited access to justice have continued to undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
Fubara made the remarks in Port Harcourt while declaring open the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), held under the theme Beyond Limits.
The governor urged judges to look beyond the narrow confines of individual cases and consider the wider implications of their decisions for law and order, democratic stability and national development. He stressed that justice must be administered fairly, without regard to the status, influence or political affiliations of those appearing before the courts.
According to him, the judiciary occupies a critical position in a democratic society because courts must remain a dependable avenue through which citizens can seek justice, protect their rights and hold both government and individuals accountable.
Fubara argued that public trust in the judiciary can only be strengthened when judges demonstrate sound legal knowledge, independent reasoning, courage, integrity and a firm commitment to constitutional principles.
His remarks come at a significant moment for Nigeria, as concerns over judicial independence, institutional accountability and the effectiveness of democratic safeguards remain prominent in national discourse. Other speakers at the NBA conference, including former Liberian President George Weah, similarly emphasised the importance of strong institutions and an independent legal profession in protecting democracy.
The governor also challenged lawyers to see their profession as more than a career or avenue for social status, urging the Bar to remain committed to defending constitutional rights, promoting good governance and protecting citizens from abuses of power.
The message from the Port Harcourt conference was therefore broader than criticism of the judiciary. It was a call for the entire legal profession to confront the weaknesses that can erode confidence in democratic institutions and to ensure that justice remains accessible, credible and responsive to the realities of ordinary Nigerians.
As the NBA conference continues, attention will inevitably turn to whether these concerns will generate meaningful conversations about judicial reform, accountability, access to justice and the protection of judicial independence.
The greater challenge, however, is translating strong speeches into institutional changes capable of restoring lasting public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
