Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on legal professionals to remain courageous in defending the rule of law, constitutional democracy and the fundamental rights of citizens.
Fubara made the call on Sunday at the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, themed “Beyond Limits.”
The governor described the legal system as a vital foundation for the relationship between government, public institutions and private organisations, stressing that its ultimate purpose is to protect the security and welfare of citizens.
He said this could only be achieved through equality before the law, protection of fundamental rights and the creation of an environment that supports socio-economic activities and national development.
Fubara warned that when the rule of law, democracy and good governance are undermined, society risks descending into disorder.
He urged legal professionals to ensure that the courts remain a sanctuary for citizens seeking justice, rather than being regarded solely as venues for settling disputes.
The governor also called on judges to consider the broader impact of their decisions, noting that justice delivered with integrity contributes significantly to law and order and national development.
He cautioned judges against becoming “mere apologists or conformists,” urging them to remain bold and independent as guardians 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,” Fubara said.
He further charged lawyers to resist attempts by political authorities to undermine the Constitution and the rule of law, saying the profession has a duty to prevent abuse of power and defend democratic values.
According to him, the foremost responsibility of a lawyer is to possess the conscience, commitment and courage to speak truth to power and protect citizens’ rights.
Reflecting on his administration’s experience in Rivers State, Fubara said his government had demonstrated what it meant to go “beyond limits,” adding that it had “walked through the furnace of power” without abandoning its commitment to the unity, peace and development of the state.
He said the experience had strengthened his administration’s resolve to deliver the dividends of democracy to Rivers residents.
Fubara also highlighted his administration’s efforts to strengthen the judiciary, saying that over the past three years, his government had worked with the State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, to improve access to justice through the appointment of additional judges and establishment of more courts.
He disclosed that the state government had constructed a Federal High Court facility, which he said would soon be handed over to the Federal High Court.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the administrative and financial autonomy of the judiciary, as well as measures aimed at improving the security and welfare of judges.
He stressed that a strong, independent judiciary remained critical to the sustenance of democracy and good governance.
