The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to sustaining a cordial working relationship with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Amadi gave the assurance in Port Harcourt when he received the newly appointed Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate, ACE I Hassan Saidu, who paid him a courtesy visit.
Welcoming the EFCC chief, the Chief Judge recalled his long-standing professional ties with the Commission, noting that he was among the second set of judges designated to hear EFCC cases before assuming his current position.
“The relationship between the Rivers State Judiciary and EFCC has always been cordial, and during my tenure it will continue. We will always do our best to maintain this relationship. One of the ways to enhance it is exactly what you have done today, coming here,” he said.
Justice Amadi, however, pointed out challenges facing the prosecution of EFCC cases in the state, particularly the workload on the Commission’s personnel who are compelled to handle matters in both state and federal high courts despite limited manpower. He suggested that more judges be appointed to handle EFCC cases to fast-track trials.
The Chief Judge also prayed for the success of the Acting Zonal Director’s tenure and urged continuous cooperation between the Commission and the judiciary in the fight against corruption.
Earlier in his remarks, Saidu said his visit was to formally announce his assumption of office and to seek stronger collaboration with the judiciary.
“The essence of my coming here is to pay a courtesy visit and also to thank you for the wonderful job you are doing. We have no one in our career as important as the judiciary. Without the judiciary, all our work will be to no avail,” he stated.
He commended the Rivers judiciary for its support, describing it as vital to the EFCC’s success. “We thank you, sir, and we wish that such collaboration will continue to increase more and more as we steady our steps towards sanitizing the country,” he added.
