Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a 50 per cent increase in the overhead allocation of the state judiciary under the 2026 budget, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to judicial independence and effective justice delivery.
Fubara announced the increase on Thursday during the special court session marking the opening of the 2026/2027 Legal Year at the Ceremonial Court Hall of the High Court Complex, Port Harcourt.
Represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, the governor said the additional funding would support the judiciary’s day-to-day operations, improve the welfare of judicial officers and facilitate personnel training.
He also assured judges and magistrates of the government’s continued support in strengthening the administration of justice.
Fubara commended the Rivers State judiciary for its role in maintaining peace and stability and contributing to socio-economic development through dispute resolution and the administration of justice.
He also praised the leadership of the judiciary for its efforts to preserve the independence, integrity and dignity of the institution.
According to the governor, public confidence in the courts remains essential to strengthening the relationship between citizens and government, describing the judiciary as a key pillar of governance and a foundation for peace, stability and development.
He acknowledged challenges confronting the institution, including inadequate infrastructure and manpower, rising caseloads, difficulties in case management and delays in the administration of justice.
Fubara assured the judiciary that his administration would respect its constitutional autonomy and provide the resources required for it to perform its functions without interference.
READ ALSO:Â Fubara: Courts Must Remain Sanctuary For Citizens Seeking Justice
The governor added that his administration had, over the past three years, introduced measures to strengthen the judiciary, including improving access to justice, appointing additional judges and magistrates, digitising case management and reinforcing institutional structures.
The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, commended Fubara for his commitment to the rule of law and for supporting the judiciary in carrying out its constitutional duties as the third arm of government.
Amadi said the judiciary must remain a place where vulnerable citizens can obtain protection and those in positions of power remain subject to the law.
He urged judicial officers to uphold their oaths of office, describing the ideal judicial officer as one who demonstrates fairness without harshness, patience without passivity and independence while remaining conscious of the responsibilities attached to judicial authority.
The Chief Judge also called for increased manpower and improved conditions of service, saying stronger support for judicial officers would improve justice delivery and enable the courts to respond effectively to the needs of the people.
Similarly, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Ihemnacho Chibuzor, renewed his commitment to service and integrity, maintaining that a well-motivated and respected judiciary would strengthen integrity and help curb corruption.
The activities marking the new Legal Year began earlier in the day with a thanksgiving and rededication service at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Rebisi.