Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged legal practitioners to remain firm in defending the rule of law, constitutional democracy and the fundamental rights of citizens.
Fubara made the call at the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, themed “Beyond Limits.”
The governor described the legal system as a critical foundation for interactions among government, public institutions and private organisations, stressing that the law must ultimately serve the security and welfare of the people.
He said achieving this requires equal treatment under the law, protection of citizens’ fundamental rights and the creation of conditions that support economic activities and national development.
According to Fubara, societies experience peace, order and meaningful progress when the supremacy of the law is respected, warning that disregard for the rule of law, democratic values and good governance could trigger instability.
He also urged Nigerians to view the courts as more than venues for settling disputes, describing them as a final refuge for citizens seeking justice.
Fubara called on judges to consider the wider consequences of their decisions, noting that the integrity with which justice is administered has a direct bearing on law and order and the country’s development.
He advised members of the judiciary to resist becoming conformists or apologists, saying they must have the courage to serve as strong defenders 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 further challenged lawyers to speak up whenever political leaders attempt to exercise powers beyond constitutional limits, stressing that the profession has a responsibility to check abuse of power and protect democratic institutions.
He said lawyers must serve as the conscience of society by demonstrating commitment and courage in holding those in authority accountable and defending citizens’ rights.
Reflecting on his administration’s experience in Rivers, Fubara said the government had faced significant challenges but remained focused on preserving peace, unity and progress across the state.
He explained that the challenges had reinforced his administration’s resolve to ensure that residents enjoy the dividends of democracy.
The governor also highlighted efforts to strengthen the judiciary, saying his administration had, over the last three years, worked with the State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, to expand access to justice through the appointment of additional judges and the creation of more courts.
He disclosed that the state government had constructed a facility for the Federal High Court and would soon hand it over to the court.
Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the administrative and financial independence of the judiciary in Rivers State.
He added that deliberate measures had been taken to improve the security and welfare of judges, maintaining that an effective and independent judiciary is indispensable to the survival of democracy and the promotion of good governance.