… Vows to implement Supreme Court judgement to fullest
The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was on Wednesday denied access to the official quarters of the state House of Assembly along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, where lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, have been holding their sittings.
Fubara, who arrived at the complex in the company of top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, met a locked gate, effectively preventing his entry.
Speaking to journalists at the scene, the governor accused Speaker Martin Amaewhule of deliberately avoiding him, stating that several calls placed to the lawmaker went unanswered.
He stated, “Before my arrival here, I made several attempts to speak to the Speaker. I also sent a letter which was transmitted for this particular invitation.
“Unfortunately, at the gate, you can see that the place is completely sealed, and there is no sign that anything is going to happen today.”
The governor insisted that his actions were in the interest of the people, stressing that he remained committed to fulfilling his constitutional duties.
“The reason why we are doing this, I have always said, is in the interest of our people, which is the most important thing. I don’t think there is anything to worry about. I expect to hear from them after today,” he added.
After addressing the press, the governor and his entourage left the premises
Speaking during the inauguration of the New Judges’ Quarters built by his administration in the Old GRA, Port Harcourt, the governor assured that his administration would implement the Supreme Court judgement to the fullest.
He insisted that no personal interest should override the collective good and peace of Rivers State, assuring that no price would be too much to pay for peace.
While acknowledging that the past 16 months had been rough for his government, he however stated that even though he will leave office one day, his good work will speak for him.
Governor Fubara therefore noted that since the crisis started, a lot of money and resources that should have been channelled to the development of the State had been wasted by both sides.
According to him, “It has not been easy these past sixteen months, but what is important is that the interest of our state must be above our personal interest.
“I want to say it here very clearly that the Supreme Court has given a judgment, my administration will implement the judgment to its fullest. The reason is clear, it is not about me, it is about the good of this state.
“I can assure you that any day, any time, I have not gone back on my statement that nothing is too big to pay for peace in this state, at the end of the day, it is about our people. It is not about me, because I will leave but the good that I have done will speak for my administration.”
The governor who elaborated on the delivery of the judges quarters project as further proof that his administration took the issue of welfare seriously, recalled that the project was inherited from the former government.
“When we came on board this particular project was one of the projects that we inherited and after the reports we received from the ministry and some concerns that were made from the judiciary we felt it doesn’t matter who started the project and it doesn’t matter who the contractor is, but what is important is to complete this project because it is all about Rivers
State.”
He enjoined the Chief Judge to work with the government on the issue of maintenance of the new quarters to keep the facilities in a good shape
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, described the inauguration as another milestone and great accomplishment for Rivers judiciary.
“We are pleased with this landmark achievement which represents the continuation of the policy of providing befitting residential accommodations for the judges of Rivers State on owner occupier basis or monetary grant in lieu thereof as backed by Rivers State law on State Housing Scheme for Judicial Officers number 10, 2021.”
He then pointed out that having official residential accommodation is a necessity for any judicial officer in view of the sensitive and important duties of their office.
Justice Amadi further thanked Governor Fubara, for keeping faith in completing the legacy project for the enhancement of the judicial duties of judges of Rivers State just as he noted that the policy of providing official accommodation for judges had greatly reduced the pressure on judicial officers, who hitherto struggled to build retirement homes while in service with limited resources.
The Chief Judge commended Governor Fubara for keeping up with the policy and delivering the project on record time and also told the governor that there is a need for construction of more quarters for judges to cater for future appointments, since having residential accommodation had become a mandatory requirement by the NJC for the appointment of new judges.
While thanking the governor for his unflinching support for the Rivers judiciary, the Chief Judge said the judges will continue to remain committed to discharging their statutory duties for the peace, security and economic growth of Rivers.
On her part the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice and Rivers State Solicitor General, Mrs. Ibiwari Clapton Ogolo thanked Governor Fubara for completing the judges’ quarters.
She said the Rivers State Government Housing Scheme for judicial officers Law No. 10, of 2021 establishes a housing scheme for judicial officers who are indigenes of Rivers State or married to indigenes of the State on owner occupier basis, adding that it can also be monetized sequel to government approval.
Mrs. Ogolo noted that the seven duplexes which are exquisitely furnished for the judges will not only serve as a residence, but homes where the judges will find peace and rest as they discharge their duties.
