Fear Not, Oko-Jaja Urges Fubara, Rivers Judges
● Go for the truth, the clergyman tells public functionaries
By Uke N. Uke
The Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi walks side by side with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.Bishop of the Diocese of Niger Delta, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja has urged Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and judges of the Rivers State High Court to overcome fear.
Oko-Jaja, in a sermon titled, “Fear Not”, told the leadership, including members of the State judiciary, to be steadfast, upright and fearless.
The Bishop spoke against the backdrop of the rededication service organised by the State Judiciary to mark the commencement of the 2023/2024 Legal Year.
Speaking from the pulpit, Oko-Jaja said there is a strong need to conquer what he referred to as the spirit of fear, saying a firm trust in God could help leaders overcome daunting challenges.
The clergyman urged members of the Bar and the Bench to exhibit the fear of God in all they do.
Bishop Emmanuel Oko-Jaja, Bishop of the Diocese of Niger DeltaHe also charged judicial officers to fearlessly uphold the truth in the discharge of the onerous tasks that they perform on behalf of society.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has promised that his administration will help in creating a stable and sustainable environment which would encourage judicial independence and ensure efficiency 9n the State’s justice delivery system.
The Governor who spoke at special court session acknowledged that in comparison with other states in the federation, so much has been accomplished in the State in the last eight years.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara in a handshake with a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Mary Odili (JSC)“The new court house complexes, for both State and Federal Courts, the automated filing system, and the improved working conditions, including the provision of vehicles, and accommodations for judicial officers, constitute significant measures from the government towards achieving judicial effectiveness and efficiency in our State”, the Governor remarked.
He donated the sum of N50 million at the launching of the book titled, “History of Rivers State Judiciary, A Compendium of Personalities on the Bench”.
Fubara commended the State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi and pledged that his administration will not relent in improving the welfare of judicial officers.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of Rivers State who presented the scorecard of the judiciary in the outgone judicial year applauded the quality leadership offered by the governor.