We've Fulfilled Our Promises To Rivers’ Judiciary – Wike

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has said in the last seven and half years, his administration had diligently supported the judiciary to discharge its constitutional duties.

The governor said all the promises his administration made to the people concerning the judiciary had been fulfilled with impressive achievements beyond the imaginations of many.

Wike made the assertion yesterday in his remarks at the 2022/23 Legal Year opening ceremony held at the Rivers State Judiciary Complex, Port

Harcourt.

The governor said as the third arm of government, the judiciary plays a critical role in advancing the rule of law, justice and good governance. But on assumption of office in 2015, his administration met a judiciary in Rivers State that was at a crossroads.

“The state High Court had no chief judge, leadership, or direction for nearly two years. The governor then attempted to impose a Chief Judge on the State outside the due process. When this devious attempt was resisted, he instigated a phantom crisis and closed down the States courts until he left office.

“We knew that the ensuing social and economic anarchy would ruin Rivers State without functional courts to uphold and defend the rule of law. Beyond the crisis, we also inherited a judiciary neglected to the hilt, dilapidated and inadequate courthouses and unpaid salary arrears.

“Our first task was to revive the judiciary and ensure the speedy administration of justice. Without wasting time, we appointed the first female Chief Judge for the State, reopened the courts and restored judicial services from our first day in office,” he said.