- The governor regretted financial losses from the political crisis, stressing resources could have been better utilised for the state’s development.
- He reaffirmed his commitment to peace, stating no sacrifice is too great to ensure stability and progress in Rivers State.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state has given assurances that his government will fully adhere to the Supreme Court of Nigeria’s ruling regarding the state’s political situation.
He stressed that the most significant aspect of all that has transpired is safeguarding the interests of Rivers State, which must take precedence over any individual’s personal ambitions.
Fubara made this statement during the commissioning of the new Judges’ Quarters, a housing facility built by his administration for judges from Rivers State, either by birth or marriage.
The governor stated: “It has not been an easy 16 months, but what is important is the interest of our State, which must be above our personal interest. I want to say it here, very loud and clear to everyone, the Supreme Court has given a judgement, my administration is going to implement the judgement to its fullest. The reason is clear: It is not about me, it is about the good of this state.”
Fubara referenced the substantial financial losses incurred in handling the political conflict on both sides, regretting that those funds have ultimately gone to waste.
He noted that such monetary resources and collective efforts would have been more beneficial if directed towards initiatives promoting genuine progress and prosperity for the state.
He said, “Thank God where we are today, I can assure you publicly that, any day, any time, I have not gone back on that my statement: that nothing (no price) is too big to pay for peace in this State, because at the end of the day, it is about our people. It is not about me, I will leave office but the good work that I have done will speak for me and will defend my generation.”
Regarding the project, Fubara highlighted that it serves as proof that his administration prioritises the well-being of judicial officers and remains committed to their welfare.
He explained that his government inherited the project, and after receiving reports from the Ministry of Justice alongside Judiciary concerns, it became essential to ensure its completion.
The governor said, “We give glory to God that today, we have completed this project, and we are willing and ready to hand it over to the lucky judges who are going to live here so that they can perform their duties effectively.”
He also emphasised the necessity of maintaining the residential complex and its surroundings to ensure it continues serving its intended purpose efficiently.
While commissioning the facility, Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, recalled laying the foundation stone for the project initiated by the previous government on May 22, 2023.
Amadi expressed gratitude to Fubara for ensuring the project’s completion, describing it as a significant achievement for the Rivers State Judiciary and a commendable milestone.
Amadi said: “We are pleased with this landmark achievement, which represents the continuation of the policy of providing befitting residential accommodation for judges of Rivers State on owner-occupier basis or monetary ground in lieu there-off. This is backed by the Rivers State Housing Scheme for Judicial Officers Law No. 10 of 2021 passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, and signed into law by the immediate past Governor of Rivers State.”
He further noted that the Rivers State Government has consistently ensured judges are housed while in service and, in recent times, has allocated official residences on an owner-occupier basis or monetary alternative.
Amadi remarked that the policy of offering judicial officers official residences or a monetary substitute has significantly reduced the burden of securing retirement homes while in active service.
He observed that, in the past, the pressure on judges to build retirement homes with limited resources often affected their performance and overall job efficiency.
In her remarks, Rivers State Ministry of Justice Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mrs Ibiwari Clapton-Ogolo, explained the purpose of the Rivers State Housing Scheme for Judicial Officers.
Mrs Clapton-Ogolo said: “The scheme provides for ownership of a decent accommodation in the state by every judicial officer who is an indigene of Rivers State or married to an indigene of Rivers State or monetization of the accommodation, subject to the approval of the government.”
She added that, under this law, the Rivers State Chief Judge would commission seven five-bedroom duplexes, which have been exquisitely furnished for the beneficiaries.
She stated that judges deserve quality housing and expressed hope that these duplexes would serve as not just residences but also peaceful homes for them.
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