Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has launched a scathing critique against some judicial officers in Nigeria, accusing them of deliberately perverting the law to serve the interests of powerful individuals he termed their 'paymasters'.
A Stern Warning at a Legal Gathering
Governor Fubara made these pointed remarks on 5 January 2026 during a public address in Port Harcourt. He was speaking at a legal year and re-dedication service attended by judges, lawyers, and senior government officials.
In his speech, the governor warned that judicial officers who abandon integrity for external influence pose a direct threat to democracy and the rule of law. He challenged some legal practitioners directly, stating they knowingly distort legal principles.
Compromised Hope of the Common Man
"Some of you, you say you are legal luminaries. You know the truth, but you will go on air just to pacify your paymasters and turn the law upside down," Fubara declared.
He emphasized that this conduct is not born of ignorance but is a conscious choice to satisfy those wielding political or financial influence. According to the governor, such actions severely erode public trust in the justice system and weaken the institutions designed to safeguard society.
"The judiciary is supposed to be the last hope of the common man. When that hope is compromised, then the society is in trouble," Fubara stated. He added that the judiciary's authority rests entirely on public confidence, which can only be sustained when rulings are based strictly on the law and facts.
Context of Political Crisis in Rivers
Governor Fubara's administration has been embroiled in protracted disputes involving factions within the Rivers State House of Assembly. This followed a major breakdown in relations between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The political crisis escalated after deep divisions emerged in the state legislature, leading to multiple court actions and conflicting judicial decisions. These rulings have played a crucial role in shaping the balance of power in the state.
Several legal battles have focused on the status of lawmakers and control of the assembly, with judgments from different court levels generating significant controversy and political tension.
While Fubara did not reference specific cases or judges, he implied that some judicial interventions had strayed from pure legal reasoning, instead reflecting the interests of external actors. He cautioned that the long-term damage from compromised justice would ultimately harm both the judiciary and society.
A Call for Institutional Strength
Despite his strong criticism, Governor Fubara expressed respect for the judiciary as an institution. He acknowledged judges who, in his words, have continued to uphold justice and fairness despite intense political pressure.
He concluded by asserting that Nigeria's democracy depends on strong institutions, not powerful individuals. He called on all judicial officers to rise to their sacred duty of defending the constitution and the rights of ordinary citizens.
