Fubara Tells Lawyers: Don’t Be Mere Apologists or Conformists

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has urged legal professionals to remain courageous in defending the rule of law, constitutional democracy and the fundamental rights of citizens.

Fubara made the call at the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, which was held under the theme, “Beyond Limits.”

The governor described the legal system as a foundation for the relationship between government, public institutions and private organisations, stressing that the ultimate purpose of the law is to protect the security and wellbeing of citizens.

He said this requires equality before the law, protection of fundamental human rights and the creation of an environment that supports socio-economic activities and national development.

Fubara: Lawyers Must Speak Truth to Power

Fubara warned against disregard for the rule of law and democratic principles, noting that peace, order and meaningful development can only thrive when the law is respected.

He said the courts should not be regarded merely as places for settling disputes but as a refuge for citizens seeking justice and protection of their rights.

The governor also urged judges to consider the wider consequences of their decisions, arguing that justice delivered with integrity has a direct impact on law and order as well as national development.

He challenged legal professionals to remain independent and courageous rather than becoming apologists or conformists.

“As a layman, I am compelled to agree with the description of lawyers as the subtle nerves of the nation’s spine,” Fubara said.

He further urged lawyers to resist attempts by political authorities to undermine the Constitution and the rule of law.

According to him, the legal profession has a responsibility to prevent abuse of power, defend democratic institutions and protect citizens’ rights.

“The greatest duty of a lawyer is to possess the conscience, commitment and courage to speak truth to power and defend the rights of citizens,” he said.

‘We Walked Through the Furnace of Power’

Reflecting on his administration’s experience in Rivers State, Fubara said his government understood what it meant to operate beyond limits.

He said his administration had “walked through the furnace of power” but remained determined to protect the unity, peace and progress of the state.

The governor said the experience had strengthened his administration’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to Rivers residents.

Rivers Judiciary Receives Government Support

Fubara also highlighted measures taken by his administration to strengthen the judiciary and improve access to justice across the state.

He said the government had worked with the State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, over the past three years to expand access to justice through the appointment of additional judges and the establishment of more courts.

The governor disclosed that the state government had constructed a facility for the Federal High Court and that the building would soon be handed over to the court.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the administrative and financial autonomy of the judiciary in Rivers State.

Fubara said deliberate measures had been taken to improve the security and welfare of judges, stressing that an independent and effective judiciary remains essential to sustaining democracy, protecting citizens’ rights and promoting good governance.

He called on members of the legal profession to remain steadfast in upholding the Constitution and ensuring that the rule of law remains the foundation of governance in Nigeria.