The Legal Profession in Rivers State is witnessing a historic rejuvenation, premised on the desire of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to deepen the fundamentals of the rule of law and enhance the administration of justice.
This is necessary because the profession suffered untold assault for over two years under the immediate past administration in the state. The courts were closed and lawyers humiliated to the level of doing menial jobs to eke out a living. Therefore, Governor Wike has taken deliberate steps to rejig the legal profession and stabilise the judiciary. He has through good governance instituted a seamless succession scheme in the state judiciary and also granted it independence and financial autonomy. The courts are now open for all those who seek justice.
It was to this end that the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on 29th February 2016 facilitated the commencement of the construction of the Ultra-Modern Port Harcourt Nigeria Bar Association ( NBA ) Law Centre to replace the Old NBA Law Centre, which was located at the State High Court complex. The Ground Breaking Ceremony for the New NBA Law Centre was performed by the immediate past NBA President, Mr Augustine Alegeh ( SAN ).
Governor Wike initiated the Ultra-Modern Port Harcourt NBA Law Centre to create space for the construction of more courtrooms at the State High Complex and to promote high level research amongst practicing lawyers in the state in a comfortable environment laced with state-of-the-art recreational facilities. This centre is also to equip lawyers with the necessary skills to promote human rights, rule of law which ultimately will further the course of good governance for the growth of Rivers State.
This facility which is the first of its kind in Nigeria in terms of sophistication, aesthetics and professional features has been constructed from start to finish within seven months by the Wike administration. It is worthy of mention that Governor Wike played a key rule in the funding of the old law centre where his named is inscribed as number 36 on the roll call of donors.
It is a three storey structure with a 1200 sitting capacity auditorium and multi-purpose hall that runs through the first and second floors. No other Law Centre in the country has such sitting capacity.
Other key features of the imposing edifice include: Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre, Human Rights General office, Senior Lawyers Lounge, Junior Lawyers Lounge, Offices, Cafeteria, Kitchen, Changing Rooms for Male and female lawyers and ICT/Server Room.
The New NBA Law Centre also has an adjoining outdoor park where lawyers and their friends can enjoy recreational activities under a serene atmosphere. This facility has an elevator and a security section equipped with modern gadgets to prevent crime.
The rule of law is the premise upon which any civilised society can rapidly develop. Governor Wike is raising the bar and creating new standards for other states to follow. The Ultra-Modern Port Harcourt NBA Law Centre will ensure sustainability in the promotion of the rule of law in Rivers State.
This landmark facility is on stream for legal practitioners to enjoy a new lease of life in their practice.
The deliberate restructuring of the judicial process in Rivers State by the Wike administration is paying dividends in the form of social cohesion , stability, peace and development.
Key figures of the immediate past administration in the state who ridiculed the Rivers State judiciary by welding the gates of the courts have since rushed to the open courts to seek judicial refuge. One of such persons is the former governor, Rotimi Amaechi who unsuccessfully challenged before a Rivers State High Court , the Judicial Commission of Inquiry that indicted him.
In the last 17 months, the Wike administration has invested over N1billion in the development of critical facilities in the State Judiciary in the form of new courts, rehabilitated courts and other projects aimed at creating access to Justice for the people.
Close observers insist that the most important achievement of Governor Wike in his judicial reforms is the financial autonomy that he extended to the judiciary . This action has strengthened the Independence of the Judiciary and made it more responsive to the needs of the people.
Governor Wike in the course of this year changed the story of the Magistrates in Rivers State. The State Government released 57 Brand New Vehicles to the Magistrates for ease of movement and as a welfare package to stimulate their commitment to the dispensation of justice. This has never happened in the history of the state.
He has also commenced the process of building a befitting quarters for High Court Judges in the state. This housing scheme is a compassionate framework to encourage the judges to remain courageous as they serve the state.
Needless to mention the Federal High Court complex in Port Harcourt being constructed by the Rivers State Government under the leadership of Governor Wike. This new facility will increase access to Justice with six new modern courtrooms nearing completion as well as
several offices.
The State Government will in the coming weeks commence the total
rehabilitation of the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, having received the necessary approval to do so. Governor Wike understands the importance of a functional and independent judicial system, hence his determination to transform the deplorable situation he inherited.
Governor Wike told Nigerian lawyers during the 56th NBA Annual General Conference: “Having restored stability to the judiciary we proceeded to tackle the systemic problems affecting speedy and effective administration of justice, including the welfare of judicial officers.
” As I speak, we have since ensured financial autonomy for the State’s judiciary. With this change, the State’s Chief Judge and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal no longer depend on irregular executive patronage to fund their development programmes.
” We have also been active in improving judicial infrastructure. Our execution records show that we have spent over one billion naira to fund various judicial projects, including the rehabilitation and furnishing of existing courts and judges’ quarters as well as the construction of new court halls in the State’s High Court complex”.
Governor Wike is known for setting the pace in terms of good governance and deepening the rule of law. This is another first that will have multiplier effects on the nation’s justice system. Once the lawyers are sound, the entire system benefits. That is what the Ultra-Modern Port Harcourt NBA Law Centre will do for Rivers State and by extension, Nigeria.
Written by Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media.
