The President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Rivers State, Justice Ihemanacho Wilfred-Obuzor, has urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to draw lessons from other states by taking steps to strengthen the physical independence of the judiciary.
Justice Wilfred-Obuzor made the call during the Special Court Session marking the opening of the 2026/2027 Legal Year in Rivers State.
He expressed concern over the dilapidated condition of several customary courts across the state, stressing the need for urgent intervention to improve the working environment of judicial officers.
The President of the Customary Court of Appeal also called for the replacement of vehicles used by judges of the court, noting that the last time new vehicles were provided was in 2009, during the administration of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
Justice Wilfred-Obuzor, however, commended some local government council chairmen for renovating customary courts within their jurisdictions.
He also raised concerns over inadequate manpower and called for the total rehabilitation of the customary court ceremonial hall, as well as urgent attention to other challenges confronting the court.
In his address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch, Chinedu Maduba, emphasized the urgent need for the appointment of a State Attorney-General.
Maduba said the appointment would help address several issues requiring the attention and intervention of the Attorney-General.
