The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara has approved the creation of two new Judicial Divisions of the State High Court.
In a notice dated November 8, 2024, the Governor authorized the establishment of the Abua Judicial Division in the Abua-Odual Local Government Area and the Bonny Judicial Division in Bonny Local Government Area.
A statement from the Chief Registrar of the High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, confirmed that the approval follows a recommendation by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simone Chibuzor-Amadi, in accordance with Section 39, Subsection 2 of the High Court Law, Cap 62, Laws of Rivers State 2021.
The statement further noted that, according to the Instrument Notice, the commencement date for the two new judicial divisions will be December 2, 2024.
With the addition of these two divisions, the total number of judicial divisions in the state now stands at fourteen.
Rivers Crisis Is Divine For Political Freedom And Growth – Fubara
Meanwhile, Fubara, has announced plans to present the 2025 budget to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led State House of Assembly.
The governor emphasized the state government’s commitment to collaborating with the Assembly to enhance the lives of residents, pointing to the productive relationship between the executive and legislative branches.
This cooperation has been evident in the swift screening of nominees and prompt passage of executive bills.
Governor Fubara made these remarks during the official commissioning of two ultra-modern community town halls and the launch of a tertiary scholarship and empowerment programme by the Speaker at Akiama and Aganya communities in Bonny Local Government Area on Saturday.
This development was disclosed in a statement released on Sunday in Port Harcourt by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.
Represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Edison Ehie, Fubara said, “The government and the people of Rivers State heartily congratulate you and thank you for being a good ambassador of the Ibani Kingdom. We assure you that, as the executive arm, while the legislative arm remains independent, we will continue to collaborate to ensure prosperity for our people.
“I thank you, Mr Speaker, for your support to the Rivers State government, as seen in your cooperation. The Speaker has facilitated the screening of caretaker committee chairmen, expedited executive requests, and will soon play a vital role in enacting the 2025 budget
Fubara added that the Speaker’s focus on constituency projects reflects his role as an elected representative, contrasting it with the inaction of 25 former lawmakers he described as “Abuja-based politicians.”
He continued, “Constituency projects are a testament to elected representatives’ commitment to their people. Meanwhile, the 25 former Assembly members who dismissed themselves — have they initiated any projects? Do we see them inspecting or commissioning anything? These are Abuja-based politicians!”
The governor commended the Speaker for establishing the town halls, providing financial empowerment to 100 Bonny indigenes, and awarding tertiary scholarships to 30 Bonny students.
In his remarks, the Speaker thanked the people of Bonny for their support
for the 10th Assembly and expressed confidence in his backing of the governor.
He stressed that the Assembly would stay focused despite opposition from “enemies of the state” or the 25 former members.
Oko-Jumbo revealed that the 2025 budget would soon be presented to the 10th Assembly and confirmed that Bonny Local Government would be included in upcoming infrastructure projects.
He added, “We will continue working tirelessly to ensure Bonny Kingdom’s development. Many needs remain, but as the Speaker, I assure you that the 2025 budget, which will soon be presented by His Excellency, will include Bonny Local Government.”