At a luncheon organised in honour of the 10th Legislative Assembly of Rivers State in Port Harcourt, Onueze Chukwujinka Joe Okocha, OFR, SAN, JP, DSSRS, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, delivered a speech addressing the ongoing political crisis in River State.
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Okocha, who has an illustrious career spanning 46 years, including serving as the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice of River State from 1990 to 1992, expressed his unwavering support for the fractional River State Legislature led by Honorable Martin Amaehwule.
Okocha began his speech by addressing recent comments made by an unnamed individual [His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Executive Governor of Rivers State] who referred to him and others as “so-called legal luminaries.”
He clarified that he is an authentic legal luminary, having been elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1995 and serving in various prestigious positions such as the Federal Judicial Service Commission, the National Judicial Council, and as Chairman of the Council of Legal Education.
Turning his attention to the political situation in River State, Okocha referenced the recent Court of Appeal judgment which ruled against three individuals who claimed to be the legitimate legislature of Rivers State. He described the court’s remarks as a “joke taken too far” and stressed that the authentic legislators were those led by Honorable Martin Amaewhule, of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Okocha expressed deep solidarity with Amaewhule and his colleagues, noting, “All of us, the good people of Rivers State, patriotic citizens, stand in solidarity with you and your authentic legislature.” He reassured them that while the judicial process might be slow, the outcome would ultimately favor those on the side of justice. “The wheels of justice in Nigeria turn too slowly for our comfort,” he said, “but persevere, Judgment Day is coming, and we will know on whose side the law is.”
The senior lawyer emphasized his belief that both God and the law were on the side of the legitimate lawmakers. “I assure you, my brother Martin, that God is on your side, and the law is on your side,” he said, urging everyone to allow the Supreme Court to deliver its final verdict.
Okocha did not mince words when addressing the political uncertainty, saying that the continued attempts to question the authenticity of the Rivers State legislature were misguided. He expressed confidence that the judicial system, despite its delays, would deliver a just ruling.
In closing, Okocha thanked the gathering and encouraged everyone to continue praying for Rivers State. He also congratulated Amaewhule and his colleagues, reiterating his belief that their perseverance would soon be rewarded. “Your labors will not be in vain,” Okocha said, drawing applause from the attendees.
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