No More Excuses For Corruption, Wike Tells Judges, Presents 41 Brand New SUVs

*Signs Revised Appropriation Bill into Law.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has asked serving judges in the state to rededicate themselves to their duties and shun acts of corruption.

He gave the advice in his remarks at the presentation of cars to judges on Monday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Governor Wike faulted the activities of some judges whom he accused of insubordination and dereliction of duty.

He said, “There should be no more excuses for corruption and indolence in job performance among our judges with the level of incentives and entitlements we are providing.

“The point cannot be over-emphasised that the most important consideration of their calling is to ensure that justice gets to everyone that comes before you within the rule of law.”

According to the governor, procedure and practice, and even the most politically charged dispute should be resolved in a transparent manner that serves justice and no other interest.

He decried the situation where judges recuse themselves from matters brought before them and return the case files to the heads of the court.

Governor Wike believes the decisions of such judges are not far from intimidation and pressure from litigants who try to induce them.

“Clearly, judges become insubordinate, complicit and derelict of duty whenever they come to pressure and intimidation in the course of their duties, or shy away from handling sensitive cases by inducive politicians or litigants as bases for returning the case files to the chief judge for reassignment and indulging in various dodgy acts of self-exaltation at the expense of doing justice,” he said.

The governor added, “I do not think any judge has the power or pleasure to unilaterally return a case file to the chief judge for any reason, more so for every flimsy excuse as it is becoming the common practice these days among judges.”

He assured judges in Rivers that the state government was working to improve their welfare and ensure they perform their duties without fear or worry.

Reacting, the State Chief Judge (CJ), Iyayi Adanma Laminkara lauded the Governor for the gifts noting that the state judiciary is now the envy of their counterparts in the country and thanked the governor for the prompt release of funds for the operations of the state High Court.

Also speaking, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Prof. Zacheaus Adango lauded the gesture, describing it as true demonstration of government policies geared at improving the Judiciary.

Adango noted that the Judiciary is indispensable and expressed the gratitude of the state Judiciary to Wike for his vision for the Ministry.

*Signs Revised Appropriation Bill into Law.

This followed the presentation of the budget by the Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Martin Amaewhule, at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The 2020 fiscal year signed by Wike is put at N300, 370, 071,183.33 billion.

This represents 48 percent reduction from the N530; 813,357,619.00 billion originally budgeted for spending, in the beginning of the fiscal year (2020).

Governor Wike said the unfortunate effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Nigeria, necessitated the review.

He noted that the development has led to the reduction of budgetary allocations including capital and recurrent expenditures.

But however assured that it will not affect the delivery of quality developmental projects and services to the people of the state.

“It is most unfortunate that everybody is living a different life now because of the pandemic, which calls for us to face the economic reality.

“The COVID-19 has affected economic activities and revenues of government, and so it became necessary to review our budget.

“By the revised budget, it means that so many things have to change. We have cut down the capital and recurrent expenditure to face the reality.

“We are the only State that has not cut down the salaries of political appointees and elected officers. Virtually all the States have cut down 20 to 30 percent of salaries of political appointees. Having cut down the recurrent expenditures, the overhead will no longer be the same,” he said.

The Governor also stated that his administration is determined to ensure that the proposed reconstruction of the Assembly quarters stands the test of time

“One thing I can assure you is that we are working with Julius Berger Nigeria PLC to reconstruct the Assembly Quarters. We want something that will stand the test of time.

“A good living environment and quality houses will enhance your input and services to our State,” he stated.

The Governor promised to release the balance of funds for the 2018 constituency projects of the legislators.

Also speaking, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Martin Amaewhule said the state revised Appropriation Law No. 7 of 2020 is intended to make provision of services to fall into current reality.