Governor Nysom Wike of Rivers has called on the state branch of the Nigerian Bar Associated, NBA, to assist the poor who cannot foot the cost of litigation.
Wike made the call on Tuesday while inaugurating a building donated to the NBA by the state government.
The governor said some indigenes of the state had been denied justice because they could not afford the services of lawyers.
He urged the NBA to make its presence felt in the state by helping to deepen the rule of law to make the judiciary in Rivers one of the best.
He added that “the greatest return that you can give to us and all those that organised the realisation of this project is to ensure that this property is adequately utilised and cared for to serve the purpose for which it was built.
“As government, we shall always call on you to join forces with us to deepen the rule of law to ensure that judiciary embraces the law and the interest of the poor in the state.
“We urge the NBA in Rivers to strive toward excellence in the discharge of its duties so as to be counted as one of the best in the country.”
The governor also said that the donation became necessary to accommodate the growing size of the Rivers branch of the Association.
He said the edifice would enable the NBA to operate independently outside the official premises of the judiciary.
Mr Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), the President NBA, commended the governor for the achievements so far and for donating the edifice to the Association.
He said “I have heard so much testimonies since I came to Rivers in the last couple of weeks about the giant strides being made by this administration.”
The Chief Judge of the state, Justice Adama Iyaye-Lamikara, on behalf of the NBA, thanked the state government for the donation and promised the Association’s support in enhancing judicial activities.
NAN
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