Oborevwori: Let Justice Prevail Over Influence & Favouritism In Delta
By PAULINA NZERUBE
DELTA Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has urged judges and lawyers to uphold justice, integrity and the rule of law as Delta State begins the 2026/2027 Legal Year.
The governor made the call on Monday during a thanksgiving Mass at Emmanuel the Saviour Catholic Church in Asaba. He urged judicial officers and legal practitioners to resist undue influence, favouritism and personal interests in the discharge of their duties.
Justice Must Remain Impartial
Drawing from Exodus 23:1, 3, 6–8, which formed the basis of his first Bible reading, Oborevwori emphasised the judiciary’s critical role in protecting citizens’ rights, resolving disputes and ensuring that people pursue justice through lawful means.
He commended judicial officers, members of the Bar and other stakeholders for their dedication and resilience despite the challenges they encountered during the previous legal year.
Furthermore, the governor cited Micah 6:8, which calls for justice, mercy and humility before God, to reinforce the moral principles underpinning the administration of justice. He stressed that justice must extend beyond the technical application of the law to embrace conscience, fairness and respect for human dignity.
“As we begin the new Legal Year, I urge judicial officers and legal practitioners to remain steadfast in upholding the highest standards of their profession. Let justice be administered impartially and expeditiously. Let integrity remain the foundation of our conduct, and let the rule of law prevail over influence, favouritism or personal interest,” he said.
Government Pledges Support for the Judiciary
Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary through improved infrastructure, better welfare and an enabling environment for effective justice delivery.
He described a strong, independent and effective judiciary as indispensable to peace, security and sustainable development. Moreover, he noted that the judiciary has a constitutional responsibility to check the other arms of government and ensure compliance with the law.
The governor also prayed for wisdom and courage for judges, professionalism and integrity for lawyers, and patience and compassion for everyone involved in the administration of justice.
Bishop Calls for Transparency & Accountability
In his homily, Bishop Elue emphasised the need for fairness, transparency and accountability in judicial proceedings. He described the judiciary as a vital pillar of democracy, responsible for protecting citizens’ rights, holding government accountable and ensuring respect for the Constitution.
Citing Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Centesimus Annus, the bishop argued that authentic democracy could thrive only where the rule of law rests on firm moral foundations.
He also stressed that justice must not only be done but must be seen to have been done. Consequently, he called for transparency in judicial proceedings and urged judges and lawyers to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct.
The cleric further warned that the misconduct of a few judicial officers could damage public confidence in the entire judiciary. He therefore urged legal practitioners to uphold ethical standards and recognise that public trust remains essential to the credibility of the justice system.
The commencement of the new Legal Year thus provided an opportunity to renew calls for judicial integrity, institutional independence and a justice system that protects the rights of all citizens without fear or favour.
