ASABA — Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged judges and lawyers to uphold justice, integrity and the rule of law, urging them to resist undue influence, favouritism and personal interests in the discharge of their professional duties.
The governor gave the charge on Monday during the thanksgiving Mass to mark the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year in Delta State, held at Emmanuel the Saviour Catholic Church, Asaba.
Oborevwori, who read the first Bible lesson from Exodus 23:1, 3, 6-8, described the judiciary as a vital institution for protecting citizens’ rights, resolving disputes and upholding the rule of law.
He noted that an independent and effective judiciary reassures the public that disputes can be resolved and justice pursued through lawful means.
The governor commended judicial officers, members of the Bar and other stakeholders in the justice sector for their dedication and resilience despite the challenges encountered during the previous legal year.
Drawing from Micah 6:8, which urges believers to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God, Oborevwori stressed that the administration of justice must be guided by fairness, impartiality, compassion and integrity.
He maintained that justice should go beyond the mere interpretation and application of the law, insisting that it must be administered with a clear 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,” the governor said.
Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary through improved infrastructure, better welfare and the provision of an enabling environment for efficient justice delivery.
He described a strong, independent and effective judiciary as indispensable to peace, security and sustainable development, noting that the institution has a constitutional responsibility to hold the other arms of government accountable.
The governor also offered prayers for wisdom and courage for judges, integrity and professionalism for lawyers, as well as patience and compassion for all those involved in the administration of justice.
In his homily, Bishop Elue emphasised the importance of fairness, transparency and accountability in the justice system, describing the judiciary as a critical pillar of democracy.
He said the judiciary has a responsibility to hold government accountable, protect citizens’ rights and ensure that public institutions and individuals comply with the Constitution.
Citing Pope John Paul II’s encyclical, Centesimus Annus, the cleric explained that authentic democracy could only flourish where the rule of law prevailed and society was anchored on sound moral values.
Bishop Elue further called for transparency in judicial proceedings, stressing that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to have been done.
He warned that misconduct by a few judicial officers could erode public confidence in the entire judiciary, urging judges and lawyers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and ethical conduct.
The commencement of the new Legal Year provided an opportunity for judicial officers, legal practitioners and other stakeholders to reflect on their responsibilities in strengthening public trust, safeguarding constitutional governance and ensuring equitable access to justice.
