The Chairman of the Port Harcourt Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Dr. Chinedu S. Maduba, has voiced concerns over the prolonged absence of a substantive Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Rivers State. He stated that this situation has significant implications for the administration of justice and business activities in the state. Maduba spoke on behalf of the nine NBA branches in the State during the opening ceremony of the 2026/2027 Legal Year of the Rivers State Judiciary.
According to Maduba, the absence of a substantive Attorney-General has resulted in the accumulation of applications requiring the consent of the Attorney-General, including applications for fiats and nolle prosequi. This has affected the effective administration of justice, not only for legal practitioners but also for the state government and members of the public who are denied timely access to justice. The situation has also slowed down business activities involving proper land documentation.
The NBA chairman emphasized that the consequences of the vacancy extend beyond the legal profession to the wider economy of the State. He urged the state government to urgently fill the vacant position due to its importance in the daily running of the administration. Maduba acknowledged the efforts of the State Government in nominating an Attorney-General in the past but urged the governor to recommend a substantive occupant of the office within the shortest possible time.
Maduba also presented the specific needs of the various NBA branches in the state. The Port Harcourt Branch is seeking improved security around the High Court premises and parking areas following reported cases of theft involving vehicles belonging to lawyers and litigants. Other branches have also made requests, including the construction of court buildings, provision of conveniences, and adequate personnel for the Magistrate and Customary Courts.
The NBA Chairman called for an increase in the number of High Court judges to reduce the workload on the Bench, noting that some judges handle more than 30 cases on their daily cause lists and over 400 cases in their dockets. He also urged the Judiciary to deepen the use of technology, strengthen case management, reduce unnecessary adjournments, and improve the electronic filing system.
Meanwhile, the NBA has commended the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, for reforms in the Judiciary, including the strengthening of e-filing, reduction of Multi-Door Courthouse fees, and introduction of the State Plea Bargain Guidelines. The Association urged the Bar and Bench to continue working together to ensure faster dispensation of justice and renewed public confidence in the judicial system.
The Rivers State Judiciary is taking steps to address its challenges, and the NBA is working to support these efforts. The Association's concerns and recommendations highlight the need for a collaborative approach to addressing the issues facing the state's justice system.
Key points
- The Nigerian Bar Association has urged the Rivers State government to appoint a substantive Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to address the challenges facing the state's justice system.
