Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has said the judiciary remains the hope of the common man in society,  charging officers in the temple of justice to always strive to be upright.

Mr Diri said this on Friday in Yenagoa at a  Thanksgiving/Valedictory Court Section for the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year in the state.

The governor said, “It has become an annual ritual but we all know that the bible says seek ye first the kingdom of God and all other things shall be added on to thee. Today we are handing over this new legal year to God for His protection to the judiciary. I believe you are going to do beyond our expectations with God on your side.

“In this country today without exception, I appeal to us Nigerians, Bayelsa people to allow the judiciary to be used by God, to be allowed to work to the best of their ability and conscience to deliver incorruptible and sound judgements “

Mr Diri said that the trust of the public lies with the judiciary which demands justice for all manner of people, irrespective of the class in the society.

The governor urged the judiciary especially the judges to always stand tall on what is right, noting that they are highly autonomous as an arm of the government.

On her part, the Chief Judge of Bayelsa, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, commended the Bayelsa State government for the support in various ways to ensure that the judiciary is autonomous.

She said that the judiciary enjoys cordial working relationship with the Nigeria Bar Association, the legislature and the executive.

The chief judge said that the new legal year allows them to assess the previous year, adding that it is a day of accountability towards the people they serve and to strengthen the rule of law.

Ms Ayemieye said that the Bayelsa judiciary aspires to be one of the best judiciary as they have earned respect among other judiciary in the country.

Also, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, expressed happiness over the commencement of the new legal year.

He said that they are committed to service delivery in Bayelsa State and commended the bar and the bench for their hard work to ensure justice in Bayelsa State.

The commissioner said that for the past years the judicial system had changed, adding that the welfare of the judiciary and that of the ministry justice was one of the priorities of Mr Diri’s administration which paid in full all monies owed law officers.

He said, “This current administration has boosted the morale of law officers, as they have contributed to the justice delivery in Bayelsa state. This current administration has equally assisted the NBA Yenagoa and Sagbama branches respectively. My office is wide open to enhance the justice system in Bayelsa State.” 

(NAN)