Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has approved the creation of two new judicial divisions of the State High Court to sit in Bonny in Bonny Local Government Area and Abua in Abua/Odual Local Government Area.

This is expected to expedite the speedy and seamless discharge of litigations and matters relating to judicial reviews in both LGAs, especially, given that both LGAs are riverine areas.  

In a notice dated Friday, November 8, 2024, the Governor authorized the establishment of the Abua Judicial Division in the Abua/Odual Local Government Area and the Bonny Judicial Division in Bonny Local Government Area.

A statement from the Chief Registrar of the High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, confirmed that the approval follows a recommendation by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, in accordance with Section 39, Subsection 2 of the High Court Law, Cap 62, Laws of Rivers State 2021.

The statement further noted that, according to the Instrument Notice, the commencement date for the two new judicial divisions will be Monday, December 2, 2024.

With the addition of these two divisions, the total number of judicial divisions in the state now stands at 14.

Reacting to the development, Vice Chairman of Bonny LGA, Omoni Longjohn thanked the Governor, Siminalayi Fubara for the approvals, noting that it’s not just a step in the right direction but a positive disposition to assuage the difficulty our people face in traveling by sea to Port Harcourt to seek justice.

“Our Governor has once again demonstrated his love for the people of Bonny LGA by bringing the temple of justice close to home, as well as appointing our people into key and strategic judicial roles. We can’t tank him enough.”