Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights and promoting inclusive governance, describing respect for the law as the cornerstone of peace, sustainable development and democratic progress.
Odu made the assertion at the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Omoku (Legacy) Branch, held on Friday in Omoku, where she was represented by her Director of Administration, Dr. Matthew Ogwuokwa.
Speaking on the theme, “Law, Order and Equality in Society,” the Deputy Governor said the subject reflected the urgent need to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure justice for all citizens, regardless of social status, gender, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.
She stressed that no society can achieve enduring peace, economic prosperity or social stability without strict adherence to the rule of law.
“The law protects the rights of citizens, preserves public order, guarantees fairness and creates an enabling environment for economic growth and social harmony,” she said.
Odu reiterated that the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara remained committed to deepening democratic values, strengthening the justice system and building an inclusive society where equal opportunities are guaranteed for every citizen.
She commended the NBA Omoku Branch for sustaining its annual Law Week, describing the event as a vital platform for legal practitioners, academics and policymakers to examine contemporary challenges confronting the justice sector and national development.
The Deputy Governor also lauded the conference’s focus on “Strengthening Women’s Rights in Nigeria: ONELGA in Focus,” describing the protection and empowerment of women as a strategic imperative for national development rather than a mere social responsibility.
She further urged members of the NBA Omoku Branch to uphold the ideals associated with their identity as the “Legacy Branch.”
Also speaking, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, represented by the Presiding Judge of the Omoku Judicial Division, Justice Mark Onyema Chukwu, praised the NBA Omoku Branch for its commitment to professional excellence and the promotion of the rule of law.
He said the Rivers State Judiciary was proud of the branch’s achievements and encouraged its members to sustain their contributions to the legal profession and the administration of justice.
Delivering the keynote address titled “Strengthening Women’s Rights in Nigeria: ONELGA in Focus,” the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Rivers State University, Prof. Grace Akolokwu, called for the elimination of discriminatory traditional and customary practices that continue to deny women equal rights and opportunities despite constitutional guarantees.
She observed that such entrenched customs had continued to limit women’s access to leadership positions and other opportunities capable of enhancing their capacity and contributions to society.
Earlier, Chairman of the NBA Omoku (Legacy) Branch, Barrister Eze Ahiakwo, described the annual Law Week as one of the association’s flagship programmes aimed at advancing the legal profession and reinforcing the rule of law in society.
