The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has pledged the continued commitment of the state’s judiciary to maintaining a strong working relationship with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the collective fight against corruption.
Justice Amadi gave the assurance on Wednesday in Port Harcourt while receiving the newly appointed Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE1) Hassan Saidu, who paid him a courtesy visit.
Welcoming the new Zonal Director, the Chief Judge recalled his long-standing professional connection with the anti-graft agency, noting that he was among the second group of judges designated to hear EFCC cases before ascending to his current position.
“The relationship between the Rivers State Judiciary and EFCC has always been cordial, and during my tenure, it will continue,” Justice Amadi stated.
“We will always do our best to maintain this relationship. One of the ways to enhance it is exactly what you have done today, coming here.”
READ ALSO
However, the Chief Judge also highlighted a critical operational challenge affecting the prosecution of EFCC cases in the state.
He explained that the Commission’s staff are heavily burdened by handling cases at both the High Court and Federal High Court levels across two states, despite limited manpower.
To address this, Justice Amadi suggested appointing additional judges specifically to handle EFCC cases, which he believes would significantly fast-track the trial processes.
Justice Amadi prayed for a successful tenure for Saidu and urged continued close cooperation between the two institutions.
Earlier in his remarks, Saidu stated that the purpose of his visit was to formally announce his assumption of office and to seek continuous collaboration with the judiciary.
“The essence of my coming here is to pay a courtesy visit and also to thank you for the wonderful job you are doing. We have no one in our career as important as the judiciary. Without the Judiciary, all our work will be to no avail,” Saidu stated.
He appreciated the existing cordial ties, adding that the courts’ support and cooperation have been vital to the Commission’s success.
“We thank you, sir, and we wish that such collaboration will continue to increase more and more as we steady our steps towards sanitizing the country,” he added.
