Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa on Friday reiterated that the judiciary is the hope of the common man, in the society, as he commend the judiciary for the 2025/2026 legal year.

He stated this during a legal year thanksgiving/valedictory court section, held as part of activities to kick-start the 2026 Legal Year at the state high court in Yenagoa the Bayelsa capital.

According to the governor: "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 the hand of God, because we know that the judiciary will never be the same again. I believe you are going to do beyond our expectations.

"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.

"Judgement that will enhance the standard of awareness to the general public," he said.

He 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 and judges to always stand tall on what is right, as they are highly autonomous as an arm of the government.

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

She said that they have cordial relationships with the Nigeria Bar Association, the Legislature and the Executive, as they have been working together without any rancor.

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

Ayemieye said that the Bayelsa judiciary aspires to be the best judiciary as they have earn respect among other judiciary in the country.

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

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

The Commissioner said that for the past years that the judicial system has changed and that the welfare of the judiciary and that of the Ministry Justice is one of the priorities of Diri's administration which has paid in full all monies owed law officers.

"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," he said.