Kogi
Ododo Charges Judges To Be Just, Fair, Intentional In Promoting Justice
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi has inaugurated 10 newly appointed judicial officers for administration of Justice in the state with a charge on them to be just, fair and seen to be intentional in promoting justice for all.
Performing the swearing-in ceremony at the Muhammadu Buhari Event Center in Lokoja on Wednesday, Ododo said it was one of his legal responsibilities to inaugurate the newly appointed additional Judges in the state.
The Judicial Officers include: Ajesola Joseph Sunday, Ojoma Rachael Haruna, Badama Kadiri, Ezema Beatrice Ada as Judges of the State High Court.
Others are Muhammad Bello Muhammad, Okino Isah Saidu, Yakubu Adavenege Abbas, Shaibu Ridwan Aliyu and Idris Alhaji Abdullahi appointed as Khadis of the Kogi State Sharia Court of Appeal.
The last among them, Maryann Oziohu Otaru was appointed Judge of the state Customary Court of Appeal.
Governor Ododo said that the appointment and inauguration of the Judges was to further “deepen our collective responsibility to ensure equity, justice and fairness.
“One of the cardinal pillars of every society is, the administration of justice. We must not only be just and fair, but must be seen to be intentional in promoting justice for all.
Ododo declared that a just and fair society where everyone is treated equally is bound to be peaceful as a Judiciary trusted by the people would promote peace and security.
“As the last hope of the common man, the Judiciary owes the society an obligation to be just and fair as an unjust Judiciary is a recipe for anarchy and chaos.
“As the chief priest in the temple of justice, I urge you on to oppose the tenets that set you apart as vulnerable men and women of the bench”, he said.
The Governor declared that as the Chief Servant of the state, he would not interfere with the Judiciary in its decisions saying, “My interest is a Kogi where every Kogite has access to justice and is treated fairly and with a sense of equity.”
Ododo declared that as part of his administration’s commitment to entrench a Judiciary insulated against corruption, his government would continue to provide the necessary working logistics and the right environment for the Judges.
9
Against this backdrop, he said vehicles had been purchased for distribution to the Judicial Officer aside the provision of conducive office accommodation for the Judicial Officers.
Speaking earlier, Chief Judge of the State, Justice Josiah Joe Majebi gave thanks to Almighty God, (the Pillar of Life) for the opportunity, and commended Governor Ododo for his efforts.
He described the appointment and inauguration of the Judicial Officers as the first judicial assignment of the governor describing it as unique and unprecedented.
He said that it was against the fact that “this is the first time in the history of Kogi State that 10 Judicial Officers are appointed and sworn-in at a go.
Majebi was full of thanks for former Governor Yahaya Bello who gave initial approval for the the State Judicial Commission (SJC) for the eventual appointment of the judicial officers.
He described the office of a judge as a sacred one, revered and respected and therefore, places a duty on judges to maintain the integrity and sanctity of the office above all other considerations.
“Your Lordships must remember that Justice is one of the attributes of God which you are called upon to administer for men.Therefore you must deal fairly with litigants, recognizing the equality and dignity of all.
“You must ensure that every person is treated according to the same standard and with the same respect, regardless of Class, Religion, Race, Ethnicity, Nationality, Gender or any other social category.
“I urge you to uphold Justice Equity, Fairness and the Rule of Law in the discharge of your responsibility as judges. You should be guided and abide by your Oath of Office, Judicial Oath and Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
“Remain resolute and undaunted when your decisions are subjected to social media trials which is the other of the day”, Justice Majebi admonished.
In a vite of thanks on behalf of the newly appointed Judicial Officers, Justice Ajesola Joseph Sunday thanked the governor, the SJC, and all stakeholders who played one role or the other in their appointment.
He promised, on behalf of others to strive to perform their duties in accordance with laid down rules against all odds. (Ends)
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Tom Adaba, the first Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), who died early Saturday at the age of 84.
Describing the late broadcaster and scholar as a “leading light for development in Nigeria and a courageous voice of the people of Ebira land and Kogi State,” Governor Ododo paid tribute to his legacy in media, academia, and public service.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement quoted Ododo to have said,
“I am saddened by the death of our father and leader, Professor Tom Adaba, who has gone to be with his maker. Our prayers are with his immediate family, the people of Kogi State, and Nigeria at large for the colossal loss of a man widely regarded as a teacher, mentor, and leader,” he said.
The governor extended condolences to the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, and the entire Ebira community, recognizing Prof. Adaba’s contributions, including his traditional title as the Ohieteohueyi of Ebira land.
Born in 1941, Prof. Adaba achieved several historic firsts, serving as the first Nigerian President of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), the first Principal of the Nigeria Television College, and later, the first Director-General of NBC, before retiring in the late 1990s.
May his soul rest in peace.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 500 women from Kogi State’s 21 local government areas, reaffirming the crucial role of women in economic development.
Speaking at the empowerment distribution event at Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja, Mrs. Tinubu—represented by Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, wife of the Kogi State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, stressed the importance of investing in women for national progress.
She stated that the initiative, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is designed to promote inclusivity, economic empowerment, and sustainable development, particularly for women. She also revealed that 18,500 women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones would benefit from the program, starting with the North Central region.
“Empowering women is fundamental to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals 5 and 8, which focus on gender equality and economic growth,” she emphasized.
The program, executed in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), provided beneficiaries with essential business tools, including deep-chest freezers, maxi gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines, to boost entrepreneurship and economic independence.
Mrs. Tinubu urged the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity, ensuring self-reliance and contributing to the nation’s economic development.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed deep grieve over the passing of the District Head of Adavi, Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami, who passed away on Wednesday at his residence in Ogaminana, Adavi Local Government Area.
In a condolence message, the Governor described the late Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami as a distinguished leader who served his people with honor, dedication, and a deep commitment to peace and unity. He acknowledged his invaluable contributions to the growth and stability of Adavi and the larger Ebira community.
Special Adviser on Media to the
Governor, Ismaila Isah quoted in a statement quoted Ododo to have extended his sympathies to the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, the Ohi Otenyiete of Ebira Land, Alhaji Isa Ozi-Salami, who is the deceased’s younger brother, as well as the late leader’s family and the entire Ebira people.
Governor Ododo prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the soul of the departed and for strength and solace for those left behind to bear the loss.
Born in 1939, Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami was appointed District Head of Adavi in 1994. He lived a life of service and integrity until his passing at 86. His remains have been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites at his residence in Ogaminana.
-
Crime1 year agoPolice nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News1 year agoFCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year agoTinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
Kogi1 year agoINEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
Kogi1 year agoEchocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year agoIPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro11 months ago‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News1 year agoKingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu