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.
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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)