The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has explained that the delay in swearing-in new judges in the state was as a result of petitions written against the nomination of some of them being investigated by the National Judicial Council, NJC.
Swearing in five judges to the bench of the State High Court on Friday, Governor Obaseki said it was necessary to critically examine the complaints against the judicial officers in order to strengthen the judiciary by making the right choices. He said the state government would comply with the decision of the NJC on the affected judges.
Recall that in June 2023, the NJC had appointed eight judges to fill the vacancy in the Edo State judiciary but the governor, who was not satisfied with some of the appointments, refused to swear them in until Friday when five of them were sworn in. While Justices Obayuwana Osarenren Mathias, Ehinon Anthony Okoh, Ovenseri Otamere, Bright Eraze Oniha and Osayande Ikwuemosi Awawu were sworn-in, Justices Edoghogho Eboigbe, Ojo Maureen Osa, and Godwin Jeff Okundamiya, were excluded from the exercise.
Addressing the judges at the ceremony held in Government House, Benin City, the governor also chronicled his achievements in that arm of government.
According to Governor Obaseki, “It is with delight that today I am swearing-in five additional judges to the bench of the Edo State High Court. When I came into office in 2016, one of the commitments we made was to strengthen the judiciary. This is because of its role in the democratic process. As a government, we are going to ensure that we support the judiciary.
“You are all witnesses to the infrastructural upgrade which we have begun in the judiciary – from providing court rooms, especially in Benin City, to more accommodation for Judges. In the development plan we are currently designing, we have enshrined, and have ensured that within the five years of implementing the new Edo State Master Plan, the infrastructural development for the judiciary would be completed.
“We are currently waiting on the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to let us know the outcome of its decision on the other judges we have received petitions on, and we will comply with the decision of NJC.
“We congratulate the judges being sworn in today. They are lucky as they are likely to spend more time in the service because of the extension in the retirement age. We wish you well and hope you will always do right to all cases brought before you.
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