Retirement: Gov. Bello pours encomium on Justice Esther Hurana »

…describes her as a great jurist, incorruptible

Kogi state Governor, Yahaya Bello has hailed retiring justice Esther Haruna of the Kogi State High Court who bowed out of office on Thursday after attaining the required retirement age of 65 years describing her as a great jurist, whose record were devoid of any act of corruption.

The governor made this known while attending the valedictory court session in honour of the retired Honourable justice where he noted that Justice Haruna brought a ground combination of grace and erudition to the Kogi state govt. judiciary system hence the state expresses gratitude to her for her services.

Governor Bello who was represented by his Deputy, Edward Onoja stated that a cursory look at some of her cases during her career indicated that she has being a defender of the constitutional rights of the citizens and in particular against the excesses of powerful forces including the government.

The governor said that the state government was pleased that her tenure was devoid of any hint of corruption or scandal while commending her for not contributing to the ultimately compelling perception that many jurist now have a price and put justice up for sale to the highest bidder

He added that the testimony of both litigants and co-workers of the judge agreed that her lordship balanced the imaginary scales of justice for the overall benefit of the society and not for profits or other vested interest

The governor said the state was immensely grateful for the years of purposeful service which the retiring justice has rendered so selflessly to the state and Nigeria at large

He pointed out that because she maintained her intergrity and adhered devotedly to her judicial oath, Hon. justice Haruna has helped to endue the Kogi state judiciary with critical capacity to uphold the traditional judicial tenants especially the rule of law and separation of power.

Governor Bello on behalf of the government and the people of Kogi state described her as a gem to her native town, Apayan, Igalamela odolu LGA and indeed the entire kogi state. He said “we are both grateful to and proud of her, while wishing her length or days, health of spirit, joy and God’s guidiance.

Earlier the Commissioner for Justice and the State Attorney General, Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed Sanni noted that Justice Haruna has performed her task and has contributed her quota to this great state adding that she was a committed and a disciplined judge.