Kogi judiciary holds valedictory session for outgoing CJ, Justice Olusiyi »

Kogi State Judiciary has on Monday, held a valedictory Court Session preparatory to the retirement of the State Chief Judge, Justice Henry Okusiyi.

The Valedictory session which coincides with the 65th birthday celebration of the judicial officer attracted dignitaries from far wide across all sectors of the society, including former and current legal luminaries.

Speaking, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello applauded the outgoing State Chief Judge, Justice Henry Olusiyi, who he described as one of the best judicial brains the state has ever produced.

Governor Bello who was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Chief Edward Onoja said despite serving one of the shortest tenures in history of the position, Justice Olusiyi has made his marks by positively contributing to the state judiciary.

The Governor noted that the outgoing legal luminary who has served in various capacities before he assumed office as the number one judicial officer in the state, has shown he is impartial and passionate about speedy adjudication of justice.

While wishing the outgoing Juror the best in his future endeavours, Governor Bello promised to consult him on issues that concern the state judiciary, noting that his administration would continue to rely on hi experience in the future to guide the government in areas that require legal interpretations.

Reacting, the outgoing Chief Judge, Justice Henry Olusiyi enjoined judicial officers and the public to respect the rule of law as it is the fabric that holds society together because no society can thrive without respect to court orders.

He said access to justice to was an inalienable right of every citizen and means enforcement of the rights of citizens through which law and order are enforced.

“The road to quick justice in our country is still unpaved and very arduous. Something drastic should be done to address the issue as justice delayed may be justice denied. All hands should be on the deck by stakeholders to change the narrative in order to ensure that cases are quickly disposed off in our courts.

More courts should be established while more judges should be appointed. Technoy should be effectively deployed for the purpose of achieving quick justice in our courts.”

Justice Olusiyi noted that serving as Chief Judge afforded him the opportunity to make his contribution to the administration of justice, saying the most important attributes of the judiciary and judges are Independence, fearlessness and impeccable integrity which he has demonstrated as much as he could.

While also calling on all arms of government to work together in the overall interest of the masses, the outgoing Chief Judge urged all stakeholders to avoid abuse of powers as any attempt to wield absolute power would be at the detriment of other arms of government.

“It is for the judges of this country to ensure they maintain high standards and live up to the high expectations of the public which can only be fulfilled by an independent judiciary. In my view, there is no difficulty in maintaining the independence and integrity of the judiciary as long as we think about the institution and not about individuals,” he emphasised.

Speaking, the Oba of Yoruba Community in the State, Alhaji Bello Audu – Oke and other dignitaries at the occasion all applauded the outgoing Chief Judge for being a perfect gentleman and a brilliant legal officer, saying his simplicity and sound legal knowledge would be sorely missed.