Uphold Rule of Law, Over Dictates of Men – Gov. Ododo Charge New Judges »

….express administration’s commitment to independent judicial arm, welfare, security

…Kogi CJ cautions judges to be weary of Social media trails

Kogi state governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has charged judges to uphold the rule of law over and above the dictates of men, stressing that the judiciary owes the society an obligation to be just and fair in their dealings.

The governor gave this charge on Wednesday at the Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja while addressing the 10 newly sworn in Judiciary officials in the state including 4 judges of the High Court, 5 Kadi of the Sharia court and 1 Judge of the Customary court of Appeal.

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The Governor urged them and other judicial stakeholders to uphold the tenants of what differentiate them as honourable men and women of the bench emphasising that the people of Kogi state were looking up to them to uphold the rule of law.

He said “One of the cardinal pillars of society is the administrator of justice, we must not only be seen to be just and fair but also intentional in promoting justice for all”. The governor stressed that a just and fair society, where everyone is treated fairly is always peaceful.

The governor acknowledged that the new judges across board were men and women of impeccable character and unquestionably integrity who have justified their appointments hence his government is collectively responsible to ensure that the eye of justice must not go blind.

He expressed that his administration is committed to give the judiciary a free hand to function and ensure societal stability by not in anyways interfering in their decision adding that his interest is to birth a Kogi state where everyone has access to justice and were treated fairly.

Governor Ododo acknowledged that his assignment is to create a judiciary that is insulated from corruption through adequate catering to the welfare of the officials. The governor said that while a first batch of vehicles would be distributed particularly to those sworn in, his government would continue in such gesture until every judge in the state is provided with their official car to function.

He mentioned that his government would not deprive the Judiciary officials in the state of their minimum comfort as they go about their duties adding that they were also guaranteed of their security as well as that of their family members vowing that his government will not shy away from providing for their safety. He promised that such benevolence would be extended to other stakeholders in the justice administration chain.

Chief Judge of Kogi state, Justice Josiah Majebi in his address pointed out that the event was very significant in the judicial antecedents of the state as it was the first outing of the Governor Ododo led administration within the judicial sector and the first time in history that 10 judges would be sworn in on the same day.

While the Chief Judge recognised the immense contributions of the immediate past governor of the state Alhaji Yahaya Bello who initiated the process, he noted that Governor Ododo has continued on a good path of consolidating on improving the welfare of the judicial arm and to make it the envy of the nation.

He said gestures including the supply of official vehicles, provision of security, renovation of office complex and many more were reflections of the Governor’s interest to continue to partner with the judicial arm for the good of the state.

While the Kogi Chief Judge extended his congratulations to the new judiciary officials of the state, he reminded them that their new offices place a duty on them to maintain the integrity and sanctity of the judicial arm.

He noted that Justice is one of the attributes of God, hence they must deal fairly with the litigants and ensure that every one is treated accordingly with the same standard regardless of their social categories. The chief Judge also admonished them to hold onto equity and must be guided by the judicial oath and code of conduct.

Justice Majebi also pointed out that the judges must be weary of the new trend of social media trails which seemed to be the order of the day but rather stick principally to the rule of law and principles of fairness, equity and justice.

While the Chief judge lauded the governor for reflecting adherence strongly to the principles of Fairness, equity and inclusiveness, he admonished him to continue to lead the state in such direction while promising the cooperation of the judicial arm in collectively moving Kogi state further forward.

While reading out the citations of the 10 newly sworn in Judiciary officials, the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade appreciated the governor for being sensitive to gender balances even in the appointment of judges. She mentioned that 3 women out of the 10 sworn in officials was a further testament to the governor’s interest to position women in high pedestals.

Earlier in his address the State Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Hon. Muiz Abdullahi stated that Kogi state Judiciary months into the administration of Governor Ododo have witnessed several good Omen ranging from appointments of illustrious sons and daughters of the state into higher judicial roles in the country.

He noted that on the part of the government of Kogi state all that was required for the state judicial arm to perform optimally has been provided acknowledging that although there was room for improvement, he assured that the governor would always rise to the occasion. The State Attorney used the occasion to urgd the lordships not to be weary in the discharge of their duties.

As stated earlier, 4 Judges namely Ajesola Joseph Sunday, Badama Kadri, Ojoma Racheal Haruna and Esema Beatrice Ada were sworn in as judges of the High court; while Five Kadis including Muhammed Bello Muhammed, Yakubu Adavenege, Okino isah Seidu, Idris Alaji Abdullahi and Shaibu Ridwan Aliyu were sworn into the State Sharia Court.

Maryan Oziohu Otaru was sworn in as the Judge, Customary court of Appeal, Kogi state.