By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State performed one of his legal duties for the first time as the state’s leader on Wednesday by swearing in 8 judicial officers to further deepen the collective responsibility to ensure equity ,justice and fairness.
The new judges taking their oath of office and oath of allegiance.
Performing the swearing of the judges at Muhammadu Buhari Civil Centre in Lokoja, the governor,who noted that one of the cardinal objectives of any society is the administration of justice, said his administration “must not only seen to be just and fair,but to be intentional in promoting justice for all.”
The new khadis shaking hands with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo after taking their oath of office and oath of allegiance.
According to the Governor,a just and fair society where every one is treated equally is bound to be peaceful, pointing out that as the last hope of the common man,the judicial owes the society an obligation to be just and fair.
The governor noted that a judiciary trusted by the people would promote peace and security , saying that an unjust judiciary is a recipe for anarchy and choas.
Ododo urged the new judges that as the chief priests in the temple of justice, they must hold the tenent to set them apart as honorable men and women of the bench, stressing that every citizen of kogi state looked up to them to “uphold the rule of law over the rule of men.”
“We must be constantly reminded of our professional mandate to dispel justice to all without bias”,he said.
Ododo described the judges sworn in as men and women of impeccable character and unquestionable integrity, who have justified their qualification for to take up such a huge responsibility.
He assured kogites that,” it is our collective to ensure that the eye of justice does not go blind, promising that administration “shall remain committed to given judiciary the free hand to play its role in ensuring societal stability.”
“As your chief servant,I shall not interfere in your decision .My interest is a kogi where every kogite has access to Justice,treated fairly and with sense of dignity,he assured the judiciary.
The governor said that as part of the commitment of his administration to entrench a judiciary insulated against corruption,he would continue to provide necessary working logistics and the right environment for the judges to perform.
According to him, such move is never a failure but a responsibility to protect the independence of sanctity of the temple of justice.
The governor,who provided vehicles to the first batch of judges, pledged that his administration would continue to do so until every judge in the state has official vehicle to enable them discharge their duty without fair or favour.
In his speech,the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General,Muniz Abdallah, commended the Ododo administration for making resources available to warrant the appointment of illustrious to the enviable position judicial offices recently.
“I can say without mincing words that on the part of kogi state,all that is required for the judicial officers to function properly have been provided,”although there is always room for improvement,”he said.
He advised heads of judiciary and heads of courts not to be wary in discharging their responsibilities , adding that given their wealth of experience and diligence, they would continue to position the kogi State judiciary as a credible and important arm of government “before whom every one is equal and for who every one gets justice.”
Abdallah said such ceremony, judges in the state are growing in number with each of them now having better opportunity to dispel justice fast because there would be more shared responsibilities.
To the judicial officers sworn in,the commissioner called on them to see their elevation as an act of God’s benevolence to them, the judiciary, kogi state and the society in general and as such, should serve to the best of their ability.
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 noted that the appointment and inauguration of the Judicial Officers was the first judicial assignment of the governor since he assumed duty and described the event as unique and unprecedented.
He said, This is the first time in the history of Kogi State that 10 Judicial Officers are appointed and sworn-in at a go.”
Majebi thanked the former Governor Yahaya Bello who gave initial approval for the State Judicial Commission (SJC) for the eventual appointment of the judicial officers.
He reminded the judges that their office is a sacred one, revered and respected and therefore, places a duty on them to maintain the integrity and sanctity of their 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 order of the day”, Justice Majebi admonished.
The judicial officers sworn in are: Justices:Ajesola Joseph Sunday,
Badama Kadiri, Ojoma Racheal Haruna and Esema Beatrice Adani Onuche.
Those for Sharia court as
Khadis are:Muhammed Bello Muhammed,Yakubu Adavenege
,Okino ISah Seidu, Idris Alaji Abdullahi , Shaibu Ridwan Aliyu
Customary while Justice Maryan Oziohu Otaru is of Customary court of Appeal.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Justice Justices:Ajesola Joseph Sunday, thanked all those who made their appointment possible, especially the governor and promised that they would not betray the confidence reposed in them in the discharge of their duties.
The Attah Igala, HRM. Alaji Mathew Opaluwa, the Chairman , Kogi State was Council of Chiefs,was represented by the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland,Dr. Mohammed Anaje, politicians,top government ,NGOs and other members of the society attended the occasion.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of new official cars to the newly sworn in judicial officers.
