The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has sworn in five judges to the bench of the Edo State High Court, urging them to do right in all cases brought before them.
Addressing the judges at the swearing-in held in Government House on Friday in Benin, the governor said when complaints or petitions are received, it is important to take a step back and re-examine the petitions critically to make informed decisions.
He said, “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.
“Let me start with the latest reform, which is, for me, assenting to the law providing for the autonomy of the judiciary. I believe that we are one of the few states in Nigeria today that have signed the bill of the autonomy of the judiciary into law.
“It is going through a learning curve, but because we believe in the independence of the judiciary, we have demonstrated our commitment to holistic reforms by enacting that law. We would work with the Chief Judge and members of the judiciary to continue fine-tuning the way and manner in which the laws are applied.
“You are all witnesses to the infrastructural upgrade which we have begun in the judiciary. Providing courtrooms, especially in Benin City, to accommodate more judges. In the development plan we are currently designing, we have enshrined and ensured that within five years of implementing the new Edo State Master Plan, the infrastructural development for the judiciary will be completed.
“I thank the Chief Judge for the support he has continued to extend to the executive. I know that the swearing-in of judges that we are experiencing today have raised quite a few issues. As part of our intention to reform the entire arm of government in Edo State, when we get complaints or petitions that some of our choices will not go well to strengthen the judiciary, I believe it is important to take a step back and re-examine the petitions critically. This is what has happened in this case.
“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 for, and we will comply with the decision of the 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 retirement age. We wish you well and hope you will always do right in all cases brought before you.
Speaking on behalf of the new judges, Osayende Ikwuemosi Awawu said, “We are going to do our jobs and perform our duties to the best of our ability.”