Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, on Friday inaugurated six new judges for the Kwara High Court, urging them to discharge their duties with diligence, impartiality, and a focus on the community and national security.
The new judges are Ibijoke Olabisi Olawoyin, Fatimah Funsho Abdulrasaq, Oluwatosin Adenike Adeniyi, Yusuf Diko Adebayo, Olalekan Osuolale Ajayi, and Muritala Folohunsho.
A statement from the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, said that AbdulRazaq, speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Government House in Ilorin, congratulated the judges on their appointment and expressed confidence that they would remain committed to the administration of justice for all.
“This also makes a total of 11 High Court judges to whom I have administered the oath of office within five years in office.
“I congratulate the newly appointed judges and their families. I also celebrate your hard work and other noble qualities that brought you here. Today, you have been entrusted with the immense responsibility of upholding justice and ensuring that the rights of every citizen are protected.
“As you take on this noble task, remember that your decisions will shape the lives of individuals and the fabric of our society. Let me remind you of the remarkable words of Usman Dan Fodio, who said that ‘a kingdom can endure unbelief, but it cannot endure injustice’.”
The governor said he would continue to support the judiciary, recalling how the administration had renovated and remodelled several courts within the state.
“Recently, I approved the reconstruction of the former Revenue Court at GRA Ilorin to serve as courtrooms for more judges, while also creating a more befitting environment for the Revenue Courts in the State,” he said.
“It is our desire that this will be followed, all things being equal, with the construction of a new court complex to ensure the state has befitting courtrooms.”
Joined by Kwara Chief Judge, Justice Abiodun Adebara, the governor also presented new SUVs to the new judges.
“A seamless working relationship between the two arms of government has ensured timely payments of allowances and entitlements to the judicial officers, among other things,” the governor said.
“I commend the judiciary, legislature, and security agencies for the collaborative approach we have adopted in the development of Kwara State and for the peaceful coexistence and safety of its people. Let us remain united in the pursuit of a greater Kwara State and Nigeria.”
The Chief Judge commended the governor’s commitment to the rule of law and expressed confidence that the addition of the new judges would enhance the speedy delivery of justice to the people.
“Right from the inception of the appointment exercise leading to this swearing-in ceremony today, you have stood with us despite the many challenges that came our way before the appointment was finalised,” he said.
Justice Ibijoke, who spoke on behalf of the other new judges, said they would uphold and give effect to the ideals of justice, fairness, and equity while dispensing justice to all and sundry.
“We were aware that when the hope of this appointment was fading, Your Excellency took swift action by making resources available at the crucial time that enabled the state to meet the many conditions set by the National Judicial Council before considering the recommendation by the Kwara State Judicial Service Commission for our appointment,” she said.