The Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has
urged Judges to avoid granting frivolous injunctions and frequent adjournment
of cases. The Governor made the call on Wednesday during the swearing-in
ceremony of Mrs Celestina Dafe-Idise, Egwu Joe Esq, Dr Anthony Ezonfade
Okorodas, Blessing Oghale Ideh (Mrs), and Edun Ajueyitsi Joshua as Justices of
the Delta State Judiciary.
According to the
Governor, “one of the things you (Judges) must guard against is the frivolous
use of injunctions and the frequent adjournments of cases, which not only leads
to delay and congested courts but has also contributed to negative perception
of the Judiciary in the court of public opinion.”
Okowa who submits that
such bottlenecks are inimical to the development of the judicial system said
“Judges have an obligation to see to it that justice is not only served but,
also seen to be served, so that the Judiciary does not lose the confidence of
the public from which it ultimately derives its authority,”.
Governor Okowa emphasised that “as Judges, fairness,
equity and justice must be your watchword at all times, you must maintain a
high level of focus, discipline and personal probity.”
While
congratulating the Judges for their appointments, the Governor asserted, “as
you begin your journey as privileged members of the Bench, I expect you to
continue in the same spirit of hard work, excellence and forthrightness that
earned you this appointment, this is not the time for you to rest on your oars,
your job as judges will further challenge your intellect, demand greater
resourcefulness, task your creativity, stretch your patience, encroach on your
time and test your value system.”
The
Governor disclosed that the 5 Judges were “screened, selected and appointed in
line with laid down procedures for such appointments as enshrined in Section
271, sub section (2) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria (as amended) and by virtue of this constitutional provision, a judge
shall be appointed by the Governor of a state on the recommendation of the
National Judicial Council; the NJC considered ad deliberated on the nominations
and, in their wisdom, considered and approved the persons sworn-in as Judges.”
Mrs
Celestina Dafe-Idise who responded on behalf of other Judges, thanked God and
those who made it possible for them to emerge as Judges assuring that they will
carry out their duties without fear or favour but, in accordance with the
constitution and laws of the country.
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