Edo State Chief Executive, Senator Monday Okpebholo has sworn in three Judges who were at first dismissed by Godwin Obaseki’s administration.
Five of the judges were sworn in May this year.
The State Chief Executive, who supervised the swearing-in of the three Judges into the Bench of Edo State High Court at the Festival Hall in Government House, recalled that in his inaugural speech, he had vowed to investigate the case and today brought the opportunity to right the wrong.
The State Chief Executive noted that eleven months after the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) only five of those suggested were sworn-in as judges by the immediate-past administration, neglecting three, even when they had all been cleared and recommended by the same NJC.
Chief Executive Okpebholo said no one ought to be discriminated against, marginalised or hated for personal reasons, or on account of not having a godfather.
The State Chief Executive added that as judges of the state High Court, they are supposed to maintain a high standard of conduct, guarantee fair dispute resolution, maintain the rights of citizens, and bring culprits to justice.
He said: “During my swearing-in ceremony as Governor of Edo State on the 12th November 2024, I acknowledged the critical role of the judiciary under the doctrine of Separation of Powers. Today we are gathered here to strengthen that role for the Judiciary.
“The National Judicial Council in June 2023 had recommended eight persons for appointment as Judges of the Edo State High Court.
“Eleven months after that recommendation, only five of them were sworn-in by the immediate-past administration, leaving out three, even when they had all been cleared and recommended by the same NJC.
“In my inaugural speech, I made a promise to look into the case. Today we have the privilege to right the wrong. The three judges will now have the opportunity to sit with their colleagues at the bench of the Edo State High Court, to discharge their duties as beacons of hope.
“For me, no one should be discriminated, marginalised or hated for personal reasons, or on account of not having a godfather.
“As Judges of the State High Court, we expect you to uphold a high standard of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, uphold the rights of citizens, and bring culprits to justice.”
The three Judges sworn in are Ojo Maureen Osa, Okundamiya Godwin Jeff and Edoghogho Eboigbe.
Responding on behalf of the trio, Ojo Maureen Osa thanked the State Chief Executive for the opportunity given to them to act as Judges in Edo State.
She thanked the State Chief Executive for making their swearing-in a reality, just three weeks into office, and implored that his tenure would be set apart with success and the promotion of justice for all.
“We assure you that we will dispense justice without fear or favour,” she stated.
