Okpebholo charged them to maintain high standard of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, and bring culprits to justice
By Kehinde Okeowo
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo on Monday confirmed the appointments of three judges his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, refused to swear in.
The three judges, were snubbed by the immediate past governor despite being recommended by the National Judicial Council, (NJC).
While swearing them into the Edo State High Court at the Government House in Benin City, Okpebholo berated his predecessor for discriminating against them and charged the three judges to maintain high standard of conduct.
The governor also urged them to uphold the rights of citizens, ensure fair dispute resolution and bring culprits to justice.
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Speaking during the ceremony 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, marginalized nor hated for personal reasons, or on account of not having a godfather.
“As judges of the State High Court, we expect you to uphold high standard of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, uphold rights of citizens, and bring culprits to justice,” he said.
Responding to the gesture on behalf of the judges, Justice Ojo Maureen Osa thanked the governor for the opportunity given them to serve as judges in Edo State.
She also appreciated him for making their swearing-in a reality, just three weeks into office and prayed that his tenure will be successful.
“We assure you that we will dispense justice without fear or favour,” she added.
The three Judges sworn in are Ojo Maureen Osa, Okundamiya Godwin Jeff and Edoghogho Eboigbe.
