Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on Thursday, sworn in Justice (Mrs) Esohe Ikponwen, as the substantial Chief Judge of the state.
Speaking during the swearing in ceremony at the Government House in Benin, Obaseki said every government must recognize the importance of the judiciary.
He said the laudable achievements recorded by the government of former Governor, Adams Oshiomole was due to the harmony that existed between the judiciary and executive.
He therefore, urged the Chief Judge to bring to bare her wealth of experience in the discharge of her duties as a highly respected judge in the country.
The governor said the choice of Justice (Mrs) Esohe Ikponwen at a time of great change in the state was remarkable as she “is known to be fair and strict in the dispensation of judgment”.
He also urged the new Chief Judge to sustain and improve the harmonious relationship between judges in the state.
Reiterating his administration readiness to invest in the judiciary as evidence in the over 500 per cent increment in capital expenditure for the sector in the state 2017 budget, he assured that he would uphold the rule of law.
In her response, the new Chief Judge promised to build on the legacy of her predecessors and enthrone justice in the state.
According to her, “I promise to be hardworking, ensure speedy dispensation of justice and stand for the truth; It is the truth that sets free”.
“There will be no more room for corrupt practices in our judiciary”, she said.
Soliciting the cooperation of other judges, she said, “we must work for the strengthening of the third arm of the government.
She also assured of independence of the judiciary and collaboration with other arms of government for peaceful coexistence in the state.
Justice Esohe Ikponwen was born Nov. 22, 1954 and went to Anglican Girls. Grammar School, Ughelli in Delta state.
Justice Ikponwen had an LL.B and BL in Law in 1978 and 1979 respectively.
Until her appointment as the Chief Judge of Edo State, she had been a judge at the Edo State High Court since 1999.
Ikponwen takes over from Justice Cromwell Idahosa who occupied the office between 2010 to Jan. 26, 2017.
She is the third female Chief Judge coming after Justices Abigail Oni-Okpaku and Constance Momoh.