THE Chief Judge of Kogi state, Justice Nasir Ajana, has warned judges in the state judiciary against gratification and corruption as the country prepares for another round of election with the expected litigation that may follow.
He said this in Lokoja, the state capital while presenting the three new judges that were inaugurated by the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in the state.
The newly inaugurated judges were Justices Husaini Saidu, Ruth Alfa and Zubayr Saliu.
According to him, the judges should uphold the qualities that sustain judicial legitimacy which include courage, integrity and good character, independence of mind, dedication to duty, honesty, sound judgment, deep learning, creativity and fidelity.
Ajana said, “Whenever a judicial officer compromises these tenets legitimacy is lost, personal respect is eroded, societal norms are hampered and spiritually the judge is practically doomed.”
The chief judge also appealed to lawyers, family, associates, friends and community leaders to stay away from the judges and allow them to do their work with peace and righteousness.
He said instead of attempting to circumvent justice, persons in litigation should get good lawyers to represent them in court.
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He said once litigants legitimately play their part and had reason to believe that the judge was making unholy demands on them, they should not hesitate or spare him and ensure such development is reported to the appropriate quarters.
Speaking on the processes that led to the appointment of the judges, the chief judge said at least 60 applicants were considered, adding that it was the first time intending judges applied before they were considered.
He, however, added that the exercise was tedious and transparent as the people were made to undergo a rigorous interview by the National Judicial Council before they were eventually approved for the appointment.
Ajana also said efforts would be made to ensure that the remaining vacancies are filled as one or two more judges would be appointed to aid speedy delivery of justice in the state.
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