Okpebholo swears in three judges rejected by Obaseki

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Monday swore in three judges into the Bench of the Edo State High Court.

Tribune Online reports that the three new judges, Ojo Maureen Osa, Okundamiya Godwin Jeff, and Edoghogho Eboigbe, were among the eight individuals recommended for appointment by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

While the former Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, swore in five of the eight NJC-recommended persons, he did not swear in these three new judges.

However, Governor Okpebholo, who supervised the swearing-in ceremony at the Festival Hall in Government House, recalled that in his inaugural speech, he had promised to look into the case.

He noted that eleven months after the NJC’s recommendation, only five of the recommended individuals were sworn in by the immediate past administration, leaving out three, despite their clearance and recommendation by the NJC.

Governor Okpebholo emphasised that no one should be discriminated against, marginalised, or hated for personal reasons or lack of a godfather.

The Governor stated that as judges of the State High Court, they are expected to uphold high standards of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, protect citizens’ rights, and bring wrongdoers to justice.

“During my swearing-in ceremony as Governor of Edo State on November 12, 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 recommended eight individuals 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 though all had been cleared and recommended by the NJC.

“In my inaugural speech, I promised to look into the case. Today, we have the privilege to right that wrong. The three judges will now have the opportunity to sit with their colleagues at the Bench of the Edo State High Court and discharge their duties as beacons of hope.

“For me, no one should be discriminated against, marginalised, or hated for personal reasons or because they lack a godfather.

“As judges of the State High Court, we expect you to uphold high standards of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, protect citizens’ rights, and bring wrongdoers to justice,” Governor Okpebholo said.

Responding on behalf of the trio, Ojo Maureen Osa thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve as judges in Edo State.

She expressed gratitude to the Governor for making their swearing-in a reality just three weeks into his office and prayed that his tenure would be marked by success and the advancement of justice for all.

“We assure you that we will dispense justice without fear or favour,” she stated.

    READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE