By Kehinde Erin
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State on Wednesday, inaugurated ten newly appointed Judges, comprising four High Court Judges, one Customary Court of Appeal Judge, and five Khadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal Judges at the Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja.
The newly appointed judges are: High Court of Justice: Ajesola Joseph Sunday, ESQ; Ojoma Rachael Haruna, ESQ; Badama Kadiri, ESQ; Ezema Beatrice Ada, ESQ and Customary Court of Appeal: Maryann Oziohu Otaru.
While the Sharia Court of Appeal are: Muhammad Bello Muhammad; Okino Isah Saidu, ESQ; Yakubu Adavenge Abbas, ESQ; Shaibu Ridwan Aliyu, ESQ and Idris Alhaji Abdullahi.
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During the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Ododo, urged the judiciary to address the issue of conflicting judgments and rulings, emphasising the need for a harmonised and consistent approach to upholding justice and the rule of law in the country.
The governor, gave a solemn assurance to the judiciary that their safety and security would be guaranteed at all times, pledging that his administration would ensure a secure environment for them to carry out their duties without fear or intimidation.
He praised President Bola Tinubu, for his “Renewed Hope Agenda”, which aims to revitalise the country’s progress in crucial sectors such as security, healthcare, agriculture, housing, food security, and more.
He encouraged all Nigerians to rally behind the President’s vision and support him in achieving his ambitious goals for the nation’s prosperity and development.
In his address, the Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, praised Governor Ododo for his exemplary leadership and the historic appointments, which he described as unparalleled and unprecedented in the State’s history.
He noted that the simultaneous swearing-in of 10 Judges was a first in the State, demonstrating the Governor’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary and ensuring the administration of justice.
He also acknowledged and commended the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for initiating the process that led to the appointment of the 10 judges, recognising his contributions to the development of the state’s judiciary.
He further congratulated the 10 newly sworn-in Judges, encouraging them to be diligent, dedicated, and fair-minded in their duties. He urged them to be proactive in upholding justice, delightful in their service to the people, faithful to the law, and just in their judgments, ensuring that the trust placed in them is justified.
In his address, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Kogi State, Honourabble Muyis Abdullahi, described the occasion as momentous, historic, and unprecedented. He emphasised that the swearing-in ceremony demonstrates Governor Ododo’s commitment to revitalising the judiciary in Kogi State, signifying a positive transformation in the administration of justice.
He charged the 10 newly sworn-in Judges to discharge their duties with diligence and integrity, emphasising the importance of upholding justice and fairness in their decisions.
He reassured them of the government’s commitment to supporting the judiciary’s well-being and urged them to adhere strictly to the law in their judgments, ensuring that justice is served without bias or prejudice.
The Attorney General praised Governor Ododo for transforming the state’s judicial system, stating that the government has provided all necessary resources for the judiciary to function effectively. He also commended the Governor for his tireless efforts in addressing security challenges in Kogi State, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens.
Earlier, the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Dr. (Mrs) Folashade Ayoade-Arike, presented the citation of the Judges, emphasising the importance of their role in upholding justice. She charged them to be conscientious and impartial in their decision-making, urging them to discharge their duties with diligence and fairness.
The newly appointed judges took the oath of allegiance and the judicial oath, which were administered by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Muyis Abdullahi, formally investiting them with the powers and responsibilities of their offices.
Judge Adeshola Joseph, one of the 10 newly inaugurated Judges, expressed his gratitude to the Governor for the opportunity to serve the state. He pledged that he and his fellow judges would discharge their duties with the highest level of integrity, fairness, and honesty, ensuring that justice is served with utmost diligence and transparency.
As a symbol of appreciation and support, the newly sworn-in Judges were presented with brand new Toyota Corolla jeeps, courtesy of the Kogi State Government, to facilitate their transportation and enhance their mobility in the discharge of their judicial duties.
