The Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo on Tuesday directed the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa to take necessary action without delay on the three judicial officers whose swearing-in were either denied by previous administration of Godwin Obaseki having been recommended and screened by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Obaseki had sworn-in five among the eight shortlisted judicial officers that were recommended by NJC after initial delay, leaving three others behind for undisclosed reasons despite the outrage.
Okpebholo who issued the directive during his inaugural speech on Tuesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin City, Edo State, lamented the decision by the previous government, describing it as ‘regrettable’.
The Governor also said his administration shall strengthen the judicial Arm of government to deliver justice freely and promptly.
“Under the doctrine of separation of powers, the judicial Arm of government shall be straightened to administer justice freely and promptly.
“The delay and refusal by the previous administration to swear-in of the judges recommended by the National Judicial Council, is indeed regrettable.
“The Chief Judge will look into this and take necessary action without delay”, according to Okpebholo.
He also expressed regret over the fate of 14 Edo State House of Assembly members who were allegedly denied inauguration when the 7th Assembly was proclaimed by Godwin Obaseki on the 17th of June 2019, describing the action as a ‘big blow’ to Nigeria democracy.
Consequently, Governor revealed that his “administration is setting up a panel of inquiry to investigate the remote cause of this incident to avoid further reoccurrence. This is imperative of the legislative Arm of government. It’s an essential component of that coexistence of democracy”, he said.
Leave a Reply