Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has sworn in three judges who were initially rejected by Godwin Obaseki’s administration.
Earlier in May, five judges were sworn in.
The governor, who oversaw the swearing-in ceremony of the three judges into the Edo State High Court at the Festival Hall in Government House, recalled that in his inaugural speech, he had promised to address the issue and today had the opportunity to correct the wrong.
He noted that eleven months after the National Judicial Council (NJC) recommended the appointments, only five of those recommended were sworn in by the previous administration, leaving three out, despite all having been cleared and recommended by the NJC.
Governor Okpebholo emphasised that no one should be discriminated against, marginalised, or hated for personal reasons or for lacking a godfather.
He further added that as judges of the state High Court, they are expected to uphold a high standard of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, protect citizens’ rights, and bring culprits to justice.
He said: “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 had recommended eight persons 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 when they had all been cleared and recommended by the same NJC.
“In my inaugural speech, I made a promise to look into the case. Today we have the privilege to right the wrong. The three judges will now have the opportunity to sit with their colleagues at the bench of the Edo State High Court, to discharge their duties as beacons of hope.
“For me, no one should be discriminated, marginalised or hated for personal reasons, or on account of not having a godfather.
“As Judges of the State High Court, we expect you to uphold a high standard of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, uphold the rights of citizens, and bring culprits to justice.”
The three judges sworn in are Ojo Maureen Osa, Okundamiya Godwin Jeff, and Edoghogho Eboigbe.
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 tenure and prayed for success in his administration and the advancement of justice for all.
“We assure you that we will dispense justice without fear or favour,” she stated.
