As a deliberate and determined efforts to enhance quick dispensation of justice in the State, four new judges have been appointed by the State Judicial Service Commission.
The fresh judges who took judicial oaths were Diai Christopher Dumebi, Odebala Ekuogbe Obaro, Gesikeme-Akebofah Mary, and Akumagba Ete Francis for the Customary Court of Appeal.
Presiding over the swearing in ceremony, which took place at the Government House today in Asaba, the State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa charged the new judicial officers to exhibit the qualities of impartiality, integrity, among others.
“… as you commence your journey as privileged members of the Bench, you will consistently demonstrate the proper judicial temperament expected of your duties as judges, you must exhibit the qualities of impartiality, courage, integrity, patience, humility, wisdom and common sense, ” the Governor admonished.
While congratulating the appointees for their well-deserved appointment, Senator Okowa exhorted them to display ethical conduct that is above reproach even as he challenged them to prioritize personal development through continuing legal education as a prerequisite to excellence.
He noted that as an arm of government (Judiciary) constitutionally saddled with the responsibilities of interpreting the constitution and upholding the federal principles of maintaining the balance between organs of government, judges must guard against frivolous use of injunctions and frequent adjournment of cases, stressing that such ugly trend make the public have negative perception of the judiciary.
” One of the things you must guard against is the frivolous use of injunctions and the frequent adjournments of cases, which not only leads to delay and congested courts but also contributed to negative perception of the Judiciary in the court of public opinion. You have an obligation to see to it that justice is not only served but it is also seen to be served so that the judiciary does not lose the confidence of the public from which it ultimately derives its authority, ” Okowa reiterated.
He stated that due to the recognition his administration has for the Judiciary as an arm of government that played critical role in the political economy, the government has continued to build capacity in the Judiciary, enhanced the process of justice delivery and provide good working environment for judges and support staff.
The Governor who hinted that more judges would soon be appointed, subject to recommendation of National Judicial Council, to oversee judicial divisions without manpower, asserted that Delta State government was among the first in the country to implement the Judiciary Autonomy Law.
Responding on behalf of the newly appointees, Honourable Justice Diai Christopher Dumebi thanked God, the Governor, Chief Judge, Attorney General and members of the Bar for finding them worthy to be recommended for the appointment.
Justice Diai assured that they would strive to uphold the judicial oath sworn to at all times without fear or favour.
The ceremony was attended by the deputy governor, Barr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro; the state Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Tessy Diai; members of the State Executive Council; judges of the state Judiciary, former Chief Judge and immediate past Administrator of National Judicial Institute Roseline Bozimo and her husband Alaowe Broderick Bozimo, and members of the Bar.
