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Why I swore in three judges rejected by Obaseki – Okpebholo
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Monday, swore in three judges who were shunned by the Godwin Obaseki administration during the swearing-in of five of their colleagues last year.
He said he did it in fulfilment of his campaign promise to right the wrong of his predecessor.
The National Judicial Council, in June 2023, cleared and recommended eight judges for the Edo State High Court.
The immediate-past governor, Obaseki, however, swore in five of them, leaving out the three others.
The affected judges are Justices Ojo Osa, Okundamiya Jeff and Edoghogho Eboigbe.
Supervising their swearing-in at the Festival Hall of the Government House, on Monday, Okpebholo said it was in fulfilment of his inaugural speech, having promised to look into the case.
He noted that 11 months after the recommendation of the NJC, only five of those recommended were sworn in as judges by the immediate-past administration, leaving out three, even when they had all been cleared and recommended by the NJC.
Okpebholo said no one should be discriminated against, marginalised or hated for personal reasons, or on account of not having a godfather.
He charged the new judges to uphold a high standard of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, uphold the rights of citizens, and bring culprits to justice.
He said: “During my swearing-in ceremony as Governor of Edo State on the 12th of November 2024, I acknowledged the critical role of the judiciary under the doctrine of separation of powers.
“Today, we are gathered here to strengthen the role of 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 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.
“For me, no one should be discriminated against, 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.”
Responding, Ojo, on behalf of others, thanked the governor for the opportunity given to them to serve as judges in Edo State.
She appreciated the governor for making their swearing-in a reality, just three weeks into office.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has stepped in to call for immediate action in the case of Segun Olowookere, an indigene who was sentenced to death for stealing a fowl.
Recall Segun’s mother, Folashade Olowookere, emotionally shared the story of her son, who is currently imprisoned, during an interview on Nollywood actress Biola Adebayo’s YouTube podcast. The video gained significant attention, including from Governor Adeleke.
Naijablitznews reports this was contained in a statement from the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke directed a swift investigation and ordered that steps be taken for a potential pardon in Segun’s case. The Governor further instructed the Attorney General to ensure Segun is considered for the prerogative of mercy before the year ends.
The statement read, “I have reviewed the case and acknowledge the importance of the separation of powers in our democracy. In this instance, I have instructed the Commissioner for Justice to begin the process of granting mercy to this young man.
“Osun is a state of justice and fairness. We must uphold the protection of lives and ensure equity.
“I want to assure the public that this matter is receiving my personal attention, and we are acting with urgency as a responsible government.”
The Delta State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, recalled two of its members that were suspended in November over alleged gross misconduct.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the recall was announced during plenary in Asaba by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor.
Recall that the Assembly had on November 6 suspended Mr Dafe Chukudi (PDP-Ukwuani) for 14 legislative days over alleged gross misconduct, while Mr Oboro Preyor (PDP-Bomadi) was also suspended for 14 legislative days for the same offense on November 12.
“Dear colleagues, following the allegation of gross misconduct against our suspended members and subsequently, a committee on investigation headed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, was set up.
“The committee has commenced investigation. However, the 14 days that they were suspended has elapsed. And by the confidence you all reposed in me as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, and now that the 14 days of their suspension has elapsed, there is need to recall Mr Dafe Chukudi and Mr Oboro Preyor to resume their duties as members going forward.
“The suspended members are hereby recalled pending on the outcome of their investigative committee.”
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, expressed joy over the recall of the lawmakers, saying, “I am very happy that we have lifted their suspension.
“The Speaker has recalled them so that they can celebrate the Christmas with joy and even enter the New Year with some relief of happiness. For me, this is a party gift for me even though I’m not affected.”
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