…Decries favouritisms
By Erharuyi A. Joe
The Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo has sworn in three judges of the State High Court in fulfilment of his promise to the Bench during his swearing in ceremony of 12th November, 2024.
Sen. Okpebholo, who supervised the swearing in of the three Judges into the Bench of Edo State High Court at the Festival Hall in Government House, stated that in his inaugural speech, he had promised to look into the case of the yet to be sworn in judges despite their due recommendations by the National Judicial Council (NJC). He described the event as an opportunity to right the wrong.
It could be recalled that the NJC in June, 2023, had recommended eight persons for appointment as Judges of the Edo State High Court. Against which the immediate past administration in the State swore in five out of the eight designated judges in May, 2024. The Governor frowned at the development and recommended that people should not be discriminated, marginalized or hated for personal reasons, or on account of not having a godfather.
The Governor sued the new judges of the state High Court to uphold high standards of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, uphold rights of citizens, and bring culprits to justice, in the discharge of their duties.
The three Judges sworn in are justices Ojo Maureen Osa, Okundamiya Godwin Jeff and Edoghogho Eboigbe, who were among the eight designated judges recommended by the NJC in June, 2023.
Justice Ojo Maureen Osa, who responded on behalf of her contemporaries, appreciated the Governor for upholding the recommendations of the NJC concerning them and the opportunity given them to serve as judges in the State.
She prayed that the Governor’s tenure will be marked with success and advancement of justice for all and assured him that they will dispense justice without fear or favour.
