Obaseki Lauds Judiciary’s Role in State Reforms, Urges Continued Collaboration, Progress Sustenance
Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed confidence in the enduring foundation set down by his administration for the state, expressing optimism on developmental sustenance and the future of the state, as long as the Judiciary continues to play its role in sustaining progress.
The Governor who reiterated his administration’s gratitude to the judicial arm, for their unwavering support and dedication towards the state’s development over the last 8 years, added that the reforms by his government would have lasting impact.
He noted that the current financial autonomy for the Judiciary would impact greatly on their efficiency, while advocating continuous government support to ensure Judges remain comfortable and shielded from undue pressure, which in turn would enable them focus on their responsibilities.
The Governor made the remarks during a courtesy visit by Judges of the Edo State Judiciary, led by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, at the State Government House in Benin City, on Thursday September 26, 2024.
Welcoming the Judges back from vacation, Obaseki reflected on the collaboration between the judicial and legislative arms of the state, noting that no previous administration had undertaken such extensive legal reforms as seen in the current government.
While highlighting key challenges ahead, particularly in the area of human capacity within the judicial system, Obaseki stressed the need to equip Judges and supporting staff with the requisite knowledge and resources to function effectively, stating that a reduction in caseloads on judges, improved judicial infrastructures, and a conducive working environment are essential to boosting productivity.
According to Obaseki: “I want to express my profound appreciation and gratitude to the Edo State Judiciary. If you recall my first session with the Judiciary, I made certain commitments and I am pleased that I have been able to fulfil and even surpass the commitment I made. But that does not mean we have resolved a fraction of the challenges facing the Judiciary in Edo State, as an institution, as more work still needs to be done.
“We were able to achieve all that we did because of the level of cooperation that we received from you. That is why I am continually grateful and would also advise that, if this cooperation with successive governments continues over time, we would resolve most of the issues. With what we have done, and with the continued support of the Judiciary, I do not see Edo going back.”
“The Judiciary in Edo clearly stands out as one of the top Judiciaries in the country, and you would attest to the fact that, as a government, we have not interfered. We have respect for the Judiciary and the independence of the Judiciary. I have not hesitated to say it anywhere, that the success we have achieved as a government in Edo State is largely attributable to the work we did in the Judiciary; the economic growth, sense of stability, is because we enforced the rule of law in the state.”
He added: “If we did not have your support to deal with the arbitrariness we met, that certainty and confidence we built would not have come; and the experience in the last few days has shown that it is required. People must feel safe, have access to the law, and know that the laws of the land would be respected by all.
“I believe that we have taken the first most significant step, which is allowing for the financial autonomy of the Judiciary. Now the focus would be on how the Judiciary would be more efficient in the use of their limited resources. Although, I do not see why the Executive cannot continue to help, support and maintain the infrastructures being used by the Judiciary, such that the bulk of the resources accrued to you from this new autonomous arrangement, goes into recurrent expenditure.”
Speaking on the purpose of the visit, the Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, noted that Judges in the state have just returned from their annual vacation, while preparing for the 2024/2025 legal year, expressing gratitude to the Governor for his support.
“We have never had it so good; my fellow judges can attest to the fact that we are indeed happy”, Okungbowa added
