Obaseki urges new CJ to dispense justice without fear

EDO State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has urged the newly sworn-in acting Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Joe Acha, to take to heart the oath of office and dispense justice without fear or favour.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony held in Benin City, Mr Obaseki encouraged Justice Acha to ensure that he carries out his duties with justice, honesty and transparency.

He, however, congratulated him as the acting Chief Judge of Edo State and as the most senior judge under Section 271 subsection (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

According to Mr Obaseki: “I urge your lordship to always take to heart the solemn oath which you swore here today. As your lordship becomes the custodian of an institution, represent the last version of hope in our common existence.

“It is my desire and prayer that the justice sector under your lordship’s stewardship will continue to wax stronger as an institution and deliver not just judgment but justice to all who come to you or before you.

Meanwhile, the government has in the past, declared support for the rapid development of the judiciary as an institution that would build the capacity of other judges and staff in the judiciary system.

Responding, Justice Acha said that he would continue to interface with other arms of government in their avowed duty of justice delivery to the citizenry for peace and progress of Edo.

He said that within the next few weeks, he would embark on training of all the registrars and secretaries to enhance their productivity.

Nevertheless, Justice Acha was sworn-in, following the retirement of Justice Esther Edigin, who clocked 65 years on May 17, the constitutionally prescribed age for retirement in the bench.