…sworn-in five new judges
- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has urged Judges in the state to fight for judicial integrity by not allowing justice to be rendered as a commodity reserved for the powerful or the highest bidder.
Oyebanji gave this advice on Monday in Ado-Ekiti while swearing-in of five new judges into the Bench of the Ekiti State High Court.
He urged the judicial officers to remain above board at all times and to dispense justice speedily and fairly, stressing that the credibility of the judiciary depends on public confidence and not influenced by wealth, status or personal connections.
Oyebanji also cautioned the judges against yielding to corrupt influence or undue pressure from friends and associates, noting that such interference could undermine the integrity of the justice system.
The five judges sworn in are Olanike Caroline Adegoke, Julius Sunday Bamise, Julius Ajibare, Stephen Akinyede and Adefunke Anoma.
Their appointments followed a rigorous screening process, including the consideration of public complaints and interviews conducted by a seven-member committee in line with the 2023 Revised National Judicial Council guidelines.
His words, “As you are aware, Section 271(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) places a solemn constitutional responsibility on me, as Governor to appoint Judges of the State High Court on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council.
“This provision reflects both authority and restraint. It is not merely a responsibility, but one that must be exercised with fidelity to the rule of law, and, in the best interest of justice. It was for this reason that we put machinery in motion to fill the available vacancies in the Ekiti Judiciary in line with relevant laws.
“As our State continues to expand in every aspect of socioeconomic indices, our courts have also correspondingly witnessed an increasing volume of cases. This increase is a reflection of the improving sociopolitical maturity of our society, expanding commercial activities and the rising confidence of the citizens in the judicial process.
“While this is commendable, it has also placed considerable demands on our serving judges. This appointment and swearing-in of the new judges today, is therefore, both timely and strategic. As they assume duty, they will complement the dedicated efforts of those already on the Bench and, by extension, help decongest court dockets and expedite the dispensation of justice.
“To the newly appointed judges, this elevation is a call to service. You have been entrusted with a sacred duty: to uphold the Constitution, to act without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. I charge you to remain an example of equity, fairness and do your work with integrity at the highest level.
“I want to also extend this greeting to the Judiciary, families and friends of the new judges. I appeal to friends and associates not to become clogs on the wheel of justice through corruptive influence and undue pressures”.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Justice Olanike Adegoke thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them and pledged that they would uphold the Constitution and discharge their duties with integrity, fairness and without bias.
