Okpebholo inaugurates 3 judges

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, yesterday, swore in three High Court judges. Former Governor Godwin Obaseki has refused to swear in the three judges out of eight that were cleared by the National Judicial Council (NJC) to be sworn into the state judiciary.

The former governor, instead, swore in five judges in May this year, despite several appeals to him from well-meaning individuals and organisations to swear in all eight judges.

The three judges inaugurated were Ojo Maureen Osa, Okundamiya Godwin Jeff and Edoghogho Eboigbe.

The governor, who supervised their swearing-in into the Bench of Edo State High Court at the Festival Hall in Government House, recalled that in his inaugural speech, he had promised to look into the case.

He recalled that 11 months after the recommendation of the NJC, only five of those recommended were sworn in by the immediate-past administration.

Governor Okpebholo, therefore, said no one should be discriminated against, marginalised or hated for personal reasons or on account of not having a godfather, reminding the trio that as judges of the state High Court, they were expected to uphold high standard of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, uphold rights of citizens, and bring culprits to justice. 

Responding on behalf of the trio, Osa thanked the governor for the opportunity given them to serve as judges in Edo State and prayed that his tenure would be marked with success and advancement of justice for all.

“We assure you that we will dispense justice without fear or favour,” she stated.