by Nurat Uthman
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has sworn in three judges who his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, refused to swear in, despite the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, NJC.
The three judges were sworn into the Edo State High Court at the Government House in Benin City on Monday.
Okpebholo charged the judges to maintain high standard of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, uphold the rights of citizens, and bring culprits to justice.
“During my swearing-in ceremony as Governor of Edo State on the 12th November 2024, I acknowledged the critical role of the judiciary under the doctrine of Separation of Powers.
Today we are gathered here to strengthen that role for the judiciary.
“The National Judicial Council in June 2023 had recommended eight persons for appointment as judges of the Edo State High Court.
“Eleven months after that recommendation, only five of them were sworn-in by the immediate-past administration, leaving out three, even when they had all been cleared and recommended by the same NJC.
“ In my inaugural speech, I made a promise to look into the case. Today we have the privilege to right the wrong.
“The three judges will now have the opportunity to sit with their colleagues at the bench of the Edo State High Court, to discharge their duties as beacons of hope.
“For me, no one should be discriminated, marginalized nor hated for personal reasons, or on account of not having a godfather
