Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Wednesday, 17 July, swore in 10 new judges, with a charge to them to uphold the rules and regulations of the judiciary in the administration of justice.
Those inaugurated at the ceremony that took place in Lokoja, are four (4) High Court judges, five (5) Khadis of the Sharia Court, and one Customary Court of Appeal judge.
The newly appointed judges are:
*HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE*
1. Ajesola Joseph Sunday, ESQ
2. Ojoma Rachael Haruna, ESQ
3. Badama Kadiri, ESQ
4. Ezema Beatrice Ada, ESQ.
*SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL”
1. Muhammad Bello Muhammad;
2. Okino Isah Saidu, ESQ;
3. Yakubu Adavenge Abbas, ESQ;
4. Shaibu Ridwan Aliyu, ESQ;
5. Idris Alhaji Abdullahi.
*CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL*
1. Maryann Oziohu Otaru.
Governor Ododo stressed that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man and urged the judges to ensure that everyone is treated equally to enhance a peaceful society.
“A just and fair society is where everybody is treated equally regardless of class, religion, and ethnicity. Therefore, you must be reminded and be guided by the oaths you have taken,” he said.
He assured that the new judges are individuals of unquestionable character and promised not to interfere with their activities, enabling them to discharge their duties within the ambit of the law.
“My administration will provide and support you to discharge your statutory responsibilities. I am offering you vehicles to enhance your mobility, and I will also guarantee your safety in view of the nature of your job,” the governor assured.
Governor Ododo called on the people of the state to support the laudable policies and programmes of the federal government to enable President Bola Tinubu to lift Nigerians from the inherited difficulties.
The Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Josiah Majebi, also charged the new judges to respect the integrity of the litigants, noting that as ministers of justice, they should shun media trials of any individual.
While expressing appreciation to the governor for his support of the judiciary, the Chief Judge urged the family members of the new judges not to interfere with their jobs.