Uduaghan Lauds Legislature, Executive, Judiciary Harmony

BY AUSTINE ETAGHENE

THE Judiciary in Delta State has been strengthened with the swearing-in of six newly appointed High Court Judges in Asaba yesterday.

Those that subscribed to the relevant oaths before Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan are Justice Mabel Omovie, Cletus Emefuniye, Orjitsejetuale Mabiakju Orji, Marcel Okoh, Excel Timi and Joshua Ikede.

Governor Uduaghan at the occasion congratulated the six new Judges and said that their appointments were based on personal integrity, wealth of experience and proven record of performance.

While reminding them that their new position was very challenging, the governor thanked High Court Judges in the state for ensuring quick dispensation of Justice and maintaining their dignity despite some challenges.

He expressed delight at moves being taken by the state Chief Judge for the prompt prosecution of kidnap suspects, pointing out that “if suspected kidnappers are prosecuted, it will help to lessen the cases”.

Even as he called on public officers to demonstrate loyalty and follow due process in the discharge of their duties, Governor Uduaghan said he was glad that all three arms of government are working together harmoniously for the betterment of the state.

The governor used the occasion to correct insinuations published by some national dailies in connection with his comments on the use of power during an interdemonination thanksgiving service to mark Democracy Day at Abraka.

According to him, “I did say at Abraka that the governor has enormous powers because if a judge passes a death sentence, it is the governor that has the final say by assenting to the death sentence. He can also decline not to append his signature to it. “The bottom line of what I meant is, we all have powers, but such powers should be exercised with discretion”.

Responding on behalf of her colleagues, Justice Mabel Omovie, thanked the governor as well as the National Judicial Council and Judicial Service Commission for deeming them fit for their appointment.

She promised that they will abide by the oath of office they subscribed to and dispense Justice without fear or favour.