By Austin Ogwuda
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has emphasized the need for judges in the country to be guided by the doctrine of fair hearing, equity and good conscience in discharging their duties.
He stated this yesterday at the swearing-in of Justice Catherine Ojugbana-Orishedere as President Customary Court of Appeal, and other seven newly appointed judges in the State.
He therefore urged judges to guarantee justice for all by maintaining a high level of personal probity, devoid of greed and ensuring that the guilty are punished according to the provisions of the law.
The governor remarked that Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere’s elevation to the position of President Customary Court of Appeal (PCCA) after 23 years of service validates her credentials as an eminent jurist and faithful public servant.
Said he, “to the PCCA and the new Judges, I charge you to continue in the same spirit of hard work, sincerity, dedication, consistency, and excellence that earned you this elevation.
“I expect you to discharge the duties of your office without fear or favour. It is one thing for judgement to be passed; it is quite another thing for justice to be seen to be served.
“Justice is served when it is anchored on the timeless values of fair hearing, equity, good conscience, common sense, and the guilty are punished. Your offices require that you maintain a high level of personal probity, devoid of greed.
“Given your antecedents”, the governor went on, “I have no doubt that you will justify the confidence that has been reposed in you with this appointment.
“It is therefore incumbent on you to be good role models to your subordinates, peers, and professional colleagues. You must endeavour to leave a legacy of courage, integrity, and righteousness,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the Judges, Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere, thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve and pledged the commitment of the judges to the discharge of their duties as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Those sworn-in as Judges of the High Court were Aforkeya Obomejero, Okeleke Ifeanyi Samuel, Umuko Aboyowa Godwin, Ossai Ngozi Rita and Adolor Onorieukuhakpo Sunny while Gbakeji Emakpor Michael and Uraih Ifeanyi Tracy Patricia were sworn-in as Judges of the Customary.
