Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has finally sworn in five out of eight judges recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for appointment as Honourable High Court Judges.
News About Nigeria reports that this comes after a prolonged delay of 11 months.
The newly sworn-in judges are Justice Obayuwana Osarenren Mathias, Justice Ehinon Anthony Okoh, Justice Ovenseri Otamere, Justice Bright Eraze Oniha, and Justice Osayande Ikwuemosi Awawu.
The delay in swearing in all eight judges was reportedly due to petitions filed against some of the nominees, which necessitated further investigations before the full panel could be appointed.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had earlier condemned the delay, citing it as an abuse of power and a disregard for constitutional provisions.
The NBA’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) said it is a constitutional obligation of the Governor to swear in appointed judicial officers promptly.
It further highlighted the negative impact of the delay on the justice delivery system and the appointed judges’ need for sustenance.
SPIDEL Chairman John Aikpokpo-Martins and Secretary Funmi Adeogun, in a statement, said, “The duty of the Governor of Edo State to swear in these judicial officers is a constitutional obligation and not one to be observed at the pleasure of the Governor. Consequently, the continued delay in swearing in the new judicial officers is an abuse of power and an outright disregard for the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“Furthermore, this delay has greatly impaired the financial means of the designated judicial officers, who are all currently idling away without any means of sustenance for themselves and their families, as they can no longer, by virtue of their appointment as judicial officers, practice as lawyers.”
Aside from the NBA and other concerned bodies, a legal suit was instituted against the governor at the Federal High Court in Abuja by one Adaze Andrew Emwanta on December 8.
Yielding to mounting pressure, Governor Obaseki finally swore in the five judges at the Festival Hall in Government House, Benin City. He used the occasion to remind them of the importance of impartiality in dispensing justice.
