Again, Ortom Advocates Autonomy For The Judiciary
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Thursday, reiterated his call for complete autonomy for the judiciary to enable the arm of government dispassionately uphold the rule of law.
Ortom bared his mind at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi during the swearing-in ceremony of three newly appointed High Court Judges in the State judiciary.
The newly sworn-in Judges are, Justice Felicia M. Ikyegh, Justice John M. Shishi and Justice Gabriel A. Omale following the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The Governor recommended that all entitlements due to the judiciary should be deducted at source from the Federation Accounts and remitted directly to the Heads of Courts for onward payment to judicial staff.
He also said that all matters of welfare of judicial staff – salary, pension and gratuity should henceforth be handled by the National Judicial Council.
According to him; “This I believe has become necessary for the smooth and effective operations of the judiciary in a democratic setting”.
Ortom reaffirmed his administration’s policy of non-interference in the affairs of the judiciary, noting that it was the reason he assented to the Benue Judiciary Fund Management (Financial Autonomy) Law, 2021 to enable the State judiciary perform its duties in line with the rule of law.
The Governor ranked the Benue State judiciary as one of the best in justice dispensation in the country saying his administration has consistently sponsored judges and lawyers to conferences within and outside the country to improve the quality of their work.
While congratulating the new High Court Judges, Ortom acknowledged that their appointments were based on sound knowledge of the law and positive character and charged them to remain above board and shun temptation to pervert justice in the discharge of their duties.
He further noted that at a time when the government and the public are calling for quick dispensation of justice, the judiciary must live up to its responsibility as democracy cannot thrive without adherence to the rule of law.
Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in Judges, Justice Ikyegh, expressed gratitude to God and thanked the Governor for appointing them on the recommendation of the NJC.
Ikyegh also appreciated the State Chief Judge, Justice Aondoaver Kaka’an, the Judicial Service Commission as well as the Nigerian Bar Association for their various roles in the justice sector and stated avowed commitment and strict adherence to their oath of office.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Nathaniel Ikyur, stated that the State Deputy Governor, Mr. Benson Abounu, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly and Governorship candidate of the PDP, Hon. Titus Uba, Chief Judge of the State, Justice Aondoaver Kaka’an, President, Customary Court, Justice Cosmas Idye, the Head of Service, Mrs Veronica Onyeke, the Chief of Staff, Dr Tivlumun Nyitse were among top government functionaries who graced the occasion.
