…Pledges commitment to strengthen the judiciary
Governor Hyacinth Alia on Monday, September 9, 2024 sworn in four High Court and two Customary Court of Appeal Judges for the Benue State Judiciary, charging them to be impartial arbiters, defenders of justice, and protectors of the Constitution.
This was as he assured Benue citizens of his commitment to strengthening the judiciary to remain a pillar of democracy and justice.
The Governor while performing the ceremony which held at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi, assured the State Judiciary that his administration remain committed to ensuring the independence of the judiciary thus, will not do anything or take any wrong steps to undermine its independence.
He therefore charged the judges to carry with them not only the weight of their past experiences but also the hopes and expectations of the people.
Alia said their appointment was a testament to their dedication, integrity, and commitment to the rule of law, as well as the recognition of the high standards they maintained throughout their careers as legal practitioners.
The Governor tasked the judges to dispense justice without fear or favor, affection or ill-will, adding that the people of Benue State look up to them to ensure that the law is applied with fairness, equity, and a deep sense of humanity.
Alia said; “Judges are the guardians of justice, ensuring that the rights and liberties of all individuals are protected and upheld. They also play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of our legal system and ensuring that justice is served.
“We shall continue to uphold the constitutional provisions on the rule of law and the principles of separation of powers,” he assured.
The Governor reminded the judges of the importance of their role, as aptly captured in the judicial oath, and the trust that has been placed in them, stressing that the decisions they make will have a profound impact on the lives of individuals and the fabric of the society.
Alia also charged them to ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, adding that his administration has demonstrated its commitment to these tenets by fully granting financial autonomy to the judiciary and the legislature in Benue State.
He further aid; “Indeed, the fruits of this giant move have begun to spring forth, as evidenced by the numerous transformative projects undertaken by the judiciary.
“The transformative projects include, among others, the creation of the Benue State Judiciary Website, which is fully functional as part of the ongoing automation of the entire judiciary management system to meet international standards; acquisition of a large property behind the Catholic Youth Centre for a new complex to replace the property ceded to the Court of Appeal; renovation of judges’ residences in Makurdi, Otukpo, Okpoga.
“Others are the one recently burnt at Zaki-Biam; ongoing construction of new courts at Igumale and Jato-Aka; ongoing court renovation at the Court Headquarters – Courts 5, 6, and 11, North Bank, and Daudu; renovation of the judiciary guest house; and construction of a lawn tennis court”.
Those sworn-in as High Court Judges were Justices Kor Vincent Tersoo, Ikwulono Maigida Maimuna, Adagba Nguhemen Julie, and Tor Damian Tersugh, while the Customary Court of Appeal Judges were Onche Ogah Inalegwu, and Igba Theophilus Terhile.
Governor Alia promised continuous capacity building for judges through the sponsorship of judges for international conferences and the sponsorship of magistrates to attend the NBA Annual General Conference, which his administration has commenced since inception and will continue.
