By Amos Aar
BENUE State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has sworn-in Justice Maurice Ikpambese as Acting Chief Judge of the State following the retirement of Justice Aondoaver Kakaan from the position having turned 65 years of age.
Governor Ortom, while performing the ceremony Thursday at Government House, Makurdi, said Justice Kakaan has retired at a critical time during general elections in the country when many aggrieved candidates may soon be heading to election tribunal to seek Justice hence the urgent appointment.
He said Justice Ikpambese’s elevation was informed by the good qualities he exhibited at the Bar over the years and urged him to strive to surpass his predecessor’s achievements and maintain Benue’s status as being among the best judiciary in Nigeria.
As a mark of honor for the retiring Chief Judge, Ortom on Thursday inaugurated a High Court in Aliade, the headquarters of Gwer East local government area where the retiring Chief Judge hails from.
Ortom, who was represented by his deputy, Engr Benson Abounu, also inaugurated Upper Area Court and Chief Magistrate’s Court in Gbajimba, Guma local government area, all in honour of Justice Kakaan.
Responding, the retiring Chief Judge, who expressed appreciation to Governor Ortom for supporting the judiciary in the state, said the Aliade High Court which has two court chambers and offices for judges and lawyers shall serve litigants from neighboring local government areas of Oju, Konshisha, Gwer-West, and Obi
Until his appointment as Acting Chief Judge, Justice Ikpambese served as a High Court Judge in Makurdi.
