By Amos Aar
AS PART of measures to strengthen the judiciary, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has sworn in four High Court judges and two Customary Court of Appeal judges for the state judiciary.
Governor Alia assured the people of the state of his commitment to ensuring that the judiciary remains a pillar of democracy and justice.
Performing the ceremony Monday at Government House, Makurdi, Alia charged the newly sworn-in judges to bring their wealth of experience to bear on their current positions in order to rekindle the hopes and expectations of the people.
According to the governor’s spokesman, Tersoo Kula, the appointment of the judges was a testament to their dedication, integrity, and commitment to the rule of law as well as the recognition of the high standards they have maintained throughout their careers as legal practitioners.
The governor also advised the judges to be impartial arbiters, defenders of justice, and protectors of the constitution, saying they should dispense justice without fear or favor, affection or ill-will, as 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.
“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”, Kula quoted the Governor to have said.
Governor Alia reminded the new judges of the importance of their role as captured in the judicial oath, and the trust that has been placed in them to remember that the decisions they make will have a profound impact on the lives of individuals and the fabric of the society hence they must ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity, respect and equity.
He claimed that his administration has demonstrated its commitment to these tenets by fully granting financial autonomy to the judiciary and the legislature in Benue State, saying, “Indeed, the fruits of this giant move have begun to spring forth, as evidenced by the numerous transformative projects undertaken by the judiciary.”
He added: “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, and the one recently burned 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 are Kor Vincent Tersoo, Esq., Ikwulono Maigida Maimuna, Esq., Adagba Nguhemen Julie, Esq., and Tor Damian Tersugh, Esq., while the Customary Court of Appeal Judges are Onche Ogah Inalegwu, Esq., and Igba Theophilus Terhile, Esq.
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 he said his administration has already commenced since inception and we sustain the sponsorship.
