Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo swore in three justices who were rejected by the Godwin Obaseki administration during the swearing-in of five of their colleagues last year.
He claimed he did it to achieve his campaign promise of righting his predecessor’s wrongs.
In June 2023, the National Judicial Council cleared and recommended eight judges to the Edo State High Court.
Obaseki, the immediate past governor, swore in five of them while excluding the other three.
The justices in question are Justices Ojo Osa, Okundamiya Jeff, and Edoghogho Eboigbe.
Okpebholo, who presided over their swearing-in at the Government House’s Festival Hall on Monday, stated that it was in accordance with his inaugural statement, in which he vowed to investigate the situation.
He pointed out that 11 months following the NJC’s recommendation, only five of those recommended were sworn in as judges by the previous administration, leaving out three, despite the fact that they were all cleared and recommended by the NJC.
Okpebholo stated that no one should face discrimination, marginalisation, or hatred for personal reasons or because they do not have a godfather.
He urged the new judges to uphold a high standard of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, uphold the rights of citizens, and bring culprits to justice.
He said, “During my swearing-in ceremony as Governor of Edo State on the 12th of November 2024, I acknowledged the critical role of the judiciary under the doctrine of separation of powers.
“Today, we are gathered here to strengthen the role of the judiciary. The National Judicial Council in June 2023 had recommended eight persons for appointment as judges of the Edo State High Court.
“Eleven months after that recommendation, only five of them were sworn in by the immediate past administration, leaving out three, even when they had all been cleared and recommended by the NJC.
“In my inaugural speech, I made a promise to look into the case. Today, we have the privilege to right the wrong. The three judges will now have the opportunity to sit with their colleagues at the bench of the Edo State High Court to discharge their duties.
“For me, no one should be discriminated against, marginalised, or hated for personal reasons or on account of not having a godfather.
“As judges of the state high court, we expect you to uphold a high standard of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, uphold the rights of citizens, and bring culprits to justice.”
Ojo responded on behalf of others, thanking the governor for the opportunity to serve as judges in Edo State.
She thanked the governor for making their swearing-in possible after only three weeks in office.
