By Kuwekuzi Aigbe
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has sworn in one of his wives, Mrs. Patience Zuofa-Diri, and three others as Judges of the state High Court.
The Judges took the oath of office on Thursday inside the Executive Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa, based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The judges include a former Registrar of the state High Court, James Lookie, a Law lecturer at the Niger Delta University, Dr. Simon Amaduobogha, and legal practitioners, Mrs. Christine Enegesi.
Governor Diri congratulated the new judicial officers on their appointment and elevation, urging them to serve the people with unfailing honour and commitment.
He commended the NJC, the state Judicial Service Commission, the state Chief Judge and the Chief Justice of Nigeria for facilitating the process and endorsement of their nomination from the state.
He said they were found suitable for the exalted office after meeting some strict protocol.
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The governor noted that his administration prioritises the judiciary in view of its significant role in society, stressing that it would not compromise the neutrality and independence of the judiciary as it is the last hope of the common man.
He also stated that all facilities and obligations required for the appointment of additional judges for the state’s high court have been provided and that the state looks forward to appointment of more judges in the new year.
Recalling the embarrassing invasion of the Abuja residence of Supreme Court’s Justice Mary Odili, the governor called on the relevant authorities to expedite action in order to bring those culpable to justice.
“Those responsible in that oppobrium must appropriately and expeditiously be punished for their transgression.
“These are strongholds of justice, protectors of liberty, symbol of law and order, custodians of the rule of law and embodiments of the hopes and dreams of our people. And if they can be treated with such impunity, then we are all much poorer for it.
“It is germane to restate that separation of powers should not in any way suggest division. In the end, we have a shared obligation to serve the people of Bayelsa State. We are one government united by one common purpose to deliver the hopes and dreams of the people of the state.”
