The Chief Judge of Edo State, his lordship Justice J. I. Acha played host to the new Commissioner of Police CP Abutu Yaro who paid him a courtesy visit recently to intimate him of his resumption of office in the State.
The Commissioner of Police, while addressing the Honourable Chief Judge, explained that the job of policing would not be complete without the co-operation of the Judiciary.
He mentioned that there was a very high volatility of criminal tendencies which has been heightened by political activities in the state, this has constantly put the police on its toes in the state. This in turn has made the synergy between the police and the judiciary most necessary.
He condemned the prevalence of organized kidnappings in the state and promised to stamp out the menace in no distant time.
He however noted that Edo State was relatively peaceful in comparison to other states in the country.
Then his lordship, Justice J. I. Acha expressed his appreciation for the courtesy visit and welcome the Commissioner to his office.
While congratulating him on his posting to the state, the Chief Judge however noted that the job was not an enviable one bearing in mind the security concern in the state and country in general.
He mentioned that there was a great need for the Police and the Judiciary to work hand in hand in order to ensure effective justice delivery in the State.
He also noted that there has been a marked improvement in the security of lives and properties in the State since his resumption in a little over a month ago.
The Chief Judge urged CP Abutu yaro to ensure that all recommendations made by the administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee are implement SD this will go a long way to making justice delivery on the state easier.
He also promised to ensure that there is always a vacation Judge available as usual anytime the State Judges go on their vacation in order to avoid a pile up if cases and to ensure a smooth justice delivery system within the vacation period.
Evans Abegbe, Media Officer, Edo State High Court, Benin City.
Magistrates and Presidents of Area Customary Court in the State has been enjoined to be of credible character and play their part in the equitable dispensation of justice without fear or favour.
This charge was made recently by the Honourable Chief Judge of Edo State, Honourable Justice Joe Itsebaga Acha while swearing in some magistrates and area customary court presidents in the state capital.
While congratulating the newly sworn in judicial officers, he urged them to be true to their oaths of office and good ambassadors of the judiciary. He maintained that their appointment was a call to duty and therefore not a stroll in the park as it involves a lot of hard work, dedication, tact and unwavering scrupulousness even in the face of temptation.
The Chief Judge explained that it was one of the cardinal points of his administration to entrench and build a strong and virile judiciary that is without blemish in the state.
He assured that the selection process of the Magistrates and Presidents was very stringent and thorough and therefore congratulated them for coming out successful.
He informed that there is deliberate and constructive steps being taken to bring on board laudable initiatives with a view to making Edo State Judiciary a point of reference in the country.
A total of 10 Customary Court Presidents and 5 Magistrates were sworn in for a better, faster and fair justice delivery system in Edo State.
By Evans Abegbe, Media Officer, Edo State High Court, Benin City.