The Hon. Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Esohe Frances Ikponmwen, FCJEI has reiterated that the Judiciary must at all time remain immune to undue influence just as the Judiciary Officers must uphold the oath of office sworn to in the discharge of their duties as the Judiciary is the arbiter of all disputes in the democratic system of Govt.
Hon. Justice Ikponmwen who was speaking during the opening of the 2019/2020 Legal year lauded Edo State Government under the Leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki for the bold steps taken to ensure that Edo State Judiciary witnesses a rapid turnaround in terms of renovation of dilapidating structures. She however insisted that financial autonomy or independence is the way to go if the Judiciary is to thrive at a faster rate than it is now.
The Chief Judge further urged all Judicial officers to continue to do justice without fear or favour, affection or ill will.
In her address, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Edo State said she was deeply honoured to be part of the noble commonwealth tradition marking the beginning of a new legal year which dates back to the middle ages.
Prof. Omorogbe mentioned that it is a Pivotal ceremony in Nigeria, which sets the tone for the justice sector in the coming year, and provides an opportunity for the Chief Judge to speak on issues that are of pressing importance.
The Hon. Attorney-General in retrospect said that the 2018/2019 Legal year has been characterized by learning, repositioning and change. Further intimating that learning has been continuous through the various trainings that state counsels attended all through the year..
It is of note that the ceremony for the opening of the legal year which is a judicial ritual, marks the official commencement of the Legal Year and affords members of the Bar, Bench and Stakeholders in the Justice Delivery sector and friends of the Judiciary the opportunity to review the outgone legal year with a view to identifying the successes, challenges, areas that need either a total change or overhaul.
Nwine, Nekpen Maureen
Information Officer, Edo State Judiciary
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