…Says injustice to judiciary won’t happen again

BENIN CITY – Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has vowed that his administration will not repeat the mistakes of the past, particularly those that undermine justice and the rule of law.

Speaking in Benin City on Thursday when the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, paid him a courtesy visit, the governor recalled the decision of the previous administration under Mr. Godwin Obaseki to withhold the swearing-in of three judges duly cleared by the National Judicial Council (NJC), describing it as “a slap on the face of the judiciary.”

“Our government will not repeat the errors of the past,” Okpebholo declared. “The decision of the former administration to deny the three judges their rightful swearing-in, despite NJC clearance, was a great disservice to justice.”

The governor disclosed that even before assuming office, he had investigated the issue and found no justification for the delay, saying his decision to swear in the judges barely 23 days after taking office was to “rewrite the wrongs of the past and restore confidence in the judiciary.”

“I discovered that these judges excelled in their qualifying examinations and had no blemish whatsoever,” he said. “Justice delayed is justice denied, and I could not allow such injustice to persist.”

Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law, deepening judicial independence, and fostering a stronger partnership with the Bar for effective justice delivery. He also announced plans to provide operational vehicles for the NBA to support its statewide engagements.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the NBA Benin Branch, Mr. Idemudia Iredia-Osifo, commended the governor for his bold reforms and swift action in correcting past injustices, particularly the swearing-in of the three long-delayed judges.

“Your Excellency, your decision to swear in the judges ignored by the former administration demonstrates courage and respect for the rule of law,” he said.

Iredia-Osifo also lauded the restoration of the Customary Court of Appeal, which he described as another milestone in justice reform.

He announced that the NBA would host a Land Administration Seminar on November 5 to examine the governor’s powers under the Land Use Act, review community land practices, and offer policy recommendations to the state government.

“We look forward to a continued partnership with your administration in strengthening justice delivery and promoting fairness,” he added.