July 06, (THEWILL) – Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has assured the judiciary in the state, that his administration will not meddle in its affairs.
He gave the assurance on Wednesday, after the administration of the oath of office and allegiance on three High Court Judges and one Judge of the Customary Court of Appeal, held at the new Banquet Hall of the Benue State Government House, Makurdi.
The High Court Judges sworn in are Justice Mrs Lillian Tsumba, Justice Patrick Ekah Oche and Justice Peter Mvendaga Ukande, while Justice Fidelis Vihiluntswen Iortyer, was sworn in as a Judge, Customary Court of Appeal.
The governor, while congratulating the judges over their appointment, urged them abhor corruption, saying it has no place in law.
He stressed the importance of the appointment of the new judges to the state, saying they should not take it for granted, but to use it as an avenue to serve the state and its people.
The governor, who expressed concerns over some judgements that have led to the garnishing of the state’s accounts, said the action has placed the state in a very precarious situation.
While promising to provide tools and a conducive environment for the judges to operate, the governor however, sympathised with workers of the state, who are yet to be paid their salaries, promising them that they will soon receive it alongside the other workers.
Responding on behalf of the new judges, Honourable Justice Mrs. Lillian Tsumba, expressed gratitude to God for elevating them, saying their elevation was not totally based on hard work, but by God’s grace over them.
She thanked the governor of the state, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Cosmas Aondoaseer Idye, the immediate past Chief Judge of the State, Justice Aondover Kaka’an, as well as many others for considering the decision of the Nigerian Judicial Council for their elevation.
They promised to uphold the judiciary in the state to the best of their ability in humility, diligence and with the fear of God.
Prominent among those in attendance during the swearing in ceremony were the Deputy Governor of the State, Barrister Sam Ode, Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Cosmas Idye.
Others are the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Austin Agada, Head of Service, Moses Agbogbo Ode, Secretary to the Benue State Government, Prof Joseph Alakali, Chief of staff to the governor, Hon. Paul Biam, Majority Leader of the the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Saater Tiseer, as well as former Judges of the High Court/Customary Court of Appeal, top government functionaries, traditional and religious leaders amongst many others.
