Delta State Reaffirms Commitment to Judicial Independence
· As New Legal Year Begins
By Ahabamnews
The Delta State legal community yesterday commenced the 2024/25 legal year, with the state government reiterating its unwavering commitment to upholding a free and independent judiciary.
Speaking at a special court session in Asaba, the Acting Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, noted that Delta was one of the first states in the federation to pass the Judicial (Financial) Autonomy Bill into law and has since ensured its implementation.
He continued, “We have also, taken necessary steps to ensure that our judges and other personnel involved in the dispensation of justice, operate in conducive and enabling environments by providing necessary tools and infrastructures that befit and complement the functionality of their offices.”
While congratulating the Chief Judge of Delta State, Hon Justice Theresa Diei and all members of the Legal Community at the beginning of the New Legal Year, the acting Governor urged the Judiciary to ensure that justice is served promptly and efficiently.
“We should always be conscious that our society can only be great when the rule of law prevails, and it is my earnest expectation that we put our hands on this deck to make things work as they should.
Earlier, the Chief Judge, Hon Justice Theresa Diai, said the opening of the legal year ceremony offers the Judiciary the opportunity for self-appraisal and dissemination of information regarding its activities in the preceding year.
Hon Justice Diai added that the ceremony also features the renewal of the bond of fellowship between the Bench and the Bar and the convivial interface and expression of camaraderie among judges.
‘’The duty of taking the judiciary to greater heights is a collective one. It will require appropriate funding, hard work and dedication to duty on the part of the Judicial Officers and the entire staff. It will, most especially, require collaboration and understanding on the part of the Executive and Legislature.
‘’We need the intergovernmental cooperation, synergy and harmony which are vital for the growth and development of any state or organization. The Bar should also be at the vanguard for the defence of the independence of the Judiciary’’ Hon Justice Diai said.
Remarking, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole SAN, identified significant strides in the reformation of the state’s justice system under the Oborevwori administration.
Speaking for the body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Albert Akpomudje called for improved welfare packages especially for members of the lower bench, even as he suggested a more robust and unbiased approach to the appointment of judicial officers.
Similarly, the Bar, represented by the Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Asaba Branch, Paul Maduemezia called on all stakeholders to strive for an environment that fosters collaboration and contributes to the growth of the legal profession.
At a special thanksgiving Mass to commence the new legal year in the state, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Elue, commended the Judiciary for recognizing that God is an impartial Judge.
