Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo yesterday swore in Justice Esohe Ikponwen as the substantial Chief Judge of the state.
Ikponwen became the third Chief Judge of the state after Justice Constance Momoh and Justice Abigail Oni-Okpaku.
Speaking during the swearing in ceremony at the Government House in Benin City, Obaseki said every government must recognise the importance of the judiciary, noting that the laudable achievements recorded in the Oshiomole-led administration was due to the harmony which existed between the judiciary and executive.
He therefore urged the chief judge to bring to bare her wealth of experience in the discharge of her duties as a highly respected judge in the country.
The governor said her choice as the chief judge at a time of great change in the state was remarkable as she “is known to be fair and strict in dispensation of justice.
He also urged the chief judge to sustain and improve the harmonious relationship between judges in the state.
Obaseki reiterated his administration readiness to invest in the judiciary as evidence in the over 500 per cent increment in capital expenditure for the sector in the state 2017 budget, and assured to uphold the rule of law.
In her response, the new chief judge promised to build on the legacy of her predecessor and enthrone justice in the state.
According to her, “I promise to be hard working, ensure speedy dispensation of justice and stand for the truth as it is the truth that set everyone free.
“There will be no more room for corrupt practices in our judiciary,” she pledged, while soliciting the cooperation of other judges in the state, just as she said “we must work for the strengthening of the third arm of the government.”
She also assured of independence of the judiciary and collaboration with other arms of government for peaceful coexistence in the state.
Justice Esohe Ikponwen was born November 22, 1954 and attended Anglican Girls. Grammar School, Ughelli in Delta State.
She had an LL.B and BL in 1978 and 1979 respectively.
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