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Bozimo Affirms Collaboration With Stakeholders To Ensure Correct Implementation Of ACJL

By Onoriode Etatsemi

Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Isaiah Bozimo has reiterated the determination of the State Government to always interface and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that the custodial elements of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law are correctly implemented in the state.

Mr. Bozimo stated this in his office in Asaba when the newly posted Controller of Corrections Centre, Delta State Command,  Mr. Babafemi Jaiyeoba paid him a courtesy call .

He said that the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2022 had introduced several reforms and measures to ensure that the efficient conduct of the trials regarding criminal justice sector.

Mr. Bozimo stated that the administration of criminal justice law had made it possible for the decongestion of the custodial centres across the state, adding that it was the reason there was significant emphasis on reforming the administration of criminal justice law.

The Delta Attorney-General lauded key stakeholders in the custodial centres for the domestication of the act for the benefits of the people of the state, stressing that the implementation of the law which was first domesticated in 2016 was not working as envisioned.

He said that the 2022 law of administration of criminal justice was aimed at moving the criminal justice from impunity to reformative , noting that the law had given Judges and Magistrates the option of imposing none custodial measures.

He stated that awareness was being created on the new provisions of the law, adding that the Ministry had earmarked the correctional services as key stakeholders.

Mr. Bozimo, who recalled that the Ministry was reforming the ACJL 2016, they wrote to the correctional services for their memorandum on areas they felt that the ACJL should incorporate.

While pledging robust working relationship with the new controller, Mr. Bozimo said that measures had been introduced to track the success of the law through the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee.

He said that the Ministry would leverage on data collection and analysis to ensure that  the measures had direct impact on the operations of the custodial centres.

Earlier, the  Controller of Corrections, Delta Command, Mr. Babafemi Jaiyeoba appreciated the Attorney-General for his numerous impacts in the justice system,  explaining that he was in the Commissioner’s office to familiarise with him  as the new controller of corrections in the state.

He stressed the need to strengthen the cordial working relationship with the Commissioner and Ministry of Justice, describing the quality of legal advice and tempo at which they received the legal advice from the Ministry as commendable.

RAMADAN: Gbagi Urges Muslims to Exhibit Islamic Teachings

The governorship candidate under the auspices of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in Delta State, His Excellency, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, has sent greetings and best wishes to Muslims across the country as they successfully complete 30 days of Ramadan fasting.

He urged them to use the season to project the best and finest virtues of Islam through personal conduct, and not precept.

In a goodwill message on Friday April 21st 2023, to mark the holy month of Ramadan, the former minister of state for education, in a release by his Chief Press Secretary, Kenneth Orusi, said, “They should use this opportunity to put the best teachings of Islam into practice, such as kindness and love of humanity.

“This is an occasion for deep reflection and greater fear of Allah and avoidance of all evils that harm humanity.

“Ramadan is characterized by abstention from food and drinks from dawn to dusk, which brings both the rich and poor to share the experience of hunger together, thereby strengthening the bonds between the haves and have-nots.”

Gbagi, a renowned Criminologist further explained that, “As you have completed these 30 days fasting season, do not forget that Ramadan is not only about abstention from eating and drinking, but it is a reminder to refrain from all kinds of evil and transgressions that harm humanity.

The philanthropist and largest employer of labour in Delta State, added: “While you are observing this important occasion in the spiritual life of Muslims, share food and drinks with the less fortunate, because by sharing your blessings with others, Allah will multiply your rewards for good deeds”.

He equally charged them to continue to pray for Nigeria and its leaders and not wait till such season as this before praying for the nation, stressing that Nigeria, needs fervent prayers at this time.

Christian Pilgrimage: Last Batch of Pilgrims Arrived Safely In Nigeria

The last batch of pilgrims for the December 2022 Main pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan arrived the country safely and complete on 8th April, 2023.

The last batch which was the 10th batch of pilgrims that participated in the NCPC December 2022 Main pilgrimage exercise were made up of pilgrims from Plateau, Ekiti,  Kwara, Osun, self sponsored Pilgrims as well as Consulars.

The pilgrims who departed Nigeria on 30th March, 2023 through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos  where the intending Pilgrims from Osun, Ekiti and Kwara were picked ,arrived Queen Alia International Airport, Jordan in the early hours of 31st March .

While in the Holy land, the pilgrims spent three nights in Jordan where they visited some important landmark Holy Sites, including Mount Nebo where all the Nigerian Pilgrims gathered to pray for themselves and Nigeria.

The pilgrims also spent five functional nights in Israel and covered the pilgrimage circle from Galilee area,  Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

While in Israel, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam had a Prayer meeting with all the pilgrims where he commended them for their exemplary conduct . He described them as unique and special being the batch that brought the 2022 Main pilgrimage to its successful denouement.

The NCPC helmsman also hinted that the Easter 2023 pilgrimage exercise would commence on 26th of this month.

Some of the dignitaries who were part of the last batch of pilgrims were the deputy Governor of Ekiti state, Her Excellency, Chief Mrs Monisade Afuye, the Acting Auditor General of the Federation, Dr Andy Onwudili, inter-alia.

Nwaobi Celebrates With Wife Of His Ward Chairman, Anthonia Ebegbuna On Her 40th Birthday

By Patrick Ochei

The member representing Aniocha North Constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi was among the well wishers who joined the Chairman of PDP Ward 7, Issele-Uku, Pastor Obi Louis Ebegbuna to throw a surprise birthday bash for the wife, Mrs. Anthonia Ebegbuna at her office in Exams and Records Department of the Ministry of Education.

Nwaobi who was present at the surprise birthday groove with his wife, Pharm. Emmy Nwaobi, congratulated the celebrant on her 40th birth anniversary.

The lawmaker while speaking to newsmen at the venue, eulogized the virtuous nature of the woman whom he said had been of immense blessing and support to her husband and family.

He said the birthday became a very important occasion he had to attend for the day, affirming that the woman deserved all the honour she got for the day.

Nwaobi appreciated her for always being there for the husband who most of the times had to be with him throughout the periods of his campaigns and election.

According to the most vibrant lawmaker in the 7th Assembly, “I feel proud associating with this woman of strong character and virtue. She knows what respect means for her husband and his family people.

“I have no choice but to be a part of this surprise birthday party, just to honour her for who she is. She has been an awesome and amiable personality deserving of the best of celebration in a day like this.

“Coming to her place of work is to show her that we care and love her so much; and of course, to prove to her colleagues that they have got a beautiful soul working with them.

“I see her 40th birthday as an opportunity to celebrate her and show her how much we care and respect her.

“Madam, I say a big “CONGRATULATIONS” to you on this auspicious day of your birthday celebration. Happy birthday and do enjoy the splendours of your season”, Nwaobi posited.

Delta CJ Grants Bail To Diagnosed Kidney Patient Inmate, Pledges Financial Support

By Agbaragu Timothy

The Chief Judge of Delta State, Honourable Justice Tessy Diai has directed the Chief Registrar to arrange a three months financial assistance to enable management of the prison to care of an inmate diagnosed with liver and suspected kidney failure at the Kwale Custodial Centre. 

The inmate, Mr. David Olori 48 has been in custody since December, 2022 on the charge of murder. 

According to the nurse of the centre, Olori was diagnosed of suspected kidney failure at the Central Hospital and required further investigation and treatment at Asaba Specialist Hospital. 

The nurse complained to the Chief Judge that it had been financially difficult to take care of him in terms changing pampers and other issues.

Justice Diai who was accompanied by Honourable Justices G. B. Briki-Okolosi, K. O. Okpu, F. O.Enemo and E. O.Odebala granted bail to David Olori on health ground, noting that giving his prevailing health condition, he was not strong enough to stand trial.

Reacting to the welcome address of the Deputy Controller of Kwale Custodial Centre, the Chief Judge reiterated that custodial centres were under the Exclusive list of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 ( as amended ), and not the responsibility of the state

Justice Diai made the emphasis at Kwale Custodial Centre at the continuation of the 2023 first quarter jail delivery exercise, stressing that while it was not the constitutional responsibility of the state to maintain prisons, the state can nonetheless render assistance where necessary.

 The Chief Judge who reiterated that the purpose of jail delivery exercise was not to throw the prisons gates open for inmates, applauded the state governor for prompt assistance to custodial centres across the state .

On the challenges experienced by authority of custodial centres across the state in reproducing inmates to courts due to lack of adequate vehicles, the number one Judicial Officer disclosed that she had drawn the attention of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to the issue of lack of utility vehicles to ease their work and the Governor has made a promise to that effect.

 Expressing confidence in the Governor to make good his promises, Justice Diai noted that just as he has been rendering assistances to the facilities , the request made by the Deputy Controller of Kwale centre in respect of renovation  would also be brought to the governor’s attention. 

She commended her brother judges, especially Honourable Justice F. O. Enemo, in charge of Kwale criminal division for his hard work; the Chief Registrar and team;  Director of Public Prosecutions Mrs Efe Jesin Odogun and her team; magistrates and the Nigerian Bar Association for their diligence in making the visit successful.

Earlier in a welcome address, the deputy controller of the Kwale Custodial Centre, Mr Udoka Chinaka disclosed that the facility that was build in 1907 during the colonial era with capacity of 262 has a current lock-up of 307 inmates.

He appealed to the state government for logistics support in the area of accommodation for staff, installation of solar around perimetre walls and utility vehicles.

Mr Chinaka equally implored judges and magistrates within the jurisdiction to always attend to custodial cases first during court sessions to enable prison wardens return inmates to the facility on time for safe custody.

Ovation As Omu Anioma Unveils Reconstructed Onicha-Olona Market

…As Builder, General Ochei’s Wife Empowers 89 Traders

By Patrick Ochei

The cerebral NNEOHA and Omu Anioma, HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu has unveiled the reconstructed Onicha-Olona Market in Aniocha North LGA, which was rebuilt and donated by the wife of Maj. Gen. Raymond Ochei to the community through Aniocha North Council.

The Omu who was given a royal welcome into Onicha-Olona as Special Guest of Honour, was ushered into the market where she performed necessary rites and prayers before unveiling the plaque, signalling the traditional commencement of market activities by traders and buyers.

Omu Dunkwu in her speech, commended the beautiful wife of Maj. Gen. Raymond Ochei, whose NGO – Doris Amaka Ochei Foundation took over the reconstruction of the market, completed it for the use of Onicha-Olona community and handed it over to the Local Government.

Omu Anioma posited that it is difficult to find the type of Mrs. Ochei in this contemporary environment and era, who after rebuilding and handing over a market free of charge back to the Council, also empowered 89 market women who are currently trading in the market with #50,000 each in order to enhance their trading activities.

While making a presentation of the Traditional Akwa Ocha to her as a mark of encouragement and appreciation, the Queen Mother admonished Anioma daughters at home and abroad with the wherewithal, to emulate the virtues and generosity of Mrs. Ochei.

The Omu equally commended General Raymond Ochei, husband of the market builder for his philanthropy, maintaining that his rare and uncommon generosity to the people of Onicha-Olona in particular, and Anioma people in general is worthy of mention.

As the Mother General of Anioma Nation, Obi Martha Dunkwu went further to thank and pray for the Nigerian Armed Forces for the good work they are doing with regards to protecting the nation’s territorial integrity, thereby urging them to continue in that patriotic assignment of keeping the nation safe, secure and peaceful.

As a mark of respect to her person and the remarkable impacts she has made to nation-building, Maj. Gen. Ochei presented varying gifts to Omu Dunkwu and her entourage.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Kelvin Okwechime, who was represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Kennedy Okoh had commended the exemplary patriotism of Dr. (Mrs.) Doris Amaka Ochei and her Foundation, especially on the market project.

According to the chairman, “It is in this regard that we salute the vision and commitment of the Dr. (Mrs) Doris Amaka Ochei Foundation with the rehabilitation/expansion of this modern market which by design would inspire a wide range of income generating and livelihood enhancing activities.

“Permit me therefore to assert here with every sense of responsibility, that with your resounding successful execution of this project, you have demonstrated your love for our people and created another window for improved economic activities towards wealth creation and poverty reduction. And may God reward your modest effort to impact on humanity”, the Chairman stated before going ahead to commission the project.

Meanwhile, the prayers and eulogies of Omu Anioma while unveiling the plaque, encouraged the benefactor and founder of the Doris Amaka Ochei Foundation to further empower the 89 women already trading in the market with #50,000 each, to enable them move into the market properly and commence daily trading.

In support of the Dr. Amaka Ochei’s gesture, another illustrious son of Onicha-Olona, paid the mandatory #1000 processing fee to Aniocha North Council for each of the 89 traders, to enable them officially formalise their legitimacy in the market.

It was a grand ceremony as high profile personalities, including the Traditional Ruler of Onicha-Olona, HRM Obi Diji, the Olikeze of Onicha-Olona and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Engr. Victor Ochei, the President General of Onicha-Olona Development Union, Mr. Patrick Ejido, the Ozoma of Onicha-Olona, Chief Austine Elumelu were among a host of others that graced the event.

Okowa Lauds OSLG Chairman For Executing Landmark Project

…As He Commissions Ultra Modern Legislative Complex

… Ezenyili Reels Out His Achievement As Council Boss

Delta State governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa has commended the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area, Dr. Kelvin Ezenyili, for his efforts towards the building of an ultra modern legislative complex in the Council.

Governor Okowa gave the commendation during the inauguration of the legislative chambers in Asaba, yesterday.

He appreciated Ezenyili for taking such a bold decision, by executing the landmark project, at a time when many Local Government Councils are not comfortable with their finances.

Okowa said that he believes that the legislative building will enable the Council’s lawmakers to know that they have a role in the local government.

The Council Boss, in his address  appreciated members of the Executive Arm, Legislative Arm and management staff for their harmonious relationship which made the project a reality.

Ezenyili said the project was conceived and executed to provide a conducive working environment for Councilors as well as enhance qualitative governance at the council.

Dr. Ezenyili noted that his development plan tagged Y-PEP Agenda with focus on “Youth and Women Empowerment, Peace and Security, Environmental Sanitation, Primary Health Care, Infrastructural Development etc,” is being used as a tool to actualize the development of the Local Government Area; Empowerment of Youths , widows and less Privilege With cash gift.

He added that some of his administration’s achievements includes; the purchase of 500KVA standby generator to provide uninterrupted power supply to the secretariat was purchased; harmonious working relationship with the legislative/ management staff that resulted in early passage of the budget.

Highlighting some of the achievement of his administration he said, there is collaboration with the security personnel by ensuring periodic meetings are held monthly with all security personnel and agencies in the Local Government to ensure safety in the LG and also providing the basic needs for vigilantes groups.

“Partnering with the private sector in a PPP arrangement to improve the infrastructural development of Council land by revamping/ reconstructing the local government staff quarters and also constructing modern housing apartment on behalf of the council.

“Introduction of automatic System for Local Government Identification process for revenue collection for the council.

“Engagement of over 240 youths as environmental marshals to enforce compliance to extant laws/rules regulating a clean and safe environment and also the establishment of a mobile court to prosecute offenders.

“Youth Empowerment for Revenue Collection on behalf of Council for Oshimili Youth summit.

“Partnering with Eco Bank PLC to empower female petty Traders at a zero percent interest rate. “Restoration of power through the repairs of the Transformer and Offsetting 50 percent of the outstanding electricity bill at the Ogbeogonogo modern Market.

“Provision of Continuous welfare and Christmas Packages to Staff And the electorates.

“Continuous participation in the sponsorship of annual ALGON sports Festival and Winning 2022/2023 Trophy.

“Partnering with renowned authors to provide and Distribute Books on the eradication of Cultism to both primary and secondary school students in the LGA.

“Offsetting over 60 percent of outstanding debts owed Contractors by previous Administration.

“Providing Palliatives for flood victims; grading of roads, amongst others”

Okowa Tasks Anioma Traditional Rulers On Cultural Day

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Monday, urged traditional rulers in Delta North Senatorial District to declare every Easter Monday as “Anioma Day” worldwide.

Okowa made the call in his remarks at the 18th Anioma Cultural Festival organised by the Organisation For The Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC), in Asaba.

He clarified that it was the traditional rulers, and not the state government that would make a declaration to set a day aside for annual celebration of Anioma people and culture.

Okowa, who therefore, urged traditional rulers in the area to get together and make the declaration, remarked that the 2023 festival with theme: “Preserving Our Cultural Heritage” was apt.

He lauded OFAAC for its commitment to the propagation and advancement of Anioma culture over the years, and said “today’s event is the 18th in the series. Eighteen years is a year of maturity and I belive that this is a very special day.

“I thank the president and members of the organising committee for keeping this cultural festival alive for 18 years. I believe that the president and the traditional institutions at every event, have truly enriched this because rightfully, they are the custodians of our culture.

“The festival has become a yearly thing during the Easter period and I think that it is already established. I heard our brother talk about the need to ensure not only sustenance, but the fact that we need to declare it an Anioma Day.

“It is not the government of Delta state that has that right to so declare. So I hope that our traditional rulers will sit together and be able to make a joint pronouncement. And, once that is done, obviously, that day truly becomes an Anioma day.

“So, we thank you and all those who have contributed to the events that we come here to witness on a yearly basis in order to keep hope alive and to keep our culture alive and make us have much fun during the Easter season.”

The governor used the opportunity to thank the people for their support for his administration in the last eight years, adding that his administration tried to reach out to every ethnic group, every ward and every local government across the state.

He said that his administration had done so much to maintain peace in the state and called on the people to continue to give support to the incoming administration.

“There is no limit to what we are able to achieve in bringing our people together. The unity of the Anioma race is unquestionable. And, there is the need for us to keep hope alive; this is one of the ways to do that.

“Our strength lies in our unity. Therefore, I urge our traditional rulers to continue to keep this cultural festival alive. You are the ones that will give it strength.

“In the last eight years, I have been governor of Delta state. We have come to realise that though our tongues may differ, we are one people in Delta State.

“The unity of this state is one thing we must strive to give strength to by having a united Anioma, Urhobo nation, Isoko nation, Ijaw nation and Itsekiri nation.

“All we need to do is to ensure that we keep ourselves together and we will have a united Delta state. And ensure that development gets to every part of Delta state.

“It is impossible for one administration to do all that the government needs to do in Delta State. But I believe that if we continue with the pace of development, Delta will become greater and greater for it.

“When I leave office from next month, one thing I will most appreciate,  is the support I received from all; the young and the old, men and women, even our traditional institutions.

“I truly must thank all Deltans; whether we like it or not, Delta state is one of the most peaceful state in this nation. Delta is a state that is growing much faster than people can imagine; especially Asaba the state capital.

“It is the fastest growing state capital as at today in the country, and I thank God for everything. I also thank the Asagba of Asaba and all our traditional rulers who have supported the peaceful process that has enabled development to come to this place,” Okowa added.

President of OFAAC, Mr Kester Ifeadi, thanked the Governor for his support for the advancement of Anioma culture, and said that the people of Anioma were proud of his sterling accomplishments with state-of-the-art infrastructure that dotted nooks and crannies of the state.

He said that no fewer than 170 groups were participating in this year’s celebrations and called for the declaration of every Easter Monday as Anioma Day Celebrations worldwide.

The annual cultural festival which was attended by Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Lawrence Ejiofor; Chairman, Oshimili South Local Government Council Dr John Ezenyili; “Desert Warrior”, Chief Newton Jibunoh and traditional rulers, featured cultural dances, wrestling and flute competition among others.

Delta Govt Tasks Works Ministry On Ughelli-Asaba Road Completion

Delta State Government on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, said it had given an ultimatum to its Ministry of Works to ensure that Section C2 of Ughelli/Asaba Road dualisation project was completed in the life of the present administration.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, made this known while briefing journalists on some decisions reached at the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa at Government House, Asaba.

Aniagwu said that a lot of works had been done on the Section which ran from Koka flyover and interchange to Ogwashi-Uku junction, adding that the remaining part of the project would be completed by the incoming administration.

“The governor has also given marching order to the Ministry of Works to impress it upon the contractor handling Section C2 of the Ughelli-Asaba Road dualisation project. The Section has to do with the Koka interchange up to the Ogwashi-Uku Junction.

“The import of the order is to enable us have the privilege of inaugurating that particular corridor before we exit on the May 29.

“Our initial intension was that we would be able to complete work on that road before we leave. But the effect of the flood that took place in 2022 which did not only disrupt construction work but also undermined the work done.

“We are quite optimistic that we will be able to deliver Section C2. For the other sectors, we are committed to the work but because the rains are here, we will not because of speed, mortgage quality of work. We are not interested in delivering works that will not stand the test of time,” he added.

Aniagwu pointed out that the Exco gave approval for the construction of Alihagu Road, Umudein Street as well as Orewa Street all in Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

He stated that the cardinal goal of the Senator Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration was to connect all communities in the state with motorable roads.

According to him, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Patrick Ukah has been mandated by Exco to liaise with the authorities of Warri/Uvwie and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA) on ways to fast track the process of actualising the flood control projects in the area.

Aniagwu explained that the project was expedient owing to the fact that no roads could stand the test of time if the flood challenge in the area was not adequately addressed.

“At today’s Exco, we approved some roads for construction. We also gave instructions to supervising ministries to reach out to different contractors handling critical projects.

“The governor will in the course of the week and next week, continue to inspect projects. He has directed that the SSG should liaise with the authorities at the Warri/Uwvie and Environs Development Agencies (WUEDA), for the purpose of fast-tracking the control of flood in the Warri axis.

“Our commitment to control the flood in the Warri axis is with the view to allow government to proceed to construct roads in dire need of rehabilitation or construction.

“If we don’t address the flood challenge in that corridor before constructing the roads, we will only be doing the wrong thing because when the floods come, it will not only destroy the roads but also, ravage the homes around the roads.

“We have explained it before now that we need to address the flood issues in the Warri axis before constructing the roads. The contractors have been given notice to hasten up,” the commissioner said.

He said the Ayakoromo Bridge will be inspected by the governor to ascertain the level of work done so far and how soon the project would be completed.

“We are happy that a well known person in taking over, in the person of Sheriff Oborevwori. We are very confident in him because he understands all the projects that we have executed.

“He presided over the approval of the budgets that paved way for the execution of these projects. He also worked very closely with this administration as a key member. So it is a win-win for this administration.

“The governor has at today’s Exco, appreciated Deltans for finding the PDP worthy of continuing with the laudable projects that this administration has executed by voting massively for Sheriff Oboriwori,” Aniagwu said.

Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere Steps In As PCCA

By Agbaragu Timothy

The Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa has sworn in Honourable Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere as the Acting President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Delta State.

The swearing in which took place yesterday  at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba was preceded by the retirement of Honourable Justice Patient Onuwa Elumeze after the mandatory 65 years in public service.

Governor Okowa asserted that the appointment of the Acting President of the Customary Court of Appeal was in line with the relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 ( as amended ), which stipulates that the highest ranking judge in the Customary Court of Appeal will act as PCCA pending the conferment by the National Judicial Council, NJC.

He charged her to redouble efforts in continuing to be good example of hard work and transparency in her new office, pointing out that the reward of hard work was more work.

” To Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere, I urge you to redouble your efforts and continue to be good example of hard work, transparency, accountability, fairness, and justice.

” Let me reiterate the point I stressed to your predecessor that ‘ this office will further stretch your resourcefulness, challenge your intellect, task your patience, encroach on your time and test your value system. You must maintain a high level of focus, diligence and personal probity,’ the governor advised.

Dr. Okowa expressed confidence that the acting PCCA was well positioned  to take the customary court system to new heights of excellence and justice delivery having been part of the system since 2000.

He emphasised that those who administer justice under the customary court system must be men and women of impeccable character, free from selfishness, greed, and covetousness.

According to him, such ones must be driven by the principle of natural justice, fair hearing, equity, common sense, and good conscience which are the bedrock of the customary court system.

” As this administration winds down, we can take pride in our modest efforts to provide the Judiciary with the right tools, personal and conducive environment to administer justice without any let or hindrance,” he reiterated.

Governor Okowa disclosed that his administration has created four area and four district customary courts, recruited over 400 staff for the CCA, which has helped to address the perennial problems of manpower shortages in the sector.

The Acting PCCA, Honourable Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere thanked God, the governor, her brother judges and well wishers for contributing in one way or the other to make her what she is today

She promised not let them down in discharging the constitutional responsibilities of her new office.

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