Accessible Justice Can Guarantee Peace, Sustainable Development – Oyebanji

Ekiti State governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has said only the presence of efficient, effective, accessible, impartial and reliable dispensation of justice can guarantee peace, order and sustainable development.

He pledged that his government would ensure that human and material resources needed by the judiciary will be made available at all times.

The governor spoke during the swearing-in of five newly appointed high court judges at the Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti.

Oyebanji, who stressed the importance of a fair and transparent administration of justice through the upholding of high standards, further promised that his administration will continue to strengthen the state’s judicial administration and deepen the justice system.

The five new high court judges are: Justices Adegoke Olanike Caroline, Bamise Julius Sunday, Bamidele Ajibare Julius, Akinyede Stephen Rotimi, and Anoma Adefunke Helen.

He said their elevation was a call to service, having been entrusted with the sacred duty to uphold the Constitution and act without fear, favour, affection or ill-will.

While charging the new Judges to remain examples of equity, fairness and integrity at the highest level, he pointed out that the standards of behaviour and practice expected of Judges are among the highest and most stringent all over the world, as all eyes are on them to effectively dispense Justice speedily with fairness and impartiality.

Governor Oyebanji further assured members of the Bench that his government will continue to provide the necessary impetus for the judiciary to thrive in an atmosphere that will allow them to dispense justice impartially and to remain a voice for the voiceless and the last hope for the hopeless.

He appealed to friends and associates of the Judges not to become clogs on the wheel of justice through corruptive influence and undue pressures.

“As you are aware, Section 271(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) places a solemn constitutional responsibility on me, as Governor, to appoint Judges of the State High Court on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council.

“This provision reflects both authority and restraint. It is not merely a responsibility, but one that must be exercised with fidelity to the rule of law, and, in the best interest of justice. It was for this reason that we put machinery in motion to fill the available vacancies in the Ekiti Judiciary in line with relevant laws.