Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has stated that the judiciary is a strong ally in shaping the future of the society.

He stated this when he received the state’s Judges led by the Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Diai, at Government House, Asaba on Monday, October 9.

The governor emphasized the importance of the judiciary to the prompt dispensation of justice.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the realisation of a truly independent and financially autonomous judiciary.

“When I was the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, we passed the bill for financial autonomy of the Judiciary and that of the request to increase the service years of the Judiciary from 65 to 70 years.

“As a custodian of the executive arm of government, I am not unaware of the challenges that face the judiciary but I must confess that they have been a strong ally in shaping the future of our dear state and in moving our nation forward.

“I am aware of the various capacity building fora that the leadership of the judiciary has embarked upon in recent times in the collective development of our judiciary.

“As a government founded on equity and justice, we will continue to be supportive of your role in the achievements of a better society for mankind.

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“The world is changing very rapidly in this advent of technology and we need judicial officers who are not only technologically savvy, but are also in tune with global best practices of their profession.

“I believe that by the time they work in the new ultra-modern high court complex, when completed and equipped; I am confident that it will boost the moral of staff and enhance their productivity.

“I have released all what is needed by the contractor handling the High Court complex to complete the project. I believe that you should also put pressure on the contractor to make him move faster and finish the work.

“I sincerely thank all of you for coming as I wish you a successful new legal year,” Oborevwori stated.

Earlier, Justice Diai said the judges visited to congratulate the governor on his victory at the polls and at the Election Petition Tribunal and to intimate him on the commencement of the 2023/2024 legal year.

Diai said the State Judiciary comprised 37 High Court judges, 15 Revenue Court judges, 103 magistrates and seven Customary Court of Appeal judges among others.

She further stated that eight judges were on assignment for election petitions and thanked the governor for approving overseas training for 15 judges.

The Chief Judge said automation of revenue collection in all courts in the state was on and called for the establishment of two more juvenile centres in the state, adding that the only one in the state was established in Sapele in 1951.

She said to speed up trial for criminal charges, all High Courts have been directed to hear criminal cases instead of a select few and assured of the cooperation of the judiciary to make his administration a success.

The Star