Governor Yahaya Bello has sworn in Justice Josiah Majebi as the substantive Chief Judge of Kogi state.
The swearing in ceremony took place at the Kogi State Government House in Lokoja on Friday, following Majebi’s clearance and recommendation by the Nigeria Judicial Council (NJC) and confirmation by the Kogi State House of Assembly.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Bello pointed out that Justice Mejabi is the 5th judicial head his administration will be working with, hence he is a product of due process as he has also fulfilled every constitutional and statutory requirement for his emergence as the state’s CJ.
He urged the Chief Judge to deploy his wealth of experience in ensuring equal justice for all citizens, such that is free from bias and subservient to the rule of law irrespective of who the litigant was or the vested interest are involved.
Gov. Bello urged jurists across the nation to imbibe the immortal four principles of scholar Socrates including hearing courteously, answer wisely, consider soberly and decide impartially believing that with these four pillars as the watchword of the new Chief Judge would achieve great results in his office.
Governor Bello said his administration will continue to do its best at putting the judiciary in its rightful position.
The State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice Muhammed Sani, (SAN) who was represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Abeeb Abdullahi described the Governor as the best in the history of the state.
According to him, the recent naming of Governor Yahaya Bello as one of the six performing Governors by the President was justifiable as seen in the development programmes.
He expressed appreciation to the State House of Assembly for prompt confirmation of the appointment of the Chief Judge.
In his response, the Chief Judge, Justice Josiah Majebi said his vision is to ensure judicial integrity.
According to him, a council of judges has been instituted along others to achieve set objectives in the state judiciary.
Justice Majebi also said he established some directorates and units as well as welfare initiatives for staff.
The Chief Judge thanked the Governor, the national judicial council and other stakeholders for their support, assuring that first line judicial service will not be compromised under his leadership.
