Justice Sunday Omeiza Otu on Tuesday was sworn in as the Acting Chief Judge of Kogi State.
Otu’s appointment follows the retirement of Justice Henry Olusiyi as Chief Judge of the state on Monday, January 11.
The Governor of the State, Yahaya Bello enjoined the new Acting CJ to stand by the words of the National Anthem by serving with faithfulness, loyalty and honesty.
He urged him to take the job to the next level and assist the state in its efforts to make a swift administration of justice a top priority.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Edward Onoja said the state has huge expectations on the new Acting Chief Judge.
“My Lord is now the alter ego of the third arm of government of our administration and therefore one of the chiefest custodians of the Administration of Justice, law and order in Kogi State and luckily, he is a brilliant legal mind coming in with massive wealth of experience.”
In his opening address at the occasion, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ibarhim Mohammed Sani (SAN) described the event as the beginning of another era as provided for in the Nigerian Constitution.
He said following the retirement of Justice Olusiyi, the constitution contemplates such situation and has provided what should be done where such situation arises.
He said the governor was acting in good time pursuant to the provision of the constitution by appointing Justice Otu to perform the function of Ag Chief Judge as vacuum couldn’t be created as a result.
The new acting Chief Judge appealed for synergy among the three arms of government said the failure of one arm is the failure of all, hence the need for them to work together for the progress and development of the state.
He restated his commitment to ensuring the reform and progress recorded under his predecessor continued for the benefit of the staff and advancement of the State Judiciary.
