…Calls for partnership between the executive and judiciary
The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR, has sworn in Barr. Etomike Innocent Ndigwe Esq. and Tagbo Chinwuba Anieto Esq. as Judges of the Anambra State Judiciary.
The Governor congratulated the newest member of Anambra’s core court of judges and expressed gratitude to God for their calling to public service as outstanding professionals.
Governor Soludo performed the function at the Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Awka.
The swearing-in ceremony follows an effort to lessen the current workload of judges in the state.
“The three branches of government; the legislative, executive, and judiciary which are all fairly represented here today, will co-operate to create a livable and prosperous Anambra.
“Security, law, and order are our top priorities and comprise our first agenda among our five pillars. Nothing happens if it is absent!
“Our second agenda, which focuses on infrastructure and economic transformation, cannot be carried out if our first agenda is not successfully carried out.
“Underscoring the importance of the team, everything depends on the rule of law if we want to create jobs, raise money to make things run smoothly, get rid of touts and criminals on the street, make the legal system function, etc.
“Enormous duty rests squarely on your shoulders. The Chief Judge always reminded me that we are second to Lagos in terms of productivity, so maybe that will change positively, Soludo emphasized.
“Within the limitations imposed by the problems we must overcome, we will make every effort to ensure that the working conditions and surroundings are as comfortable as possible.
The Governor stated, “As government, the Executive branch, we will go above and beyond to heed to what you demand for swift administration of justice. We will make some commitments, but the only constraint is revenue.
The Governor pledged that, despite the difficulties, he will resolve the issue of judges’ entitlements in phases starting in March of next month.
“Our shared responsibility is to work together for a better Anambra. He said, “By the grace of God, Anambra will continue to win. We will keep juggling the balls.”
Prof Sylvia Ifemeje, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in her opening remarks presented the two nominees recommended by the Anambra Judicial Council for appointment into the Anambra Judiciary in pursuant to section 271 (2) of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria as amended.
She pointed out that they are the first set of judges Governor Soludo is swearing in since assuming office as Governor.
She reminded the nominees that the oath of office they are about to take obligates them to support and defend the constitution of Nigeria.
She also added that they are expected to enforce the rule of law fearlessly because their appointment is timely and would go a long way to reduce the current workload on judges.
Earlier, the Chief Registrar Anambra State Judiciary, Chinyere Ossy Okoye Esq., presented the nominees to Governor Soludo, to invoke his constitutional rights to appoint and swear them in as High Court Judges of Anambra State.
The Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice Onochie Anyachelu who initiated the appointment process which has come to fruition on his part said it is a special event towards the path to a quick dispensation of justice.
