The Acting Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, has said that the State Government is committed to promoting a free and independent Judiciary.
Speaking at a special court session to mark the opening of 2024/2025 legal year, on Monday in Asaba, Onyeme said, “as a government, we have put premium on maintaining a free and independent Judiciary and it is pertinent to mention that Delta State is one of the first States in the Federation to pass the Judiciary (Financial) Autonomy Law, which was passed into Law under the watch of our Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as the then Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and since then, the State has ensured that the Law is fully implemented.
“We have also, taken necessary steps to ensure that our judges and other personnel involved in the dispensation of justice, operate in conducive and enabling environments by providing necessary tools and infrastructures that befits and complement the functionality of their offices.”
While congratulating the Chief Judge of Delta State and all members of the Legal Community on the special court session marking the beginning of the New Legal Year 2024/2025, the acting Governor urged the Judiciary to ensure that justice is served in a prompt and efficient manner.
“All those involved – the Bar, the Bench, and the security agencies – must see to it that the wheel of justice runs smoothly and in a timely fashion. Let us bear in mind that justice delayed is justice denied.
“We should always be conscious that our society can only be great when the rule of law prevails, and it is my earnest expectation that we put our hands on this deck to make things work as they should.
“I pray that God will grant you the enablement to discharge your responsibilities as Ministers in the Temple of Justice, without fear or favour,” Onyeme said and wished the Judiciary productive and faithful legal year.
Earlier in an address, the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Theresa Diai, said, the opening of the legal year ceremony offers the Judiciary the opportunity of self appraisal and dissemination of information regarding its activities in the preceding year and features the renewal of the bond of fellowship between the Bench and the Bar as well as the convivial interface and expression of camaraderie among Judges.
“The Judiciary owes a debt of gratitude to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State for his sustained commitment and overwhelming support which led to the completion, commissioning and eventual occupation of the building by some of the High Courts in Asaba Judicial Division,” she added.
She also thanked the Governor for providing 20 Toyota Prado SUVs for 20 High Court judges.
As part of activities to mark the opening of the legal year, a special thanksgiving Mass was held at Emmanuel The Saviour Catholic Church, Asaba.
Acting Governor Monday Onyeme, at the church, said, “as Ministers in the Temple of Justice, Judges are under obligation to dispense justice with the fear of God.
“You must depend on God in discharging this sacred responsibility, and the Word of God is your greatest defence against error and sin.
“I urge you to draw closer to God, and always pray for God’s wisdom and guidance in your decisions, actions, and judgments.”
Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese of the Catholic Church, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Elue, commended the Judiciary for recognizing that God is an impartial Judge.
“In democracy, it is the Judiciary that ensures that the interest of majority and minorities are protected by law
“Keep remembering that in the task of dispensing justice, you need God’s guidance,” the Bishop said.
