Gov AbdulRazaq Discloses Plans To Build Court Complex As 6 New Judges Take Oath Of Office In Ilorin

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State inaugurated six new state high court judges in Ilorin on Friday, urging them to discharge their duties with ‘diligence, impartiality, and overriding interest of the community and national security’.

A statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye noted that the new judges are Ibijoke Olabisi Olawoyin; Fatimah Funsho Abdulrasaq; Oluwatosin Adenike Adeniyi; Yusuf Diko Adebayo; Olalekan Osuolale Ajayi; and Muritala Folohunsho.

Speaking  during the inauguration ceremony at the Government House, Ilorin, Governor AbdulRazaq congratulated the new judges on their appointment and expressed confidence that they will remain committed to the administration of justice for all.

He called the development another milestone being the first time six new judges would be sworn in at the same time in the state.

‘This also makes a total of eleven (11) High Court Judges that I have administered their oath of office within five years in office.

I congratulate the newly appointed Judges and their families. I also celebrate your hard work and other noble qualities that brought you here. Today, you have been entrusted with the immense responsibility of upholding justice and ensuring that the rights of every citizen are protected. 

As you take on this noble task, remember that your decisions will shape the lives of individuals and the fabric of our society. Let me remind you of the remarkable words of Usman Dan Fodio, who said that ‘a kingdom can endure unbelief, but it cannot endure with injustice’ the governor said.

He has also promised to continue to support the judiciary, recalling how his administration has renovated and remodelled several courts within the state.

‘Recently, I approved the reconstruction of the former Revenue Court at GRA Ilorin to serve as court rooms for more Judges, while also creating a more befitting environment for the Revenue Courts in the State.

It is our desire that this will be followed, all things being equal, with the construction of a new court complex to ensure the State has befitting court rooms’ he added.

Joined by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara, the governor also presented new SUVs to the new judges.

‘A seamless working relationship between the two arms of Government has ensured timeous payments of allowances and entitlements to the Judicial officers, among other things.

I commend the judiciary, legislature, and the security agencies for the collaborative approach we have adopted in the development of Kwara State, and peaceful coexistence and safety of its people. Let us remain united in the pursuit of a greater Kwara State and Nigeria’ Governor AbdulRazaq said.

The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Mr  Kayode Alabi; representative of the First Lady and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Afolashade Oluwakemi; Deputy Speaker , Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon Ojo Olayiwola Oyebode; Chief Judge Adebara; representative of the Grand Kadi ,Justice Sharafudeen Hannafi; cabinet members; serving and retired judges and Kadis; Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr Alimi Abdulrazaq; APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi; Chairman of Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, Mrs Folashade Omoniyi; and Non-Executive Director NNPCL Dr. Mohammed Ghali Alaya.

Others are the Olupo of Ajase Ipo , Oba Ismaila Yahaya Alebiosu and other royal fathers; Chairman and members of the State Judicial Service Commission; Chairmen and members of Nigerian Bar Association; and families of the celebrants.

Justice Adebara, in his remarks, said the ceremony was a milestone in the administration of justice in the state, saying it injects ‘new minds, new perspectives, and new energy to the State Judiciary’.

He commended the governor’s commitment to the rule of law, and expressed confidence that the addition of the new judges will enhance speedy delivery of justice to the people.

‘Your Excellency, we are grateful for your commitment to the Judiciary of our dear State and the Rule of Law. Right from the inception of the appointment exercise leading to this swearing-in ceremony of today, you have stood with us in spite of the many challenges that came our way before the appointment came into fruition’ he said. 

Justice Ibijoke, who spoke on behalf of other new judges, said they will uphold and give effect to the ideals of justice, fairness and equity while dispensing justice to all and sundry.

She thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for taking swift actions for Kwara to meet all the requirements set by the National Judicial Council regarding their appointment by the State Judicial Commission.

‘We were aware that when hope of this appointment was fading, Your Excellency took swift action by making resources available at the crucial time that enabled the State to meet the many conditions set by the National Judicial Council before considering the recommendation by the Kwara state Judicial Service Commission for our appointment’ she said-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you