Ortom Reiterates Call for Autonomy for Judiciary

George Okoh in Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has reiterated his call for complete autonomy for the judiciary to enable that arm of government dispassionately uphold the rule of law.

Governor Ortom made the call  yesterday in Makurdi during the swearing-in ceremony of three newly appointed High Court Judges in the State judiciary.

The newly sworn-in Judges are: Justice Felicia M. Ikyegh, Justice John M. Shishi and Justice Gabriel A. Omale following the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

The governor recommended that all entitlements due to the judiciary should be deducted at source from the Federation Accounts and remitted directly to the Heads of Courts for onward payment to judicial staff.

The governor said: All matters of welfare of judicial staff – salary, pension and gratuity should henceforth be handled by the NJC. 

“This I believe has become necessary for the smooth and effective operations of the judiciary in a democratic setting,” he said.

Governor Ortom reaffirmed his administration’s policy of non-interference in the affairs of the judiciary, noting that it was the reason he assented to the Benue Judiciary Fund Management (Financial Autonomy) Law, 2021 to enable the State judiciary perform its duties in line with the rule of law.

The governor ranked the Benue State judiciary as one of the best in justice dispensation in the country, saying his administration has consistently sponsored judges and lawyers to conferences within and outside the country to improve the quality of their work.

While congratulating the new High Court Judges, Governor Ortom acknowledged that their appointments were based on sound knowledge of the law and positive character and charged them to remain above board and shun temptation to pervert justice in the discharge of their duties.

He further noted that at a time when the government and the public are calling for quick dispensation of justice, the judiciary must live up to its responsibility as democracy cannot thrive without adherence to the rule of law.

Justice Ikyegh in her response on behalf of the newly sworn-in Judges expressed gratitude to God and thanked the governor for appointing them on the endorsement of the NJC.