Christopher Odamah – Asaba
Two Magistrates were at the weekend sworn-in by Delta State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Marshal Mukoro, they are Enaohwo Linda Ivie (Senior Magistrate Grade ii), the daughter of the former Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, Professor John Okpako Enaohwo from Ethiope East Local Government Area and Akpak Otonvwen (Senior Magistrate Grade ii), younger sister to Hon. Erhiatake Ibori from Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.
The Chief urged them to work hard in order to attain greater heights in life by performing your duties to the best of your knowledge while congratulating them on behalf of the entire Delta State Judiciary.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, Hon. Justice Marshal Mukoro, the Delta State Chief Judge said “You must count yourselves very lucky and privileged to have been found worthy, fit and proper to be appointed Magistrates in the State from among over 200 Legal Practitioners that applied.”
According to him, “As you begin your journey on the Bench. I bring to your notice the following, if you want to have a worthy career. Any conduct that questions the sobriety of a judge must be avoided at all cost, be it off or on the Bench because the watch word is ‘as sober as a judge,’ advising them to read SUNDAY OKODUWA VS. STATE (1998) 2 NWLR (PT 76) 333. A lot of lessons to be learnt.”
By the oaths you have subscribed to, he said, it is believed that before God and man you have chosen to serve God and the society by dispensing justice according to the Law. Corruption is a canker worm that has eating into the kernel of the society which is a plague you must run away from because there is no corruption that is hidden.
The Delta Chief Judge strongly advise them that as from today your comportment in public and private shall be critically assessed. The destiny of your career may be dependent on it. You are required to use good language by Counsel and all appearing before you. You must never tolerate or condone the use of abusive language. You should speak and write what is known as formal or Queen’s English and dress simplicity and consistency that the cause of justice require.
In Nigeria, he said under the Constitution and Law made pursuant thereto you are expected to dispense justice according to law, equity and good conscience without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. This is the requirement of your oaths of office.
Meanwhile, according to J.B. Daudu in a paper titled: Judicial Ethics and Bench comportment perspectives from the Bar; “Many of your Lordship will use the phrase ‘in the best interest of justice,’ thousands of time in the course of your judicial career. The caveat here is to ensure that you mean what you say.”
Hon. Evance Ivwurie, Honourable member representing Ethiope East Constituency at the Delta State House of Assembly also spoke on behalf of the Ethiope family, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the The Enaohwos and the Akpaks.
