By Omos Oyinbode
AS the President-elect Gen. Mohammadu Buhari and other Governors-elect take their oath of office Friday, the out-going Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has urged the Judiciary to sustain the rule of law in Nigeria.
Dr. Uduaghan made the call Thursday in Asaba at the swearing-in of Justice Marshal Umukoro as the Chief Judge of Delta State.
According to the him, the Judiciary as the pillar of constitutional democracy should ensure stability of the polity by promoting the rule of law.
“The most urgent task with regards to the judiciary at this time, is to protect and ensure the sustenance of that tradition of respect for the law,” he said, adding, “the wheel of Justice, for example, still grinds rather slowly although many laudable efforts have been made to correct this.”
He emphasized: “The judiciary has a sacred duty to help ensure stability within the polity through the promotion of the rule of law, strict guardianship of the constitution, including constant and unfailing application of the principles of Justice.”
Dr Uduaghan described Justice Umukoro who is the 7th Chief Judge of Delta State as someone with “a rich and impressive legal background, which eminently qualifies him for this appointment,” advising, “it is expected that your Lordship will at all times, particularly in the course of your service as the head of our state’s judiciary, protect and uphold the rule of law, respect and observe due process, exhibit great character and learning in the discharge of this sacred responsibility, which God has placed on your shoulder.”
“It is the expectation of Deltans that as you assume office, the judiciary will remain totally committed to the cause of Justice,” the Governor said.
Responding, Justice Umukoro who was accompanied by a retinue of colleagues and supporters thanked Governor Uduaghan for the appointment and pledged to carry out his functions diligently and with the fear of God.
