Rivers State
monday got its first substantive female chief judge as Governor Nyesom Wike
swore in Justice Daisy Okocha to the position.
The
swearing-in of Okocha as substantive judge may have brought to an end the
two-year wrangling between the state government and the National Judicial
Council (NJC) on the appointment of a chief judge of the state.
The
disagreement between the NJC and former Governor Chibuike Amaechi sparked off a
crisis that led to the closure of the state judiciary for about one year.
Swearing in
Okocha yesterday at Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike described the feat as
a victory for the
rule of law and the
respect for the rules of
succession as outlined by the NJC.
Okocha has
been the state acting chief judge since June 1, 2015.
Wike said
the state government acted in line with the recommendation of the NJC which was
confirmed by the Court of Appeal on December 23, 2015.
He said with
the recent development, it was clear that governors cannot willfully disrespect
the recommendation of the NJC as was the case with the Chibuike Amaechi’s
administration in the state.
According to
him, allowing the
judiciary to be subjected to
the discretion of
sitting governors would desecrate
the independence of the judiciary and lead to abuses that would negatively affect the dispensation of justice.
Wike said:
“The system will collapse if we refuse to respect the judicial system of
succession as laid out. My administration will never do anything that will
threaten the rule of law. We will always uphold the customs and traditions of
the judiciary. We never break the laid down procedure.
“We will
never run contrary to our avowed commitment to respect the independence of the
judiciary at all times.”
He charged
the new Chief Judge to always uphold the constitution and carry other members of the bench along in
the decision making process.
The NJC
recommended the appointment of Justice
Okocha as Chief Judge of Rivers State on July 22, 2013, while the Court of Appeal
on December 23, 2015, set aside a Federal High Court judgment which had
initially ruled that the state governor
is not bound to comply with the recommendation of
the NJC.
In her
remarks after being sworn in, Justice Okocha thanked God for making her
elevation possible after two years of uncertainty.
Okocha said:
“This is a solemn moment for me. The NJC recommendation of July 22, 2013, came
to manifestation today. God has glorified Himself in my elevation as Chief
Judge. Man can try, but only God’s counsel will prevail.”
She
commended Wike for giving the judiciary the required independence to carry out
its constitutional responsibilities.
Credit:
Thisday
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