ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has emphasised the need for people to join hands to ensure the independence and autonomy of the Judiciary is not compromised.
Diri stated this at the Bayelsa State Judiciary 2021/22 Legal Year Thanksgiving Service at Greater Evangelism World Crusade, Opolo, Yenagoa, the state capital.
Those in attendance at the event were the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Kate Abiri, other Chief Judges from the Southsouth states, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benson Konbowei, and top government functionaries.
The Governor stated: “There is hope in our state Judiciary; let us be partakers in developing our Judiciary that can stand tall among others in Nigeria. Let us join hands with all others in the Judiciary and all other Judges and administrators to ensure that our Judiciary remains impartial, our Judiciary has what it takes to continue to dispense justice.
“And that is why, I for one, believe in the independence of the Judiciary and the autonomy of the Judiciary cannot be compromised.
“I have told my Lord, the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, that I don’t want to see her carrying files to my office, and that implies that, at all times, we will release what is constitutionally due to the Judiciary for them to manage the Judiciary.
“Let me on behalf of the government and the good people of Bayelsa State, send our goodwill message to the Chief Judge, the Judiciary, using you and the Judiciary to continue to keep the peace in Bayelsa State and to ensure that, there is justice in Bayelsa.”
Diri said the Judiciary in Bayelsa had come of age, noting that 25 years is no longer a child, but an adult and that 25 years means a lot for the people of the state.
He added: “We like to urge you to continue in the best services that you have rendered to the state during these 25 years.
“We pray that God will continue to grant you the grace as you continue to render this invaluable services, as you commune only between yourselves and God to give justice to all manner of people in Bayelsa State and beyond.”