From AMEDU JOSEPH, Lokoja
The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has sworn-in Justice Henry Adebola Olusiyi as the Acting Chief Judge (CJ) of the state following the demise of the immediate past Chief Judge, Justice Nasir Ajanah, on June 28.
The governor also sworn-in Justice Bayo Olowosegun as the Acting President of the state Customary Court of Appeal, following the vacuum created by the death of the immediate past president, Justice Ibrahim Shaibu Atadoga, on June 22.
The governor while speaking at the ceremony said the inauguration of the justices followed their appointments on July 3, being the most senior judges in the courts to fill the vacuum created by the demise of the late jurists.
“Kogi is indeed fortunate to have found worthy successors in the persons of the two lawlords, to whom we have entrusted the high offices and responsibilities of the previous occupants.
“I am empowered by Section 271(4) and (5) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) to appoint the most senior judge in our judiciary as the Chief Judge of Kogi if the office becomes vacant for any reason, including death.
“I exercise that power on the 3rd day of July, 2020 to appoint the Honourable Justice Henry Adebola Olusiyi as the Chief Judge of Kogi,” he said.
He said that Section 281(4) and (5) of the Constitution, similarly granted him powers which he exercised in appointing Olowosegun into office as the president of the state Customary Court of Appeal on July 3, following the death of his predecessor in office.
Bello advised the newly appointed heads of the two courts to bring their “considerable history as experienced jurists” to bear in the administration of justice in the state.
He said that he had no doubt that they would provide excellent leadership for the judiciary and the state in general.
“We therefore charge them to execute all the functions of their respective offices with erudition and the fear of Almighty God,” he said.
In their post-inaugural speech, Olusiyi speaking on behalf of Olowosegun, expressed gratitude to Gov Bello, for acting fast and timely to fill the vacant positions created by the sudden demise of “our great leaders in judiciary.”
He thanked the governor for his disposition toward the affairs of the judiciary and pledged that they would continue to discharge their best within the ambit of the law in the administration of justice and uphold the tenets of the oath taken.
Monarch commends philanthropist
From AMEDU JOSEPH, Lokoja
The Onu Aja of Ofante community, Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Chief Paul Ibrahim has praised Ogu Onoja (SAN) for providing his community, Ofante with a motorised borehole to enable his people have access to potable water.
The traditional ruler noted that Ogu Onoja’s support would serve as an inspiration for his community to strive to embark on self-help projects for improved living condition.
He urged spirited sons and daughters of Ofante community to emulate the good work of the legal luminary for rapid transformation of the area.
The Royal Father gave the commendation at the commissioning of a Motorised Borehole donated by Chief Ogu Onoja (SAN) Foundation yesterday.
The monarch described the enormous contributions of sons and daughters within his community towards self-help driven projects as very rewarding and urged them to sustain the tempo.
He explained that government alone cannot provide all the needed infrastructure for every community and appealed to his subjects not to relent in embarking on self-help projects.
While appreciating Chief Ogu Onoja SAN for his commitment to the development of his father land, he urged him to continue his humanitarian gestures.
