Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi on Monday performed the swearing-in of Barrister Paul Awada Mgbada as a new Judge in the State Customary Court of Appeal.
Until his elevation, Barrister Mgbada was a Director in the State Ministry of Justice.
Speaking during the event, Governor Umahi congratulated the new Judge for scaling through all the hurdles to swearing-in and enjoined him to brace up for service to the State.
“Let me warmly congratulate the new Judge of Ebonyi State and say we are sorry he was not sworn in when he was supposed to be sworn in and for that we say apologies.
“Let me explain that the vehicle given to the judges is their right, the Judges need more than 20 vehicles and if I have the money I will give it to them, it is their right, it is their privilege.
Governor Umahi called for improvement in the welfare of Judges across the Nation to strengthen the Judiciary.
“In our nation, we must revisit the welfare of the Judges and this is very important, Ebonyi State Government is going to work out a palliative for them while they are alive not when they are dead, to appreciate them for the thankless job they are doing, so I want to assure our Judges that we would do more for their welfare.
“To you our brand new Judge I want to welcome you and to encourage you to know that after the Judgement of man there is the judgment of God.”
Governor Umahi also announced his approval for the release of some Effium under-aged Children who were brainwashed and lured into the possession of arms and have been in detention for over three months.
“Underage Effium natives who were caught in action with arms ready for war, we showed no mercies and since January, they have been in detention, and by the grace of God, normalcy has returned and we have directed the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and the Commissioner of Police to work towards their release.”
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Cletus Ofoke said the swearing-in of the new Judge followed the laid down procedure and satisfied all legal requirements.
“Your Excellency, sequel to a waiver granted to Ebonyi State Judicial Council by the National Judicial Council and in your approval, the Ebonyi State Judiciary forwarded two names to the National Judicial Council who approved Barrister Awada Paul Mgbada as a Judge in the Customary Court of Appeal of Ebonyi State.
“We thank you Your Excellency for the support you have been giving to Ebonyi State Judiciary and for upholding the separation of powers in that arm of Government.”
Responding, the new Judge, Justice Paul Awada thanked Governor Umahi for finding him worthy to serve in his capacity as a Judge and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him.
“Your Excellency, I am very highly elated, first I want to congratulate Your Excellency for the resounding victory at the Court of Appeal, my appointment is to uphold the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other extant Laws including that of Ebonyi State and that I pledge to discharge no matter whose oz is gored.
“God helping me, I will not fail Ebonyi State Government, I will not fail the Ebonyi State Judiciary, my primary Constituency, I want to appreciate everybody that is here present and wish that everyone will attain the highest level that they desire.”
