Oborevwori Swears In Six Judges, Charges DELSU Governing Council on Integrity, Excellence

Asaba — Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to institutional reform and good governance as he swore in six new judges and charged members of the Governing Council of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, to uphold integrity, excellence and accountability.

Speaking on Wednesday in Asaba during the swearing-in of the judges, Oborevwori warned that erosion of public confidence in the judiciary poses a serious threat to peace, law and order, stressing that loss of faith in the justice system could drive citizens to self-help, with grave consequences for society.

He urged members of the Bench to uphold the highest standards of probity, fairness, courage and impartiality, noting that the stability of any democratic society depends largely on a credible, transparent and independent judiciary.

Those sworn in as judges of the Delta State High Court are Justice Otite Jonah Akpobaro, Justice Jereoma Sam-Oligida, Justice Irene Boeye Ukuli and Justice Otome Benjamin Adamidenyo, while Justice Bridget Onome Ojeikere and Justice Stella Ovuorieroro Okah were sworn in as Justices of the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal.

According to the governor, justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done, adding that only a judiciary that acts without fear or favour can sustain public trust and preserve social harmony in the state and the nation.

Oborevwori explained that the appointments were made in strict compliance with Sections 271(2) and 281(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), following nominations by the Delta State Judicial Service Commission and approval by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

Congratulating the judges on their elevation, he described the appointments as a vote of confidence in their integrity, professionalism and legal competence, while cautioning them to resist all forms of inducement capable of undermining judicial independence.

The governor also highlighted ongoing justice sector reforms by his administration, including the construction of judges’ quarters, renovation of magistrates’ and customary courts, digitisation of the Laws of Delta State, and the installation of virtual court hearing facilities in High Courts and correctional centres in Asaba, Warri, Ogwashi-Uku and Sapele.

He further disclosed plans to introduce automated court recording systems and noted the introduction of the Delta State Criminal Information System, a centralized digital platform for criminal profiling, case management and offender tracking using biometric data.

In the education sector, Oborevwori charged newly inaugurated members of the Governing Council of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, to discharge their responsibilities with diligence and transparency in order to consolidate the institution’s status as a centre of academic excellence.

The inaugurated council members are Rt. Hon. Festus Agas, Rt. Hon. Frank Enekorogha and Mr. Charles Ajuyah, SAN.
He said the Governing Council plays a critical role in university governance through policy direction and oversight, adding that the appointees’ wealth of experience would help strengthen DELSU’s academic and administrative standards.

“As members of the Governing Council, you carry the aspirations of thousands of students, staff, alumni and the entire people of Delta State. Your decisions will define the future of this great university,” the governor said.

Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in judges, Justice Bridget Onome Ojeikere thanked the governor for his support for judicial independence and pledged that the judges would dispense justice with integrity and without fear or favour.

Also speaking, Rt. Hon. Festus Agas, on behalf of the DELSU Governing Council members, expressed gratitude to the Delta State Government for the opportunity to serve, assuring that the council would work closely with the Vice-Chancellor and university management to advance the university’s mission.

The events were attended by top government officials, lawmakers, judicial officers and other stakeholders.