Gov Obaseki finally swears in five Edo high court judges after 11-month delay

After a lengthy 11-month delay, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has finally sworn in five out of the eight judges recommended for appointment as Honourable High Court Judges by the National Judicial Council (NJC) in June 2023. The newly sworn-in judges are Justice Obayuwana Osarenren Mathias, Justice Ehinon Anthony Okoh, Justice Ovenseri Otamere, Justice Bright Eraze Oniha, and Justice Osayande Ikwuemosi Awawu. Reports indicate that the delay in swearing in all eight judges stemmed from petitions against some of the nominees.  Chris Nehikhare, Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, noted that the petitions necessitated further investigations before the full panel could be appointed. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had condemned Governor Obaseki’s delay in swearing in the judges, citing it as an abuse of power and a disregard for constitutional provisions.  Specifically, the NBA’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) highlighted the constitutional obligation of the Governor to swear in appointed judicial officers promptly. SPIDEL said the delay hindered the functioning of the justice delivery system and left the appointed judges needing means of sustenance.  In response to the mounting pressure, Governor Obaseki eventually swore in five of the judges at the Festival Hall in Government House, Benin City.  During the ceremony, he reminded them of the importance of impartiality in dispensing justice

Senate Swears In Amos Yohanna To Replace Sacked Abbo

Amos Yohanna, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was officially sworn in as the senator for the Adamawa senatorial north district.  The oath of office was administered by Jibrin Barau, the deputy president of the senate, during a ceremony held on Wednesday. This development follows the recent court of appeal decision that led to the removal of Elisha Abbo, the former senator representing Adamawa north.  Abbo had made accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio in connection to his removal, but he later retracted the allegations. Yohanna’s path to the senate was paved with legal action.  He filed a petition (marked EPT/AD/SEN/02/2023) challenging the outcome of the senatorial election, contesting that Abbo’s election should be invalidated due to corrupt practices and non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.  Yohanna specifically cited over-voting at various polling units, false entries, alteration, and cancellation of votes at several polling stations.  He also pointed out that some of these alterations and cancellations were not properly signed by the presiding officers of the polling units. While the tribunal initially dismissed Yohanna’s appeal, the court of appeal ultimately upheld it, solidifying his position as the senator for Adamawa north district.