By Ameachi Prosper
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, Most Rev. Michael Elue, has charged judicial officers to seek divine assistance from the Holy Spirit in the dispensation of justice even as Governor Ifeanyi Okowa carpeted the Department of State Security, DSS, for invading in commando’s style the home of judges.
The duo spoke in Asaba, the Delta State capital during the thanksgiving mass to kick-off the 2016/2017 legal year of the state judiciary.
Bishop Elue sued for the independence of the three tiers of government and appealed to the judiciary to remain the hope of the common man by living above board.
He cautioned judges involved in ceaseless adjournment of cases and constant use of legal jurisdiction to obstruct legal proceedings, urging that they desist from the act.
The Catholic Bishop urged members of the Bar and Bench to uphold fearlessness, objectivity and the rule of law in all their actions.
In his speech, Okowa described the invasion of the judges’ homes as an act of intimidation against the judiciary, stressing that the action was a threat to democracy and the rule of law.
Represented by his deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, the governor lauded the judiciary for its immense contribution to the growth of democracy and his administration, he pledged to continue to create the enabling environment for the judiciary to operate.
He said that the role of the judiciary in any society could not be over stressed, just as he called on members of the bar and bench to uphold ideals that will not defame the profession.
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, Most Rev. Michael Elue, charged judicial officers to seek divine assistance from the Holy Spirit in the enthronement of justice.
At a special court session to mark commencement of the legal year, the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Marshal Umukoro, reassured that the judiciary is committed to dispensation of justice to all manner of persons in the state without fear or favour.
“We shall observe the judicial oath and do justice to all manner of men and women without fear or favour. But to those who may be dissatisfied with our judgments, decisions or rulings, I dare say that name-calling, unsubstantiated allegations and hasty petition writing should be slowly adhered to,” Umukoro advised.
While thanking judges, lawyers and other judicial workers for their hard work during the past legal year, he lauded the executive arm of government for its continuous support of the judiciary, and thanked all Deltans for having faith in the judiciary.
The highlights of the thanksgiving mass was a special ‘prayer of the faithful’ dedicated to the health and the wisdom of governor Okowa.
