ASABA/Nigeria: Nigeria’s former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, on Tuesday, inaugurated the Delta State High Court Complex in Asaba and launched the distribution of 20 Toyota Prado Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to judges in the state. He commended the state government for its credible performance.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Jonathan praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for prioritizing infrastructural development and continuing projects inherited from previous administrations. “There are some projects that are very fundamental to the growth and development of the state and we expect anybody who takes over government to continue with them and you are doing exactly that,” Jonathan said. “I believe that if you go across the country today, this is one of the best judiciary headquarters in the country and I congratulate the Governor and the judiciary of Delta State for this exemplary project.”
Jonathan also commended Governor Oborevwori for his integrity, highlighting his return of over N500 million in unutilized funds to the state treasury when he was Speaker of the State House of Assembly. “It is not easy for a public officer or even a civil servant to refund money to the government in most cases; it is extremely difficult, but as a Speaker, you were able to do that and that shows that you are somebody of high level of integrity and you can be trusted,” Jonathan noted. He urged the governor to continue managing the state’s resources prudently for the benefit of its citizens.
The former President called on the people of Delta State to support Governor Oborevwori, emphasizing the importance of unity for the state’s development. “There are some people who believe that they must bring a government down for the purpose of politics, but when you are struggling to bring a governor or president down for the purpose of politics, you are bringing the state or country down. This is because the Governor or the President is sitting with public resources and everybody must encourage him to succeed and that’s the only way we, as a nation, can grow,” he said.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, speaking at the event, reaffirmed his commitment to completing projects inherited from previous administrations, stating that the judiciary was the only arm of government without a suitable building for their operations. He expressed satisfaction with the completion of the High Court Complex and the fulfillment of his promise to provide 20 Toyota Prado SUVs to the judges.
“Of the three arms of government, only the judiciary was lacking a befitting office building. This motivated me to hasten the completion of this project. I am glad that today the narrative has changed for good. The implication, going forward, is that the cause of justice will now be better served for the greater good of all,” Oborevwori said. He thanked the former President for his support and described him as a great Nigerian patriot and statesman.
The Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Godknows Angele, detailed the features of the new building, which includes five floors, six courtrooms, six conference halls, witness waiting rooms, holding cells, secretarial offices, a ceremonial hall, a multi-purpose hall, lounges, and a library.
Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, represented by Hon. Justice Bolaji Yusuf, praised the Delta State government for the impressive edifice, expressing hope that other states would emulate Delta’s example. Delta State Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Diai, also thanked Governor Oborevwori and his predecessors for the modern High Court Complex, noting its internet access and IT facilities that enhance e-filing and e-payments for court services.
