ASABA/Nigeria: As newly appointed judges in the Delta State get set to take charge of their courts as ministers at the temple of justice, they have been charged to focus on doing substantial justice rather than dwelling on technicalities.
This was the crux of a one-day conference put together by the State Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Marshal Umukoro in Asaba for the five new Judges after the conventional one-month court attachment where they underwent attachment at various courts in the state.
On the 11th of May, 2020 the State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa swore in Aaron Aruoriwo Ighoverio, Emmanuel Zimi Dolor, Ferdinand Enenmo, Onome Marshal Umukoro and Veronica Agboje as Judges of the High Court of Justice.
While declaring the conference open, Justice Marshal Umukoro reminded them of the challenges lying ahead, saying: “It would be a momentous phase of their lives and a dream come true. But it will also undoubtedly be a period fraught with challenges and teething problems for these new Judges, particularly having regard to their limited judicial experience as well as work-place complexities which the entrenched protocols combating the ravages of the Corona Virus (Covid-19) Pandemic have foisted on judicial officers as part of the emerging New Normal. ”
He pointed out that the conference was not a substitute for the National Judicial Institute Orientation course usually organized for newly appointed Judges every year but, an in-house orientation programme intended to imbue the newly appointed Judges with a sense of direction when they begin to navigate the waters of their judicial calling.
The conference which was chaired by Honourable Justice Tessy Diai featured diverse range of topics such as pre-trial conference, stay of execution, fundamental rights enforcement procedure rules, sentencing guidelines, judgement writing, admissibility of evidence and order for dissolution of marriage.
The Director of Studies, Honourable Justice Roli Harriman who was assisted by Justice Michael Nduka Obi, advised the Judges to always encourage Alternative Dispute Resolution especially where there was an arbitration clause in the terms of agreement.
Discussants at the programme included Judges of the High Court and two Senior Advocates – Charles Ajuyah and Chike Onyemenem.
