Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, has warned that any decline in public confidence in the judiciary constitutes a serious threat to peace, law and order, cautioning that loss of faith in the justice system could drive citizens to self-help and plunge society into chaos.
The governor gave the warning on Wednesday in Asaba during the swearing-in of six newly appointed judges of the Delta State High Court and the Customary Court of Appeal.
He urged members of the Bench to uphold the highest standards of integrity, fairness, courage and impartiality in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
Those sworn in as judges of the Delta State High Court are Justices Otite Jonah Akpobaro, Jereoma Sam-Oligida, Irene Boeye Ukuli and Otome Benjamin Adamidenyo.
Justices Bridget Onome Ojeikere and Stella Ovuorieroro Okah were sworn in as members of the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal.
Oborevwori said the stability of any democratic society depends largely on the credibility and independence of the judiciary, stressing that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done at all times.
According to him, only a judiciary that operates without fear or favour can command public trust, guarantee justice for all and sustain social harmony in the state and the country at large.
He explained that the appointments were made strictly in accordance with Sections 271(2) and 281(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empower state governors to appoint judges based on recommendations from the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The governor disclosed that candidates were first nominated by the State Judicial Service Commission before being thoroughly screened and approved by the NJC.
Congratulating the new judges, Oborevwori described their elevation as a recognition of their competence, professionalism, discipline and integrity, urging them to remain steadfast in upholding ethical standards.
“As judges, you must resist every form of pressure or temptation capable of undermining your independence.
”In the court of public opinion, it is often the judge, not the litigants, who is on trial,” he said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the justice delivery system, noting that the appointment of additional judges would help reduce case backlogs, decongest courts and improve access to justice, particularly for rural dwellers.
The governor highlighted several initiatives undertaken to support the judiciary, including the construction of judges’ quarters, renovation of magistrates’ and customary courts, and the digitisation of the Laws of Delta State, now available on the state government’s website.
He also revealed that virtual court hearing facilities have been installed in High Courts in Asaba and in correctional centres in Warri, Ogwashi-Uku and Sapele, supported by solar power to ensure uninterrupted proceedings.
Plans, he added, were underway to introduce automated court recording systems to enhance efficiency.
On broader justice reforms, Oborevwori said the Delta State Criminal Information System had been introduced as a central digital platform for criminal profiling, case management and offender tracking using biometric data such as fingerprints and DNA.
The governor further announced that, for the first time in the state’s history, a career civil servant, Mr. Omamuzo Erebe, Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2025, describing the achievement as a testament to the quality of the state’s public service.
Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in judges, Justice Bridget Ojeikere thanked the governor for his support and respect for judicial independence, assuring that the judges would dispense justice with integrity and without fear or favour.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, lawmakers, judicial officers and other stakeholders.
