The governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has said his administration would not repeat the errors of the past government, saying that the failure of the last administration to swear in three judges duly cleared by the National Judicial Council (NJC) was a “slap on the face of the judiciary” and a great disservice to the state’s justice system.
The governor stated this when he received the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, and members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the upcoming NBA National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to be hosted in Edo State. Okpebholo disclosed that he had personally investigated the matter before assuming office and found no justification for the delay or denial of the judges’ swearing-in.
He further explained that the decision to finally swear them in was taken to correct the past administration’s fault and restore confidence in the judiciary, adding “I discovered that these judges excelled in their qualifying examinations and had no blemish whatsoever. I saw no reason they were denied. Justice delayed is justice denied, and I could not allow such an injustice to persist”.
Okpebholo announced plans to provide operational vehicles for the association to aid its statewide engagements, while lauding the NBA for its role in promoting justice and governance, assuring the association of his administration’s unwaivering support.
In his remarks, NBA Chairman, Benin Branch, Barr. Idemudia Osifo, commended the governor for his dauntless reforms in the law sector, as well as the governor’s attempts to tackle Insecurity.
He further announced that the NBA would host a Land Administration Seminar on November 5, 2025, to examine the Governor’s powers under the Land Use Act, assess community land practices, and make policy recommendations to the government.
