EDO: Akpata criticises Obaseki for swearing in only five of eight recommended judges

THE Labour Party candidate for the Edo State governorship elections, Olumide Akpata, has criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki’s decision to swear in only five out of the eight new judges recommended for the Edo State High Court by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

In a statement he personally issued, Akpata expressed disappointment that the judges’ accomplishments were being overshadowed by the injustice they faced due to the Governor’s actions.

He highlighted that the eight legal professionals had been in a career limbo for almost a year, enduring financial difficulties because the Governor failed to swear in all eight recommended Judges as required by the constitution.

Akpata condemned Obaseki’s unilateral selection and swearing in of only five out of the recommended eight judges, describing it as a tragedy and a violation of the separation of powers.

He called for immediate constitutional amendments to safeguard the judicial appointment process from political interference and ensure such injustices do not recur in Edo State or across Nigeria.

Akpata urged the citizens of Edo State to demand transparency, accountability, and a commitment to upholding institutional sanctity from their leaders, especially as the 2024 governorship elections approach.