‘Don’t Allow Politicians Corrupt Judiciary’ …Banigo Hails New CJ

Following the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC), and the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor Nyesom Wike, yesterday, swore in Justice Adama Iye Iyayi-Lamikanra as the substantive Chief Judge, with a charge not to allow greedy politicians to hijack and corrupt the Judiciary in the state.
Wike, who advised the new chief judge not to allow the judiciary to be influenced by the antics of politicians, said that they must uphold the rule of law at all times.
Performing the swearing-in of Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra, who is an indigene of Edo State, Wike charged judges of the Rivers State Judiciary to be courageous in their dispensation of justice in line with the tenets of the law.
The governor assured the Judiciary that he will continue to support the arm of government to dutifully serve the people of Rivers State.
He noted that he worked towards the emergence of the substantive chief judge on the premise of laid down precedents and traditions, despite the petitions by some persons against Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra on the basis that she is not an indigene of the state.
Wike said: “Judges should not allow politicians to manipulate them to cause crisis in the judiciary,” explaining that he had sworn to oath of office to always do what is right.
He said: “They claimed that this administration does not allow non-indigenes to breath. They said if we are voted in, we will chase non-indigenes away. But I believe in laid down precedent and the promotion of the best practices in governance.”
The governor said those opposed to the emergence of Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra on the premise that she is not an indigene of Rivers State, must realise that she was appointed Magistrate and Judge in the state without anyone raising questions on her state of origin.
He added that though the arms of government must work independently, there must be cooperation for the development of the state.
Wike urged Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra to carry her brother-judges along for stability in the judiciary.
Responding, the newly sworn-in substantive Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iye Iyayi-Lamikanra, assured the people of Rivers State that she would dispense justice in line with the law.
The chief judge said that she will ensure that the Rivers State Judiciary develops to the envy of others in the country.
Meanwhile, Deputy Governor of Rivers State,  Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo has described the confirmation of the appointment of Justice A. I. Iyayi-Lamikanra as the substantive Chief Judge of Rivers State by the Rivers State House of Assembly and her eventual swearing-in by the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike as a good political radiance that marks as a landmark in the judicial system.
Banigo, in a statement through her Press Secretary, Paul Damgbor, said  Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra, has displayed administrative dexterity and professionalism in handling of Judicial functions during her acting period, which has further strengthened and stabilized the Judicial process in the state in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the new Chief Judge, urging her to ensure that the peace and stability existing in the state judiciary are not only maintained but improved upon to justify the confidence reposed in women by the Governor.
She noted that Governor Wike has demonstrated obedience to rule of law, by his compliance to laid down principles of the constitution.
The deputy governor opined that the peaceful transition has again positioned Rivers State as a reference point in judicial issues, pointing out that the state government has lived up to its promise of reviving and respecting the independence of the judiciary and legislative arms of government as enshrined in the constitution under the principle of separation of powers.
It would be recalled that Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra succeeded Justice Daisy Okocha who retired on January 14, 2016, as Chief Judge of Rivers State after her statutory years in service.