Pics: Governor Wike Swears In First Female Chief Judge Of Rivers State

Governor Nyesom
Wike of Rivers State is busy with his 'job
description', lol.. Politics.. The bobo has
described his swearing-in of the substantive
Chief Judge of the State, Justice Daisy Wotube
Okocha, as a victory for the rule of law and a
respect for the rules of succession as outlined
by the National Judicial Council, NJC.
Justice Okocha is the First Female Chief Judge
of Rivers State. She has been acting as the
state’s Chief Judge since June 1, 2015.
Wike, while performing the swearing-in of Justice
Okocha as the Chief Judge of Rivers State on
Monday at the Government House, Port
Harcourt, said that the state government acted
in line with the recommendation of the National
Judicial Council, NJC, which was confirmed by
the Court of Appeal on December 23, 2015.
A statement issued by the Special Assistant to
the Governor on Electronic Media, Simeon
Nwakaudu, quotes him as saying that with the
recent development, it is clear that governors
cannot wilfully disrespect the recommendation
of the NJC as was the case with the Amaechi
administration in the state.
Wike noted that allowing the judiciary to be
subjected to the discretion of sitting governors
would desecrate the independence of the
Judiciary and lead to abuses that would
negatively affect the dispensation of justice.
According to him, ''The system will collapse if we
refuse to respect the judicial system of
succession as laid out. My administration will
never do anything that will threaten the rule of
law. We will always upholds the customs and
traditions of the Judiciary. We never break down
the laid down procedure.
''We will never run contrary to our avowed
commitment to respect the independence of the
Judiciary at all times.''
The Governor charged the new Chief Judge of
Rivers State to always uphold the constitution
and carry other members of the bench along in
the decision making process.
The NJC recommended the appointment of
Justice Daisy Wotube Okocha as Chief Judge of
Rivers State on 22nd July, 2013, while the Court
of Appeal on December 23, 2015 set aside a
Federal High Court judgment which had initially
ruled that the state governor is not bound to
comply with the recommendation of the NJC.
In her remarks after being sworn in, the new
Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Okocha
thanked God for making her elevation possible
after two years of uncertainty.
She said: ''This is a solemn moment for me. The
NJC recommendation of 22nd July, 2013 came
to manifestation on Monday, 4th January, 2016.
God has glorified himself in my elevation as
Chief Judge.
''Man can try, but only God’s counsel will
prevail.''
Justice Okocha commended Governor Wike for
giving the Judiciary the required independence to
carry out its constitutional responsibilities.