Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara on Thursday swore-in Justice Ayodele Adebara as the Acting Chief Judge of the state.
This is coming some hours after Justice Suleiman Kawu bowed out of the bench in great honours.
AbdulRazaq said in Ilorin that the development was to reaffirm the administration’s absolute respect for separation of powers and rule of law.
“It is on record that this government has since assumption of office in 2019, shown absolute respect for separation of powers and rule of law.
“It is in this regard that the most senior Judge on the High Court bench is being sworn-in today to fill the vacant office of the Chief Judge of Kwara State.
“This is in compliance with Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution.
“I am pleased to have the honour this afternoon to swear in Hon. Justice Ayodele Adebara, as the Acting Chief Judge of Kwara,” he said.
The governor said that the action followed the retirement of Kawu, who was the state’s Chief Judge until Wednesday.
“It’s a thing of joy for us in Kwara state that there is a harmonious relationship between the three arms of government.
“The peace this has engendered is a reaffirmation that Kwara is indeed a state of harmony,” he said.
AbdulRazaq expressed confidence in the ability of Adebara to deliver on the huge roles before him.
“I am delighted that Justice Ayodele Adebara is assuming office at this time.
“It is a period when fairness, forthrightness and overriding public interest, qualities which he and his predecessors are renowned for, define a judicial officer.
“As you assume office today as the acting chief judge, your lordship will inherit a long-standing legacy of a state judiciary that is highly regarded in the country and beyond,” he said.
Adebara assured the governor and the people of the state that the judiciary, under his leadership, would strive to retain its pre-eminent position as a seat of justice for all, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.
“It is clear that there is a lot of work to do. It is also clear that this will involve a most difficult and tasking engagement.
“But, it is a task that must be done. It will be a great pride for me to lead a judiciary that is steadfastly committed to a high standard of performance.
“We will not allow anything to stand in our way towards achieving this.
“There will be accountability. There will be responsibility and collective responsibility,” he pledged.
(NAN)
