Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike of Rivers state has
declared that the swearing-in of the substantive Chief
Judge of the state, Justice Daisy Wotube Okocha, is a
victory for the rule of law and the respect for the rules of
succession as outlined by the National Judicial Council
(NJC).
Governor Wike stated this today while swearing in Justice
Okocha is the First Female Chief Judge of Rivers state.
She had been the state’s acting Chief Judge since June 1,
2015.
Performing the swearing-in of Justice Daisy Wotube
Okocha as the Chief Judge of Rivers state on Monday at
the government house, Port Harcourt, Governor Wike 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.
He said that with the recent development, it is clear that
governors cannot willfully disrespect the recommendation
of the NJC as was the case with the Amaechi
administration in the state.
According to him, 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.
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state during the swearing
in ceremony.
He said: “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 uphold 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.”
Governor Wike charged the new Chief Judge 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 July 22,
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 Daisy Wotube Okocha thanked God for
making her elevation possible after two years of
uncertainty.
Justice Okocha 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.”
She commended Governor Wike for giving the Judiciary the
required independence to carry out its constitutional
responsibilities.
The state Judiciary was in crisis for more than a year over
the struggle over who is rightful person to head the
Judiciary as the Chief Judge.
Justice Peter Agumagu politically became the choice of All
Progressive Congress (APC) while Justice Daisy Okocha
expectedly became the preferred choice for the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP).
The exit of Amaechi on May 29 and assumption of office of
Governor Wike put paid to the logjam as Justice Okocha
was sworn in Acting Capacity as Chief Chief Judge.