*Charges New Police Commissioner To Go Tough On Criminals
DELTA State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday, January 28, warned that the erosion of public confidence in the judiciary poses a grave threat to peace, law and order.
Oborevwori observed that when citizens lose faith in the justice system, they may resort to self-help, a situation capable of plunging society into chaos and anarchy.
Speaking in Asaba, the state capital, during the swearing-in of six newly appointed Judges of the state High Court and Customary Court of Appeal, the governor urged members of the Bench to uphold the highest standards of probity, fairness, courage and impartiality in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
Oborevwori said the stability of any democratic society rests heavily on a credible, transparent and independent judiciary, insisting justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done.
He said only a judiciary that acts without fear or favour can sustain public trust, guarantee justice for all and preserve social harmony in the state and the nation.
The governor explained that the appointments were made strictly in line with Sections 271(2) and 281(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empower state governors to appoint Judges on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
He disclosed that the Delta State Judicial Service Commission nominated candidates for consideration by the NJC, which carefully screened and approved those found suitable for appointment.
Oborevwori congratulated the newly sworn-in Judges, Justices Otite Jonah Akpobaro, Jereoma Sam-Oligida, Irene Boeye Ukuli and Otome Benjamin Adamidenyo for the High Court, and Justices Bridget Onome Ojeikere and Stella Ovuorieroro Okah, for the Customary Court of Appeal, describing their elevation as a vote of confidence in their legal knowledge, integrity, professionalism and discipline.
He stated: “As you begin this new journey as privileged members of the Bench, I expect you to uphold the same spirit of hardwork, commitment, excellence and high ethical standards that qualified you for this noble office.”
Oborevwori urged Judges to resist all forms of temptation capable of compromising judicial independence, stressing that during adjudication, it is often the Judge, rather than the litigants, that is ultimately on trial in the court of public opinion.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the justice delivery system in the state, describing the swearing-in ceremony as another milestone in efforts to build a judiciary that is functional, fast, fair and accessible.
He said appointment of the additional Judges would help decongest courts, reduce delays and bring justice closer to the people, particularly those in rural communities.
He also listed several reforms and interventions undertaken by his administration to support the judiciary, including approval for the construction of Judges’ quarters across the state, renovation of magistrates and customary courts and digitisation of the Laws of Delta State, now accessible on the state government’s website.
The governor further disclosed that virtual court hearing facilities had been installed in High Courts in Asaba and correctional centres in Warri, Ogwashi-Uku and Sapele, supported by solar installations to ensure uninterrupted proceedings, adding that plans were underway to introduce automated court recording systems to improve accuracy and speed in judicial proceedings.
Oborevwori noted that government had introduced the Delta State Criminal Information System, a centralised digital platform for criminal profiling, case management and offender tracking, using biometric data, including fingerprints and DNA to enhance public safety, accountability and crime prevention, while complementing virtual court hearings conducted directly from correctional centres.
The governor announced that, for the first time in the history of the state, a career civil servant, Omamuzo Erebe, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, attained the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2025, a feat he said was a reflection of the quality of Delta State’s public service.
Responding on behalf of the others, Ojeikere expressed profound gratitude to Oborevwori for his support and respect for judicial independence, pledging that the Judges would discharge their duties with integrity and without fear or favour.
Meanwhile, Oborevwori has charged security agencies to arrest and prosecute any individual found in possession of firearms or attempting to disrupt peace in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor gave the charge while receiving the new Commissioner of Police (CP), Delta State Police Command, Aina Adesola, and his management team during a courtesy visit to Government House, Asaba.
Oborevwori described Adesola’s posting to the state as a homecoming, saying he was well acquainted with the state, having previously served in key operational positions within the Command.
He said the relative peace currently enjoyed across the state was a reflection of the collaboration between the Police and other security agencies, adding that the new CP has so far displayed experience, professionalism and deep understanding of the terrain.
“I am very happy that you are here, because you know this terrain very well. You have served here before and we saw your impact.
“For the few weeks you have been here as Commissioner of Police, Delta State has remained peaceful, and we are proud of your achievements,” he said.
The governor commended senior officers within the Command for their dedication and professionalism and outstanding roles in tackling gun violence in previously volatile areas of the state.
Oborevwori charged the Command to remain firm and proactive ahead of next year’s general elections, stressing: “We will not tolerate insecurity in this state. Anyone caught with firearms or attempting to disrupt peace must be arrested and prosecuted.”
He urged residents to support security agencies by providing timely and useful information, saying security is a collective responsibility, adding: “Peace gives room for development. Without peace, investors will not come. That is why Delta State remains open for business.”
Earlier, Adesola thanked the governor for the warm reception, assuring of the Command’s commitment to sustaining peace and security across Delta State.
He pledged that under his leadership, residents would continue to sleep with their two eyes closed, as the Police would work tirelessly to ensure lasting peace in the state.
