The Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has said that the late Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Nasir Ajanah was the longest serving Chief Judge in the history of Kogi State.
The governor made this known on Wednesday while swearing-in new acting Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Henry Olusiyi and Justice Bayo Olowosegun as the President of the Kogi State Customary Court of Appeal respectively.
He stated that Ajanah served during the tenures of 3 Governors describing him as a brilliant legal mind distinguished by a massive wealth of experience.
“He piloted the Kogi State Judiciary with a firm hand, and defended the independence of the Judiciary and the doctrine of Separation of Powers as he saw fit, irrespective of any differences of opinion.
“They achieved a legacy that will long outlive them. May the good works of their lordships speak for them in eternity and may their gentle souls continue to rest in peace.
“We lost the Honourable Justice Nasir Ajanah, the former Chief Judge of Kogi State and the Honourable Justice Ibrahim Shaibu Atadoga, the former President of the Kogi State Customary Court of Appeal within one week of each other. The shock has been profound, both for the state and for those left to mourn them.
“Justice Shuaibu Atadoga was on his part a workaholic judge who set stellar standards of excellence in the practice of his profession. He inspired reforms, including amendments to the enabling law which greatly expanded the roles of the Customary Court. It is no wonder that he was so effective as President of the Kogi State Customary Court of Appeal,” he stated.
The governor noted that he swore in replacements to fill the vacuum which their lordships’ exit has created in the fabric of governance in the state.
He added that Kogi State is indeed fortunate to have found worthy successors in the person of the two lawlords to whom we have entrusted the high offices and responsibilities of the previous occupants.
According to him, he is empowered by section 271(4) and (5) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) to appoint the most senior judge in our Judiciary as the Chief Judge of Kogi State if the office becomes vacant for any reason, including death.
“I exercised that power on the 3rd day of July, 2020 to appoint the Honourable Justice H.A Olusiyi as Chief Judge of Kogi State. We have now sworn him in.
“Similarly, section 281(4) and (5) of the Constitution grants me the powers, and I have exercised them via letter dated the same 3rd day of July, 2020 to appoint the Honourable Justice Bayo Olowosegun into office as the President of the Kogi State Customary Court of Appeal upon a vacancy occurring by death of his predecessor. My Lord is also the most senior judge of that court and he too was sworn in a while ago.
He therefore enjoin the head of the Kogi State Judiciary and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal of Kogi State, to bring their considerable history as experienced jurists to bear in the administration of justice in the state.
He added that he has no doubt that they will provide excellent leadership for our Judiciary and the state in general. We therefore charge them to execute all the functions of their respective offices with erudition and the fear of Almighty God.
