Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says his administration will continue to promote the independence of the Judiciary in the State.
The governor maintained that his administration has created the enabling environment for the judicial arm of government to carry out its constitutional responsibilities, because it recognised that it is the bastion of hope for the common man.
The governor stated this at a reception organised by the Oyo State Government in honour of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
At the event held at the Manhattan Hall, Eleyele Road, Jericho, Ibadan, which had in attendance four other state governors, Justices of the Supreme Court, Oyo State Judiciary, top lawyers and other eminent dignitaries, Governor Makinde expressed delight at the fact that the State produced Nigeria’s Number 5 Citizen.
The governor, who explained that it was the first time in the history of Nigeria that Oyo State would produce the Chief Justice of Nigeria, said that the development has heralded many pacesetting achievements for the State.
He said: “I like to specially recognise my brothers – Governors Nyesom Wike of Rivers State; Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia State); Samuel Ortom (Benue State) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu State).
“When my Lord, Justice Amina Augie JSc., was talking, she said ‘our own Justice Kayode Ariwoola, but more of their own.’ So, the CJN belongs to everybody and to nobody.
“I thank God for tonight and for the fact that the Supreme Court was powerfully moved to Oyo State, and what you see here is Nigeria. We have my Lords from different states and geopolitical zones of this country.
“Most times, they come together, align and make decisions in the interest of this great country. We are glad you are here with us and feel highly privileged to have you here.
“For me, this is a turning point. For the first time in the history of Oyo State, we have produced the Number 5 citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So, old things have passed away and things have become new.”I am just glad and overjoyed that we are able to have this get-together to celebrate one of our own. I am short of words. I am thankful to God Almighty for this day and I see it as the beginning of many Pacesetter things that will be happening in Oyo State.
“The Judiciary will be allowed to continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.
In his remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ariwoola, appreciated Governor Makinde for honouring him and pledged that he would not let Nigerians down.
Justice Ariwoola equally admonished politicians to allow the Judiciary to perform its function, while he also warned the Judiciary to leave politics for politicians.
The event had in attendance Justices of the Supreme Court, the leadership of Oyo State Judiciary, legal luminaries, top officials of the Oyo State government, traditional rulers, among others.
Iyabo Adebisi
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