The governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, swore in Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa as the state’s chief judge yesterday and urged him to take the initiative in finding a solution to the state’s overcrowded prisons.
Obaseki during the swearing-in ceremony held at Government House, Benin City, urged Justice Okungbowa to fast-track the setting up of mobile courts, embark on visits to correctional centers and expedite trials among other steps to decongest the correctional facilities and provide justice for those awaiting trial for years.
Commending the judiciary for collaborating with the state government, Obaseki said; “This relationship has enabled us to create the right and conducive environment for the transformation of our state into a leading sub-national government on the continent.
“This cooperation especially with the judiciary has guaranteed the success of our reforms and that we maintain law and order and respect the rule of law in Edo State because without the rule of law, development will never occur. These have been provided by a thriving judiciary.”
“I have allocated 100 hectares of land in Orhionmwon local government area of the state for a new state correctional facility as the design is ready. We can’t proceed to award the contract to build without seeking clarification, assistance and support from you.
“We believe that the correctional facility will set the template and example of what state correctional facilities should look like when it’s completed under your tenure. I urge you to fast track the setting up of mobile courts to visit correctional centers and conduct institute trials to decongest the correctional facilities and provide justice for those awaiting trials for years.”
In his response, Okungbowa promised to work with the state government to ensure law and order in the State and improve justice delivery.