Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 warned that the erosion of public confidence in the judiciary poses a grave threat to peace, law and order, stressing that when citizens lose faith in the justice system, they may resort to self-help, an outcome capable of plunging society into chaos and anarchy.
The governor gave the warning in Asaba during the swearing-in of six newly appointed judges for the Delta State High Court and the Customary Court of Appeal. He urged members of the Bench to uphold the highest standards of probity, fairness, courage and impartiality in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
Those sworn in as judges of the Delta State High Court are Justices Otite Jonah Akpobaro, Jereoma Sam-Oligida, Irene Boeye Ukuli and Otome Benjamin Adamidenyo. Justices Bridget Onome Ojeikere and Stella Ovuorieroro Okah were sworn in as Justices of the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal.
Governor Oborevwori said the stability of any democratic society rests heavily on a credible, transparent and independent judiciary, emphasising that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
According to him, only a judiciary that acts without fear or favour can sustain public trust, guarantee justice for all and preserve social harmony in both the state and the nation.
He 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 based on the recommendations of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The governor disclosed that the Delta State Judicial Service Commission nominated the candidates for consideration, after which the NJC carefully screened and approved those found suitable for appointment.
Oborevwori congratulated the newly sworn-in judges, describing their elevation as a vote of confidence in their legal knowledge, integrity, professionalism and discipline.
“As you begin this new journey as privileged members of the Bench, I expect you to uphold the same spirit of hard work, commitment, excellence and high ethical standards that qualified you for this noble office,” he said.
He cautioned the judges to resist all forms of temptation capable of compromising judicial independence, noting that during adjudication, it is often the judge—rather than the litigants—who is ultimately on trial in the court of public opinion.
The governor 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 noted that the appointment of additional judges would help decongest courts, reduce delays and bring justice closer to the people, particularly those in rural communities.
Oborevwori also outlined several reforms and interventions undertaken by his administration to support the judiciary, including the approval for the construction of judges’ quarters across the state, renovation of magistrates’ and customary courts, and the digitisation of the Laws of Delta State, now accessible on the state government’s website.
He further disclosed that virtual court hearing facilities have been installed in High Courts in Asaba and in correctional centres in Warri, Ogwashi-Uku and Sapele, supported by solar power installations to ensure uninterrupted proceedings.
The governor added that plans were underway to introduce automated court recording systems to enhance accuracy and speed in judicial proceedings.
Highlighting broader justice sector reforms, Oborevwori said the state 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.
He explained that the initiative would enhance public safety, accountability and crime prevention, while complementing virtual court hearings conducted directly from correctional centres.
The governor also announced that, for the first time in the history of the state, a career civil servant, Mr. Omamuzo Erebe, Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, attained the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2025, describing the achievement as a reflection of the quality and professionalism of Delta State’s public service.
Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in judges, Justice Bridget Onome Ojeikere expressed profound gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for his support and respect for judicial independence, pledging that the judges would discharge their duties with integrity and without fear or favour.
The ceremony was attended by top government officials, members of the legislature, the judiciary and other key stakeholders.
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