Banner Online News

Delta PDP Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza.

The Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hailed His Excellency, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, for granting full autonomy to the Delta State Judiciary, saying that the decision would further strengthen the principle of Separation of Powers, which is the hallmark of every functional democracy.

The party, in a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, noted that the decision has come at an auspicious time when the clamour for greater independence by complementary arms of government, has resonated loudly across the Country and it was only apt that Delta State, which has always been a solid bastion for democratic practice, should lead the way by formally granting autonomy to the Judiciary.

Osuoza said: “We are quite pleased and fully concur with the decision by His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, to grant full autonomy to the State Judiciary. As His Excellency rightly confirmed, the signing of the Judiciary Autonomy Law and the setting up of the relevant committees by the Chief Judge, has ensured that the process of implementing full autonomy for the judiciary is already on course.

“We recall with satisfaction that following the Presidential assent to the Nigerian Constitution’s 4th Alteration Bill which grants financial autonomy and independence to the Houses of Assembly and Judiciary of the respective States, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa had already pledged since 2018, that his administration would implement the law on financial autonomy for the legislature and the judiciary, as soon as it gets to his table.

“With the passage of the Judicial autonomy bill by the House of Assembly and the formal signing of the bill into law by Governor Okowa, the pronouncement of full autonomy for the Delta State Judiciary has been accomplished with proper compliance to due process and the committees already set up by the Chief Judge will ensure a smooth transition.

“We also wish to place on record, as His Excellency rightly confirmed and contrary to the misleading narrative in some quarters, that the Delta State House of Assembly had also been enjoying autonomy since two years ago, even when some States were yet to start the process till date. This of course has created the harmonious working relationship between the State Executive and Legislature, which has ensured a rancour-free partnership in the delivery of democracy dividends to Deltans.

“We, therefore, join His Excellency in congratulating the Chief Judge for ensuring the full autonomy of the judiciary with the setting up of the committees and while aligning with the position that it is in the best interest of governance in our State and Country, advise that autonomy should not stop governance from progressing, but should rather strengthen the decision making processes and accelerate the delivery of good governance to our people.

“Our party remains grateful to God for making it possible that the State Chief Judge who conducted the inauguration of His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in 2015 and 2019 is still the same Chief Judge overseeing the accomplishment of this historic moment for the Judiciary in Delta State. We also join our Governor to express our warm appreciation to the entire Delta State Judiciary for their maturity and cooperation in maintaining calmness and understanding over the years.

“Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has proven once again that Delta State under the PDP, will always comply with the tenets of due process and do what is right for the people, always”.