Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate in Edo State, has strongly criticised Governor Godwin Obaseki for the delayed swearing-in of judges to the Edo State High Court.
Governor Obaseki had recently administered the oath of office to five judges out of the eight recommended by the National Judicial Council, a move purportedly aimed at bolstering the state’s judiciary.
Akpata condemned the governor’s actions, denouncing the prolonged delay of almost a year in appointing the recommended judges, which he deemed unacceptable treatment towards legal professionals.
He expressed dismay over Obaseki’s decision to swear in only a portion of the recommended judges without providing any explanation, asserting that this unilateral action undermines the principle of separation of powers and exposes the remaining three judges and their families to uncertainty.
Akpata, a senior legal figure and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, lambasted Obaseki’s conduct, branding it a tragic betrayal of constitutional duty.
He further criticised the move as emblematic of the deceitful and self-serving politics prevalent in the state’s governance, particularly pointing out its timing, just five months ahead of the gubernatorial elections.
The Labour Party candidate asserted that Obaseki’s decision reflects a disdainful disregard for democracy and the independence of the judiciary, accusing the governor of attempting to manipulate the judicial system for partisan gain and erode its autonomy.
This move, according to Akpata, not only undermines the rule of law but also poses a threat to the democratic fabric of the state.
