High judges in the country have been asked to audit cases in their courts to ensure speedy dispensation of justice and to work with law enforcement agents to ensure safety and security of life and property in the society.

Governor Godswill Akpabio made the call today at the Executive Chambers of Governor’s Office, Uyo, during the swearing-in ceremony of Mr. Ezekiel O. Enang, an immediate past Chief Registrar, and Mr. Augustine Odokwo, a one-time state Director of Civil Litigation, Ministry of Justice, as the state high court judges.

Akpabio, who noted that delay of justice in the trial of criminals worries Commissioner of Police, said this has led to release of criminals.

“Judges in the state must always audit themselves in the handling of court cases to ensure speedy dispensation of justice in the state. I am worried by the incessant transfers of investigating police officers which hampers the dispensation of justice of the state,” the governor said.

“I believe that the judiciary as an arm of government is to ensure the security of the people which must be expeditiously served alongside with the state police force to ensure the security of the property and lives of citizens of the state,” he added.

According to Akpabio: “The judges being sworn-in today, have been screened, selected and appointed in line with the laid down procedures for such appointments, and without any undue interference from any quarters, whatsoever; and in accordance with the Constitutional provisions.

“By the provision of section 271, sub section (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended; and Section 281, sub section (2) of the same Constitution, as amended, respectively, the appointment of judges of High Court shall be by the Governor of the State, on recommendations of the National Judicial Council.”

The governor said that “competent personnel were chosen to ensure service delivery in terms of knowledge, experience and upright competent,” adding: “This reflects our faith in the competence of the men sworn in today and I believe they would deliver justice to the people without fear.”

Akpabio noted that “the administration of justice must be entrusted in the hands of competent personnel to ensure effective delivery.” He said that “the complex duty of dispensing justice is tied to knowledge, experience and moral uprightness” and that “until a convergence is found within the tripartite, the concept of the court being the last hope of the common man will remain a mere illusion with injustice pervading such society.”

The governor congratulated the new judges and charged them to see their position “as an opportunity to do service to God and humanity,” saying: “You must allow the fear of God to rule you and your dispensation of justice to be guided by the constitution. Only in doing these would you justify the confidence we have reposed in you today and leave indelible marks in the annals of posterity.

“It represents our conviction that you will deliver justice to all manners of men without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. It is also an invitation to you to join us to further lubricate the wheels of our democracy since justice has been established to be central to democratic practice.”

•Photo shows Gov.Akpabioin handshake with one of the newly sworn-in judges, Mr. Augustine Odokwo.