Anambra Customary Court of Appeal Swears In 59 New Customary Court Members

 Newly sworn in Customary court members with Justice Samuel N Okoye

 

Anambra state Customary Court of Appeal has sworn in 59 new Customary Court members appointed by State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) headed by the chairman of the commission Honourable Justice Peter Umeadi.

Performing the swearing-in ceremony in Awka the state capital, the
president of the Customary Court of Appeal, Anambra state, Hon.
Justice Samuel .N. Okoye charged the newly sworn-in presidents and
members to keep themselves abreast with the latest developments in law
and as well be punctual to duty.

“The State Judicial Service Commission of Anambra state has taken aims
to choose this gentle men and ladies to mount the bench of customary
courts Anambra state along with their presidents. Today, the process
of their appointments is completed. Many were called but few were
choosing.

“We are happy for all of you for your new positions because this is
the first time we are swearing in pensionable presidents of the
customary court and as we congratulate you, I want you to know that
you have entered the cadre of president of Customary Court and with
dedication, hard work and commitment, the sky will not be your limit
but your starting point. . Ensure that you participate actively in the
orientation exercise which will keep you acquainted with your new post
and don’t forget that you are to feed the customary court of appeal
busy by being punctual to duty” he said

He urged them to keep their selves abreast with the latest development
in law, saying with that, they will keep rising until they will get to
the supreme court of Nigeria.

Justice Okoye also tasked the new presidents and members on dress
code. According to him, “your dressing to duty must be religious and
if you dress off colour during official hours, you will have a bitter
story to tell. We expect you to be firm and above board in all you do.
Conduct yourself properly if you want to command the respect of your
staff and other court users. The bar will treat you with all the
respect you deserve” he promised.
Speaking in an interview shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, the
Chief Registrar of the court, His honour Kenneth Ndubuisi Nwoye Esq,
disclosed that the tenure of the newly sworn in members is on contract
basis, ‘their first three years in office will run as their first
tenure. They have only two renewable term. Adding that Anambra state
has 34 customary courts and two of the new members will be posted to
each of the courts with one President.

Also speaking, one the newly sworn-in customary court members, Nze
Chudi Okafor Esq, thanked the Honourable Justice Okoye for the
opportunity offered to them to serve and for his conscious efforts to
ensure that all categories of courts are established in the state in
order to promote quick dispensation of justice. Urging his colleagues
to adhere and put in practice the oath of office administered to them.
Highpoint of the event was the handing over of a brand new Ford Focus
utility vehicle to the new customary court presidents to facilitate
their assignment in justice delivery.

It would be recalled that for the first time since
the creation of Anambra State in 1991, sworn-in 10 pensionable
presidents of the Customary Courts were appointed.

In her vote of thanks, one of the courts presidents, Nkwocha Sylvia
Esq, thanked God for their elevation and promised that they will do
right and justice to all manner of people and to place service to the
public above selfish interest and promised to be guided by the oath of
office.

She expressed their gratitude to the Chief Judge of Anambra
state and the chairman State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) His
Lordship Hon. Justice Peter Umeadi who found them worthy to be
appointed and above all the entire people of Anambra state who has
given them the opportunity to serve in the various capacity.

BY EMEKA ONWUDINJO