Okpebholo slams Obaseki’s refusal to swear in judges
Edo State Government has vowed to reclaim state-owned assets that were illegally acquired or sold by the immediate past administration in the state.

This was as Governor Monday Okpebholo described the refusal of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, to swear in three judges last year as a slap on the judiciary.

Okpebholo, while receiving the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin City Branch, and members of the Local Organising Committee for the coming NBA National Executive Committee at the Government House, noted that the sidelining of the three judges by Obaseki was a grave injustice to the state’s justice system

Obaseki had sworn in five of the eight judges in May 2024, despite the National Judicial Council (NJC) recommending all of them for appointment as judges in June 2023.

After assuming office in November 2024, Okpebholo presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the three judges, Ojo Osa, Okundamiya Jeff and Edoghogho Eboigbe, into the Edo State High Court on December 2, 2024, fulfilling the pledge he made during his inaugural speech.

Vowing that his administration would not repeat the errors of the previous administration, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law, deepening judicial independence, and building a robust partnership with the Bar for effective justice delivery.

In a related development, the government also pledged to enhance the state’s public healthcare systempublic healthcare system.  The Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, stated this when Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Edo Specialist Hospital (ESH), Dr Anthonia Njoku, and her management team visited him in his office in Benin City.  He commended the hospital’s management team for its dedication and progress.

especially in expanding healthcare services and securing accreditation for the residency training programme of the West African College of Physicians.

“I must thank Governor Okpebholo for swiftly reclaiming properties belonging to the Edo State Government that were diverted to private entities. Edo Specialist Hospital is now back where it rightfully belongs, serving the people, not private interests,” Idahosa said.

He lauded Njoku’s leadership and described it as “purposeful and transformational”, noting that the hospital had evolved into a true centre of excellence for public healthcare.

“Unlike what we saw in the past, when the hospital was almost turned into a private business, today it caters to everyone, not just a privileged few,” the deputy governor added.

The CMD commended the state government for its steadfastness and support, describing the administration’s interventions as “timely”.