Lalong urges public support for judiciary, rule of law

Plateau State governor, Simon Bako Lalong, has urged Nigerians to repose their confidence and support the judiciary, particularly judges, for the dispensation of justice and sustenance of the rule of law.

Lalong made the call during the valedictory court session in honour of the retiring President, Plateau State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Julia Asabe Kyentu, who retired after attaining 65 years of age.

The governor commended Justice Kyentu for serving the Judiciary meritoriously, and said her superb judicial experience contributed immensely to the development of the bench and bar.

He said: “For those who know Justice Julia Kyentu either within or outside the courtroom, the experiences may vary, but the testimony of her integrity, hard work, intellectual capacity and judicial depth, is the same.

“Justice Julie Kyentu has over the years not only demonstrated her deep knowledge of the law and its application to the dispensation of justice, but has also shown courage to administer justice without fear or favour, affection or ill will.”

“As a woman, Justice Kyentu is among distinguished Plateau daughters, who have broken the ceiling to establish the fact that women are more than capable of performing any function in society if given the opportunity,” the governor added.

He urged other members of the bar and bench to do everything possible to safeguard the integrity of the Judiciary, which he said “is not only the hope of the common man as commonly referred to, but also the hope of democracy, good governance and societal development.”

While assuring that his administration will continue to support all efforts aimed at deepening reforms in the judiciary to make it more effective, the governor said Nigeria democracy depends on the judiciary to function aright.

Earlier in his remark, the state Chief Judge, Justice Yakubu Gyang Dakwak, described Justice Kyentu as an astute judicial officer, who put in her best in delivering justice to all without fear or favour.

The Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General Chrysanthus Ahmadu, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Jos Branch, Barrister Yakubu Bawa, described the retiring justice as a woman of dignity and integrity.

“She never succumbed to pressure from various quarters to subvert the cause of justice. Her faith in God and adherence to the constitution and oath of office enabled her to carry out her assignment and finish without blemish,” they stated.

In her response, the Justice Kyentu, thanked God for the privilege to serve in the Judiciary in various capacities and reach the peak as the President of the Plateau Customary Court of Appeal. She said she was leaving the bench despite all challenges, very fulfilled, hoping that those she is leaving behind will take the Judiciary to the next level.

Meanwhile, Governor Lalong has appointed Justice Sati Patrick Dabit as the new President of Plateau State Customary Court of Appeal.