Resist pressure to compromise judiciary, Lalong charges new Plateau CJ

Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, has charged the state’s new Chief Judge, Justice David Mann, to resist pressure from politicians and other interests to compromise the judiciary.

While swearing Mann in as the substantive CJ at the Victoria Gowon Hall, New Government House, Jos, Lalong said the CJ “has paid his dues in the temple of justice” and, through experience, talent and patriotism was by the grace of God elevated as CJ of the state.

He said: “While I congratulate you on this well-deserved appointment, may I also remind my Lord that this task is a daunting one, which calls for total dedication and commitment for the peace, progress and stability of Plateau and Nigeria at large.

“Having spent your public life within this sector, no one can lecture you on what the citizens expect from you as the head of this arm of government.”

According to a statement, yesterday, by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Dr. Makut Macham, the governor urged the CJ not only to see the elevation as a call to duty, but also as a trust given to him by God to represent him in the affairs of men.

Lalong urged him to be true to his oath of office and discharge his duties with the fear of God and without fear, favour, affection or ill-will.

The new CJ is coming into office when the state is operating autonomy of the three arms of government, including the Judiciary, he added, urging Mann to take advantage of all the latitude the autonomy provides to ensure that judicial staff were trained and the day-to-day running of the courts seamless.

On industrial harmony, the governor said: “Only recently, the Judiciary Workers Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in Plateau called off its industrial action, which had paralysed activities in all courts and created untold hardship to many citizens who need one service or another from the courts. While we put behind us this recent challenge, I urge you to do more to ensure that all matters that could lead to such action are addressed to forestall future strikes.”

Responding, Mann said he was grateful to God for the opportunity to serve and the privilege to be elevated to the position of CJ. He promised to serve with integrity, honesty and justice, as well as do his best to ensure that the rule of law is adhered to at all times.