CDHR faults swearing-in of 16 new magistrates in Delta

By Festus Ahon
UGHELLI—Delta State chapter of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has raised alarm over the recent appointments and swearing-in of 16 new magistrates into the magistracy arm of the state judiciary.

The CDHR lamented that due process was not followed in the appointment of the magistrates by government.

State co-ordinator of the group, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, said: “We, members of the CDHR, Delta State chapter, are alarmed at the recent appointments and swearing-in of 16 new magistrates into the magistracy arm of Delta State Judiciary as due process was not followed by government.

“We challenge the state judicial commission to explain to the bewildered members of the public how it came about these recent appointments immediately after it had appointed and sworn-in 24 magistrates about two months ago in like manner.

“We fear that since these magisterial appointments are not based on merit, but on political considerations and the ‘who know man basis’, our magistracy might soon witness the emergence of magistrate politicians to the detriment of the judiciary and the downtrodden masses in the state whose last hope is the judiciary.

“We call on all and sundry to condemn these appointments for the sake of a vibrant magistracy in the state.”