Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state has said that the clampdown on the nation’s judges by the Department of State service, SSS during the weekends portends a threat to the nation’s democracy.

Okowa gave the statement in Asaba on Sunday during a Thanksgiving mass to kick-off the 2016/2017 legal year of the state judiciary.
Represented by his deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, Okowa described the invasion of the judges’ homes as an act of intimidation against the judiciary, adding that the action was a threat to democracy and the rule of law. He however cautioned the nation’s security apparatus to operate within the confines of the law.
The governor also charged the judicial officers to desist from acts that will defame the hollowed chambers of the profession lauded the judiciary for its immense support to democracy and his administration, and pledged to continue to create the enabling environment for the judiciary to operate.

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, Most Rev. Michael Elue, charged judicial officers to seek divine assistance from the holy spirit in the dispensation of justice.
Bishop Elue sued for the independence of the three tiers of government, calling on the judiciary to remain the hope of the common man by living above aboard.

The Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Marshal Umukoro, reassured that the judiciary is committed to dispensation of justice to all manner of persons in the state without fear or favour.

“We shall observe the judicial oath and do justice to all manner of men and women without fear or favour. But to those who may be dissatisfied with our judgements, decisions or rulings, I dare say that name-calling, unsubstantiated allegations and hasty petition writing should be slowly adhered to,” Umukoro advised.

While thanking judges, lawyers and other judicial workers for their hard work during the past legal year, he lauded the executive arm of government for its continuous support of the judiciary, and thanked all Deltans for having faith in the judiciary.