Wike Swears in Edo-born Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra, as Rivers Female Chief Judge

Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra, an indigene of Edo State was on Tuesday sworn-in by Governor Nyesom Wike as Rivers State’s Chief Judge, making her the first non-indigene to occupy the state’s judiciary top position and the second female CJ in two months in the state, after her immediate predecessor, Daisy Okocha (Rtd), had served for only 12 days as substantive chief judge.

Iyayi-Laminkanra was sworn-in following the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly, for her to occupy the state’s judiciary top position.

Governor Wike advised the judiciary not to be influenced by the antics of politicians; saying that they must uphold the rule of law at all times.

Performing the swearing-in of Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra, Governor Wike charged judges of the Rivers State Judiciary to be courageous in their dispensation of justice, in line with the tenets of the law.

He assured the Judiciary of his administration’s continued support of the third arm of government to dutifully serve the people of the State.

 The governor noted that he worked towards the emergence of the substantive Chief Judge on the premise of laid down precedents and traditions, despite the petitions by some persons against Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra  on the basis that she is not an indigene of the state.

“Judges should not allow politicians  to manipulate them to cause crisis in the judiciary,” Wike said; adding that he has sworn to oath of office to always do what is right.

“They claimed that this administration does not allow non-indigenes to breathe. They said if we are voted in, we will chase non-indigenes away. But I believe in the laid precedent and promotion of the best practices in governance,” the governor stated. Governor Wike said those opposed to the emergence of Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra on the premise that she is not an indigene of Rivers State, must realise that she was appointed Magistrate and Judge in the state without anyone raising  questions on her state of  origin.

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