The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri has sworn in Justice Matilda Ayemieye as the fourth substantive chief judge of the state after serving in acting capacity for about six months.
The swearing-in ceremony was held on Thursday, at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa, where the oaths of allegiance and office were administered by the state Chief Registrar, Amaebi Orukari.
Justice Ayemieye was appointed acting chief judge on January 16, 2023, following the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Kate Abiri.
Governor Diri in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, said her appointment was in accordance with established practice and in line with Section 271 subsection 1 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
At the event Diri said, “It is my duty and privilege as governor to appoint the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State. This section states that the chief judge of a state shall be appointed by the governor of the state following the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, NJC, subject to confirmation by the state House of Assembly.”
Diri emphasized that the ceremony symbolised an important achievement in his administration’s commitment to the rule of law and the effective administration of justice, adding that it was the consolidation of the state’s judicial system that continues to promise fairness, impartiality and justice for all.
He called on the judges not to be distracted by political or economic considerations, noting that under her leadership, the judiciary was expected to rise above any challenges and continue to serve as a beacon of hope for the oppressed and marginalised in the society.
