Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, on Wednesday swore in two High Court Judges with an appeal to the National Judicial Council for an upward review of judges salaries to ensure their optimum performance.
Ortom while swearing in the two judges, Justices Masewanger Odinya and Ibrahim Mohammed at the government house, said “Judges, by the nature of their duties, are a special breed who deserve good working conditions to shield them from the temptations of being compromised.
“Their welfare and wellbeing ought to be of utmost concern. It is in view of this fact that I appeal to the National Judicial Commission, NJC, to review the salaries of Judges that have been static for over a decade.”
He also suggested that since the discipline and payment of salaries and allowances of Judges were centrally controlled by the NJC, it was logical that pensions of retired State Judges too be handled by it.
The Governor congratulated the judges on their elevation to the Bench saying their appointments were based on merit and reward for their hard work, dedication and commitment to duty.
READ ALSO: Benue SUBEB Staff Multipurpose Cooperative, A Saving Grace -Tachin
He expressed appreciation for the unity and peaceful atmosphere that existed in the Benue Judiciary, stressing however that the two judges were coming in at a critical time when the Bench was overburdened with election cases and so much was expected of them.
He said his administration was ready to continue to ensure separation of powers between the three arms of government even as they all depended on one another for better service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of her colleague, Justice Masewanger Odinya expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and pledged their commitment to the dispensation of justice and the rule of law.
