Oborevwori Charges Delta Judges to Uphold Justice, Pledges Better Welfare & Modern Courts

DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged judicial officers in the state to dispense justice without fear or favour, stressing that impartiality, respect for the rule of law and effective adjudication remain essential to peace and public confidence in the justice system.

The governor gave the charge at Government House in Asaba while receiving members of the Delta State judiciary, led by the Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Diai, during activities marking the 2026/2027 legal year. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial independence, improved welfare for judges and the modernisation of court facilities across the state.

Emphasising the importance of equality before the law, Oborevwori maintained that no individual should place themselves above the law or resort to self-help. He urged judges to remain impartial in the discharge of their duties, regardless of the status, political affiliation or influence of the parties involved in a case.

“Nobody is above the law, and we will not allow anybody to take the law into his or her hands,” the governor said. He encouraged judicial officers to do what was right without allowing the interests of the government or any individual to influence their decisions.

Furthermore, Oborevwori called for firm and timely adjudication of serious criminal cases, particularly kidnapping, armed robbery and murder. According to him, effective justice delivery is indispensable to sustaining peace and security, especially as communities continue to depend on public institutions to protect their rights and hold offenders accountable.

The governor’s remarks placed the judiciary’s constitutional responsibilities alongside the broader challenge of maintaining public safety. However, he stressed the need for judicial officers to exercise their authority within the law and without fear or favour.

Government Builds Ten Judges’ Quarters in Asaba & Warri

Beyond his call for impartiality, Oborevwori outlined measures aimed at improving judicial welfare and strengthening the working environment for judges. He disclosed that the state government was constructing 10 new judges’ residential quarters, with five located in Asaba and another five in Warri.

The projects are expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2027. Once delivered, the accommodation is intended to improve residential provision for judicial officers in the two major centres.

In addition to the housing projects, the governor pledged continued support for judicial training and the provision of modern court equipment. He also highlighted the importance of stenographic machines, which enable the verbatim recording of court proceedings, as well as digital systems designed to improve court administration and access to justice.

Oborevwori further approved requests for additional solar power installations and improved security infrastructure across judicial divisions. The measures followed concerns about inadequate power and security at some court facilities.

Reliable electricity is particularly important as the judiciary expands its use of information and communications technology, including electronic filing and virtual hearings. Consequently, additional solar installations could help reduce interruptions to digital court operations, while stronger security arrangements could better protect court buildings, personnel and equipment.

Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these interventions will depend on their timely implementation, adequate maintenance and sustained funding. Delivering modern equipment without ensuring dependable power, technical support and security could limit the benefits of digital transformation.

Chief Judge Commends Training & ICT Investments

Earlier, Chief Judge Justice Theresa Diai commended the Oborevwori administration for its support for judicial training, infrastructure and technological upgrades. She particularly acknowledged the sponsorship of 20 judges for overseas capacity-building programmes, describing professional development as an important component of a competent and effective judiciary.

According to Diai, the state government had also supported improvements in information and communications technology, including the deployment of electronic filing systems and equipment for virtual hearings at the High Courts. These measures are intended to strengthen case management, facilitate court proceedings and improve the administration of justice.

She also acknowledged work on court infrastructure, including the renovation of High Courts, magistrate courts and customary courts. Such investments, she indicated, would help create a more suitable environment for judicial officers, court personnel, lawyers and members of the public who use the facilities.

At the same time, the Chief Judge drew attention to outstanding operational needs. She appealed for adequate security at court facilities and additional solar power installations in judicial divisions where existing units could not sufficiently meet demand.

Her requests underscored the need to match technological investments with dependable infrastructure. Although electronic filing and virtual hearings can improve efficiency, their effectiveness depends on stable power supplies, secure facilities, functional equipment and personnel capable of operating the systems.

Judicial Independence & Executive Support

Diai expressed appreciation for the state government’s support and called for sustained collaboration between the executive and judicial branches to strengthen the justice system. Her remarks highlighted the importance of cooperation on infrastructure, training and administrative efficiency while preserving the judiciary’s constitutional independence.

The governor’s assurances therefore place two priorities before the state: improving the conditions under which judges work and ensuring that judicial decisions remain independent of political or personal influence.

Ultimately, the success of these commitments will be measured not only by the completion of judges’ quarters or the installation of modern equipment, but also by the public’s experience of the justice system. Timely hearings, fair decisions, secure court facilities and consistent adherence to the rule of law will remain central to building confidence in Delta State’s judiciary.

As the 2026/2027 legal year begins, the government’s welfare and infrastructure pledges offer an opportunity to strengthen judicial administration. Sustained implementation, transparent accountability and respect for institutional independence will determine how far those commitments translate into better access to justice for residents across Delta State.