Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State on Thursday, on July 13th, swore in Justice Matilda Ayemieye as the fourth substantive Chief Judge of the state.
Prior to her swearing-in on Thursday, Justice Ayemieye had served as CJ in acting capacity for about six months, following the retirement of the immediate-past CJ, Justice Kate Abiri, on January 16, 2023.
This was disclosed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Alabrah,in a statement.
However, the statement said, the swearing-in took place at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Yenagoa, where the oaths of allegiance and office were administered by the state Chief Registrar, Amaebi Orukari, to the new CJ.
Diri said Justice Ayemieye’s appointment was in accordance with established practice and in line with Section 271(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
He 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, subject to confirmation by the state House of Assembly.”
The governor noted that the event symbolized a significant milestone in his administration’s commitment to the rule of law and the effective administration of justice, stressing that it was the consolidation of the state’s judicial system that continued to promise fairness, impartiality and justice for all.
He urged the judiciary to remain independent, impartial and free from any external influence as well as uphold the principles of justice and fairness.
He said, “Your track record and commitment to upholding the principles of justice are well known, and I have no doubt that you will carry out your duties with utmost diligence and integrity.”
