Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo has sworn in Justice Joe Acha to replace outcome Chief Judge, Justice  Esther Edigin.

Justice Edigin had in a statement on Friday announced that she will be bowing out of office after reaching the constitutionally prescribed age for retirement from the bench.

The former chief judge who was appointed in 2019, served as the state’s judiciary head for 17 months.

Governor Obaseki while swearing-in Justice Acha who is the next in the hierarchy at the government House on Monday tasked the newly appointed chief judge to carry out his duties with justice, honesty and transparency.

The governor further charged the judiciary under the leadership of Justice Acha not to only deliver judgement but justice.

 “It is my desire and prayer that the justice sector under your stewardship will continue to wax stronger as an institution and deliver not just judgment but justice to all who come to you or before you,” Mr Obaseki said.

Further pledging support for the growth of the judiciary in the state, Mr Obaseki expressed his administration’s readiness to build the capacity of judges to dispense judgement without fear or favour.

“That is the legacy this government owes the people for voting massively for us in the last governorship election. Our goal is to help you transform the judiciary system to a very stronger institution,’’ he said.

The newly appointed chief judge on his part promised to deliver justice for the peace and progress of the state.

He also promised to embark on training of all the registrars and secretaries to enhance their productivity.