Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has sworn in the acting President of the Customary Court of Appeal Hon. Justice Patrick Sati Dapit, with a charge that he should work towards deepening the rule of law and also ensuring that the courts administer justice in accordance with the constitution.
Governor Lalong who presided over the oath taking ceremony at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos said the acting President of the Court of Appeal is taking over at a time when there is a greater need to strengthen the judiciary in order for it to perform more efficiently.
He said “the Judiciary remains a strong pillar of the Nigerian society and of its democracy. As such, the people will continue to look up to judicial officers, especially Judges for justice, equity and the triumph of truth over falsehood.
My experience as a Lawyer, a former Legislator and now Governor, has strengthened my belief that the sanctity, integrity and independence of the Judiciary must be defended at all costs, as anything to the contrary will lead to chaos, anomie and instability”.
The Governor said because this position carries with it huge responsibilities, the people must uphold His Lordship Hon. Justice Dapit in prayers as he discharges this burden faithfully, according to the laws of our land and the oath of office he has taken.
He assured that his administration will continue to work with the Judiciary and Legislature to ensure that our Courts are made conducive for judges and staff as well as all those who come to access justice or other services.
In his reaction, Hon. Justice Dapit expressed thanks to God for the opportunity to be serve the people at this time, saying he is prepared to ensure that justice is given to everybody.
He said he was fully aware that the Customary Court is a grassroots court that the people look up to for seeking redress. He said he will do his best to guide his colleagues and staff of the court towards performing their duties with the fear of God and obedience to the Constitution.
Justice Dapit was born on 15th June 1959 and obtained his Law Degree in 1985 from the University of Jos. He joined the services of the Plateau State judiciary in 1990 after practicing as a lawyer for four years. He was appointed a judge of the Customary Court of Appeal in 2013.
