Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has said public funds recovered from looters in the state will be invested in critical infrastructure.
He stated this yesterday at the Benue People’s House in Makurdi, the state capital, when he swore in Justices Cecilia Bakare and Michael Terungwa Ugar as judges of the Customary Court of Appeal.
He said: “Our current challenges dictate that recovered funds be invested in critical infrastructure for which we were elected”.
Ortom urged the Judiciary to provide a veritable platform on which those accused of corruption could either exonerate themselves or be found liable.
According to the governor, the appointment of the two justices was informed by the conviction that they would add value to the administration of justice.
He also promised to provide a conducive atmosphere, within available resources, for judges to perform their duties.
The governor further stressed the commitment of his administration to always partner the Judiciary and the Legislature for the enthronement of the core values of his administration, which he said included transparency, accountability, justice, discipline, integrity, forgiveness, reconciliation, and restitution.
Ortom said: “I wish to charge these two, and other judges, to administer justice according to the rule of law and due process, without affection or ill will.
“This would enhance peace in the society and rekindle hope even among ordinary citizens”.
