SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE HONOURABLE ATTORNEY-GENERAL AND COMMISSIONER FOR JUSTICE, EDO STATE

SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE HONOURABLE ATTORNEY-GENERAL AND COMMISSIONER FOR JUSTICE, EDO STATE, RT. HON. SAMSON R. OSAGIE, FICMC, Ph.D AT THE SPECIAL COURT SESSION MARKING THE OPENING OF THE 2025/2026 LEGAL YEAR OF THE EDO STATE JUDICIARY, HELD ON FRIDAY, 10TH OCTOBER, 2025, AT THE CEREMONIAL HALL, NEW HIGH COURT COMPLEX, SAPELE ROAD, BENIN CITY.
Protocol:
 The Honourable, the Chief Judge of Edo State,
 Honourable Justices of the Court of Appeal here present,
 My Lords, the Judges of the High Court of Edo State (serving and retired) and other judges here present,
 Our Learned Senior Advocates of Nigeria,
 My Dignified Life Benchers and other Members of the Body of Benchers
 The Learned Permanent Secretary, Directors and State Counsels, Edo State Ministry of Justice
 Principal Officers of the Edo State Judiciary led by the Chief Registrar of the High Court,
 Your Worships, the Chief Magistrate and other Magistrates Courts,
 Your Honours, the President of Area Customary Courts,
 The Learned Chairman, NBA, Benin(Lion) Bar & other Chairmen and Members of the NBA; Ekpoma, Uromi, Auchi and Igarra
Branches
 The Chairman, ICMC, Edo State Multi-Door Court
 Distinguished members of the Bar,
 Gentlemen of the Press,
 Ladies and Gentlemen.
INTRODUCTION
My Lord, the Honourable, The Chief Judge of Edo State, a number of Lawyers have passed on in the preceeding Legal year and therefore permit me to request all of us to rise to observe a minute silence in honour of all our departed professional colleagues.

MAY THE SOULS OF ALL THE LAWYERS AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS IN THE JUSTICE SECTOR IN EDO STATE WHO DEPARTED IN THE COURSE OF THE OUTGONE LEGAL YEAR THROUGH THE MERCIES OF GOD REST IN PERFECT PEACE. AMEN.
My Lords and distinguished members of the Legal profession, it is with profound humility and a deep sense of duty, as the Chief Law
Officer of Edo State that I stand before you all on behalf of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, to felicitate with
the Honourable, The Chief Judge of Edo State and the entire Judiciary of our dear State, and indeed the Bar, on yet again another
auspicious occasion of the opening of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Edo State Judiciary.
This annual event of the gathering of the Judiciary and the Bar to commemorate the commencement of a new Legal year offers us the opportunity to reflect on not only the successes recorded, but more importantly the challenges faced in the entire value chain of the Justice delivery system. It is also an opportunity for us to re-commit ourselves to the ideals of justice and the rule of law in a democratic society.
It is a sacred reminder that the wheels of justice must continue to turn, firmly, fairly, and fearlessly, in the service of our people and in
defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other laws of Edo State.
The framers of our Constitution in keeping with what has become global best practice in the form and structure of government
bifurcated the core functions of government between the Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary in Part 11, Sections 4, 5 and 6.
In specific terms Section 6(2),(4)a,(5)d,e, and i establishes the superior courts of records of the FCT and States of the Federation
and empower the State Legislatures to establish other courts with subordinate jurisdiction to those created by the Constitution.
In doing this, My Lords and gentlemen of the bar, the Constitution envisages that the Courts, regardless of it's category, shall serve the end of Justice in the society and therefore give meaning to the overall purpose of government as provided in Section 14(1)c, to wit:
"(1)The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a State based on the principles of democracy and social justice.
(2)It is hereby, accordingly, declared that-...
(b)the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government..."
The Edo State Judiciary and the Bar must therefore consistently guarantee justice for the well-being of the Edo people.

The Government’s Commitment
On its part, the Edo State Government led by His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo remains steadfast in supporting the judiciary.
The Government has committed itself to continue to improve judicial infrastructures, provide logistics support, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure that justice delivery is not hindered by avoidable constraints.
We recognize that a strong judiciary is the foundation of democracy, and as such, this administration is irrevocably committed to
strengthening judicial independence while fostering synergy among all arms of government.
Cognizant of the invaluable role of the Judiciary and especially Judicial officers, His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on 2nd December, 2024, wasted no time in swearing in three judges whose appointment along with five others
were confirmed by the National Judicial Service Commission on June 16th, 2023 on the recommendations of the Edo State Judicial Service Commission, but for spurious and unfathomable political reasons
were denied inauguration by the immediate past administration. This was one injustice done to judicial officers in the State, that this
administration promptly redressed.
Added to the foregoing, this administration has also passed into Law the extension of years of Service of Magistrates and Presidents of Magistrates and Area Customary Courts in Edo State in order for
them to achieve tremendous milestones in their career and allow the State to benefit from their wealth of knowledge and experience on the lower Bench.
These are all evidences of this administration's commitment to fostering a governance architecture that promotes justice and fairness in a democratic society.
The administration remains committed to sustaining its legacy of partnership with the judiciary at all times.
Peace and Security
It is not in doubt that no development can take place where there is no peace and security. Indeed, peace and security are sine qua non to development and even the administration of justice. In consequence of this therefore, this administration has instituted a regime of zero tolerance for all forms of criminalities in Edo State.
For the government to succeed, members of the Bar and the Judiciary must continue to support quick trials and prosecution of
criminal elements in our society. Delays in trials which are usually occasioned by a number of factors can compromise justice and ultimately hurt the society. I acknowledge the challenges of prosecution of criminal cases and the ability of courts to hear them
expeditiously, but this new legal year should witness a renewed vigour on the part of all stakeholders in the criminal justice
administration, to endeavour to fast rack criminal trials and uphold the various penal laws in trials rather than technicalities. In that, justice will be served to all including the society which will become safer.
Charge for the New Legal Year
As we open this new legal year, let it be a year of renewed commitment to truth and justice; firmer resolve to resist corruption in every form; closer cooperation between the Bar and the Bench; and greater service to the people whose hopes rest on us. In the celebrated dicta of the eminent British jurist, Lord Atkin, “Justice is not a cloistered virtue. It must be allowed to suffer the scrutiny of reasonable men”.
Conclusion
My Lords, distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, let us, therefore, march into this Legal year with courage, integrity and
above all a renewed hope of a greater future for our profession, State and Country.
Let us ensure that when the history of justice delivery in our time is written, it shall be said that we were faithful stewards who preserved the majesty of the law and the sanctity of justice.
On behalf of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, I wish the Honourable, the Chief Judge, the Judiciary, and the Bar, a
fruitful and impactful 2025/2026 Legal Year.
May God bless the Edo State Judiciary.
May God bless the Lio