Fayose stunned people, swears in judge who headed his impeachment

By Gbenga Ariyibi, Ado Ekiti

Ekiti State Gover-nor, Mr Ayo Fayose yesterday stunned the people of the state when he swore in as a judge of the state the man who in 2006 headed his impeachment panel.

Fayose equally announced the promotion of an official of the state Ministry of Justice,Mr Lawrence Ojo who signed his warrant of arrest papers at Ikoyi Prisons during his murder case to position of Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry.

Speaking during the official swearing in ceremony of Justice Bamidele Omotoso, the governor said he went against some of his supporters who felt he should take his pound of flesh.

Omotoso,an Ado Ekiti based legal practitioner, was cleared by the National Judicial Council (NJC) to be made a judge in the state but was refused to be sworn in by the regime of Dr. Kayode Fayemi led government.

Fayose said the inauguration of Omotosho as a judge after two years of being cleared for the post by the National Judicial Council, was a demonstration of a forgiving spirit.

“Few days after my inauguration, some people came to me and reminded me of the role played by Omotoso during my impeachment saga. They said I should not swear  him in as a  judge of the state High Court

“I am not here to revenge,vengeance belongs to God.

“If you want to report anybody to me bring the person here,otherwise I will invite the two of you.”

At the ceremony which was attended by the state Chief Judge,Justice Ayodeji Daramola and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly,Fayose stretched hands of friendship to the legislator and judiciary.

“I plead with the other two arms of government that  Ekiti should come first. You may not like my face and I may not like yours, but Ekiti should be number one.”

“I am ready to work with the Assembly. I am a man of uncommon history, coming back to office after eight years is divine. I have a stern warning from God, do not avenge.

There is nothing personal I have against the judiciary.

People would want to be where you are and life is about struggles. We need more judges and we will help in making them comfortable in the discharge of their duties.

There is need for fair hearing. I want the other arms of government to give my administration a fair hearing and the chance to perform,” he said.

Omotosho, in his remarks, promised to abide by his oath of office and thanked the governor for the appointment.

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Fayose stunned people, swears in judge who headed his impeachment