Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, yesterday denied speculation making the rounds that there is a cold war between him and the Chief Judge of the State, (CJ) Justice Ayodeji Daramola, saying those hoping to reap from such a situation would be very disappointed.
Governor Fayose made the clarification in Ado-Ekiti while inaugurating members of the Ekiti State Judicial Service Commission, (ESJSC).
He described Justice Daramola as a judicial officer who knows his onions and whose priority was the dispensation of justice without fear or favour.
“Ekiti State is my project and its interest comes first. There is no ill-feeling between me and the Chief Judge. We are both passionate about Ekiti as our project.
“Those going round town with the rumour that there is a cold war between us are only mischievous. Let them know that they are disappointed already.
“Members of the commission were carefully chosen and they are men of integrity and that was why it took me some time to select them. These are people who will not pervert justice because whoever perverts justice perverts eternity for himself. The judiciary and those working there are managing a critical aspect of life.
“Our administration will also not relent in making their working condition a conducive one. One thing I will surely do before leaving office is to provide a befitting office accommodation for the judiciary in terms of court rooms and offices. By God’s grace, before the end of the second quarter of this year the foundation will be laid”.
The Governor urged judicial officers in the state and members of the commission to work together with the CJ and move the state judiciary forward.
Reacting to views in some quarters that his criticisms of President Muhammadu Buhari, are getting too alarming and embarrassing, Governor Fayose explained that what gives birth to dictatorial governance is lack of consistent and constructive criticisms of public office holders.
”My criticizing Buhari is to help the people have dividends of democracy. If nobody is talking because they are afraid, you will have a dictator in every leader. It is to keep people on their toes for the love of everybody,” he added.
He warned members of the commission against engaging in politics and urged them to do the right things always.
Responding on behalf of the members of the commission, Rev. Tope Popoola, said they would not betray the confidence reposed in them by the government and people of the state.
The chairman of the commission is Justice Daramola, while the members are the Commissioner for Justice, Mr Owoseni Ajayi, Deacon Dele Adesina (SAN), Mr Babatunde. Adeoye, Rev. Tope Popoola and Chief Justin Ogunseyin.
-dailypost