Kwara State Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed on Tuesday swore in Justice Sulaiman Kawu as the new Chief Judge of the state.
Performing the ceremony at the government house in Ilorin, Governor Ahmed charged the new chief judge to bring his vast experience to bear in the administration of justice in the state.
While acknowledging the important place occupy by the judiciary in the promotion of peace and tranquility in the state, Ahmed charged justice Kawu to discharge his duties with fear of God and without fear of favour.
Kawu’s swearing in followed the confirmation of his appointment earlier on Tuesday by the state House of Assembly.
Justice Kawu’s appointment followed the retirement of Justice Ayinla Bamigbola as the Chief Judge of the state on December 12, 2014.
Governor Ahmed had in a letter to the state house of assembly, dated December 10, 2014, said Justice Kawu had been recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for the appointment.
He said Justice Kawu’s name was nominated for screening and confirmation in line with section 271 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of as amended.
During the screening of the nominee which lasted less than 15 minutes, the Majority Leader of the House, Alhaji Abdulkareem Abdulganiyu moved a motion that Justice Kawu should take his bow and leave the floor of the House.
He said this was necessary in view of the nominee’s track record of achievements in the administration of justice.
The Majority Leader’s motion was seconded by the chairman, House Committee on Ethics, Privileges, Public Services and Judiciary, Mr Kamaldeen Fagbemi.
The Speaker, Barr. Razak Atunwa who announced the confirmation, directed the Clerk, Mr. Oyetunde Oyeniyi to inform the governor of the confirmation of his nominee.
Justice Kawu was a Magistrate between 1984 to 1994 and had been High Court Judge since 1994 before his new appointment.
