Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has said he would not leave any project started by his administration uncompleted.
He also promised to clear all salaries and allowances of workers before the expiration of his tenure in 2018.
Fayose, who stated this in Ado-Ekiti yesterday while laying the foundation of a new high court complex, also berated the Department of State Security Services (DSS) for invading judges’ residences at night, saying it was a bad omen for Nigeria’s democracy.
“We are embarking on this project because we know the Judiciary as an arm of government deserves respect and due recognition and judicial officers must also be given the necessary support and provided with the wherewithal to work with. By the grace of God, this project will be completed in the next one year.
“When there is a will, there is always a way. We have the vision of a virile Judiciary and we will also go ahead to build a magistrates’ complex after this one. I am also optimistic that the project would be completed on time. We won’t leave any project uncompleted. I am also saying that by God’s grace, we won’t leave any salary unpaid and in the spirit of the celebration of our second anniversary, we will pay one month salary next week,” he said.
The governor also promised that his government would implement the Magistrates Court Law and called on the leadership of the judiciary to support the efforts by cooperating with the executive arm of government.
On the raid on judges’ residences, Fayose said the Federal Government should stop labelling others as thieves and corrupt persons.
He opined that even if the affected judges stole the whole world, due process must be followed in bringing them to justice.
“If we do not allow due process, the DSS would soon descend on other arms of government and innocent people. They may soon descend on the media and others because of the feelings that they are not doing their biddings. I won’t approach any judge for assistance or subvert justice in any way whatsoever,” he further said.
Meanwhile, a foremost lawyer, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), thanked Fayose for deeming it fit to embark on the project despite the lean resources at the disposal of the government.
Also, the first Chief Judge of the state, who is now the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ajakaiye, said it was a great honour that Fayose named the edifice after him.
