The reason Governor Okezie Ikpeazu swore in Hon. Justice Lilian Abai as the acting Chief Judge of Abia on Friday was given in his statement.
When explaining his decision to swear Abai in, Ikpeazu noted that she had “witnessed tremendous positive changes” during her time as the state’s acting Chief Judge, which he regarded as a precursor to “greater things to come” and expressed his best wishes.
The Governor tasked her with upholding the judiciary’s position as the last bastion of the ordinary man by administering justice impartially and without bias.
He commended her on her new position and for having the perseverance to reach the pinnacle of her judicial career, and he expressed his hope that her term would be fruitful and contribute greater value to the State courts.
In her acceptance speech, the new Chief Judge, Honorable Justice Lilian Abai thanked the Governor for abiding by the provisions of the constitution and ensuring that the processes leading to her appointment were without rancor.
She pledged to abide by her oath of office as well as to work to uplift the judiciary through the quick dispensation of justice and pledged to work in harmony with the state government for the good of the state.
Justice Abai has been serving as Acting Chief Judge for some months and her confirmation as a substantive Chief Judge was one of the demands of Judiciary workers who have been on strike under JUSUN.