President of Delta State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Stella Ogene, Friday, warned judges and magistrates in the state against bribery and corruption in the judiciary, saying bribery impedes on the dispensation of justice in the judiciary.

She also warned judges and presidents of Customary Courts against delay of justice or allowing case files to pile up unduly in the courts.

Justice Ogene gave the stern warning during the swearing in of 15 Presidents and 14 members of Area and District Customary Courts in Asaba on Friday.

Justice Ogene said any judge found guilty in any of these offences would lose his or her appointment as a member of the judiciary in the state.

Justice Ogene also warned that none should engage in acts that would result in the miscarriage of justice, thereby tarnishing the image of the judiciary as such behaviour would attract severe sanctions.

“I wish to remind you today that you are now priests in the temple of justice and your appointments carry with them immense responsibilities requiring trust, confidentiality, wisdom, industry, diligence, patience, painstaking, self discipline and moreover, the fear of God,” she said.

She advised the new appointees to adhere strictly to the code of conduct for judicial officers and be conversant with the culture of the people of their area of jurisdiction and to be honest, incorruptible and fearless, not adding or subtracting from evidence of parties before the court.

While congratulating the appointees for their call to duty, she challenged them to work hard and contribute to uplift the dispensation of justice in society.

•Photo shows court symbol

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