Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has sworn in Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye as the Acting Chief Judge of the state.

Justice Ayemieye took the oath in acting capacity on Monday inside the Executive Council Chambers in Government House, Yenagoa.

Ayemieye steps in following last week’s retirement of Justice Kate Abiri, who served as Chief Judge of the state for 15 years.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri charged the new Acting Chief Judge to maintain the cordial relationship between the executive and judicial arms of government in the state.

Diri said Ayemieye was eminently qualified for the position and tasked her to carry her colleagues along in the scheme of things in order to move the state judiciary to greater heights.

The state’s helmsman also urged other members of the judiciary to support her to enable her succeed.

His words: "The newly appointed Acting Chief Judge was the most senior of the judges and has been working harmoniously with her predecessor, who also worked harmoniously with the other arms of government. So, beyond being a high court judge, you are now in government as the leader of the judicial arm. We expect that you will maintain the same harmonious relationship that this government has enjoyed with the judicial arm of government.

"Having gone through your CV, you have the pedigree to lead the judiciary. So, I wish you well and urge you to carry your colleagues along without discrimination. I pray that going forward you will move the state judiciary to greater heights.”

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