After 10 Years of Neglect, Akeredolu Replaces Judges' Rickety Cars

In continuation of his administration promise to create a conducive atmosphere for the Ondo State workforce, the state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has procured 20 brand new 2019 model Toyota Land Cruiser and Prado Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for the state Chief Judge and other Judges of the state.

Sixteen of the vehicles were received by the Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Olarewaju Olutoyin Akeredolu, on behalf of the judges at the Government House, Alagbaka in Akure on Wednesday.

Earlier in the year, Governor Akeredolu had presented similar brands to four newly sworn-in high court judges.

The Chief Judge, who appreciated the governor for the gesture, said judges in the state, including her, have been using ten-year-old rickety vehicles before the governor's intervention.

She said she and her colleagues have various experiences of disappointments arising from the use of rickety old vehicles which they have hitherto been using.

According to the Chief Judge, “My colleagues and I have been using ten-year-old vehicles hitherto. We have had various experiences of disappointments in the use of our vehicles.

"I recall once when I was on my way to Abuja, my vehicle broke down around Obajana, and you know the security situation in that axis. Before long, the boys were gathering. Fortunately for me, I had the pilot vehicle with me. I had to take the pilot vehicle to get away from that area.

"If you bring my colleagues here, they would tell you the various experiences they have had with their vehicles too. I want to thank God for the governor

"I want to appreciate this good gesture. We don't have feelings of entitlement. Though the regulation states that judges should be given new vehicles every four years, so by this regulation, it's an entitlement. But at the same time, we want to appreciate the governor for not taking us for granted."

Earlier, before the Permanent Secretary, General Administration of the Governor's Office presented the vehicles to the judges, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Donald Ojogo, said the procurement of the vehicles further demonstrated the respect Governor Akeredolu has for the sacred institution (judiciary).

While stating that the governor holds the judiciary in a very high esteem, Ojogo stressed that Governor Akeredolu believes that no effort will be too much to be invested as far as the welfare of the judiciary is concerned.

He said: "My Lords I don't need to inform you further that the governor holds the judiciary in a very high esteem. He believes that no effort would be too much to be invested as far as the welfare of our sacred institution is concerned

"And he believes strongly that you deserve not just a conducive environment but that you must be secure in whatever form. It's on this note that the governor decide that as part of the efforts towards enhancing a cordial relationship between the executive and the judiciary, these vehicles should be procured."