The Benue Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has sworn in Mrs. Franca Yuwa, Esq. as a Judge of the Benue State High Court.
In his address during the swearing in ceremony which took place Monday in the Old Banquet Hall of Government House Makurdi, Governor Alia said the elevation of Justice Franca Yuwa was not a product of favoritism or patronage, but the outcome of years of disciplined service, professional growth, and proven integrity within the judiciary.
He traced her career progression from Magistrate Grade II, through the rank of Chief Magistrate, to her most recent role as Registrar of the High Court, noting that her rise was earned through responsibility.
Emphasizing that Yuwa’s appointment was a recognition of merit and a call to higher service, the Governor urged young lawyers and judicial officers, particularly women, to imbibe excellence and diligence in order to be rewarded.
Governor Alia further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial independence, stating that under his leadership, a clear line has been drawn between the executive arm of government and the judiciary. He noted that his government has refused to intimidate judicial officers or weaponize the courts for political convenience, but has instead, focused on strengthening the justice system.
According to him, more judges have been appointed to the High Court bench under his administration than at any comparable period in recent history, not for political interests, but to reduce case congestion, accelerate justice delivery, and restore public confidence in the courts even a he highlighted improvements in judges’ conditions of service, investments in court infrastructure, and respect for judicial autonomy.
He charged the newly sworn-in judge to uphold the highest standards of judicial conduct, resist undue influence, pressure, or inducement, and dispense justice fearlessly and impartially bearing in mind that her words and decisions would shape lives and destinies far beyond the courtroom.
Governor Alia who described the judicial robe not as a symbol of privilege, but of restraint, humility, and accountability before the law and God, encouraged Justice Yuwa to interpret the law with wisdom, courage, and compassion while calling on her to use her background as a former Registrar to promote efficiency, discipline, and respect for due process, stressing that history would judge her not by the number of cases handled, but by the quality of justice delivered.
The Governor further assured the entire judiciary of continued non-interference by his administration.
While warning that judicial independence does not equate to impunity, he stressed that misconduct, compromise, or abuse of judicial authority would not be shielded, noting that the people of Benue State desire courts that are firm, fair, accessible, and guided by truth and equity.
In her acceptance speech, Justice Franca Yuwa expressed deep gratitude to Governor Alia for approving the creation of a singular slot on the High Court bench and for appointing her as a Judge of the Benue State High Court.
She also thanked the Chief Judge of Benue State, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese, under whose leadership she served as Chief Registrar of the High Court of Justice for two and a half years, appreciating his mentorship, counsel, and support.
She further acknowledged the National Judicial Council for finding her worthy of recommendation, as well as the State Judicial Service Commission for initiating and forwarding the necessary processes that culminated in her appointment.
Justice Yuwa also expressed appreciation to the staff of the judiciary for their support during her tenure as Chief Registrar, noting that their cooperation contributed significantly to the successes recorded during that period.
Reaffirming her commitment to the Oath Of Office, she pledged to dispense justice without fear or favor and to work towards the speedy disposal of cases, while observing that the volume of cases in the state underscores the need for the appointment of more judges in the Benue State Judiciary.
The swearing in ceremony was witnessed by top government functioneries, members of the judiciary and legal practitioners among others.
