"Ekiti Governor Issues Stern Warning to Judges: Uphold Justice, Reject Influence Peddling" As the wheels of justice continue to turn in Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has sent a strong message to the state's judges: uphold the integrity of the judiciary and resist external influences that could undermine the public's trust in the justice system. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of five new judges of the Ekiti State High Court last Monday, the governor left no one in doubt about his expectations from the new judicial officers. Justice, as we all know, is meant to be blind - impartial and fair to all, regardless of social status, wealth, or influence. But in our country, the rich and powerful often wield considerable sway over the justice system, using their connections to secure favourable verdicts. This, the governor warned, must not be the case in Ekiti. He urged the new judges to remain steadfast in their commitment to justice, upholding the Constitution and carrying out their duties without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. The appointments of the five new judges, which included Olanike Caroline Adegoke, Julius Sunday Bamise, Julius Ajibare, Stephen Akinyede, and Adefunke Anoma, were the result of a rigorous and transparent process, involving public complaint reviews and interviews by a seven-member committee. This, the governor noted, is in line with the National Judicial Council's 2023 Revised guidelines. By swearing in these new judges, the governor is not just filling vacancies but also sending a message to the rest of the judiciary: we value transparency, accountability, and integrity. For Ekiti State, the stakes couldn't be higher. A judiciary that is seen as impartial, fair, and just is crucial to the state's development. When citizens have confidence in the justice system, they are more likely to trust the government and its institutions. The governor's warning to judges is a timely reminder that the credibility of the judiciary rests on its integrity, not on personal connections, wealth, or status. It remains to be seen whether the new judges will uphold this standard, but one thing is clear: the eyes of the public are on them.