Date: 2014-12-23

Justice Sulaiman Kawu, son of the pioneer Chief Judge of Kwara State and one-time Justice of the Supreme Court, late Justice Saidu Kawu, has stepped into the shoes of his late father as he was sworn-in as the new chief judge of the state.

Justice Kawu who is the most senior judge in the state High Court, took over from Justice Ayinla Bamgbola who retired last week.

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Tuesday swore-in the new CJ, charging him to rededicate himself to the task of lifting the state judiciary to greater heights.

The swearing-in was preceded by the confirmation of the Chief Judge’s appointment by the State House of Assembly after he was screened by the legislative arm.

Ahmed in his letter to the House dated December 10, 2014, said Justice Kawu had been recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for the appointment.

He said Justice Kawu’s name was nominated for screening and confirmation in line with section 271 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The governor while inaugura-ting the new CJ commended the state judiciary for a rancour-free change of baton, urging Justice Kawu to sustain the harmony in the arm of government which, he said, remains the last hope of the common man.

He urged the CJ to build on his past record of hard work for the growth of law and quick dispensation of justice in the state.

The new CJ promised to redouble his efforts and take the state’s judiciary to the forefront of Nigeria’s judiciary. He called for the autonomy of the judiciary as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution. 

Born on January 4, 1958, Justice Kawu had served as Acting Chief Judge of Kwara  between 2010 and 2012.

He hails from lkokoro compound off Niger Road in llorin South Local Government area of the state.