Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has assured judicial officers on the readiness of his administration to uphold the principle of the independence of the judiciary.

Ahmed, at the swearing in of the state's Acting Chief Judge, Justice Ayinla Bamgbola, yesterday in Ilorin, said the country's democracy would remain threatened if the Judiciary was not allowed to thrive.

Bamgbola, the most senior Judge in the state, succeeds Habeeb Raliat-Elelu who a few days ago retired from service after the mandatory age.

"Due to the dynamism and critical importance of the judiciary to effective governance, it became imperative to fill the vacancy without delay.

He continued: "It is in consonance with this that we are gathered here today to witness the swearing-in of Hon. Judge Ayinla Olatunji Bamgbola, as the Acting Chief Justice of Kwara State. As the most senior Judge of the High Court, with a sterling professional pedigree, having carved an impressive niche for himself in the profession, Hon. Justice is eminently qualified to step into the shoes of his predecessor.

"It is my hope that he will provide quality leadership to sustain the enviable standard attained by the judiciary in Kwara State, and indeed, Nigeria.

"Let me therefore seize this opportunity to congratulate you, Hon. Justice Ayinla Olatunji Bamgbola, and members of your family, on this new appointment. As you are no doubt aware, public office is public trust. I implore you to bring your wealth of experience, strong character and sterling qualities to bear as you shore up the image of the Judiciary in Kwara State.

Ahmed added: "Your appointment is based on our belief and respect for constitutionalism, rule of law and responsiveness to quick dispensation of justice. You are therefore charged to maintain the enviable reputation of the judiciary and properly motivate judicial officers to accord priority attention to trials that will accelerate systematic de-congestion of prisons."

He urged Bamgbola to carry all judicial officers and indeed all staff members along in his quest to institutionalise a sense of belonging in the judiciary.