Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has directed the reinstated Chief Judge of the state, Justice Raliat Habeeb-Elelu, to resume work as the Chief Judge of the state.

At a news conference in Ilorin on Monday, the  state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Kamaldeen Ajibade, said Ahmed’s directive was in compliance with the judgment of the Supreme Court which reinstated  Habeeb-Elelu on Friday.

She was sacked about three years ago under controversial circumstances by the administration of  Dr. Bukola Saraki.

Ajibade said the state government would always uphold the rule of law.

 He stated that since the Supreme Court is the apex court in Nigeria, the government must obey its verdict, as there was no other room for appeal.

Ajibade said, "I have been directed by His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfathah Ahmed to write to Hon. Justice Elelu Habeeb to immediately resume office as the Chief Judge. The office of the Chief Judge had since been vacated  by the occupant and has been made available for the use of the Chief Judge accordingly."

The Attorney General  also  appealed to judicial workers in the state to respect and abide by the verdict of the apex court.

The  judicial workers, under the aegis of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, Kwara State branch, had on Friday protested against the Supreme Court’s verdict and had urged the National Judicial Council to reverse it. They also threatened a week warning strike if their demand was not met.

Ajibade said,  "No matter how genuine their concerns may be, particularly since the Supreme Court has spoken on the matter, they must obey the ruling.  As a law abiding society, whatever grievances we have must be made subject to the supremacy of the law as pronounced by our judiciary."

The Nigerian Bar Association, Ilorin branch in a statement by its Chairman, Mr.  Rafiu Balogun and its General Secretary, Mr.  S. Abaya, also called   on the state’s Judicial workers to call off their strike in respect  of the apex court judgment.