Amgbare Ekaunkumo,Yenagoa
The Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, justice Kate Abiri, has described sports as a potential unifying factor in Nigeria, especially during trying moments of the country as an independent entity.
Justice Abiri made the remark in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital while Unveiling the trophy for 27th edition of the Chief Justice of Nigeria Sports Competition organised by the National Sports Association for Judiciary (NASAJ) at the judiciary complex.
She said sports continues to unite Nigerians in such a way that they cannot be separated, in spite of what is happening in the country.
“As you are all aware, sporting activities are things that unify us, with all that we are experiencing in the country, insecurity, insurgency, if we have a tournament, everyone will come together to watch the game and that is what is going to happen to us in the next ten days.”
The Bayelsa Chief Judge, who welcomed the participants ahead of Tuesday’s opening ceremony of the Games at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, implored them to enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Bayelsa people.
Earlier, Mr Emeka Ndili, President, NASAJ, said the competition would feature 11 sporting events, such as
Table Tennis, Chess, Ayo,Volleyball, Swimming, Handball, Athletics, Badminton, Scrabble, Draughts and Football.
“This event provides opportunity for the judiciary staff from various jurisdictions to keep themselves fit and mentally balanced to face the challenges of the administration of justice in the country,” he said.
Mr. Ndili also said that the competition provided an avenue for staff of the judiciary across the federation to come together as one family, adding that over 3,000 athletes are expected in the games.
The NASAJ president disclosed that , swimming that was not in the games had been added since Bayelsa State is a riverine State.
“For the past three years, we have never had swimming, but this 27th edition, we added swimming because we are in a riverine State.”
Daybreak News online reports that the defending champion of CJN cup is supreme Court, they won the trophy last year by defeating court of Appeal in the final, Bauchi State judiciary won the third place in football.
Overall Medal winner of the games last year is National industrial court, followed by federal high court, while FCT high court took third position.
Highpoint of the event was presentation of Mr. Temekori Dirikebamoh, the Sports Chairman of the Bayelsa Judiciary as South-South Coordinator of NASAJ.
