A new President of the Plateau State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Blessing Lyop Dalyop has been sworn in by Governor Simon Bako Lalong with a charge for her to uphold the tenets of justice, good conscience and fairness.
While swearing in Hon. Justice Blessing Lyop Dalyop at the Victoria Gowon Auditorium, New Government House Rayfield Jos, the Governor said the task before the acting President of the Customary Court of appeal is enormous but he is optimistic that she has the experience and capacity to discharge the assignment effectively.
Lalong said with the benefit of his experience as a Lawyer, one time law maker and by the Grace of God now Governor, he has great appreciation of the strategic position that judges play in moderating interactions between individuals, Government and organisations in the society.
He drew the attention of Justice Blessing Dalyop and the Judiciary to the need to expeditiously deal with cases involving suspects who are arrested for crimes such as attacks on innocent citizens, kidnapping and cultism among others.
Making reference to the Sunday night horrendous attacks in Sabon Layi, Kuru where criminals killed and injured innocent people going about their lawful businesses, the Governor said, “these attacks are getting prevalent and worrisome. This requires us to fully apply the provisions of the law in bringing the perpetrators to justice and creating deterrence. Our people must be protected and made to feel safe as we consolidate on the peace and security of our State. We are tired of hearing unknown gunmen. Are they spirits? I am expecting the IGP to come and commission the patrol vehicles and special security motorcycles we have acquired which we believe will enable the police fish out criminals”.
He told the Acting President of the Customary Court that, “you are coming into this office at a time when the Judiciary in Plateau State is being ushered into the era of the long anticipated Autonomy which in the last months has been on the front burner in the country. We hope this will make your job easier as you deliver inspiring and accountable leadership to the Court. The implementation of full autonomy does not in any way translate to an automatic resolution of all the challenges that the judiciary faces”.
Justice Blessing Dalyop appreciated God, the Judiciary and the Governor for her appointment and assured that she will put in her best to lead the Customary Court of Appeal in delivering justice to the people.
Justice Blessing Dalyop is sworn in to replace the former President of the Court, late Justice Sati Patrick Dapit who died in April 2021.
