Lokoja — Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, has appointed former Chief Judge of Kogi State, Honourable Justice Umaru Eri, as the new Administrator for the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

The appointment, which takes immediate effect, is coming few weeks after Justice Eri's official pull out from Kogi State Judiciary, as the Chief Judge since the creation of the state in 1991, after attaining the mandatory age of 65 years.

Meanwhile, all federal and state Judiciaries have continued to applaude the appointment of Justice Eri as the Administrator of NJI, saying the appointment is well deserved.

In a congratulatory message, Chairman of the Body of Chief Judges in Nigeria, Honourable Justice Ibrahim Umar, described Justice Eri as an embodiment of Justice who remains an asset to the country's Judiciary.

Justice Umar, who is also the Chief Judge of Kebbi State, said the appointment is one of the best things that has happened to the nation's Judiciary.

Also speaking on the appointment, Chief Yunuz Ustaz Usman, SAN, said he is not surprised by Justice Eri's appointment, saying it was obvious that he would be called for other national assignments considering his meritorious career as the Chief Judge of Kogi State.

The National Judicial Institute is one of the highest Statutory Organ of the Nigerian Judiciary whose functions is to serve as the principal focal point of Judicial activities relating to promotion of efficiency, uniformity and improvement in the quality of Judicial services in both the Superior Courts of Records and Inferior Courts in Nigeria.