By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
Former Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, at the weekend appealed to Nigerians not to lose confidence and hope in the nation’s judiciary, advising them to place their trust in the judiciary rather than rushing to condemn it.
She said that the courts should be allowed to do their work without premature public judgment.
The former Head of Service, HoS, made the appeal during a reception and prayer service organized by her kinsmen and family members to welcome her back home to Calabar.
Oyo-Ita stressed that the judiciary remains “the last hope of the common man,” warning that jumping into conclusions without patience only weakens public confidence in the nation’s courts.
The event was held to celebrate her return home following her retirement from public service. It drew family members, friends and well-wishers who came to honour her after exhausting 35 years in the civil service.
Reflecting on her own legal ordeal, Oyo-Ita stated that she was absolved by the court of any wrongdoing after a protracted battle with her accusers.
The former HoS said, “Nigerians should also trust the judiciary, learn to be patient to know the truth and not jump to conclusions.
“I think that a lot of lessons have been learned on both sides.”
She also called for greater attention to the welfare of civil servants, describing them as “the real engine room for the implementation of government policies.”
She enthused that motivated staff are key to effective governance, adding, “I believe more should be done for civil servants to encourage them, especially on welfare.
She added, “I am happy to hear that recently the government has given approval to their allowances and improved their salary structure. This should continue.”
She urged her former colleagues to keep giving their best, saying their work drives national progress.
On her return home, Oyo-Ita expressed gratitude and relief, enthusing, “I am so happy to be back home. I thank God, my sisters, kids and everyone who has come to welcome me.
“We just have to continue trusting the Lord, for I knew that a time like this would come. I knew that the Lord would never leave us nor abandon me. He was certainly going to make a way for me.
With the election year approaching, she appealed for peace and unity, saying, “As we are entering into election year, we should be peaceful and prayerful.
“This is a very wonderful country with a lot of potential. Let us join hands with one another to pray for whoever wins, for him to lead with peace.”
