The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Mahmud Mohammed
has enjoined the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, to run his
administration with total respect and obedience to the constitution.
In a keynote address delivered at the opening ceremony of the
national workshop for Magistrates on Judicial Ethics and Corrupt Practices,
which held at the National Judicial Institute, NJI, yesterday, Justice Mohammed
tasked Buhari to focus on weeding out corrupt judges from the bench and ensure
that all the funds appropriated to the state judiciary are promptly released to
heads of courts, so they can function effectively.
“In a democratic setting such as ours, the ultimate goal of
any government and indeed the judiciary is the provision of enabling
environment that will facilitate an un-impeded access to justice and the
substance of the framework that will preserve the Rule of Law.
“The issue of delay in disposal of cases in our courts is of
great concern to me. There is an urgent need for speedy disposal of cases,”
Mohammed said.
Speaking further, the CJN stressed the need for Nigerians to
embrace the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Systems, while he decried the
working condition of Magistrates in the country.
“Many of you live in rented apartments with co-tenants some
of whom may be or become litigants in your courts. The security of your lives
and properties are very porous. Many of you have been attacked by hoodlums.
“Some have been kidnapped and huge ransoms demanded from
their families. Some have even been killed by assassins. All these make the
condition of your work so bad and challenging.
“These ugly scenarios are occasioned by the refusal of some
State Chief Executives to obey the Constitution and give to your heads of Court
what belong to the Judiciary of your State. Without proper funding, no head of
court can perform magic.
“It is on this note that I call upon all the State Chief
Executives, including those that will be coming on board on May 29, 2015, that
they should please respect and obey the constitution they have sworn to uphold.
“All the funds appropriated to the State Judiciary should be
promptly released to Heads of Courts so that they can function effectively.
“When the Magistrates feel unsecured by the government, they
are tempted to provide the security themselves.
“Financial insecurity is the worst because it exposes the
Magistrates to some corrupt and ignoble practices. This must be avoided by all
means.
“The Magistrate must be adequately encouraged to discharge
his duties without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.
“However, I must emphasize that the hardship being faced by
the Magistrates should never be the reason for indulging in unwholesome
conducts. Any erring Magistrate will be properly disciplined. But if you carry
out your duties very effectively and diligently, you reward surely awaits you.
Your destiny is in your own hands.
“Many past Chief Justices of Nigeria started as Magistrates
just like you. If they can make it to the top, why not you? All that is
required is honesty, hard work and integrity. If you possess all these, then
you are ready to fly.
“The aim of this Workshop is to principally re-focus the
Magistrates and awaken them to their responsibilities as Judicial Officers. It
is also meant to keep them abreast of current trends in the administration of
Justice,” the CJN said.
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