Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has identified the independence of the Judiciary and protection of the integrity of members of the Bench as a necessary catalyst for achieving a stable and more enduring democracy for the country.
Governor Ambode, who stated this today at the commissioning of the remodeled and upgraded Court of Appeal Complex, Igbosere, Lagos, noted that since judiciary is a critical arm of government and generally believed to be the last hope of the common man, government at all levels have the duty to ensure its independence and freedom as well as protect the integrity and capacity of judicial officers by providing a
more conducive environment that will help them to discharge their duties without fear or favour.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, explained further that judicial independence and capacity building formembers of the Bench would help to nurture the nation’s democracy as it will also enhance the process of quick dispensation of justice.
While commending the President of the Court of Appeal, Rt. JusticeZainab Adamu Bulkachuwa for embarking on remodeling and upgrading of various Appeal Court complexes across the country, Ambode stressed that since her elevation to the revered post, she has demonstrated her readiness to take the second highest Court of Justice in the country to greater height.
According to him, “The remodeling /upgrading of this complex, which also includes the provision of modern equipment along with other appeal court complexes in other divisions across the country, has become signature project of the current President of the Court of Appeal which clearly demonstrated her resolve to take the second highest court of justice in our nation to greater height.”
He maintained that the present administration has continued to place high premium on the sanctity of the rule of law because of his belief that effective judicial system and quick dispensation of justice remain a key requirement for building the trust and confidence of investors.
In his remarks, the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen said that refurbishment of the court was a great development because without the judiciary to control the other arms of government and the populace, there would be no lawful and peaceful society. “The Judiciary in this country has come a long way and it cannot function effectively without support from the other arms of government and the people. Let us all join hands in developing the project known as Nigeria in ensuring that posterity has hope and faith in this country,” he said.
Onnoghen appreciated the Lagos State government for its support and efforts in ensuring the smooth judicial processes in the State, urging other States to borrow a lot from the judicial reforms of Lagos State.
In her address, The President, Court of Appeal of Nigeria, Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa said that the remodeling of the court which was one time a national legacy was necessary to meet the modern time structure.
“It is our hope that with this inauguration, it will be possible for us to discharge our duties more comfortably and conveniently without fear or favour, in accordance with our oath of office. We also hope that those who come to us to seek justice in this temple of justice will be satisfied,” she said.
Mr Monday Ubani, who spoke on behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), said that the refurbishment of the court would make the environment comfortable for judicial activities. Ubani appealed for at least three more Courts of Appeal in the State so as to ensure quicker dispensation of justice.
“The refurbishment is a good development that must be applauded but we want an expansion of the court facility, many cases are pending because of lack of space and personnel. If we can have at least three more courts, it will ensure quicker dispensation of justice, ” he said
